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Snow Leopard Expedition, January 23 - February 3 2027 Group Trip

Escorted by: local knowledgeable guides

The Quest for the Gray Ghost: Ladakh.

Join us on a rare winter journey into the stark, beautiful mountains of northern India. Operating out of the world-renowned Snow Leopard Lodge in central Ladakh, our group will dive into an immersive, community-backed conservation landscape. Side by side with the region's top indigenous naturalists, we will explore towering cliffs and hidden valleys to witness the magnificent snow leopard in its natural domain. Exceptional tracking expertise, striking Buddhist heritage, and a warm hearth await us in the high valleys of Ulley.

Overview

Day	Activities
Day 1	Transfer departs Delhi Airport Transfer arrives Hotel Check In at Andaz Delhi
Day 2	Check Out from Andaz Delhi Flight TBD departs Delhi Airport Flight TBD arrives Leh Airport Check In at The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Day 3	Snow Leopard Day At Leisure
Day 4	Check Out from The Grand Dragon Ladakh Transfer departs Let Transfer arrives Ulley Check In at Snow Leopard Lodge - Ulley
Day 5 - 9	Day Excursions
Day 10	Check Out from Snow Leopard Lodge - Ulley Transfer departs Ulley Transfer arrives Leh Check In at The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Day 11	Check Out from The Grand Dragon Ladakh Transfer to Leh Airport Flight TBD departs Leh Airport Flight TBD arrives Delhi Airport Check In at Andaz Delhi
Day 12	Check Out from Andaz Delhi Transfer to Delhi Airport

Itinerary

Day 1:

Transfer from Delhi Airport to Hotel.

Check in at Andaz Delhi.

Day 2:

Check out from Andaz Delhi.
Transfer from Hotel to Delhi Airport.
Flight from Delhi Airport to Leh Airport.
Transfer from Leh Airport to Hotel.

Welcome to Leh.

Area Overview
Leh is situated in a very scenic part of India as it is bounded by 2 of the world's biggest mountain ranges which are home to numerous monasteries. We will visit a few palaces and monasteries that will also be helpful for the visitors to get acclimatized with high altitude gradually before we start our snow leopard safari that involves a good amount of strenuous trekking in Husing valley in search of Snow Leopard.

Check in at The Grand Dragon Ladakh.

Day 2 - 3:

Snow Leopard Day At Leisure.

Activity overview
Take the day to rest and allow your body to properly acclimatize. It's crucial to move at a slower pace, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water or tea, and avoid putting unnecessary stress on your body. This will help ensure you're in good condition when we begin exploring the Himalayas.

Day 4:

Check out from The Grand Dragon Ladakh.
Transfer from Let to Ulley.

Welcome to Ulley.

Area Overview
Tucked high in the western reaches of Ladakh's Sham Valley, Ulley is a tranquil mountain hamlet renowned for its dramatic landscapes and thriving population of snow leopards. Perched at an altitude of around 4,000 metres, it sits above the Indus River, framed by rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and snow-dusted peaks. The village, with just a handful of traditional homes scattered across terraced slopes, offers a glimpse into authentic Ladakhi life--simple, self-sustained, and closely attuned to the rhythms of nature.

Ulley has quietly emerged as one of Ladakh's best locations for snow leopard tracking, offering an alternative to the busier Hemis National Park. Here, wildlife enthusiasts venture out with expert spotters to scan the slopes for the elusive "Ghost of the Mountains," alongside other high-altitude species like Himalayan ibex, urial, and red fox.

Check in at Snow Leopard Lodge - Ulley.

Day 5 - 9:

Day Excursions.

Activity overview
Tucked deep within the mountains of western Ladakh, Snow Leopard Lodge in Ulley offers one of the most immersive wildlife and cultural experiences in the Himalayas. Days here unfold at a gentle, mindful pace-rooted in the rhythm of the mountains and the watchful search for the elusive snow leopard.

Mornings begin early, with tea and a sweeping view of sunlit ridgelines as expert trackers scan the slopes for signs of wildlife. Accompanied by naturalists and local spotters, guests venture out on daily excursions across the valleys of Ulley, Saspoche, and Hemis Shukpachan, following fresh pugmarks, listening for the calls of blue sheep, and learning to read the landscape the way Ladakhi herders do. Each outing brings its own reward-whether spotting a herd of ibex silhouetted against a ridge or catching a rare glimpse of the snow leopard itself, perfectly camouflaged among the rocks.

Afternoons often invite a slower tempo. Guests return to the lodge for a warm Ladakhi meal and time to share stories with the hosts-members of the village who have transformed their home into one of Ladakh's first community-based wildlife lodges. Later, short hikes to nearby ridgelines or monasteries offer a chance to stretch your legs and take in the grandeur of the Trans-Himalaya at golden hour. Evenings settle into a cozy, communal atmosphere as temperatures drop outside. The living room glows with the warmth of a bukhari stove; over butter tea and thukpa, guests and guides recount the day's sightings, compare photographs, and learn about local conservation initiatives that have helped protect both predator and prey.

Day 10:

Check out from Snow Leopard Lodge - Ulley.
Transfer from Ulley to Leh.
Check in at The Grand Dragon Ladakh.

Day 11:

Check out from The Grand Dragon Ladakh.
Transfer from Hotel to Leh Airport.
Transfer from Hotel to Leh Airport.
Check in at Andaz Delhi.

Day 12:

Check out from Andaz Delhi.
Transfer from Hotel to Delhi Airport.

Itinerary in details

COST:

Total per person based on 2 guests in shared accommodation: $7,900
Single Price for this trip - $10,500

Airfare Supplement
$470/- per person
For sectors Delhi –Leh– Delhi in economy class (Baggage allowance 20 kg per person per sector)

Notes:
Wildlife viewing: Please note that seeing a snow leopard is not in any way guaranteed. In fact, it must be regarded as a great privilege to even catch a glimpse of one, such is the elusiveness of these creatures. They are wild and by necessity elusive creatures with no fixed routine and finding them requires not only the skill and patience of the trackers/guides but also considerable luck!

This cost includes:

• Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis at hotels mentioned above.
• All meals included.
• All transfers as per the itinerary.
• National Park / monuments / monastery fee.
• Ladakh Environment entry fee (subject to change).
• Ladakh hill counsel fees.
• Trackers are equipped with scopes.
• National parks entry fee, activities and all trekking excursions with your expert naturalist guides and wildlife experts, local guide.
• Accompanying Tour Leader from Leh to Leh.
• General Tipping (for drivers, helpers, bell boys at hotels/lodges, Trackers, local guides, airport representatives etc.) expect Indian Tour Leader
• Meeting / assistance on arrival/departure at both airports & hotels.
• Government service tax

This cost does not include:

• Tipping’s for Indian Tour Leader.
• Any insurance fee.
• Any meal other than what is specified above or anything not mentioned in inclusion above.
• Any expenditure of personal nature like alcoholic drinks, camera fee.
• Any sudden increase in price due to steep hike in park Entry Fee, steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason beyond our control like acts of god, natural calamity, law and order situation, riots etc and any forced change in itinerary for any unforeseen situation or reason beyond our control.

 

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