On the Trail of the Gray Ghost of the Himalayas
Searching for Snow Leopards in India
{"trip":{"TripID":10448,"Trip_Code":"SNOWTIGE","Trip_Name":"Searching for Snow Leopards in India","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Delhi, India","End_Location":"Delhi, India","Number_Days":12,"Number_Nights":11,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"<p>Track snow leopards in the Himalayas of Ladakh, the best place in the world to find these near-mythical cats in the wild. The prime season for sightings is winter, when high-altitude mountain goats descend to the valleys, bringing the cats with them. In the austere beauty of Ladakh's winter landscape, we head out with local Ladakhi trackers to search for the “gray ghost.” We'll be based in a comfortable lodge at 13,000 feet in the village of Ulley, which has partnered with the Snow Leopard Conservancy to assure that by protecting their former adversary (the snow leopard), the local people generate income and benefits for the entire community. At journey's end, join our extension to Kanha National Park, India's most renowned Project Tiger reserve, with a stay in our award-winning lodge.<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p>Join us for an extraordinary wildlife expedition on the trail of the near-mythical snow leopards of the Himalayas and the Bengal tigers in legendary Kanha and Pench national parks! We'll seek the elusive snow leopard in the high Himalayas of Ladakh, where soaring peaks glitter with snow and prayer flags flutter from whitewashed monasteries. Ladakh is a magical place—and the best on the planet to see a snow leopard in the wild. We've timed our visit for the winter months, when leopards come down from the snowy heights to follow their main prey, ibex and blue sheep. (Sightings of snow leopard have been excellent from November to March and are not dependent on snow conditions in the mountains). We'll be based in the remote village of Ulley (13,000'), where a comfortable mountain lodge will welcome us (no camping!). Each day, our expert naturalist and local trackers, who know all the haunts of the “gray ghost,” will get us to the ideal locations to spot these rare creatures. We'll also be on the lookout for other wildlife including Tibetan wolf, red fox, and Himalayan griffon vulture. A dramatic change of scene finds us in the subtropical world of Kanha National Park, India's great tiger reserve, where prime teak forests are home to royal Bengal tigers. Spotting one of these magnificent predators is a true privilege, and the park is also home to a rich array of other Indian wildlife. From our award-winning lodge, we have exclusive access at the remote north gate of the park. With fewer travelers around, it means we'll have a chance for more tiger sightings as well as leopards and Indian wild dog! We invite you on the ultimate experience of the great cats of India!<\/p>","ActivityHighlight":"Rugged road travel with occasional light hikes, cold weather in Ladakh, altitudes between 11,000-14,000 feet, wildlife viewing by vehicle","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-SNOWTIGE-snow-leopard-ulley-ladakh-india.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/snowtige-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/India\/ladakh-snow-leopard-wildlife-trip","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"Fall 2023 - Spring 2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$7,595 (8-14 members)<br>\n$8,195 (4-7 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $2,895<br>\nInternal airfare: $495 (subject to change)<br><br>\nSpecial Note: Due to a limited number of rooms at the Snow Leopard Lodge, only two singles can be accommodated on this adventure.","PriceNextYear":"7595","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"<p><\/p>","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"<p><\/p>","PricingNotes":"<p><\/p>","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":12,"TripRatingName":"4+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":20,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Asia","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Delhi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Arrive in Delhi, India, where you are met for a transfer to your hotel. At the hotel, you'll receive a traditional welcome garland while hotel formalities are completed. Overnight at the Andaz Delhi...meals on your own\r\n\r\nWe recommend arriving a day early to allow time to recover from jet lag. We are happy to arrange hotel nights in Delhi and transfers (an “on your own” expense).","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Leh, Ladakh","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A very early morning transfer brings us to Delhi's domestic airport for the one-hour flight to Leh, Ladakh's capital, set at 11,500 feet in the upper Indus Valley. It's a spectacular flight with great Himalayan views, including Nun Kun, a striking mountain massif with two distinct peaks: Nun (23,409') and its lower neighbor, Kun (23,218'). On arrival, we check into our hotel. We gather for our Welcome Dinner this evening. (Please note that no alcohol is served at the restaurant of the Grand Dragon Hotel in winter and this is our only dining option.) Overnight at the Grand Dragon Hotel.\r\n\r\nLeh: A ruined Tibetan-style fortress rises high above the ancient city of Leh, a former trans-Himalayan trading post in a valley of the Indus. Like Tibet, it is a remote enclave of Buddhism that has historically been difficult to reach and thus long remained quite separate from influences of the outside world. It was opened to outsiders for the first time in the 1970s. In the 17th century, under the rule of Ladakh's famous king, Singge Namgyal, Leh was a bustling trade center for merchants from all across Asia, who arrived with pony caravans laden with textiles, spices, and turquoise. The caravan journey was an arduous two-month trek between the Punjab, in India, and the Central Asian market towns of Yarkand and Khotan in China, with Leh the perfect midway point on the rugged crossing.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Acclimatization \/ Leh Palace \/ Shanti Stupa","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This is a crucial acclimatization day—we'll drink lots of water or tea and take a walk around Leh's bazaar. Later, we head out to the Sankar Gompa, a Buddhist monastery just outside Leh, where we'll climb the steps up to the assembly hall and view the interior walls, hand painted with vibrantly colored mandalas. Just before sunset, we visit the Leh Palace, a great spot from which to photograph the white-domed Shanti Stupa across the valley, illuminated by the rays of the setting sun. Overnight at the Grand Dragon Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Leh \/ Ulley","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A drive of about three hours brings us out into the beautiful Indus Valley following a route along the Indus River. We'll pass through the small town of Nimmu, near the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, where in summer, irrigated fields produce a patchwork of wheat fields and fruit orchards. In winter, the surrounding mountains are sparkling with snow and the skies are usually clear. We also pass Likir, home to the Likir Gompa, known for its 75-foot-high statue of Maitreya, the Buddha-to-come, rising above terraced fields. Turning off on a dirt road, we head up a narrow valley following the Ulley Chhu (chhu means water), with our guides on the lookout for wildlife. This is excellent ibex country, and there are few more evocative sights than a magnificently horned male ibex standing vigil on an impossibly narrow outcrop.\r\n\r\nOur accommodation, the Snow Leopard Lodge (13,000'), is located in Ulley, a hamlet of just about seven houses, beyond which are high summer pastures where yaks and dzo graze. It is the only purpose-built wildlife lodge in Ladakh and originated as a homestay property owned by one of Ladakh's top snow leopard trackers, Tchewang Norbu. The huge advantage of our lodge is that we don't have to camp in the cold winter weather, as required at Ladakh's other snow leopard tracking area, which is also becoming crowded with groups. It is a basic lodge, but significantly more comfortable than camping. We'll have a lounge area where we can savor hot tea as our naturalist leaders give talks and shows films on the wildlife of the Himalaya. Don't expect luxury, but the opportunity to be indoors makes a huge difference to your experience. With access to three different valleys, we'll be far from other travelers. This is one of the best areas in all Ladakh to see ibex, urial (wild sheep), wolf, red fox, bearded and Himalayan griffon vulture, and golden eagle.\r\n\r\nEach day we explore and track in different valleys. We track mainly by vehicle, which allows us to cover a lot more ground than those who are hiking out of campsites. When we reach a possible sighting area, we hike up to ridgelines or high points for the best chances of viewing wildlife. Our trackers and spotters interact closely with the local people, using their network of sources to identify likely sites for snow leopard movement each day. Overnight at the Snow Leopard Lodge.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Ulley \/ Snow Leopard Tracking","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"These thrilling days are spent tracking and photographing ibex, snow leopard, and other wildlife of the area. Each day will be unique, depending on the location of wildlife and other conditions. Just being in this remote mountain kingdom in winter is extraordinary. In general, our schedule will be as follows:\r\n\r\nWe get up in the morning by approximately 7:00 am and make a five-minute hike up a hill behind the lodge for spectacular views of the valley. Tea (or coffee and hot chocolate) will be delivered to us here while the trackers scope out the ridges for possible movement. After watching the sunrise over the Himalaya, we walk down to the lodge for breakfast around 8:30 am. Our Trip Leader will work together with the local trackers to discuss any snow leopard sightings in nearby valleys. The snow leopard has a distinct pattern of movement, which is closely monitored every morning. Based on current information from the trackers, we visit different valleys by vehicle. The roads are mostly paved, and we will hike from the vehicles to reach nearby ridges for the best chance of viewing the animals. We can accommodate different lengths of hikes. For the best sightings, you will need to hike to high points, but the trackers at the vehicles will have spotting scopes. Lunch will be at the lodge or in the field. We return to the lodge in the afternoon, with a talk in the sitting room over tea and coffee about the great creatures who inhabit this austere landscape and the measures being taken to ensure their survival. Dinners and overnights at the lodge. each day\r\n\r\nNote on Wildlife Viewing: Seeing a snow leopard in the wild cannot be guaranteed. They are wild and elusive by nature, with no fixed routine, and finding them requires not only the skill and patience of the trackers, but also considerable luck! Our trackers have had great success in past seasons, not only with snow leopard but also with Marco Polo sheep and Tibetan wolf.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Leh","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We bid farewell to our game spotters and head back to Leh, arriving in the afternoon. Overnight at the Grand Dragon Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Delhi \/ Raipur","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A late morning flight brings us back to Delhi, where we are taken to a hotel for lunch, then return to the airport for our flight to Raipur. Overnight at the Courtyard Marriott in Raipur.\r\nPlease Note: extra baggage, including your cold-weather gear, can be left at our hotel in Delhi and picked up upon your return, at the end of the trip.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Kanha National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning we head to Kanha National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Kanha is one of the oldest, largest, and most scenic national parks in India and an ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey. The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows, and ravines shelter a significant population of tiger, leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wild dog, to name a few of the species found here, along with fantastic avian life.\r\n\r\nThe Royal Bengal tiger, India's proud symbol and an integral part of Indian mythology and culture, is the big draw at Kanha, and Kanha is the best place in India to see them. Bengal tigers are solitary animals who hunt nocturnally, traveling long distances to feed on buffalo, deer, and other mammals. Female tigers have litters of two to six cubs, which they raise with little help from the males. Cubs begin to hunt when they are about 18 months old and remain with their mothers for two to three years, after which they find their own territory. Kanha National Park is vast—350 square miles of mixed forests interspersed with meadows watered by perennial streams that provide a source of water for the wildlife. The park is particularly well known for its endangered swamp deer, also known as barasingha, found only at Kanha. They populate the large open tracks of grass amid the forests of teak and bamboo. Brought back from the brink of extinction, these handsome animals are a remarkable conservation success story for Kanha. On arrival, we'll enjoy a 4WD jeep safari with a resident naturalist and forest guide, returning to our lodge for dinner. Overnight at Kanha Jungle Lodge.\r\nApproximate driving time: 5 hours\r\n\r\nSpecial Note: All National Parks in Madhya Pradesh (Central India) are closed on Wednesday afternoons, including Kanha, meaning game drives will not be available. If our departure falls over a Wednesday, we will enjoy activities at our lodge, including nature walks and cooking demonstrations, or visit a nearby school in the afternoon.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Kanha National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Each day, our early morning wake-up call is a friendly knock on the door as coffee or tea is delivered to our rooms. The misty morning and sounds of birds calling make for an unforgettable start to the day. When dawn breaks, we head out on safari by 4WD jeep (hiking is not allowed in the national park), accompanied by a resident naturalist and park guides. Dawn is the best time to see wildlife, including tigers, and the light is absolutely beautiful at this hour. A picnic breakfast will be served al fresco in the field, after which we return to our lodge by late morning. In the middle of the day, the wildlife is not as easy to see, as most animals and birds rest and sleep during the hotter hours, so we enjoy time at camp for nature walks, visits to a nearby village or school, or participating in a cooking demonstration at the lodge. In the late afternoons, when it cools down, we head out again by 4WD vehicle, following tracks and rivers in search of tigers! Evenings are time for relaxed dinners and stargazing, as well as talks by our expert naturalist guide about efforts to ensure the survival of this extraordinary creature, and recent developments in conservation and habitat protection. Overnights at Kanha Jungle Lodge. each day","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Delhi \/ Depart or Join our Pench National Park Extension","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"On Day 16, we drive from Kanha to Jabalpur airport (approximately 5 hours) for our late afternoon flight to Delhi. You can depart this evening after 10:00 pm, or spend the night and depart on Day 17 (all transfers are included to\/from the Delhi airport). (Day 16) \/ B (Day 17)\r\n\r\nSpecial Note: If you want to join our Pench National Park Extension, you will drive directly from Kanha to Pench on Day 16 (see page 9 for extension details).","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Delhi \/ Leh","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Fly to Leh (11,500'), Ladakh's capital. Set along India's border with Tibet, the Ladakh region has a spectacular Himalayan setting. We'll have a crucial acclimatization day with time to explore Leh's bazaar and visit the Sankar Gompa, a Buddhist monastery just outside Leh.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Ulley \/ Snow Leopard Tracking \/ Delhi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the traditional village of Ulley, with its prayer flags and yak corrals, our community-owned lodge puts us in the best spot to track snow leopard in three valleys renowned for sightings. We track first by vehicle, then set out on foot to prime viewing spots. Keeping an eye out for ibex, Tibetan wolf, and soaring griffon vultures in this magnificent landscape, we follow our trackers to high points for the best viewing opportunities. Despite its large distributional range, the population of snow leopards across the world is still dwindling, making it one of the most endangered cats in the world. Spotting a snow leopard on the hunt, perched on a crag, or sighting a mother with her cubs, is a fantastic, even spiritual, natural history experience. Our trip directly supports local community efforts for the survival of this iconic animal. We return to Leh on Day 10. Depart on Day 12 via Delhi, or join our tiger-viewing extension in Kanha National Park.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/searching-for-snow-leopards-in-india-itinerary-2023-24.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/snow-leopards-and-tigers-of-india-itinerary-2022-23.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/snow-leopards-and-tigers-of-india-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Track snow leopard in the high Himalayas, supporting a community-based Himalayan wildlife conservation 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With a bachelor's degree in science and an MBA in tourism, he currently specializes in sustainable tourism planning and policy. He is the co-author of the book, Journey through Paradise, an in-depth guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Jammu, and is the founder of the Nomadic Center for Arts and Crafts in Puga Changthang. As a naturalist and guide, Gulzar loves sharing his passion for the remote, remarkable, and delicate ecosystem of the Himalayas with fellow adventurers.","BioLong":"Recently featured in Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “50 People to Know in the Himalayas,” Gulzar Hussain has an incredible knowledge and passion for the wildlife, history, and culture of his homeland in the Himalayas. With a bachelor's degree in science and an MBA in tourism, he currently specializes in sustainable tourism planning and policy. He is the co-author of the book, Journey through Paradise, an in-depth guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Jammu, and is the founder of the Nomadic Center for Arts and Crafts in Puga Changthang. The Nomadic Center gives underprivileged, vulnerable, Nomadic children better access to health care and education, and involves them in creative arts and wildlife conservation projects. As a naturalist and guide, Gulzar loves sharing his passion for the remote, remarkable, and delicate ecosystem of the Himalayas with fellow adventurers. He enjoys photography and finds that his pictures help bring his stories to life during evenings spent around the camp fire."},{"GuideID":851229,"First_Name":"Imran","Last_Name":"Hussain","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Imran's eye for spotting wildlife is so keen that he has earned the nickname, Shan, meaning snow leopard in Ladakhi. As a documentary filmmaker, he spends the majority of his time filming wildlife in remote locations across the Himalayas—his skills for spotting snow leopards are legendary. Imran has a wide network of local informers and trained spotters across the Himalayas, and has captured some of the most intimate footage of snow leopards to date. He leads various wildlife tours in the Western Himalayas and is actively involved in wildlife conservation projects throughout the Himalayan region."},{"GuideID":851166,"First_Name":"Indrajit","Last_Name":"Latey","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Indrajit Latey has worked in the fields of wildlife management and nature tourism for the past 19 years. His interest in wildlife was ignited during his childhood years, when he spent summers in Melghat Tiger Reserve in India's northern state of Maharashtra. He later worked as a naturalist for the World Wildlife Fund in Pune, and for six years lived and worked in Kanha National Park. Whether he is guiding wildlife groups, diving in coral reefs, or skiing in the Himalayas, Indrajit is at home in all terrain. He is passionate about photography and realized a childhood dream a few years ago when he visited Africa's Masai Mara and Serengeti as leader of a group of professional photographers. In 2017, he used his conservation and wildlife knowledge on a month-long stint to explore the northeastern rainforests of India."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Carol B.","GuestLocation":"Novato, CA","GuestReview":"The trip operation was seamless for the guests. The trip leader and the assistant leader, as well as all the ground staff, made this trip easy to navigate, understand, and enjoy, making it a highly successful experience."},{"GuestNames":"Cheryl K.","GuestLocation":"San Jose, CA","GuestReview":"The opportunity to see both snow leopards and tigers on one itinerary makes this a very special trip. The Snow Leopard Conservancy visit was fantastic as we learned about their important work, and then saw it in action at the Snow Leopard Lodge and surrounding valleys. That work is critical and we were so pleased to have a portion of our fee go to that organization. And while wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, we were fortunate to have the best team possible to help boost our odds."},{"GuestNames":"Mimi G.","GuestLocation":"Durango, CO","GuestReview":"A wonderful trip! So much more than a chance to catch a photo of a snow leopard or tiger, this was the rare opportunity to really learn about these two cats, their environments, and the ongoing conservation efforts being made to save them."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10523,"Trip_Code":"TIGERIND","Trip_Name":"Central India: In the Realm of the Tiger"},{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10449,"Trip_Code":"SNOWMONK","Trip_Name":"Japan: Snow Monkeys and Winter Cranes"},{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10364,"Trip_Code":"SRILANKA","Trip_Name":"Sri Lanka"},{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10548,"Trip_Code":"WILDIND","Trip_Name":"Wildlife of Eastern India: From Red Pandas to Rhinos"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73380,"ProductID":84064,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"Encounters Asia","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Snow Leopards and Tigers of India","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":16,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73380,"ProductID":84065,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Internal Flight","Vendor":"Encounters Asia","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Internal Airfare","Day":1,"Sequence":1,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73380,"ProductID":84722,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Upgrade","Vendor":"Encounters Asia","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Snow Leopard Lodge with en-suite bathroom","Day":1,"Sequence":3,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72802,"ProductID":82630,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Andaz Delhi","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Located just a few miles from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can watch the planes come and go from this contemporary city hotel. 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","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=g1Hb9Gk2xB0\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=g1Hb9Gk2xB0\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 175 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>India<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"<strong>DAYPACK: <\/strong>To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, binoculars, and other items you may need during the day.","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"ARRIVING IN DELHI<br>\nA complimentary transfer is provided from the Delhi Airport to the Andaz Delhi, our group hotel, for all trip members, no matter what day you arrive. 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If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to your Trip Leaders and Local Agent (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground. <br><br>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<strong>\nENCOUNTERS ASIA<\/strong><br>\nAttn: Laxmikant (“LK”) Bhatt<br>\n(+91) 999-971-5992<br>\ninfo@encountersasia.com","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"<strong>ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATI ON (ETA) \/ E- VISA:<\/strong> Please remember to bring a<br>\nprinted copy of your India Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)\/e-visa as well.","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<strong>LUGGAGE\/CARRY-ON REQUIREMENTS<\/strong>: Rolling soft-sided suitcase with a small padlock have been<br>\nthe preferred choice of past travelers. 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In Ladakh, you'll be outdoors in cold winter weather during the day as you track snow leopards, but with proper winter boots and layers of clothing, you should be comfortable. In general, the most important requirements for this journey are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting remote and fascinating regions of India.","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T16:12:24 --><p>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.<\/p>","Custom_Weather":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>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. <\/body>","Custom_Accommodations":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T16:12:11 --><p>Our lodge, in Ulley is simple but it is comfortable and heated (and a fantastic alternative to camping). Our rooms are simple rooms with beds, sheets, and blankets. Some rooms do not have power outlets, but every room has a light. There is no running water at the lodge as pipes will freeze in the winter. Bathroom facilities have a toilet and bucket bath (hot water will be provided if you wish to bathe). 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If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. 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Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. 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Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. 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Overview
Track snow leopards in the Himalayas of Ladakh, the best place in the world to find these near-mythical cats in the wild. The prime season for sightings is winter, when high-altitude mountain goats descend to the valleys, bringing the cats with them. In the austere beauty of Ladakh's winter landscape, we head out with local Ladakhi trackers to search for the “gray ghost.” We'll be based in a comfortable lodge at 13,000 feet in the village of Ulley, which has partnered with the Snow Leopard Conservancy to assure that by protecting their former adversary (the snow leopard), the local people generate income and benefits for the entire community. At journey's end, join our extension to Kanha National Park, India's most renowned Project Tiger reserve, with a stay in our award-winning lodge.
Arrive: Delhi, India
Depart: Delhi, India
Highlights
- Track snow leopard in the high Himalayas, supporting a community-based Himalayan wildlife conservation project
- Experience Ladakh's breathtaking landscapes and traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Extend your journey to include Kanha National Park, known for tiger and leopard sightings
Itinerary
Download Itinerary
Expand All Days
Fly to Leh (11,500'), Ladakh's capital. Set along India's border with Tibet, the Ladakh region has a spectacular Himalayan setting. We'll have a crucial acclimatization day with time to explore Leh's bazaar and visit the Sankar Gompa, a Buddhist monastery just outside Leh.
In the traditional village of Ulley, with its prayer flags and yak corrals, our community-owned lodge puts us in the best spot to track snow leopard in three valleys renowned for sightings. We track first by vehicle, then set out on foot to prime viewing spots. Keeping an eye out for ibex, Tibetan wolf, and soaring griffon vultures in this magnificent landscape, we follow our trackers to high points for the best viewing opportunities. Despite its large distributional range, the population of snow leopards across the world is still dwindling, making it one of the most endangered cats in the world. Spotting a snow leopard on the hunt, perched on a crag, or sighting a mother with her cubs, is a fantastic, even spiritual, natural history experience. Our trip directly supports local community efforts for the survival of this iconic animal. We return to Leh on Day 10. Depart on Day 12 via Delhi, or join our tiger-viewing extension in Kanha National Park.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: $600
150 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Up to 175 days prior to departure: No charge!
91-174 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
90 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in mountain lodges, hotels, and jungle lodges
- All meals included except 2 dinners as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- A glass of wine or beer with dinner
- All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
- All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Not Included
- Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
- Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Visa fees
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Andaz Delhi
Day 1 (1 night)
Located just a few miles from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can watch the planes come and go from this contemporary city hotel. Grab a gin and tonic at the Juniper Bar (India's first gin bar), which offers 35 types of gin and tonic infusions, or if you feel like jumping into an even livelier scene, you can head to the multilevel Hong Kong Club for Cantonese food and a Chinese zodiac-inspired cocktail. The hotel restaurant serves a range of European and Indian food using locally-sourced produce, and there is a small café where you can get a seasonal salad or flavored flatbread. There is also a spa, fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Grand Dragon Ladakh
Days 2-3 (2 nights)
The Grand Dragon has well-maintained rooms with central heating and a great location just below Old Town, within easy walking distance of Leh's main bazaar. The balconies on each floor offer views across the Indus Valley.
Snow Leopard Lodge
Days 4-9 (6 nights)
This community-built lodge is located in Ulley (13,000'), surrounded by one of Ladakh's finest snow leopard habitats. Although the lodge is basic, it is cozy and offers a great alternative to camping in the cold winter weather. There is a kitchen where hot meals are prepared, a sitting room, five simple bedrooms, and two bathrooms. There are gas heaters available, and hot drinks and snacks are on offer to keep guests comfortable. Grand Dragon Ladakh
Day 10 (1 night)
The Grand Dragon has well-maintained rooms with central heating and a great location just below Old Town, within easy walking distance of Leh's main bazaar. The balconies on each floor offer views across the Indus Valley. Andaz Delhi
Day 11 (1 night)
Located just a few miles from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can watch the planes come and go from this contemporary city hotel. Grab a gin and tonic at the Juniper Bar (India's first gin bar), which offers 35 types of gin and tonic infusions, or if you feel like jumping into an even livelier scene, you can head to the multilevel Hong Kong Club for Cantonese food and a Chinese zodiac-inspired cocktail. The hotel restaurant serves a range of European and Indian food using locally-sourced produce, and there is a small café where you can get a seasonal salad or flavored flatbread. There is also a spa, fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
1/5
Trip Leaders
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 4+, Moderate to Strenuous. In Ladakh, you'll be outdoors in cold winter weather during the day as you track snow leopards, but with proper winter boots and layers of clothing, you should be comfortable. In general, the most important requirements for this journey are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting remote and fascinating regions of India.
Review Trip Level Details
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 lodge, in Ulley is simple but it is comfortable and heated (and a fantastic alternative to camping). Our rooms are simple rooms with beds, sheets, and blankets. Some rooms do not have power outlets, but every room has a light. There is no running water at the lodge as pipes will freeze in the winter. Bathroom facilities have a toilet and bucket bath (hot water will be provided if you wish to bathe). Please be prepared for limited bathing.
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.
Client Testimonials
"The trip operation was seamless for the guests. The trip leader and the assistant leader, as well as all the ground staff, made this trip easy to navigate, understand, and enjoy, making it a highly successful experience."
Carol B.
Novato, CA
"The opportunity to see both snow leopards and tigers on one itinerary makes this a very special trip. The Snow Leopard Conservancy visit was fantastic as we learned about their important work, and then saw it in action at the Snow Leopard Lodge and surrounding valleys. That work is critical and we were so pleased to have a portion of our fee go to that organization. And while wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, we were fortunate to have the best team possible to help boost our odds."
Cheryl K.
San Jose, CA
"A wonderful trip! So much more than a chance to catch a photo of a snow leopard or tiger, this was the rare opportunity to really learn about these two cats, their environments, and the ongoing conservation efforts being made to save them."
Mimi G.
Durango, CO
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
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In the austere beauty of Ladakh's winter landscape, we head out with local Ladakhi trackers to search for the “gray ghost.” We'll be based in a comfortable lodge at 13,000 feet in the village of Ulley, which has partnered with the Snow Leopard Conservancy to assure that by protecting their former adversary (the snow leopard), the local people generate income and benefits for the entire community. At journey's end, join our extension to Kanha National Park, India's most renowned Project Tiger reserve, with a stay in our award-winning lodge.<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p>Join us for an extraordinary wildlife expedition on the trail of the near-mythical snow leopards of the Himalayas and the Bengal tigers in legendary Kanha and Pench national parks! We'll seek the elusive snow leopard in the high Himalayas of Ladakh, where soaring peaks glitter with snow and prayer flags flutter from whitewashed monasteries. 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We gather for our Welcome Dinner this evening. (Please note that no alcohol is served at the restaurant of the Grand Dragon Hotel in winter and this is our only dining option.) Overnight at the Grand Dragon Hotel.\r\n\r\nLeh: A ruined Tibetan-style fortress rises high above the ancient city of Leh, a former trans-Himalayan trading post in a valley of the Indus. Like Tibet, it is a remote enclave of Buddhism that has historically been difficult to reach and thus long remained quite separate from influences of the outside world. It was opened to outsiders for the first time in the 1970s. In the 17th century, under the rule of Ladakh's famous king, Singge Namgyal, Leh was a bustling trade center for merchants from all across Asia, who arrived with pony caravans laden with textiles, spices, and turquoise. The caravan journey was an arduous two-month trek between the Punjab, in India, and the Central Asian market towns of Yarkand and Khotan in China, with Leh the perfect midway point on the rugged crossing.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Acclimatization \/ Leh Palace \/ Shanti Stupa","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This is a crucial acclimatization day—we'll drink lots of water or tea and take a walk around Leh's bazaar. Later, we head out to the Sankar Gompa, a Buddhist monastery just outside Leh, where we'll climb the steps up to the assembly hall and view the interior walls, hand painted with vibrantly colored mandalas. Just before sunset, we visit the Leh Palace, a great spot from which to photograph the white-domed Shanti Stupa across the valley, illuminated by the rays of the setting sun. Overnight at the Grand Dragon Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Leh \/ Ulley","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A drive of about three hours brings us out into the beautiful Indus Valley following a route along the Indus River. We'll pass through the small town of Nimmu, near the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, where in summer, irrigated fields produce a patchwork of wheat fields and fruit orchards. In winter, the surrounding mountains are sparkling with snow and the skies are usually clear. We also pass Likir, home to the Likir Gompa, known for its 75-foot-high statue of Maitreya, the Buddha-to-come, rising above terraced fields. Turning off on a dirt road, we head up a narrow valley following the Ulley Chhu (chhu means water), with our guides on the lookout for wildlife. This is excellent ibex country, and there are few more evocative sights than a magnificently horned male ibex standing vigil on an impossibly narrow outcrop.\r\n\r\nOur accommodation, the Snow Leopard Lodge (13,000'), is located in Ulley, a hamlet of just about seven houses, beyond which are high summer pastures where yaks and dzo graze. It is the only purpose-built wildlife lodge in Ladakh and originated as a homestay property owned by one of Ladakh's top snow leopard trackers, Tchewang Norbu. The huge advantage of our lodge is that we don't have to camp in the cold winter weather, as required at Ladakh's other snow leopard tracking area, which is also becoming crowded with groups. It is a basic lodge, but significantly more comfortable than camping. We'll have a lounge area where we can savor hot tea as our naturalist leaders give talks and shows films on the wildlife of the Himalaya. Don't expect luxury, but the opportunity to be indoors makes a huge difference to your experience. With access to three different valleys, we'll be far from other travelers. This is one of the best areas in all Ladakh to see ibex, urial (wild sheep), wolf, red fox, bearded and Himalayan griffon vulture, and golden eagle.\r\n\r\nEach day we explore and track in different valleys. We track mainly by vehicle, which allows us to cover a lot more ground than those who are hiking out of campsites. When we reach a possible sighting area, we hike up to ridgelines or high points for the best chances of viewing wildlife. Our trackers and spotters interact closely with the local people, using their network of sources to identify likely sites for snow leopard movement each day. Overnight at the Snow Leopard Lodge.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Ulley \/ Snow Leopard Tracking","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"These thrilling days are spent tracking and photographing ibex, snow leopard, and other wildlife of the area. Each day will be unique, depending on the location of wildlife and other conditions. Just being in this remote mountain kingdom in winter is extraordinary. In general, our schedule will be as follows:\r\n\r\nWe get up in the morning by approximately 7:00 am and make a five-minute hike up a hill behind the lodge for spectacular views of the valley. Tea (or coffee and hot chocolate) will be delivered to us here while the trackers scope out the ridges for possible movement. After watching the sunrise over the Himalaya, we walk down to the lodge for breakfast around 8:30 am. Our Trip Leader will work together with the local trackers to discuss any snow leopard sightings in nearby valleys. The snow leopard has a distinct pattern of movement, which is closely monitored every morning. Based on current information from the trackers, we visit different valleys by vehicle. The roads are mostly paved, and we will hike from the vehicles to reach nearby ridges for the best chance of viewing the animals. We can accommodate different lengths of hikes. For the best sightings, you will need to hike to high points, but the trackers at the vehicles will have spotting scopes. Lunch will be at the lodge or in the field. We return to the lodge in the afternoon, with a talk in the sitting room over tea and coffee about the great creatures who inhabit this austere landscape and the measures being taken to ensure their survival. Dinners and overnights at the lodge. each day\r\n\r\nNote on Wildlife Viewing: Seeing a snow leopard in the wild cannot be guaranteed. They are wild and elusive by nature, with no fixed routine, and finding them requires not only the skill and patience of the trackers, but also considerable luck! Our trackers have had great success in past seasons, not only with snow leopard but also with Marco Polo sheep and Tibetan wolf.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Leh","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We bid farewell to our game spotters and head back to Leh, arriving in the afternoon. Overnight at the Grand Dragon Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Delhi \/ Raipur","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A late morning flight brings us back to Delhi, where we are taken to a hotel for lunch, then return to the airport for our flight to Raipur. Overnight at the Courtyard Marriott in Raipur.\r\nPlease Note: extra baggage, including your cold-weather gear, can be left at our hotel in Delhi and picked up upon your return, at the end of the trip.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Kanha National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning we head to Kanha National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Kanha is one of the oldest, largest, and most scenic national parks in India and an ideal habitat for both tigers and their prey. The lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows, and ravines shelter a significant population of tiger, leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wild dog, to name a few of the species found here, along with fantastic avian life.\r\n\r\nThe Royal Bengal tiger, India's proud symbol and an integral part of Indian mythology and culture, is the big draw at Kanha, and Kanha is the best place in India to see them. Bengal tigers are solitary animals who hunt nocturnally, traveling long distances to feed on buffalo, deer, and other mammals. Female tigers have litters of two to six cubs, which they raise with little help from the males. Cubs begin to hunt when they are about 18 months old and remain with their mothers for two to three years, after which they find their own territory. Kanha National Park is vast—350 square miles of mixed forests interspersed with meadows watered by perennial streams that provide a source of water for the wildlife. The park is particularly well known for its endangered swamp deer, also known as barasingha, found only at Kanha. They populate the large open tracks of grass amid the forests of teak and bamboo. Brought back from the brink of extinction, these handsome animals are a remarkable conservation success story for Kanha. On arrival, we'll enjoy a 4WD jeep safari with a resident naturalist and forest guide, returning to our lodge for dinner. Overnight at Kanha Jungle Lodge.\r\nApproximate driving time: 5 hours\r\n\r\nSpecial Note: All National Parks in Madhya Pradesh (Central India) are closed on Wednesday afternoons, including Kanha, meaning game drives will not be available. If our departure falls over a Wednesday, we will enjoy activities at our lodge, including nature walks and cooking demonstrations, or visit a nearby school in the afternoon.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Kanha National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Each day, our early morning wake-up call is a friendly knock on the door as coffee or tea is delivered to our rooms. The misty morning and sounds of birds calling make for an unforgettable start to the day. When dawn breaks, we head out on safari by 4WD jeep (hiking is not allowed in the national park), accompanied by a resident naturalist and park guides. Dawn is the best time to see wildlife, including tigers, and the light is absolutely beautiful at this hour. A picnic breakfast will be served al fresco in the field, after which we return to our lodge by late morning. In the middle of the day, the wildlife is not as easy to see, as most animals and birds rest and sleep during the hotter hours, so we enjoy time at camp for nature walks, visits to a nearby village or school, or participating in a cooking demonstration at the lodge. In the late afternoons, when it cools down, we head out again by 4WD vehicle, following tracks and rivers in search of tigers! Evenings are time for relaxed dinners and stargazing, as well as talks by our expert naturalist guide about efforts to ensure the survival of this extraordinary creature, and recent developments in conservation and habitat protection. Overnights at Kanha Jungle Lodge. each day","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Delhi \/ Depart or Join our Pench National Park Extension","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"On Day 16, we drive from Kanha to Jabalpur airport (approximately 5 hours) for our late afternoon flight to Delhi. You can depart this evening after 10:00 pm, or spend the night and depart on Day 17 (all transfers are included to\/from the Delhi airport). (Day 16) \/ B (Day 17)\r\n\r\nSpecial Note: If you want to join our Pench National Park Extension, you will drive directly from Kanha to Pench on Day 16 (see page 9 for extension details).","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Delhi \/ Leh","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Fly to Leh (11,500'), Ladakh's capital. Set along India's border with Tibet, the Ladakh region has a spectacular Himalayan setting. We'll have a crucial acclimatization day with time to explore Leh's bazaar and visit the Sankar Gompa, a Buddhist monastery just outside Leh.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Ulley \/ Snow Leopard Tracking \/ Delhi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the traditional village of Ulley, with its prayer flags and yak corrals, our community-owned lodge puts us in the best spot to track snow leopard in three valleys renowned for sightings. We track first by vehicle, then set out on foot to prime viewing spots. Keeping an eye out for ibex, Tibetan wolf, and soaring griffon vultures in this magnificent landscape, we follow our trackers to high points for the best viewing opportunities. Despite its large distributional range, the population of snow leopards across the world is still dwindling, making it one of the most endangered cats in the world. Spotting a snow leopard on the hunt, perched on a crag, or sighting a mother with her cubs, is a fantastic, even spiritual, natural history experience. Our trip directly supports local community efforts for the survival of this iconic animal. We return to Leh on Day 10. Depart on Day 12 via Delhi, or join our tiger-viewing extension in Kanha National Park.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/searching-for-snow-leopards-in-india-itinerary-2023-24.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/snow-leopards-and-tigers-of-india-itinerary-2022-23.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/snow-leopards-and-tigers-of-india-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Track snow leopard in the high Himalayas, supporting a community-based Himalayan wildlife conservation 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Trekking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":851220,"First_Name":"Gulzar","Last_Name":"Hussain","BioShort":"Recently featured in Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “50 People to Know in the Himalayas,” Gulzar Hussain has an incredible knowledge and passion for the wildlife, history, and culture of his homeland in the Himalayas. With a bachelor's degree in science and an MBA in tourism, he currently specializes in sustainable tourism planning and policy. He is the co-author of the book, Journey through Paradise, an in-depth guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Jammu, and is the founder of the Nomadic Center for Arts and Crafts in Puga Changthang. As a naturalist and guide, Gulzar loves sharing his passion for the remote, remarkable, and delicate ecosystem of the Himalayas with fellow adventurers.","BioLong":"Recently featured in Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “50 People to Know in the Himalayas,” Gulzar Hussain has an incredible knowledge and passion for the wildlife, history, and culture of his homeland in the Himalayas. With a bachelor's degree in science and an MBA in tourism, he currently specializes in sustainable tourism planning and policy. He is the co-author of the book, Journey through Paradise, an in-depth guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Jammu, and is the founder of the Nomadic Center for Arts and Crafts in Puga Changthang. The Nomadic Center gives underprivileged, vulnerable, Nomadic children better access to health care and education, and involves them in creative arts and wildlife conservation projects. As a naturalist and guide, Gulzar loves sharing his passion for the remote, remarkable, and delicate ecosystem of the Himalayas with fellow adventurers. He enjoys photography and finds that his pictures help bring his stories to life during evenings spent around the camp fire."},{"GuideID":851229,"First_Name":"Imran","Last_Name":"Hussain","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Imran's eye for spotting wildlife is so keen that he has earned the nickname, Shan, meaning snow leopard in Ladakhi. As a documentary filmmaker, he spends the majority of his time filming wildlife in remote locations across the Himalayas—his skills for spotting snow leopards are legendary. Imran has a wide network of local informers and trained spotters across the Himalayas, and has captured some of the most intimate footage of snow leopards to date. He leads various wildlife tours in the Western Himalayas and is actively involved in wildlife conservation projects throughout the Himalayan region."},{"GuideID":851166,"First_Name":"Indrajit","Last_Name":"Latey","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Indrajit Latey has worked in the fields of wildlife management and nature tourism for the past 19 years. His interest in wildlife was ignited during his childhood years, when he spent summers in Melghat Tiger Reserve in India's northern state of Maharashtra. He later worked as a naturalist for the World Wildlife Fund in Pune, and for six years lived and worked in Kanha National Park. Whether he is guiding wildlife groups, diving in coral reefs, or skiing in the Himalayas, Indrajit is at home in all terrain. He is passionate about photography and realized a childhood dream a few years ago when he visited Africa's Masai Mara and Serengeti as leader of a group of professional photographers. In 2017, he used his conservation and wildlife knowledge on a month-long stint to explore the northeastern rainforests of India."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Carol B.","GuestLocation":"Novato, CA","GuestReview":"The trip operation was seamless for the guests. The trip leader and the assistant leader, as well as all the ground staff, made this trip easy to navigate, understand, and enjoy, making it a highly successful experience."},{"GuestNames":"Cheryl K.","GuestLocation":"San Jose, CA","GuestReview":"The opportunity to see both snow leopards and tigers on one itinerary makes this a very special trip. The Snow Leopard Conservancy visit was fantastic as we learned about their important work, and then saw it in action at the Snow Leopard Lodge and surrounding valleys. That work is critical and we were so pleased to have a portion of our fee go to that organization. And while wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, we were fortunate to have the best team possible to help boost our odds."},{"GuestNames":"Mimi G.","GuestLocation":"Durango, CO","GuestReview":"A wonderful trip! So much more than a chance to catch a photo of a snow leopard or tiger, this was the rare opportunity to really learn about these two cats, their environments, and the ongoing conservation efforts being made to save them."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10523,"Trip_Code":"TIGERIND","Trip_Name":"Central India: In the Realm of the Tiger"},{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10449,"Trip_Code":"SNOWMONK","Trip_Name":"Japan: Snow Monkeys and Winter Cranes"},{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10364,"Trip_Code":"SRILANKA","Trip_Name":"Sri Lanka"},{"TripID":10448,"SimilarTripID":10548,"Trip_Code":"WILDIND","Trip_Name":"Wildlife of Eastern India: From Red Pandas to Rhinos"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73380,"ProductID":84064,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"Encounters Asia","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Snow Leopards and Tigers of India","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":16,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73380,"ProductID":84065,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Internal Flight","Vendor":"Encounters Asia","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Internal Airfare","Day":1,"Sequence":1,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73380,"ProductID":84722,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Upgrade","Vendor":"Encounters Asia","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Snow Leopard Lodge with en-suite bathroom","Day":1,"Sequence":3,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72802,"ProductID":82630,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Andaz Delhi","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"New Delhi","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Located just a few miles from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can watch the planes come and go from this contemporary city hotel. 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","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=g1Hb9Gk2xB0\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>I also encourage you to check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=g1Hb9Gk2xB0\">trip video<\/a>, which will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead!<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 175 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>India<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"<strong>DAYPACK: <\/strong>To carry a jacket or rain gear, water bottle, camera, binoculars, and other items you may need during the day.","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"ARRIVING IN DELHI<br>\nA complimentary transfer is provided from the Delhi Airport to the Andaz Delhi, our group hotel, for all trip members, no matter what day you arrive. 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If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to your Trip Leaders and Local Agent (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground. <br><br>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<strong>\nENCOUNTERS ASIA<\/strong><br>\nAttn: Laxmikant (“LK”) Bhatt<br>\n(+91) 999-971-5992<br>\ninfo@encountersasia.com","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"<strong>ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATI ON (ETA) \/ E- VISA:<\/strong> Please remember to bring a<br>\nprinted copy of your India Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)\/e-visa as well.","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<strong>LUGGAGE\/CARRY-ON REQUIREMENTS<\/strong>: Rolling soft-sided suitcase with a small padlock have been<br>\nthe preferred choice of past travelers. Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage. <br><br>On the internal flights for this departure, each participant can bring 1 piece of checked baggage with a weight limit of 25 kg (approximately 55 lbs). Each participant can also bring 1 piece of carry-on luggage, which cannot exceed 7 kgs (approximately 15 lbs). 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They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US. <br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-25T13:25:23 --><p>We are happy to arrange additional nights in Delhi. 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In Ladakh, you'll be outdoors in cold winter weather during the day as you track snow leopards, but with proper winter boots and layers of clothing, you should be comfortable. In general, the most important requirements for this journey are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting remote and fascinating regions of India.","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T16:12:24 --><p>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.<\/p>","Custom_Weather":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>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. <\/body>","Custom_Accommodations":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T16:12:11 --><p>Our lodge, in Ulley is simple but it is comfortable and heated (and a fantastic alternative to camping). Our rooms are simple rooms with beds, sheets, and blankets. Some rooms do not have power outlets, but every room has a light. There is no running water at the lodge as pipes will freeze in the winter. Bathroom facilities have a toilet and bucket bath (hot water will be provided if you wish to bathe). Please be prepared for limited bathing.<\/p>","Custom_Cuisine":"","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T16:12:43 --><p>A Special Note on Travel to Ladakh<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T16:12:52 --><p>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.<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the "Dates & Prices" tab on our Pilgrim's Way webpage:<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>At time of reservation: $600<br>150 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><p><em>*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 175 days prior to departure: No charge!<br \/>91-174 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br \/>90 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}