On the Trail of the Gray Ghost of the Himalayas
Searching for Snow Leopards in India
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
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.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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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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
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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.
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- 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.