Snow leopard safari in the Himalayas
A Ladakh saying goes, "A snowleopard is as beautiful as ten women, as strong as ten men, and as wise as ten astronomers." After this trip, you can attest to that! This expedition trip is largely dedicated to the very rare snow leopard, an elusive predator that lives under harsh conditions among the highest peaks of the Himalayas, the inhospitable roof of the world. But other wildlife such as Lynx and Himalayan Brown Bear are also on the program. The expedition leads through rugged nature, over crumbling roads between ridges covered in eternal snow, higher and higher into the mountains. Defy the thin air, icy cold and inclement winds and experience the ultimate dream of every wildlife lover; observing the mystical 'mountain ghost' in its natural habitat. Where the world can't find you...
Exclusive wildlife lodge for snow leopard and lynx
Tucked away in the remote Tangyar Village, far from mass tourism, you will stay in an exclusive, small-scale lodge in the middle of one of the most remote habitats of the rare Eurasian lynx and the majestic snow leopard. Here, on the edge of the imposing Karakoram Mountains where glaciers shape the valleys and silence prevails, you will experience the Himalayas in their purest form under the guidance of local experts and renowned wildlife specialists. Each stay is dedicated to authenticity, exclusivity and conservation in the world's last untouched mountain landscapes.
The spiritual heart of Ladakh
Prayer flags wave in the thin mountain air, prayer wheels turn gently in the wind and the rhythm of mantras and ceremonial drums brings a deep serenity. In Ladakh, Tibetan Buddhism forms the spiritual heart of daily life. Scattered across rugged ridges and high-altitude valleys are ancient monasteries such as Hemis, Thiksey and Lamayuru, where red and ochre robes stand out against the dramatic Himalayan landscape. A visit to these monasteries is not only a cultural discovery, but also provides an insight into an ancient tradition of compassion, meditation and harmony with nature.
Tips & tops from Expedition snow leopard safari:
- During the flight to Leh, you will have phenomenal views of the western Himalayas and the majestic peaks of Ladakh
- Visit the numerous monasteries and palaces in the picturesque surroundings of Leh while giving your body time to adjust to the high altitude
- Leh has beautiful monasteries such as Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Tsemo Gompa and of course Leh Palace
- On the way to Ulley, you will pass Likir, one of Ladakh's most famous monasteries, where you can meet the children of the related school
- You will spend several days in Ulley, the habitat of the snow leopard, lynx, pallas cat, wolf, Tibetan wild dog, Asiatic ibex and Tibetan argali
- Located at about 4,000 meters above sea level, the Snow Leopard Lodge was originally the home of snow leopard track legend Tchewang Norbu, now it is the only wildlife lodge in Ladakh
- Trackings are partly by vehicle, partly on foot, always accompanied by highly dedicated expert spotters and guides. With a little luck you will see a Tibetan wolf, aurochs, ibex and fox in addition to a snow leopard
- The number of snow leopards worldwide is estimated at 4,000 - 6,500; the primary diet of snow leopards consists of the sheep and goats moving deftly through the rocky landscape
- You will pass, on the way to Nubra, the Khardung La, a 5,359 m high mountain pass that connects the Indus Valley with the Nubra Valley.
- You will stay in Nubra at a remote lodge, for exclusive snow leopard sightings; Palaskar and Lynx are also found there
- Bird life in the Himalayas is particularly rich, scour the skies for black-necked cranes, golden eagles and bearded vultures
- At over 4,500 meters above sea level, the clear blue waters of Tso Moriri, an enchanting saltwater lake, sparkle surrounded by snow-capped peaks and vast, silent plains. The surrounding wetlands are an important habitat for rare bird species, Pallas cat, Tibetan fox, mountain weasel and Kiang (wild donkey) and nomadic Changpa herders with their pashmina goats
- Stop in Alchi for a local lunch and visit the 11th century Alchi Choskor famous for its beautiful ancient frescoes
- Driving to Kargil pauses for a picnic lunch and visit to Lamayura monastery and Mulbekh Buddha statue
- Highly recommended in Kargil is the Munshi Aziz Museum which provides a rare glimpse into Indian and Central Asian trade culture of the 19th and early 20th centuries
- Walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful blossom-rich nature around Kargil
- In Drass you will search for Himalayan brown bear; the bear descends to the green fields in spring to graze
- You can extend this trip with Red Panda Outpost in Singalila National Park
