Active
Intense Activity
Ladakh Snow Leopard Trekking Tour
Wildlife and Safari
Your Journey
Overview & Highlights
Experience our 8-day Ladakh Snow Leopard Trekking Tour, a Wildlife and Safari journey thoughtfully designed for international travelers visiting India. Trek through the frozen valleys of Ladakh in search of the elusive snow leopard, one of the rarest wildlife sightings on earth. Based around prime snow leopard habitats like Uley Village and Rumbak Valley, the exact trekking destination is guided by our local wildlife spotters to give you the best possible sighting chances. Along the way, you will encounter Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep, red fox, and golden eagle, all set against the raw, unspoiled beauty of Ladakh in winter. Small group sizes and responsible wildlife practices make this a truly meaningful adventure for nature lovers.
Track rare snow leopards across Ladakh's stunning frozen Himalayan valleys.
Explore prime habitats like Uley Village and Rumbak Valley with expert spotters.
Spot Himalayan wildlife including blue sheep, red fox, and golden eagle.
Small group, responsible trekking designed for international wildlife enthusiasts visiting India.
Day by Day
Itinerary
Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, where you will be warmly received and transferred to your hotel. Take time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude, which is essential for a comfortable and safe stay. In the afternoon, if you feel well, enjoy light sightseeing with a visit to the serene Shanti Stupa, followed by a walk through the bustling Leh Market. Overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, visit Hemis Monastery or Thiksey Monastery at a relaxed pace to aid acclimatization. In the afternoon, attend a detailed briefing session on snow leopard tracking, Ladakh wildlife, and eco-guidelines for the expedition. The evening is free to rest and prepare your essentials. Overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, drive from Leh to Uley Valley. Upon arrival, begin wildlife tracking with the assistance of local spotters and expert naturalists. Look out for snow leopards, blue sheep (bharal), Ladakhi urial, red fox, golden eagle, and lammergeier. In the evening, enjoy a campfire or attend an engaging talk by your naturalist. Overnight stay at a lodge or camp in Uley Valley.
Early in the morning, set out on an excursion in search of the snow leopard, famously known as the Ghost of the Mountains with trained trackers who will guide you through the rugged terrain in search of wildlife. Using spotting scopes, scan the ridges, cliffs, and valleys for a chance to spot the elusive snow leopard, along with other high altitude animals and birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the field while taking in the stunning landscapes and staying close to the action. In the evening, return to your camp or lodge to relax and share the experiences of the day. Overnight stay at a lodge or camp in Uley.
Rise early for another day of dedicated snow leopard tracking with the expert guidance of local spotters and naturalists. Venture deeper into Uley Valley, following fresh signs such as pugmarks and scent marks to increase your chances of spotting the elusive snow leopard, known as the Ghost of the Mountains. Along the way, watch for herds of blue sheep and ibex, the primary prey of the snow leopard, as well as birdlife including Himalayan griffon and golden eagle soaring above. Overnight stay at a lodge or camp in Uley.
Spend the morning scanning remote ridges and valleys with the assistance of expert trackers, giving yourself another opportunity to witness the snow leopard, known as the Ghost of the Mountains. In the afternoon, enhance your wildlife journey with a cultural visit to a nearby Ladakhi village. Interact with local families to learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and the challenges of living in harmony with wildlife in this high altitude region. Return to your accommodation in the evening for a relaxed dinner and your final night in Uley. Overnight stay at a lodge or camp in Uley.
In the morning, enjoy one final wildlife tracking session for any last sightings before departing the valley. In the afternoon, drive back to Leh and check in at your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore Leh Bazaar, where you can shop for pashmina shawls, local handicrafts, and apricot products. Overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast or earlier as per your flight, our local driver will transfer you to Leh Airport, to board a flight to home or onward journey.
Personalize Your Itinerary
Share your preferred dates, hotel level, and travel interests. Our experts will refine your itinerary and create the right plan for your trip.
What is Included in This Tour
Explore what is included and what is not included in this tour.
- Stay for 3 nights in Leh in handpicked 3 star deluxe hotels on twin or double sharing basis.
- 4 nights in Uley eco-lodge (as per itinerary depending on where we have the maximum chances of spotting Snow Leopard as per spotter).
- Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel in Leh.
- All meals during the expedition (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee).
- Services of a professional naturalist and expedition guide.
- Support of experienced wildlife trackers and spotters in Uley.
- Airport pickup / drop-off, all sightseeing, and transfers by private Non A/C Toyota Innova Crysta as per the itinerary.
- Chained vehicle on snow-covered road.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- Entry permits for Hemis National Park / Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Restricted area permits if applicable.
- Cook and porters or mule support (in Uley Valley treks).
- Use of spotting scopes and binoculars for better wildlife viewing.
- First aid kit and basic oxygen cylinder for emergencies.
- All applicable taxes, including 5% GST, are included in the tour cost.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and medical insurance in your home country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Any VISA Fee (If Applicable).
- Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc. (to be borne by the client, who is directly payable on the spot).
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Important Information
Know Before You Go
- If rooms are unavailable at the mentioned hotels - or if accommodations are closed during the off-season (October to April) - suitable alternatives of a similar category will be arranged, with advance notice where possible. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- To minimize the risk of high-altitude sickness, Diamox tablets can be taken before arrival in Leh - please consult your doctor beforehand. It's also advisable to wear a jacket upon landing to reduce discomfort.
- Only postpaid SIM cards from BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Prepaid SIM cards from other parts of India do not function in this region. You may purchase a local SIM card in Srinagar or Ladakh.
- Electricity in regions such as Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Jispa, Keylong, and Tsomoriri is limited to generator power, typically available between 7 PM and 11 PM for charging devices like mobile phones, cameras, and power banks. Hot water may also be accessible only during specific time slots in the morning and evening due to infrastructure limitations in Ladakh.
- From October to April, many camps and guest houses in Ladakh remain closed due to weather conditions. In such cases, suitable alternatives will be arranged.
- Vegetarian meals are exclusively provided at Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Jispa, Keylong, and Tsomoriri.
- Transport services are provided strictly as per the itinerary and are not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis. Air conditioning is generally unnecessary due to low temperatures in hill regions.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: To support sustainability, bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
- Tipping in India is not compulsory, it is optional but appreciated. A small gratuity is expected in some cases; tip generously for exceptional service. The amount can range from $2, $5, $10 per day, or more, depending on satisfaction and the quality of service received.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. However, all other foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter India. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
- Travelers with passports issued by, or showing a birthplace in, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, or Afghanistan are not permitted to travel beyond Leh in Ladakh. Foreign nationals holding diplomatic, official, or United Nations passports must obtain their permits through the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
Booking Information
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 90 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 90 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, or credit/debit card.
Important Information
Cancellation
If you cancel the tour at least 91 days before the scheduled departure date, a 10% cancellation fee will apply to the total cost of the tour, plus any fees incurred for the cancellation of flights. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
See the Journey
Watch Travel Videos
Traveler Stories
Customer Testimonials
Firsthand accounts from guests who explored India with our local team.
Hartmut Maichel
Germany
We are having a truly wonderful stay and are very happy with the organization, the tour guide, and the driver. Everything has been organized by Alkof Holidays absolutely brilliantly!