India Snow Leopard Tour

Few journeys in life can truly be described as “epic.” A quest to see a Snow Leopard in its natural realm is one such expedition. Exceedingly scarce, exquisitely beautiful, the “Grey Ghost of the Himalayas” is also the most elusive of the big cats. To see one requires exploring some of the most remote, rugged, and scenically magnificent terrain on Earth in the depths of the Himalayan winter. It is at this time that this apex predator follows its hardy prey of wild sheep and ibex off the inhospitable, inaccessible peaks and into the range of our spotting scopes, binoculars, and camera lenses. Join our India Snow Leopard tour for what only a handful of wildlife enthusiasts have ever experienced, a pilgrimage to wildlife-watching’s “Holy Grail.” Epic, indeed!

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Days 5 – 9
• Day 10
• Day 11

• Wednesday, February 17: Arrive Delhi, India

  Arrive in Delhi, a vibrant cultural melting pot and cacophonous capital city. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner and briefing at your hotel. Overnight at the Andaz Delhi Hotel.

• Thursday, February 18: Delhi / Leh

  Rise early and transfer to the airport for a dramatic flight north over the snowy Himalayas to the former kingdom of Ladakh. The capital city of Leh, once a stop on the Silk Road, is often called Little Tibet or the Land of Lamas, due to the influence of Tibetan Buddhism here. The barren, rugged terrain is enlivened by brightly painted gompas, fluttering prayer flags, and the ancient and mighty Indus River, from which the very country got its name. There is much to explore here, but today is set aside for rest. At 11,500 feet high, Leh requires a couple days’ acclimatization before it can be fully enjoyed. Dinner and overnight at The Grand Dragon Ladakh Hotel.

• Friday, February 19: Leh

  Acclimatizing to the altitude is a key requirement to enjoying the search for the Snow Leopard. If you’re up for small walks, you may choose to visit Leh’s main monastery, Sankar Gompa, or the white-spired Shanti Stupa, built by Japanese monks in the 1980s to promote world peace. If you feel ready, join the group for a sunset visit of Leh Palace. Built in the same style as the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, this nine-story edifice has been Leh’s dominant structure since it was built in the 17^th century by the Ladakhi royal family. It has been essentially unoccupied since the royals were stripped of power in 1846, but commands a stunning view over the Indus Valley to the Ladakh Range beyond. Dinner and overnight at The Grand Dragon Ladakh Hotel.

• Saturday, February 20: Leh / Ladakh Range

  After breakfast, set off on a journey deep into the Ladakh Range, beyond medieval monasteries and past ancient shepherding hamlets. The iconic landscapes around you feature unique, often reddish, mountainous terrain. This is prime Snow Leopard country, and the expedition crew will be scanning the hillsides for silhouettes. It is also excellent for Himalayan Ibex, and with luck, you may spot one of these handsome Himalayan Mountain goats standing vigil on one of the impossibly narrow outcroppings overhead. At 12,000 feet above sea level, in the heart of 25,000 hectares of prime habitat, and supported by an elite team of specialists, The LUNGMĀR Camp is your base for the next 6 nights. The Sumdo Sarai serves as a central dining and lounge space where meals are served. This stunning stone and wood building is the elegant heart of camp with sweeping south-facing views of the mountains and a gorgeous traditional skylight. Dinner and overnight at The LUNGMĀR Camp in Predator Suites.

• Sunday – Thursday, February 21 – 25: Ladakh Range

  Snow Leopards have a reputation as the most elusive big cat on Earth due to a combination of their exquisite camouflage and their remote and often rugged habitat. Until recently, seeing a Snow Leopard meant a full-scale camping expedition, often involving arduous trekking and long hours in subzero temperatures. The beauty of The LUNGMĀR Camp is its unique combination of a base camp with creature comforts deep in prime Snow Leopard habitat. Our visit is timed for the prime season of the year when the Ibex have been pushed from the peaks by the deep snow, followed closely by the Snow Leopards. Five full days will be dedicated to tracking these Grey Ghosts, as well as the other wildlife that frequents the area. Meet for breakfast each morning to discuss the day’s plan with your naturalist team. Search for wildlife in vehicles and on foot, during short walks to vantage points or possible sighting areas. Return to the lodge for a warm lunch, then head back out until dusk. Enjoy evening talks on the work being done by the community to conserve their natural heritage. Dinners and overnights at The LUNGMĀR Camp.

• Friday, February 26: Ladakh Range / Leh / Delhi

  Early this morning, bid farewell to The LUNGMĀR Camp and depart for the scenic drive back to Leh airport for a flight to Delhi. Depending on flight times, which are subject to weather delays, explore Delhi. Old Delhi is a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses, bustling markets, and colorful shops. A rickshaw ride is a great way to experience the sights, sounds, and aromas of one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia. In stark contrast, New Delhi offers wide boulevards, formal parks, and architectural landmarks. Dinner and overnight at the Andaz Delhi Hotel.

• Saturday, February 27: Delhi / Depart

  Transfer to Delhi airport very early this morning for your international flights home.