Snow Leopard: Journey to the Indian Himalayas
Live the adventure of a lifetime and photograph the legendary snow leopard on a unique expedition in the Himalayas.
The 12-day Snow Leopard Trip is designed for those seeking an authentic experience in one of the most remote environments on the planet. The adventure begins in New Delhi and continues to Ladakh, where after an acclimatization period in Leh, we venture into the heart of the Trans-Himalaya.
Our destination is Ulley, a small village surrounded by mountains that has become one of the best places in the world to observe the elusive snow leopard. For several days, the itinerary focuses entirely on its search, accompanied by expert local trackers who constantly monitor the area.
Each day is different and adapts to the sightings, exploring valleys and slopes that are also home to ibex, red foxes, Tibetan wolves and a surprising variety of high-mountain birds.
More than a trip, it's a true expedition in extreme conditions, designed for those who want to go beyond the conventional and experience nature in its purest state.
12 Days
DurationEasy/Moderate
DifficultyIndia
DestinationDiscover the experience
What you'll experience
Adventure itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in New Delhi
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be welcomed by our team and transferred to the hotel, where you'll receive assistance with check-in and all the trip documentation.
Rest of the day free to relax.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 2 – Flight to Leh & acclimatization
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Leh.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel (approximately 30 minutes). This journey involves a sudden ascent of more than 3,000 meters in a short time, so acclimatization will be a key aspect of this day.
The rest of the day will be dedicated to resting and allowing the body to gradually adapt to the altitude. It will be important to take it easy, stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary exertion.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Leh & cultural exploration
This day will be dedicated to continuing acclimatization while we begin to explore the surroundings.
We'll visit the Thiksey Monastery, one of the most important in the region, whose architecture is reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Here we can immerse ourselves in Tibetan Buddhist culture, its art and its history.
Afterwards, we'll head to the banks of the Indus River, a peaceful setting ideal for birdwatching. With a bit of luck, we may spot species such as the ibisbill, among other birds characteristic of the region.
In the afternoon, return to the hotel. Free time to rest or stroll through the local market, where you can find handicrafts, traditional clothing and typical products.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 – Transfer to Ulley (Snow Leopard Lodge)
After breakfast, we'll begin the road transfer to Ulley (approx. 2–2.5 hours), a tiny village of just six houses, considered one of the best places in the world for snow leopard observation.
During the journey, we'll cross spectacular Trans-Himalayan landscapes. We'll make a stop at the Sangam, the point where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet, an especially photogenic spot.
If a snow leopard sighting is reported during the journey, we'll divert to the area, where lunch could even be served.
Upon arrival at the lodge, we'll be welcomed with tea or coffee. After settling in and having lunch, we'll begin the search in the nearby areas where the trackers work daily locating individuals.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 – First full day of searching
Early in the morning, we'll join the trackers to scan the nearby mountains from the lodge. At times, it's possible to observe wildlife directly from here, including ibex, red foxes or even snow leopards.
After breakfast, we'll head out in search of sightings. Depending on the information received, we may travel by vehicle or go on walks and even short trekking routes.
Observations will be made with spotting scopes, binoculars or, if the distance allows, with the naked eye.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Days 6 and 7 – Exploring snow leopard territory
During these days, the dynamic will be completely flexible and will depend on the sightings.
Each day will begin with an active search alongside the trackers, scanning the slopes and cliffs of the Himalayas, where the wildlife's camouflage makes every observation a true challenge.
In addition to the snow leopard, we may find other species such as the Tibetan wolf, as well as a great diversity of Trans-Himalayan birds: golden eagle, bearded vulture, Himalayan snowcock and chukar, among others.
After each day out, return to the lodge to rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Days 8 and 9 – New tracking areas
We'll explore nearby areas such as the villages of Saspoche and Hemis Shukpachen, recognized as key spots for observing snow leopards and wolves.
A small pack of wolves (between 5 and 8 individuals) lives in this region, which adds an extra draw to the experience.
During the walks, it will also be possible to observe species such as the Ladakh urial or the Asiatic ibex.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10 – Return to Leh
Last chance to try to locate the snow leopard.
In the morning, we'll join the tracking team once again. In case of a sighting, the transfer may be delayed, although we'll always leave for Leh before nightfall.
During the journey, we'll stay alert for possible wildlife encounters.
Upon arrival in Leh, time to rest or stroll through the local market.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11 – Flight to New Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to New Delhi.
Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the international airport for your return flight or to continue your journey
Meals included: Breakfast
Images of the destination
Why travel with us?
You'll leave with incredible photos
We design every expedition to maximize wildlife-watching opportunities and help you achieve unique encounters and the best possible photographs in the wild.
Expert, trusted guides
We work with local guides carefully selected for their experience, knowledge of wildlife and ability to find unique encounters in an ethical and safe way.
Carefully selected accommodations
We reach places off the traditional tourist circuit, where few photographers have been.
Schedules planned for the best light
We organize activities and outings at the key moments of the day to take advantage of the best light conditions and increase wildlife-watching and photography opportunities.
Trip designed by Kike Arnaiz
This itinerary has been personally designed by a professional wildlife photographer, after years of experience in the destination, selecting the best areas, schedules and experiences to maximize encounters and photographic opportunities.
Included services
- Ground transportation during the days of the trip
- Meals specified in the itinerary
- Comfortable accommodation
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- Expert wildlife guide on every activity
- Required permits and national park entrance fees
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical assistance
Trip details
- 12 Days
- Easy/Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the most common questions about our trips
To confirm your spot we request a first payment of 50% of the total trip price. The remaining 50% can be paid up to 3 months before the departure date.
We accept payments in euros and US dollars via bank transfer. Once your booking is made, we will send you all the information and details needed to make the payment.
You can find all the details about cancellations, refunds and booking conditions on our page: Cancellation Policy.
Yes. All our trips are designed prioritizing the safety, comfort and peace of mind of our travelers. We only work with trusted local guides and partners, carefully select routes and accommodations, and avoid situations or areas we don't consider suitable for our groups.
We always see wildlife during our expeditions, but since these are wild animals in freedom, no specific sighting can be 100% guaranteed.
Even so, we carefully design each itinerary, choose the best seasons and work with expert guides to maximize wildlife-watching and photography opportunities.
No. Our trips are designed both for people with experience in photography and wildlife watching and for travelers who simply enjoy nature and want to live a different experience.
The most important thing is to have interest, curiosity and a desire to enjoy the environment and the animals.
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