Snow Leopard Expedition Tour in Ulley, Leh
11 Nights / 12 Days
Trip Highlights & Overview
Snow Leopard Expedition Tour in Ulley, Leh
Discover the mystical allure of the snow leopard in the heart of the Indian Himalayas with our exclusive group tour to Ulley, Ladakh. This meticulously planned 200-word adventure offers wildlife enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to spot these elusive creatures in their natural environment. Ulley, renowned for its remote beauty and high density of snow leopards, provides the perfect backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
Our journey begins in Leh, where we acclimatize to the high altitude, before venturing into the rugged terrains of Ulley. Alongside experienced local guides, our group will embark on daily excursions tailored to maximize the chances of snow leopard sightings. These majestic animals, adept at camouflage, require patience and keen eyes to spot, making each sighting a rewarding experience.
In addition to snow leopards, Ulley is a sanctuary for other Himalayan wildlife, including ibex, Tibetan wolves, and red foxes, set against the dramatic landscapes of the Himalayas. Our tours are designed to be small and eco-friendly, ensuring minimal impact on the environment and wildlife.
This tour isn’t just about wildlife spotting; it’s an immersive experience into the culture of Ladakh. You’ll have the chance to visit local villages, interact with the indigenous people, and learn about their life in one of the most inhospitable regions on Earth. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in search of the ghost of the mountains, where every turn offers a new surprise and the beauty of nature is overwhelming.
- Outline Itinerary
- Day 01 : Arrive New Delhi
- Day 02 : New Delhi – Leh (Flight)
- Day 03 : Leh
- Day 04 : Leh – Snow Leopard Lodge (75 kms, 2-hour drive)
- Day 05: Snow Leopard Lodge
- Day 06 & 07: Snow Leopard Lodge
- Day 08 & 09: Snow Leopard Lodge
- Day 10: Snow Leopard Lodge – Leh (75 kms, 2-hour drive)
- Day 11: Leh to Delhi
- Day 12: New Delhi – Fly home
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Detailed Itinerary
Snow Leopard Expedition Tour in Ulley, Leh
Day 01 : New Delhi Arrival
Day 02 : New Delhi – Leh (Flight)
After early breakfast transfer to the airport to board a flight to Leh. Leh airport is a military airport and taking pictures is not allowed. On arrival transfer to the hotel which is only half an hour from the airport. When you fly to Leh from Delhi there is more than 3000m altitude jump in a short period of time, so acclimatization is the most important factor for all flying in this region.
The first day in Ladakh is kept for the acclimatization to the low oxygen level. To better acclimate, consider these guidelines:
- Refrain from climbing stairs or engaging in strenuous activities.
- Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water, hot water is recommended.
- Avoid taking showers on the first day.
- Try not to nap during the day to prevent difficulties sleeping at night.
- Rest is crucial; however, walking at a leisurely pace is acceptable.
- Should you experience nausea or vomiting, promptly inform the front office.
- Report any discomfort or unusual symptoms you encounter.
Following these steps can help ease your acclimatization process.
Overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 03 : Leh
This day in Leh promises to be a day of cultural immersion and natural exploration, aiding further in your acclimatization process. Given Leh’s altitude, spending an additional day here prepares you for the even higher elevations you’ll encounter next.
Your day begins with a visit to the Thiksey Monastery, the largest monastery in Leh. This architectural marvel, resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, offers a serene and spiritually enriching experience.
As you wander through its halls and courtyards, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhist culture, art, and history.
Following the monastery visit, you’ll engage in your first nature activity in Leh—a visit to the banks of the Indus River. This tranquil setting is a haven for birdwatchers, where you might spot the elusive Ibisbill among other native birds. The time spent by the river not only connects you with the unique avian life of the region but also offers moments of peaceful reflection amidst the natural beauty of Leh.
After a fulfilling day of exploration and discovery, you’ll return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to rest and rejuvenate or to take a leisurely stroll through the nearby market. The market visit provides a glimpse into the local lifestyle, offering an assortment of handcrafted souvenirs, traditional Ladakhi clothing, and an array of local foods to try. This blend of cultural and natural experiences ensures your stay in Leh is memorable and sets a contemplative tone for the adventures that lie ahead.
Day 04 : Leh – Snow Leopard Lodge (75 kms, 2-hour drive)
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, prepare yourself for an exciting transfer to Ulley, a small village with only six houses is renowned for being one of the best places to observe snow leopards and other high-altitude wildlife. The journey from your hotel to Ulley spans approximately two and a half hours. As you leave the outskirts of Leh behind, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the Trans-Himalaya. Shortly after joining National Highway 1, you’ll arrive at a remarkable spot known as Sangam, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. This provides a splendid photography opportunity, capturing the moment where these two mighty rivers merge.
Continuing your journey towards Ulley, you’ll pass through several Ladakhi villages and military bases, immersing yourself in the region’s unique culture and landscape. Should our team receive news of a snow leopard sighting en-route, they’ll divert to the location, where your lunch will also be served, if not then you will continue the journey to the lodge. The route to Ulley navigates through the twists and inclines of the high Himalayas, leading you to your lodge, where a warm welcome awaits with tea and coffee.
Once you’ve settled in and enjoyed your lunch, the adventure continues with a visit to nearby areas known for frequent sightings of the elusive snow leopard. Every morning, dedicated trackers venture out in search of this magnificent creature, sharing any sightings or signs with one another to ensure the best chances of witnessing a snow leopard in its natural habitat.
After a day filled with exploration and the thrill of the hunt for the snow leopard, return to the lodge for the evening. Here, you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures over dinner before retiring to your room for a well-deserved rest, ready for whatever the next day holds on this extraordinary journey through the Himalayas.
Day 05 : Snow Leopard Lodge
Wake up early, bundle up in your winter clothes, and step outside. You’ll find the lodge’s trackers scanning the mountain slope. Join them, and you might spot an ibex, a red fox, or, if you’re lucky, catch your first glimpse of a snow leopard right outside the lodge. Several of our guests have spotted snow leopards here in the past. If not, get ready to venture out after breakfast in search of them. If the team receives information about a snow leopard or another interesting sighting, they will head directly to the location. It may be close to the road, or you might need to walk or even hike to get there.
Be prepared for some trekking. Once you reach the spot, you can observe them through a spotting scope or, if they’re close enough, with your naked eyes or binoculars. Bringing a mobile holder for the spotting scope will enable you to take clear pictures of the snow leopard with your phone.
Return to your lodge in the evening, and after dinner, share the day’s sightings with others before heading to bed.
Day 06 & 07 : Snow Leopard Lodge
Another day brings the same excitement. On this tour, nothing is pre-planned; everything unfolds based on sightings of the snow leopard. In the morning, get ready to join the team as the trackers scan the surrounding gigantic cliffs and mountains for any movement. Spotting an animal in these mountains is challenging due to their excellent camouflage with the surroundings. Only through careful observation with eyes accustomed to the environment can one hope to spot them.
After breakfast, you will be taken on a drive in search of snow leopards, the Tibetan wolf, and other wildlife. During your quest for the snow leopard, you might encounter some interesting birds of the Trans-Himalayan region. These include the Golden Eagle, a major bird of prey known to hunt animals as large as a fox or the young of Himalayan ungulates; the Lammergeier or Bearded Vulture, which is the largest vulture species with a wingspan of 2.31 to 2.83 meters.
Day 08 & 09 : Snow Leopard Lodge
Nearby, the villages of Saspoche and Hemis Shukpachen are also destinations where spotters go in search of the snow leopard. These two villages are hotspots for both snow leopards and wolves. Situated between these villages is a small pack of 5-8 wolves that have made this area their home range. While trekking in search of the snow leopard, other animals you may encounter roaming the Trans-Himalayan cliffs include the Ladakh Urial and Asiatic Ibex.
All Meals and overnight at the lodge.
Day 10 : Snow Leopard Lodge - Leh (75 kms, 2-hour drive)
In the morning, depending on the weather conditions, start preparing for your transfer to Leh.
Today is your last chance to spot the elusive snow leopard on this tour, so you’ll definitely not want to miss this opportunity. Start early, get ready, and join the search team to scan the surrounding area. If something interesting is spotted, transfer to the Leh can be delayed, but in any case, you must leave the lodge before it gets dark. On the way back, we’ll also check the places where chances of spotting wildlife are good.
Once you reach Leh, take some rest, and if time permits, take a stroll through the market. You might like to do some shopping here to carry back souvenirs.
Meals and overnight at the hotel in Leh.
Day 11 : Leh – New Delhi (flight)
Day 12 : New Delhi – Fly home
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation in New Delhi on a bed and breakfast basis
- Accommodation in Leh on Bed, breakfast and dinner
- Accommodation in Ulley on room and all meal basis
- Wildlife entry fee for Ulley
- Assistance at airport and hotels
- All group land transfers in air-conditioned in 09-seater Tempo traveler & individual airport transfers in a Toyota Innova Crysta
- All currently applicable taxes
Trip Exclusions
- Still / video camera fee in the monuments and national parks. As on date, there is no camera fee in either of the parks in the program.
- Expenses of personal nature like smokes, liquor, laundry, and telephone calls
- International airfare and domestic
- Travel insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Please note that any changes in entrance fees or government taxes will be payable extra and the same will be advised to you if applicable.
Extend your stay
Extend your stay in India by choosing any one of the tours below. It could be a mix of wildlife and culture or focused on special interest activities such as food tours in Old Delhi, cycling through the historic remnants of the capital city or even beach holidays toward the end of the tour.
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Snow Leopard Expedition Tour in Ulley, Leh
