Snow Leopard Expedition

Overview

The Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, remains a last wildlife frontier. Amidst its rugged winter landscape, the elusive snow leopard thrives in these high valleys created by the Great Himalaya's folds. Cloaked in both natural beauty and the drama of its harsh environment, the snow leopard reigns as the epitome of wilderness. In this high-altitude cold desert, its survival relies on prey like bharal, ibex, and marmots, alongside other predators such as wolves and foxes.

At a glance

Custom designed itinerary specially created for wildlife and photography enthusiasts.

DATE	SERVICE	ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1	Meet an greet at Leh Bakula Rinpoche airport	Deluxe room - Meals included
Day 2	Half Day Leh's local attractions, in and around Leh	Deluxe room - Meals included
Day 3	Check out and drive 2 hrs 40 mins to Ulley	Standard room - Meals included
Day 4-9	Explore Ulley for Snow Leopard and other wildlife	Standard room - Meals included
Day 10	Drive back to Leh enroute visiting Alchi monastery	Deluxe room - Meals included
Day 11	Morning transfer to Leh airport	Deluxe room - Meals included

GLOSSARY

BB = Bed and breakfast
FI = Fully inclusive

Highlights of the Itinerary:

The isolated barren wilderness of Ladakh with the snow-capped Himalayas mountains, bright blue water lakes, ever- changing sand dunes reminds that you are on the “Roof of the World”.
Enjoy the company of one of the most seasoned Snow Leopard Guide on the entire trip.
Opportunity to see animals like Snow Leopard, Ibex, Tibetan Antelope, Blue Sheep, Shapo, Tibetan Hare.

SATELLITE PHONES NOT ALLOWED

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Leh

Upon arriving at Leh Airport, an experienced expedition leader will be on hand to greet you, ensuring your seamless transfer to a carefully selected hotel.

The rest of your day is free to acclimatize to the high-altitude setting, situated at an impressive 11,400 feet. The journey from the plains to Leh emphasizes the need for a gradual acclimatization process, prioritizing your well-being.

The two days allocated in Leh are essential as you prepare for even higher altitudes and engage in considerable walking. During your stay in Leh, you will have the unique opportunity to connect with experts from the Snow Leopard Conservancy. They will provide you with invaluable insights into the history of snow leopard conservation in Ladakh, highlighting the current challenges facing these magnificent creatures and the strategies employed to protect them.

Day 2 - Leh

Today, you're in for an exciting journey heading east towards Taglang La and the villages of Gya, Lhato, and Meru. This drive will take you away from the Indus Valley into a remarkable area where the Indian mainland met the Asian landmass, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Here, you'll have the chance to see some interesting wildlife, like Blue sheep, Golden eagles, and Bearded vultures. You'll also witness Red-billed Choughs performing amazing aerial displays, almost like a choreographed dance in the sky. In the fields, keep an eye out for the lovely Tibetan Partridge and the more common Chukor partridge.

After this exciting day, you'll return to rest in Leh, where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas. Overnight in Leh.

Day 3 2 9 - Leh to Ulley

Today, you'll drive west of Ladakh along the road to Kargil and Srinagar, following the Indus River. You'll pass through the small town of Nimmu, an important place in Ladakh where the Zanskar River joins the Indus. After a little over an hour, you'll head north on a road leading to Likir, one of Ladakh's well-known Buddhist monasteries. This is known as snow leopard territory. The landscape here is vast and wide, and as you turn onto a dirt road, you'll start ascending a narrow valley alongside a stream called the Ulley Chhu. The guides are always on the lookout, scanning the hillsides and the horizon for any shapes. This area is perfect for spotting Ibex, and there's nothing quite like seeing a majestic male Ibex perched on a narrow ledge, thousands of feet above a steep drop.

You'll be staying at the Snow Leopard Lodge in Ulley, which offers six separate bedrooms in a low stone-built building. There's also a dining room and kitchen in the same building. What makes this experience even more special is that you'll be living with a Ladakhi family during the winter, allowing you to understand their way of life. Sharing their large, warm kitchens filled with brass, copper, and silver ornaments is a unique cultural experience.

Upon arrival, get settled in and acclimatize to the higher altitude of Ulley. You'll spend six nights here, exploring three valleys that are not only great for spotting snow leopards but also for finding urial, Ibex, wolves, and Himalayan foxes.

Over the next few days, you'll explore the area on foot and in SUVs with your expert guide. You'll be amazed by the dedication and commitment your guide brings to his work and his efforts to ensure your satisfaction. He'll interact closely with the local people and tap into their local knowledge to pinpoint the most promising spots. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to learn about local folklore, customs, and traditions.

You'll spend the night at the Snow Leopard Lodge.

Day 10 - Ulley to Leh

This morning, following breakfast, we bid farewell to our gracious hosts and embark on the return journey to Leh town. Along the way, we make a stop at the Alchi Monastery. Alchi Gompa is situated near the charming village of Saspol and is one of Ladakh's earliest monastic establishments, dating back to the 11th century. What sets Alchi apart is that it was constructed before the turbulent wars of the 15th century, and as a protective measure, it was built on lowlands rather than atop a hill, which was the customary location for monasteries during that time to safeguard them from invading armies.

After our enlightening visit, we resume our journey back to Leh. You will spend one night at the Mahey Retreat in a comfortable Deluxe Room with private facilities, and your stay includes meals.

Day 11 - Leh / Airport drop

Today on time transfer you to Leh airport for your flight to Delhi.

What’s included

Hotels & Meals as mentioned in itinerary
All sightseeing activities in Ladakh as mentioned.
Entrance fee in monasteries
Transportation for snow leopard sightings
Donation fee for snow leopard conservation
Services of a Tour leader from Day 3-10 in Ladakh only
Visit to Snow Leopard Conservancy

What’s not included

Any International Airfare / Airport taxes
Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.
Any expenses of personal nature including alcohol, laundry, gratuities etc.
Medical /Travel Insurances
Gratitude and tips that you wish to pay happily
Any expenses arising due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control.

Enquiry

email ecoindiajourneys@gmail.com
call +91 8800777421
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