Snow Leopard safari in Ladakh, India
All accommodation, transfers, meals on a full board basis with the exception of Dehli hotels, which are B&B , guides, game drives, domestic flights included.
Small group max 8 persons.
Single supplement applies.
Description of Snow Leopard safari in Ladakh, India
Spend 12 thrilling days in the remote Himalayan wilderness of Ladakh – Land of High Passes – in pursuit of the snow leopard, one of the most elusive creatures on Earth. You'll fly from Delhi to Leh, the ancient Silk Road capital of this predominantly Buddhist region, spending a couple of days exploring its ancient monasteries, winding bazaars and dramatic mountain scenery before heading deeper into snow leopard country. The Grand Dragon Hotel, solar powered and magnificently situated, is your base.
From Leh, the journey takes you through landscapes of staggering grandeur, past the famous Likir Monastery and up into the Ulley Valley, where, at 4,000m, sits the only dedicated wildlife lodge in Ladakh. The lodge began as a homestay run by one of the region's expert trackers, and was set up specifically to channel tourism revenue into local conservation. Over seven nights, your days are shaped by the leopards’ activity – naturalist guides scan the mountainsides from before breakfast, hot chocolate is served on the deck at dusk, and log fires keep the lounge cosy after dinner. Ibex, wolf and Himalayan fox may also make an appearance.
The lodge was founded under a Snow Leopard Conservancy programme and puts tourism money directly into the local community. Your guides on this trip work closely with a network of local knowledge to track the cats – and the presence of tourists also helps to reduce the tension that can arise between people and predators.
After what will be a good batch of sightings, the return drive to Leh takes you via the 11th-century Alchi Monastery – one of the oldest in the region – before a final night in Delhi. Profits from this safari also support Travel Operators for Tigers, funding the remarkable programme that retrains ex-poachers as wildlife guardians. You leave Ladakh knowing that the grey ghost you came to find is a little safer for your visit.
Price information
All accommodation, transfers, meals on a full board basis with the exception of Dehli hotels, which are B&B , guides, game drives, domestic flights included.
Small group max 8 persons.
Single supplement applies.
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Holiday information
Reviews
3 Reviews of Snow Leopard safari in Ladakh, India
Reviewed on 06 Mar 2026 by John Phillips
The sheer excitement of 3 snow leopard sightings. The spotters are absolutely amazing. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Feb 2026 by Chris Grayling
Excellent. Ironically the leopard sighting before we even reached Snow Leopard Lodge. The team diverted us to see what was the most memorable close up view of a leopard. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Jan 2026 by Maralyn Parry
The most relaxing, exciting and amazing holiday we have experienced. To be in the mountains and actually see so many types of wildlife was just mind blowing. Watching a snow leopard chase and catch an ibex, then eat it. Also the brilliant team of spotters etc. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
Planet
Each safari provides a real wildlife viewing and conservation experience. By opting for a safari with us safari guests are already helping to contribute towards our conservation work. A minimum of 10% of our pre tax profit goes to support wildlife conservation and research projects including the ingwe Research Program which was founded by Will and Carol in 2007.By opting for a safari with us safari guests are already helping to contribute towards our conservation work. A minimum of 10% of our pre tax profit goes to support wildlife conservation and research projects including the ingwe Research Program which was founded by Will and Carol in 2007.
In an effort to reduce single use plastics, we issue our guests with a metal water bottle at the start of each safari, which can be refilled as required and saves the use of plastic bottle.
In Ladakh the Snow Leopard Conservancy India (SLC India), promotes snow leopard conservation tourism, which it sees as a key factor in incentivising local communities to protect rather than persecute a mega carnivore that can cause havoc to livestock. The Ulley Valley had been identified early on as a prime habitat for wildlife and the SLC which was fundamental in creating Snow Leopard Lodge. The Snow Leopard Lodge was created in partnership with local villagers Nilza and her son Otsal.
Snow Leopard Lodges work in association with the Snow Leopard Conservancy, directing client donations towards them in order to further the important work they do in the areas of research and mitigation of predator-human conflict.
People
While on safari we recommend that visitors buy locally produced goods and support local artisans. In this way, visitors are able to help sustain the local community, contribute towards conservation and enrich their own lives. During each safari there will be opportunities to purchase goods from local artists, market stalls and restaurants in keeping with the ideals of fair trade.Our guides will advise on a ‘fair price’ if requested, however it is worth noting that a relatively small sum can make a huge difference to peoples lives and guests are asked to consider this when bargaining with market stallholders.
Safari staff are all recruited locally and encouraged to develop local tourism and in this way assist in reducing human conflict issues with leopards. Where applicable local staff produce conservation based items for sale (100% of the proceeds going to the originator). Local rangers and guides are employed at all levels. This safari also supports community education programs via our local partners.
Snow leopard Lodge contributes to a fund that they have established with the Rizong Gompa – main monastery donating a fixed sum per guest to the Gompa for which separate accounts are maintained. These funds are then used for the community benefit at the discretion of the monastery management but full transparency is maintained in the accounts. This fund is used from charity for needy families to capital works as per the requirement of the associated villages.
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