Delhi, Leh, Rumbak Valley, Hanle, Leh, Delhi
Snow Leopards of Ladakh - 8 Tours For Rare Birds and Animals
Overview
Snow Leopard Tour Price
$3300
$2750
Only 2 Seats Available
Among the rugged mountain landscapes of Ladakh, lives possibly the most elusive of the big cats: the Snow Leopard. This tour has been specially designed and tweaked to give you the optimum chance of spotting one of these beautiful creatures. While most only get to see pugmarks of this almost-mythical animal, our trained guides and local trackers almost always ensure a glimpse of this magnificent predator in its natural habitat, as well as allow you to enjoy the other unique wildlife that this high-altitude habitat has to offer. The locals of the area are our support system, and one gets enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learns about their customs and traditions.
Key species
Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Tibetan Snowfinch, Red-fronted Serin, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, White-throated Dipper, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Chukar Partridge, Alpine Chough, Eurasian Jackdaw, Ibisbill, Jack Snipe, Common Merganser, Horned Lark
Meals: On own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or Similar
Arrive in Delhi in the evening or late at night, where our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport. After a smooth meet-and-greet, you will be assisted with your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Settle in and relax after your journey.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, Lunch and Dinner in Leh
Take a morning flight from Delhi to Leh—one of the most spectacular air journeys in the world. On a clear day, this flight offers incredible views of some of the highest peaks on the planet, including K2, Nanga Parbat, and Gasherbrum, along with the dramatic Nun Kun massif on the other side.
Upon arrival in Leh, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is intentionally kept free for complete rest and acclimatization to Leh’s high altitude of over 11,000 feet. Relax, hydrate well, and let your body adjust to the thin mountain air.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Begin your day with a refreshing morning birding excursion around Leh, exploring the region’s unique high-altitude avifauna and enjoying the serene Himalayan landscapes.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Thiksey Gompa, one of Ladakh’s most important and visually striking monasteries. Perched on a hilltop, this large complex resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa and offers a deep insight into Ladakhi Buddhist culture, along with stunning panoramic views of the Indus Valley.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Rumbak Valley, the gateway to the iconic Hemis National Park—renowned as prime habitat for the elusive Snow Leopard. The journey offers stunning Himalayan vistas, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to meet local villagers and gain meaningful insights into their traditional lifestyle and culture.
Upon reaching Rumbak Valley, settle into your fully serviced tented camp and enjoy the tranquility of this remote mountain landscape. Overnight stay in camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Spend the next five days exploring the breathtaking Rumbak Valley on foot, accompanied by your expert naturalist guide. Each day begins early, with skilled spotters positioned along ridgelines, scanning cliffs, rocky outcrops, and high slopes for any sign of movement. With patience and careful tracking, you will search for the elusive Snow Leopard, as well as other iconic high-altitude species such as Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Griffon Vultures.
Your team will provide high-quality scopes for long-distance spotting, allowing for comfortable and safe wildlife observation with minimal disturbance. Bird enthusiasts will also be rewarded with opportunities to spot specialized mountain species unique to this rugged terrain.
These days also offer a rich cultural experience, allowing you to learn about Ladakhi folklore, traditions, and customs through meaningful interactions with the warm and welcoming local community. Each night, return to your fully serviced tented camp for a comfortable and peaceful stay amidst the mountains.
Overnight stay in camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
In the morning, take in the last views of the dramatic Rumbak landscape. From here, continue your journey by road to Hanle, a remote high-altitude region renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and rare wildlife.
In the evening, enjoy a birding and wildlife excursion around Hanle, where species such as the Tibetan Sandgrouse, Black-necked Crane, and Tibetan Wolf may be encountered in this stark yet stunning terrain.
Overnight stay in a comfortable traditional homestay, offering an authentic Ladakhi experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a full day exploring the vast and remote landscapes of Hanle. Your guide will lead you through prime habitats in search of key trans-Himalayan species, including rare birds and elusive mammals that thrive in this high-altitude environment. With its sweeping plains, rugged hills, and pristine skies, Hanle offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Overnight stay in a comfortable homestay.
Meals: Breakfast in Leh, (Lunch & Dinner on own)
Accommodation: None
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh Airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Your tour concludes upon arrival in Delhi, carrying unforgettable memories of the high-altitude landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences of Ladakh.
Tour Ends.
Meals: Breakfast in Leh, (Lunch & Dinner on own)
Accommodation: None
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh Airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Your tour concludes upon arrival in Delhi, carrying unforgettable memories of the high-altitude landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences of Ladakh.
Tour Ends.
Highlights
- One of the very few tours offering a realistic chance to spot the elusive Snow Leopard.
- Explore the ancient kingdom of Ladakh, with its stunning Buddhist monasteries, mud palaces, and traditional villages.
- Discover the unique flora and fauna of the Trans-Himalayan region, including over 25 species of mammals and 200+ species of birds.
- Experience spectacular mountain flights to and from Leh, with breathtaking views of the Greater Himalayas.
- Immerse yourself in traditional Ladakhi culture and warm hospitality.
- Once-in-a-lifetime experiences amid some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
- Flexible itinerary: open to customisation to suit your interests and pace.
- Perfect for mammal watchers, birders, and wildlife photographers.
Included
- Accommodation on twin/single sharing basis in hotels, camps, and homestays All meals from Day 02 breakfast until Day 13 breakfast
- Snow Leopard tracking and wildlife viewing with experienced naturalist guide All required permits and park entry fees | All surface transfers by private vehicle
