Snow Leopard Exploration
Twelve nights in the Trans-Himalaya, with five nights in the Ulley Valley tracking one of the world’s most elusive predators alongside expert local trackers.
A summer expedition through Ladakh’s high valleys, combining wildlife tracking with monasteries, mountain communities and some of the most dramatic landscape in India.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
12
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
The Ghost of the Himalaya
High-Altitude Wilderness in Ladakh
Hidden in the remote Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, this summer wildlife journey offers an immersive exploration of one of the world’s most spectacular high-altitude landscapes.
Unlike winter expeditions focused primarily on snow leopard tracking, the summer season reveals Ladakh in its vibrant form: valleys dotted with wildflowers, active wildlife and dramatic mountain scenery. Raptors soar above rugged ridgelines and Himalayan mammals roam the valleys with their young. While the elusive Snow Leopard still inhabits these mountains, summer also offers Himalayan Ibex, Ladakhi Urial, Himalayan Fox, wolves and numerous bird species.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Five nights in prime snow leopard territory, with scanning sessions, spotting scopes and trackers who know every ridgeline.
Tracking in the Ulley Valley
Ulley Valley is among the world’s premier destinations for observing the Snow Leopard, the Ghost of the Himalaya.
High-Altitude Mammals
Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Ladakh Urial, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf and Mountain Weasel.
Raptors Over the Ridgelines
Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon and Snow Partridge above the high valleys.
Lynx Country at Wari La
Wari La, a high pass whose slopes are home to the elusive Eurasian Lynx and Woolly Hare.
Ladakh's Monasteries
Thiksey Monastery, plus Alchi Monastery, with its eleventh-century murals, and Rizong Monastery.
The Indus and Zanskar Confluence
Nimmu, where two rivers of visibly different colours meet, en route to Likir Monastery and snow leopard territory.
Your Journey
Delhi, Leh and the Ulley Valley
From the capital to 11,400 feet, then west along the Indus into the narrow valleys where the snow leopard hunts.
Delhi
Stop 1
Leh
Stop 2
Ulley Valley
Stop 3
Sample Itinerary
Your Snow Leopard Exploration Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Days 1-2 : Arrive in Delhi
Days 1–2
Old and New Delhi
A warm airport reception with fresh floral garlands. A full day covering Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid, then a Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and the aromatic spice market, with a photo stop at the Red Fort.
Day 03 : Delhi - Leh
Day 3
Arrival at Altitude
The flight for Leh, historic heart of Central Ladakh at 11,400 feet and once a trading post on the Silk Road. The rest of the day is deliberately kept free for acclimatisation, which matters more here than anywhere else on the journey.
Day 04 : Indus Valley and Monastery Visit
Day 4
Towards Taglang La
A drive towards Taglang La Pass through the villages of Gya, Lhato and Meru. Watch for Blue Sheep on the slopes, Golden Eagles and Bearded Vultures (Lammergeiers) overhead, Red-billed Choughs in synchronised flight, and Tibetan Partridge and Chukor Partridge in the fields. Then Thiksey Monastery.
Day 05 : Wari La Pass and Lynx Habitat
Days 5
Scanning the High Slopes
North to the high pass of Wari La, rugged country that is home to the Eurasian Lynx and Woolly Hare along with raptors and small mammals. If time allows, Shanti Stupa for sunset over Leh, Leh Palace and the Zanskar range.
Days 06 - 10 : Leh - Ulley Valley
Days 6-10
Snow Leopard Territory
West along the Indus past Nimmu and Likir Monastery into Ulley Valley. Five nights of early departures with expert trackers, scanning sessions from vantage points, short hikes and long periods of observation through spotting scopes, searching for Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep and Tibetan Wolf.
Days 11 - 13 : Ulley Valley - Leh - Delhi
Days 11-13
Return and Departure
Drive back to Leh for a free afternoon in the market and handicraft shops, then fly to Delhi for a final night before your onward flight.
Days 11 - 12 : Udaipur, City of Lakes
Days 11–12
Udaipur, City of Lakes
Conclude your journey amid Udaipur’s palaces, lakes and gardens, with the option of a private Lake Pichola cruise at sunset.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 12 nights accommodation, including five nights at a mountain lodge in Ulley Valley
- All meals served at the lodge during the Ulley Valley stay
- Daily wildlife tracking excursions with expert naturalists and local trackers
- Use of spotting scopes and binoculars during scanning sessions
- Guided monastery visits at Thiksey, and optionally Alchi, Rizong and Mangyu
- Complete transport in vehicle with driver throughout
- Delhi to Leh and Leh to Delhi flights, plus a full Delhi sightseeing day
Tailor Your Holiday
- Travel November to March for peak snow leopard tracking conditions
- Add nights at Ulley for a better chance of a sighting
- Add the Alchi, Rizong and Mangyu monastery circuit
- Arrange a photography-focused programme with your naturalist
- Extend to the Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso
- Combine with the Red Panda expedition in the Eastern Himalayas
- Adjust the number of acclimatisation days in Leh
Plan Your Journey
Travel Ladakh Your Way
Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.
What we will need from you
Based on two adults sharing
- Your preferred travel dates, or the month you have in mind
- How many are travelling, and whether you need single rooms
- Your preferred level of lodge, from comfortable to premium
- How many safaris you would like at each reserve
- Anything you particularly hope to see, so we can advise on timing
Luxury Rajasthan
Based on two adults sharing
- Luxury 5★ hotels throughout
- Palace & heritage hotel options
- Daily breakfast
- Private chauffeur & premium vehicle
- Private airport transfers
- Expert private local guides
- Enhanced touring & experiences
Rajasthan Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- Iconic palace & heritage properties
- Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles & more
- Suite & premium room options
- Private chauffeur throughout
- Bespoke private touring
- Exclusive dining & cultural experiences
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Everything here can be shaped around what you want to see and how hard you want to work for it.
Extra Nights at Ulley
The single best way to improve your chances. Sightings reward time more than anything else.
The Monastery Circuit
Alchi Monastery, Rizong Monastery, and Mangyu Village & Temple Complex, subject to wildlife movement.
Winter Departure
Travel November to March, when snowfall brings wildlife down to lower elevations.
Extend to Nubra or Pangong
Add the sand dunes of Nubra or the high lake at Pangong Tso to your Ladakh time.
Travel With Confidence
Why Book With India Vacations?
Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.
India Specialists
Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.
ATOL Protection
Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.
Tailor-Made Travel
Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.
Personal Assistance
Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.
Your Ladakh Story Starts Here
Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India
Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.
All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.