Snow Leopard Tour
Snow Leopard Expedition Ladakh Wilderness Tour
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 over 15 years by Asian Adventures, pioneers of this expedition, 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 give you an opportunity 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 learn about their customs and traditions.
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
After an early breakfast, board your spectacular mountain flight from Delhi to Leh, offering breathtaking views of the Greater Himalayas. Considered one of the most scenic flights in the world, on a clear day, you may catch sight of the distant peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, and Gasherbrum on one side, while the imposing Nun Kun massif looms so close on the other side that it feels almost within reach.
Upon arrival in Leh, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is dedicated to acclimatization—rest, stay hydrated, and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude, preparing for the exciting wildlife and cultural explorations in the days ahead.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Start your day with a refreshing morning birding excursion around Leh, discovering the region’s unique high-altitude avifauna. Your expert naturalist will provide fascinating insights into the ecological adaptations of Trans-Himalayan birds and mammals, helping you appreciate the extraordinary biodiversity of this rugged landscape.
Return to your hotel by the afternoon to continue acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust comfortably to the high altitude. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the serene mountain surroundings and preparing for the wildlife adventures ahead.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Expected key species: Chukar Partridge, Eurasian Magpie, Golden Eagle, Northern Raven, Eurasian Jackdaw.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Zingchan, the gateway to the iconic Rumbak Valley—renowned as prime habitat for the elusive Snow Leopard. After breakfast, drive toward the rugged terrain of Zingchan, a small settlement marking the entrance to the legendary Rumbak Valley. En route, continue scanning for species.
On reaching Zingchan, settle into your fully serviced wilderness camp set amidst raw Himalayan peaks. After lunch, enjoy a slow acclimatization walk around the valley floor, where some bird species may be encountered. Your expedition team will also discuss Snow Leopard behavior, territorial movements, and tracking techniques used during the coming days. Overnight in camp.
Expected key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Robin Accentor.
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.
Afternoons are spent back at camp, enjoying hot meals, rest, and discussions about wildlife sightings. Evenings in Rumbak are truly magical—the crisp mountain air, clear skies, and starlit Himalayan peaks create an unforgettable setting.
Overnight stay in camp.
Expected key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After a final early-morning attempt at Snow Leopard sightings, trek gently down to Zingchan. From here, embark on a long, scenic drive across some of Ladakh’s most remote landscapes toward 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 some species may be encountered in this stark yet stunning terrain. Overnight stay in a comfortable traditional homestay, offering an authentic Ladakhi experience.
Hanle, located near the Changthang Plateau, is among the best regions in the world for photographing the extremely elusive Pallas’s Cat.
Expected key species: Kiang, Chukar Partridge, Northern Raven, Eurasian Magpie, Red-billed Chough, White-rumped Snowfinch, Horned Lark
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This full day is dedicated to exploring Hanle’s vast grasslands, stony ravines, and rolling plateaus—prime terrain for the Pallas’s Cat. Your naturalist team will take you to areas where the species has been sighted in previous seasons, often during the soft morning or late-afternoon light.
The region is also home to a remarkable array of mammals, including the Tibetan Wolf, the Tibetan Fox, the Himalayan Weasel, and large herds of Kiang.
With its raw beauty, sweeping horizons, and big-sky scenery, Hanle offers unmatched photographic and wildlife experiences.
Overnight in Hanle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin the day with a final early-morning wildlife session, focusing on spotting the elusive Pallas’s Cat or any other species you may have missed over the past days. This last excursion offers one more chance to observe the unique high-altitude wildlife of the Rumbak Valley in the soft morning light, with dramatic Himalayan scenery as your backdrop.
After the morning adventure, embark on a scenic drive back to Leh, traversing high mountain passes, sparkling salt lakes, winding valleys, and open grasslands, where wildlife sightings may continue along the way. Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes, from rugged cliffs to serene meadows, capturing the essence of this remote and stunning region.
Arrive in Leh by evening and check into your hotel for a hot shower, a hearty meal, and some well-deserved rest. Spend your final night in the mountains at leisure, reflecting on the extraordinary wildlife encounters, awe-inspiring landscapes, and unforgettable experiences of your high-altitude journey.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Meals: Breakfast in Leh, (Lunch & Dinner on own)
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or Similar
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh Airport for your onward flight to Delhi. Your unforgettable expedition concludes with lasting memories of high-altitude wildlife, dramatic Trans-Himalayan landscapes, and encounters with two of the world’s most elusive and sought-after species—the Snow Leopard and the Pallas’s Cat.
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel or your designated drop-off point, marking the end of this extraordinary journey.
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 in the lodges and fully serviced and hotels camps Three meals a day (Except Delhi where hotel will be booked on bed and breakfast basis)
- Snow Leopard tracking and wildlife viewing with trained guides Permits and entry fee
- All surface transfers by a private vehicle Domestic flight from Delhi-Leh-Delhi (Economy Class) | GST (Indian Government Tax)
