Snow Leopard Safari In The Himalayas

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to the hotel.

Day 02 – Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Mosque – the largest Mosque in India and the Red Fort – Once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 – Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
Today after early breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Leh. Upon arrival at Leh airport, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day for the acclimatization or in the evening one can explore the Ladakhi market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – Leh
After Breakfast proceed for full day tour of Indus Valley. The attractions that you visit today include the Royal Museum at Stok Palace- called the Stok Palace Museum, it offers an insight into the heritage of the region; Thiksey Monastery- belonging to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this gompa is the largest monastery in central Ladakh region, Stagna Monastery- placed on a barren mountain top, the monastery offers nice views of the surrounding area, Changchubling monastery- better known as Rizong monastery, it was erected in 1829 and is known for its high standards of monastic disciplines and the extremely well-known Hemis Monastery- India’s wealthiest monastery, Hemis is the biggest one too and the site of an annual festival. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 – Leh – Zingchen – Hemis National Park
After breakfast drive to Hemis National Park (approx. 01hour). Hemis National Park – the home of the Snow Leopard. From here we will walk approx. 2 ½ hours to the campsite at Husing located at approximately 3700 metres. Husing is a perfect location in a corridor linking three valleys where there is much evidence of Snow Leopard. After lunch at the camp we will spend the afternoon looking for Snow Leopard in the Tarbung area, returning to Husing tented camp for the night. After this day, our itinerary will remain flexible depending on the sightings of Snow Leopard, so we may move camp or change to homestays as and when required, but expect most of the time to be under canvas.

Day 06 to Day 13 – Husing Nala – Tarbung Nala – Rumbak Sumdo
Now we will spend almost a week in the valleys of Husing Nala and Tarbung Nala and local high ridges will be scanned, there will be a hike to a vantage point at Rumbak Sumdo to scan other areas. During this time you should see some good species of birds including White-winged Redstart, Lammergeyer, Golden Eagle, Fire-fronted Serin, Himalayan Snowcock, Yellow-billed and Red-billed Choughs, Brown Dipper, Robin Accentor, Blue Whistling Thrush, Spotted Forktail etc. Look out for groups of Blue Sheep (Bharal) which are the primary prey species of Snow Leopard. You can expect other mammals too – Ladakh Pika, Mountain Weasel, Red Fox, Stone Marten, etc. Overnight at the camp.

Note: depending on the tracks and signs of the Snow Leopard you might change camping site.

Day 14 – Husing Camp – Zinchen – Ulley  (depending on Snow Leopard sightings)
Today we will change location to the Ulley area to look for the endemic Ladakh Urial. We’ll walk for about an hour down to Zinchen, then drive along the Indus River towards Ulley village looking out for this local specialty. Overnight at the local homestay at Ulley.

Day 15 – Ulley – Leh
This morning we will trek down to a location where Ibex are found in large numbers. Later we will drive back to Leh. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore the Ladakhi market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 – Leh – Delhi (By Flight)
Morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kolkata/Delhi. Upon arrival, rest of the day is free to explore the city or for individual activities.

Late night transfer to the airport for your departure flight for onward destination.