Ladakh Safari: Meet the Snow Leopard

Nature and Adventure Travel in India

4 920€
Excluding International Flights

March 4, 2025
March 16, 2025

13 Days / 12 Nights

Far from the hustle and bustle of the capital Delhi, in the north, beyond the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Pradeep, your Indian guide, will introduce you to Ladakh, an ancient Buddhist kingdom nicknamed “Little Tibet”, dotted with monasteries (gompas) and whitewashed stupas with their prayer flags.
This magnificent landscape is home to the elusive snow leopard, Ladakh's emblematic mammal.
It's during the harsh winter months (January/February/March) that this big cat descends to follow the herds of bharals and Siberian ibex, and its calls resound between the canyons in search of a mate for the mating season.

This trip is open to everyone, and approaches are made in private vehicles, so there's no need for long approach walks.

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DAY 1
Arrival in New Delhi

Upon arrival at New Delhi Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from Myriam and Pradeep, your experienced Indian guide. After your arrival, enjoy a swift 15-minute transfer to your hotel, allowing you to settle in comfortably before embarking on your exciting adventure in India. This is the perfect opportunity to rest or explore the vibrant surroundings of New Delhi, preparing for the incredible experiences that await you in the days to come.

Day 2
Transfer from New Delhi to Leh

In the morning, take a flight to the capital of Ladakh, Leh, which is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters. To make the most of your stay, it is essential to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to rest upon arrival. The Grand Dragon Hotel, a 5-star accommodation, will be perfect for a full day of relaxation and acclimatization.

Day 3
Leh

In the late afternoon, visit the Leh Palace, built in the 17th century, and enjoy the stunning views in the golden light of sunset. Afterward, take a leisurely walk down from the palace to the old town, where you can explore its charming shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for beautiful pashminas, exquisite shawls woven from the fine, warm wool of Himalayan goats, or opt for a scenic drive back.

Day 4
Leh to Thiksey Monastery (20 km)

Depart for the Indus Valley, making a stop at the Stok Palace en route to the monastery. The stunning Thiksey Gompa, one of the most iconic and traditional monasteries in Ladakh, was founded in 1430 and is perched on a hillside overlooking the entire valley. You may have the opportunity to attend morning prayers with the monks (from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM). Enjoy a leisurely return, allowing for further acclimatization.

Day 5
Leh to Ulley Valley (Approximately 79 km, 1.5 hours)

Enjoy breathtaking panoramas along the paved road following the Indus River as you travel through Kargil, Srinagar, and the small town of Nimmu, where the Zanskar River meets the Indus. Head north to Likir, where you can take the time to photograph a famous Buddhist monastery, a gateway to the realm of the snow leopard.

The adventure begins as you traverse stunning landscapes winding through a narrow valley along the Ulley Chhu stream, just before arriving at our lodge. A 5 km dirt road leads you to a quaint hamlet of seven traditional houses, including the Snow Leopard Lodge, offering rooms with spectacular mountain views. Full board and activities are included.

 

Days 6 to 10
Immersion in the Ulley Valley

Spend five days fully dedicated to immersing yourself in the Ulley Valley and surrounding areas, with the goal of finding, observing, and photographing the elusive snow leopard and the local wildlife of Ladakh. This region is home to approximately ten individuals of this magnificent species. Each morning at 7 AM, the staff will deliver your cup of tea or coffee to your room.

Our small group of eight people will travel in three private vehicles, allowing us to adapt to the rhythms of our spotters and their observations. However, as its name suggests, the “ghost” moves very discreetly, and the mountains are its kingdom. No guarantees of sighting are provided, as its territory is vast and entirely free.

Lunch will be served at 1 PM, either at the lodge or in the valley, where the team will set up tables and chairs to offer a hot meal (soup, appetizer, main course, dessert, coffee or tea). After a day of exploration, return to the lodge for the night, depending on the day’s observations.

The lounge, featuring a large stove providing gentle warmth, is a cozy spot for conversations or watching a documentary.

Day 11
Ulley to Leh (1.5 hours by car)

After breakfast, depart for the capital, Leh. As you descend, the search for the elusive snow leopard continues. Enjoy your transfer and spend the night at the hotel.

Day 12
Leh to Delhi (1.5-hour flight)

A flight is included for your return to Delhi, where you will check in at the hotel.

Day 13
Delhi to Paris

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport according to your return flight schedule.

Edit Content

Discover the Extraordinary Biodiversity of India

India is a country renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, vibrant colors, enchanting scents, and magical landscapes. Among its treasures are six of the most formidable predators, recognized as endangered by WWF, including the famous ghost of the mountains: the snow leopard.

The Elusive Snow Leopard

Known by many names, the snow leopard is an extraordinary animal that captures the imagination of many, yet few have the chance to see and photograph it. Far from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, to the north, beyond the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, our Indian guide Pradeep invites you to discover Ladakh, an ancient Buddhist kingdom often referred to as “Little Tibet.”

Explore the Majestic Landscapes of Ladakh

Ladakh is a breathtaking region, covering 59,146 km² of stunning landscapes, canyons, and mountains, with peaks averaging 5,000 meters in altitude. The region is traversed by the Indus River and its tributaries, whose waters, in shades of blue, nourish valleys of grains and fruit trees.

In this magnificent setting lives the elusive snow leopard, the iconic mammal of Ladakh. With fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining worldwide, and possibly fewer than 100 in this region, these majestic creatures are a sight to behold. During the harsh winter months (January, February, March), the snow leopard descends to lower altitudes, following herds of bharals and Siberian ibex. Their distinctive calls resonate through the canyons as they seek companionship during the mating season.

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Services included

  • Round-trip transfer and transport from Delhi airport by taxi
  • Regular flights Delhi/Leh/Delhi on INDIGO (15 kg checked baggage and 7 kg cabin baggage)
  • Personalized welcome upon arrival with French-speaking and Indian guide
  • Excursions mentioned in the Leh program with a guide
  • Entry fees for Ladakh, environmental fees, Ladakh advisory fees, conservation fees, and Hemis National Park fees, government service taxes
  • 2 nights in Delhi in the Aerocity area with breakfast
  • 4 nights in a 5-star hotel in Leh on a full-board basis
  • 6 nights at Ulley Lodge in double rooms with private bathrooms and toilets, on a full-board basis
  • Spotters and Ladakhi naturalist guides

Services not included

  • International flights (please contact us before booking any flight tickets)
  • Cancellation and repatriation insurance
  • Visas
  • Beverages and tips
  • Single room supplement (€900)
  • Excursions and activities indicated as optional in the program
  • Personal expenses
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  • This trip is open to all, and no particular physical effort is required. Approaches are made in private vehicles. You’ll be dropped off as close as possible to where the panther has been spotted.

  • To maximize your chances of seeing the snow leopard in the best possible conditions, a team of 10 guides is on hand every day to provide information.

  • Accommodation is very comfortable: 5-star hotel in Leh, lodge in the valley (the only lodge in the region).

Edit Content

DAY 1
Arrival in New Delhi

Upon arrival at New Delhi Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from Myriam and Pradeep, your experienced Indian guide. After your arrival, enjoy a swift 15-minute transfer to your hotel, allowing you to settle in comfortably before embarking on your exciting adventure in India. This is the perfect opportunity to rest or explore the vibrant surroundings of New Delhi, preparing for the incredible experiences that await you in the days to come.

DAY 2
Transfer from New Delhi to Leh

In the morning, take a flight to the capital of Ladakh, Leh, which is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters. To make the most of your stay, it is essential to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to rest upon arrival. The Grand Dragon Hotel, a 5-star accommodation, will be perfect for a full day of relaxation and acclimatization.

DAY 3
Leh

In the late afternoon, visit the Leh Palace, built in the 17th century, and enjoy the stunning views in the golden light of sunset. Afterward, take a leisurely walk down from the palace to the old town, where you can explore its charming shops. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for beautiful pashminas, exquisite shawls woven from the fine, warm wool of Himalayan goats, or opt for a scenic drive back.

DAY 4
Leh to Thiksey Monastery (20 km)

Depart for the Indus Valley, making a stop at the Stok Palace en route to the monastery. The stunning Thiksey Gompa, one of the most iconic and traditional monasteries in Ladakh, was founded in 1430 and is perched on a hillside overlooking the entire valley. You may have the opportunity to attend morning prayers with the monks (from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM). Enjoy a leisurely return, allowing for further acclimatization.

DAY 5
Leh to Ulley Valley (Approximately 79 km, 1.5 hours)

Enjoy breathtaking panoramas along the paved road following the Indus River as you travel through Kargil, Srinagar, and the small town of Nimmu, where the Zanskar River meets the Indus. Head north to Likir, where you can take the time to photograph a famous Buddhist monastery, a gateway to the realm of the snow leopard.

The adventure begins as you traverse stunning landscapes winding through a narrow valley along the Ulley Chhu stream, just before arriving at our lodge. A 5 km dirt road leads you to a quaint hamlet of seven traditional houses, including the Snow Leopard Lodge, offering rooms with spectacular mountain views. Full board and activities are included.

DAY 6 TO 10
Immersion in the Ulley Valley

Spend five days fully dedicated to immersing yourself in the Ulley Valley and surrounding areas, with the goal of finding, observing, and photographing the elusive snow leopard and the local wildlife of Ladakh. This region is home to approximately ten individuals of this magnificent species. Each morning at 7 AM, the staff will deliver your cup of tea or coffee to your room.

Our small group of eight people will travel in three private vehicles, allowing us to adapt to the rhythms of our spotters and their observations. However, as its name suggests, the “ghost” moves very discreetly, and the mountains are its kingdom. No guarantees of sighting are provided, as its territory is vast and entirely free.

Lunch will be served at 1 PM, either at the lodge or in the valley, where the team will set up tables and chairs to offer a hot meal (soup, appetizer, main course, dessert, coffee or tea). After a day of exploration, return to the lodge for the night, depending on the day’s observations.

The lounge, featuring a large stove providing gentle warmth, is a cozy spot for conversations or watching a documentary.

DAY 11
Ulley to Leh (1.5 hours by car)

After breakfast, depart for the capital, Leh. As you descend, the search for the elusive snow leopard continues. Enjoy your transfer and spend the night at the hotel.

DAY 12
Leh to Delhi (1.5-hour flight)

A flight is included for your return to Delhi, where you will check in at the hotel.

Day 17
Delhi to Paris

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport according to your return flight schedule.

Edit Content

Discover the Extraordinary Biodiversity of India

India is a country renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, vibrant colors, enchanting scents, and magical landscapes. Among its treasures are six of the most formidable predators, recognized as endangered by WWF, including the famous ghost of the mountains: the snow leopard.

The Elusive Snow Leopard

Known by many names, the snow leopard is an extraordinary animal that captures the imagination of many, yet few have the chance to see and photograph it. Far from the hustle and bustle of Delhi, to the north, beyond the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, our Indian guide Pradeep invites you to discover Ladakh, an ancient Buddhist kingdom often referred to as “Little Tibet.”

Explore the Majestic Landscapes of Ladakh

Ladakh is a breathtaking region, covering 59,146 km² of stunning landscapes, canyons, and mountains, with peaks averaging 5,000 meters in altitude. The region is traversed by the Indus River and its tributaries, whose waters, in shades of blue, nourish valleys of grains and fruit trees.

In this magnificent setting lives the elusive snow leopard, the iconic mammal of Ladakh. With fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining worldwide, and possibly fewer than 100 in this region, these majestic creatures are a sight to behold. During the harsh winter months (January, February, March), the snow leopard descends to lower altitudes, following herds of bharals and Siberian ibex. Their distinctive calls resonate through the canyons as they seek companionship during the mating season.

Edit Content

Services included

  • Round-trip transfer and transport from Delhi airport by taxi
  • Regular flights Delhi/Leh/Delhi on INDIGO (15 kg checked baggage and 7 kg cabin baggage)
  • Personalized welcome upon arrival with French-speaking and Indian guide
  • Excursions mentioned in the Leh program with a guide
  • Entry fees for Ladakh, environmental fees, Ladakh advisory fees, conservation fees, and Hemis National Park fees, government service taxes
  • 2 nights in Delhi in the Aerocity area with breakfast
  • 4 nights in a 5-star hotel in Leh on a full-board basis
  • 6 nights at Ulley Lodge in double rooms with private bathrooms and toilets, on a full-board basis
  • Spotters and Ladakhi naturalist guides

Services not included

  • International flights (please contact us before booking any flight tickets)
  • Cancellation and repatriation insurance
  • Visas
  • Beverages and tips
  • Single room supplement (€900)
  • Excursions and activities indicated as optional in the program
  • Personal expenses
Edit Content
  • This trip is open to all, and no particular physical effort is required. Approaches are made in private vehicles. You’ll be dropped off as close as possible to where the panther has been spotted.

  • To maximize your chances of seeing the snow leopard in the best possible conditions, a team of 10 guides is on hand every day to provide information.

  • Accommodation is very comfortable: 5-star hotel in Leh, lodge in the valley (the only lodge in the region).

Edit Content
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