Snow Leopards
Although found across a fairly wide area of Central Asia, snow leopards are among the most difficult wildlife to see in the wild. Estimates of their worldwide population is only about 7,000.
In recent years, the Ladakh region of the Indian Himalayas has emerged as one of the best areas in the world to see this most elusive of big cats.
In the cold winter months of Ladakh, experience the unique & rare experience of tracking the endangered Snow Leopards in one of the best high altitude wildlife habitats in the world - Hemis National Park in Ladakh.
Snow Leopards in Ladakh
In the winter months, the elusive Snow Leopard, the apex predator of the Himalayas, descends from the high peaks into the valleys to hunt for Blue Sheep or other domestic animals. This is the time when the chances of photographing the snow leopard is the best.
The spectacular landscape of the Uley Valley is home to an array of Himalayan wildlife species, including the iconic snow leopard.
Lying north of the Indus River at the head of the Uley Chhu Valley, the small village of Uley in West Ladakh stands at almost 4,000 meters above sea level. The village surrounding Uley Valley area has only recently been developed for snow leopard tracking but has quickly gained a reputation not just for the high numbers of snow leopards observed. Others Himalayan wildlife includes Siberian ( Asiatic) ibex, urial ( native wild sheep with long legs and relatively small horns), Himalayan fox and wolf, Bharal, Red Fox etc.
For the Adventurous
This trip takes place in winter when Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the world by road and temperatures drop well below 0° Celsius. While the hotel in Leh is comfortable, the lodge in Ulley will be very basic with.
One has to be very adventurous in approach to be able to enjoy the difficulties of the trip.
During this tour, we may encounter temperatures as low as -20C. The only way to manage such low temperatures is to be very well equipped. We will send you a list of must-have items that will help you face the cold weather.
What is included in the tour
3 Nights accommodation in Leh on AP basis
5 Nights in Ulley village lodge on AP Basis
All transfers in Ladakh in exclusive vehicle.
English speaking naturalist & professional spotters during stay at Ulley.
Environment maintenance fee.
What is NOT included in the tour
Flight tickets, extra bagage charges
Personal expenses - Tips/Gratuity, Laundry, Phone/internet, Beverages
Travel insurance & medical expenses
Camera fees
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
As you prepare to visit India or Sri Lanka, we hope our answers to these frequently asked questions will help you on your way. Please find the FAQ here https://www.wildinsoul.com/faq
If there’s anything else you need, just give us a call or drop us a mail.
Trip Grade / Difficulty - Level 4 (Diffilcult)
A reasonable degree of fitness (being able to walk a 4-5 km in high altitude carrying a backpack and camera tripod) is essential.
Please find the trip grade details here : https://www.wildinsoul.com/trip-grades
BestTime to visit and climate
The best (and perhaps only) season to see wild snow leopards is from November to March. Heavy winter snow falls on the mountain tops force the bharal (blue sheep), Asiatic ibex and argali (Marco Polo sheep) down the mountain side to feed. These are the snow leopards preferred prey and so the predators follow the prey down the slopes to lower areas, providing us an opportunity to track them.
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Day 1 : Delhi-Leh
Delh-Leh by Air.
Transfer to hotel.
Rest and acclimatize to high altitude.
fternoon visit to Leh Palace & Shanti Stupa
Optional – visit to Snow Leopard Conservancy office Leh.
Day 2 : In Leh
Shey Palace, Thiksey monastery, Hemis Monastery, Stakna
Visit to Snow Leopard Conservancy and interaction ( based on availability of field staff).
Day 3 : LEH – ULLEY (4000 Mts)
Morning after breakfast drive to Uley 3 – 3.5 hrs drive.
Settle down at lode.
Short walks around the village.
Day 4 - Day 7: EXPLORE ULLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR WILDLIFE
The guide and spotters will go out in the early mornings to search for evidence of any animal movement.
There will be no fixed itinerary and the program for the day will be decided on by the wildlife guide – this is to maximize the chances of seeing a Snow leopard & other high altitude wildlife.
Day 8:ULLEY-LEH
After breakfastCdrive to Leh.
Day 9 : Leh - Delhi
Leh - Delhi by Air
