Searching for Snow Leopards in India

Hiking on this trip takes place in the high-altitude landscapes of Ladakh. Expect dry, rocky trails and open slopes in a cold alpine desert environment, often at elevations around 13,000 feet or higher, where even short walks can feel strenuous. Hiking distances vary depending on wildlife sightings, as guides and trackers lead you across hillsides and valley viewpoints in search of snow leopards and other wildlife such as ibex and blue sheep.

When our trackers spot wildlife, we will hike varying distances to get the best views, and at high altitudes (14,000 feet or higher), hiking can feel strenuous. For your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition.

While Ladakh’s skies are often blue and sunny in winter, it is quite cold because of the high altitude (average 13,000-14,000 feet). Daytime highs in Ladakh in March average in the low 40s, with average nighttime temperatures in the low 10s. November temperatures average 40-60°F in the daytime and 25-35°F at night, but our lodge is heated. Ladakh is at high altitude, and the air is quite dry. There is always the possibility of snow.

Our stays in Delhi and Leh are in comfortable hotels. Our lodge in Ulley is simple but cozy and well-heated. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms with efficient water heaters to ensure comfortable temperatures, and all bedrooms and common rooms have central heating augmented by clean-burning wood stoves.

Ladakh is an exciting destination, and while tourism is growing, the infrastructure remains limited (particularly felt by travelers on the bumpy roads!). Essential requirements for travel in Ladakh are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.

We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.