Ladakh (India) – Himalayas
Search for the Snow Leopard
10 nights from £6,250 pp
Includes: flights from Delhi – Leh return, all transport, guides, accommodation and meals, see below for details.
Overview & Highlights
This trip of a lifetime, hosted by expert wildlife guides and the Snow Leopard Conservancy, takes place between the months of November and April.
Upcoming Set Dates:
12th November 2026 – Limited Space!
28th November 2026
12th December 2026
17th January 2027
Journey to the remote wilderness of Ladakh, where the stark beauty of the Trans-Himalayan region sets the stage for an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Known as the “Roof of the World,” this high-altitude landscape of snow-capped peaks, azure lakes, and shifting sand dunes is home to one of the highest densities of the elusive Snow Leopard.
- Track the elusive snow leopard with some of Ladakh’s most experienced guides
- Enjoy expert guiding in Ladakh, and a small group setting allowing for more quality time observing and photographing the snow leopards
- Stay in the finest Lodge in Ladakh, with underfloor heating, hot running water 24/7 and quality cuisine – blending comfort with breathtaking scenery
- Spot other rare wildlife, including Tibetan wolves, lynx, ibex, and bharal (blue sheep)
- Explore the stark beauty of the Trans-Himalayan landscape, from snow-capped peaks to frozen rivers, experiencing the raw beauty of one of the world’s last great wildernesses
- Meet with the Snow Leopard Conservancy and learn about the conservation work in place to protect this iconic species
- Visit remote monasteries and experience Ladakh’s unique Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Enjoy the hospitality of Ladakhi villagers in picturesque, isolated settlements
“This is a truly special trip of a lifetime! Exclusive groups with expert guiding into one of the most remote parts of the world …and the thrill of spotting one of the most elusive species! “
In Search of the Snow Leopard in the Upper Himalayas – Small Group tour – Max 8 Guests
Included are:
- Return flights between Delhi and Leh
- 1 night at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel with breakfast included;
3 nights at the Grand Dragon Hotel in Leh with breakfast, lunch & dinner included; 6 nights at the House of Rumbak Wildlife Lodge with breakfast, lunch & dinner included; - Interaction with the Snow Leopard Conservancy
Daily wildlife excursions in Ulley led by a local naturalist guide and a team of trackers and spotters (walks, treks and jeep drives) - All sightseeing activities in Ladakh as mentioned in itinerary, including monastery entrance fees
- All road transfers
- Use of shared high Quality Swarovski Spotting scopes from the lodge
As this journey takes you to elevations above 3,600 meters, flexibility in the itinerary is key, with expert guides adjusting routes based on weather and wildlife movement. A true expedition into one of the last frontiers of wildlife travel, this trip promises both adventure and discovery in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring settings.
- Day 1: Arrive independently to Delhi International Airport (we can book your flights with our package) and transfer to your hotel.
- Day 2: On the morning of day 2 you will transfer back to the airport for your included flight from Delhi to Leh in the Ladakh region. Upon arrival you will transfer to the beautiful Grand Dragon Hotel. Time to acclimatise to the altitude.
- Day 3: The following day, if you are feeling suitably acclimatised, a local sightseeing tour around Leh can be organised. This will bring you to visit the Leh Market, Shanti Stupa, and the royal Palace. If weather permits, embark on a breathtaking drive east towards Taglang La Pass, exploring the dramatic gorges of Gya, Lhato, and Meru. Along the way, keep an eye out for blue sheep, golden eagles, and bearded vultures. If time allows, stop at the beautiful Thiksey Monastery on your return journey. In the evening you can enjoy your included interaction with the Snow Leopard Conservancy which will introduce you to facts about these big cats and other wildlife in the region, the landscape of the area, the people, and the challenges facing the wildlife and the work being done to protect them. In the morning it will be time to set out to find these elusive big cats for yourself!
- Day 4: After breakfast, embark on a scenic one-hour drive to Rumbak Village, a renowned hotspot for snow leopard sightings. Along the way, pass the remote Zingchen Village, home to just 2 or 3 households, before crossing a rugged landscape of wild streams and rocky terrain. Upon arrival at the House of Rumbak Lodge, enjoy a warm Ladakhi welcome before settling in for your stay. With the help of experienced spotters and high-powered scopes, scan the hillsides in hopes of catching your first glimpse of the elusive snow leopard. Accommodation: 6 nights’ accommodation at the House of Rumbak Lodge in a Rumbak Suite with breakfast, lunches, dinners and all guided excursions included.
- Days 5-9: Over the next five days, venture into remote valleys such as Kharlung, Hosing, and Tarbung, as well as the villages of Rumbak or Yurutse, in search of the elusive snow leopard. Spotting bharal (blue sheep) is always an encouraging sign, as they form a key part of the predator’s diet. Guided by expert trackers and equipped with high-quality optics, each day brings new opportunities to scan the rugged terrain for these magnificent creatures.
- Day 10: Back to Leh for an overnight and relax
- Day 11: Flight back to Delhi and onwards travel
This is just one example of a journey to the Himalayas. Contact me to discuss other destinations in this region including Bhutan.
A few impressions…
“For the last 10 years we have been using Jules to arrange our holidays. We would thoroughly recommend using Travel with Jules to anyone contemplating wishing to travel on a wildlife & sightseeing adventure.
We loved our adventure to Bhutan!“
David and Maureen C
Let us begin the journey that will create memories to last a lifetime.