In Search of the Snow Leopard

In Search of the Snow Leopard in the Upper Himalayas - Small Group - Max 8 Guests

Prices From £6,349pp
November to April | 10 nights

In Search of the Snow Leopard in the Upper Himalayas - Small Group - Max 8 Guests

Journey to the remote wilderness of Ladakh, where the stark beauty of the Trans-Himalayan region sets the stage for an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Known as the "Roof of the World," this high-altitude landscape of snow-capped peaks, azure lakes, and shifting sand dunes is home to one of the highest densities of the elusive snow leopard. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll traverse rugged valleys in search of these majestic big cats, along with other rare wildlife such as Tibetan wolves, lynx, ibex, and bharal (blue sheep), all thriving in this extreme environment.

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife, Ladakh offers a glimpse into a unique mountain culture shaped by centuries of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Visit remote monasteries, explore picturesque villages, and witness the resilience of the region’s warm and welcoming communities.

As this journey takes you to elevations above 3,600 meters, flexibility in the itinerary is key, with expert guides adjusting routes based on weather and wildlife movement. A true expedition into one of the last frontiers of wildlife travel, this trip promises both adventure and discovery in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring settings.

Solo places available, with a single supplement of $1,987 USD

Upcoming Set Dates:

12th November 2026 - Limited Space!
28th November 2026
12th December 2026
17th January 2027


Please note: Most of the journey in Ladakh takes place at altitudes of 3,600 m (11,800 ft) or higher, with the highest overnight stay at 3,900 m (12,800 ft). Anyone with a history of medical conditions, especially heart or respiratory issues, should consult a doctor before booking. A medical certificate and a signed release of liability are required for all participants.

Highlights

  • Track the elusive snow leopard with some of Ladakh’s most experienced guides
  • Enjoy 1-2-1 expert guiding in Ladakh, and a small group setting allowing for more quality time observing and photographing the snow leopards
  • Stay in the finest Lodge in Ladakh, with underfloor heating, hot running water 24/7 and quality cuisine - blending comfort with breathtaking scenery
  • Spot other rare wildlife, including Tibetan wolves, lynx, ibex, and bharal (blue sheep)
  • Explore the stark beauty of the Trans-Himalayan landscape, from snow-capped peaks to frozen rivers, experiencing the raw beauty of one of the world’s last great wildernesses
  • Meet with the Snow Leopard Conservancy and learn about the conservation work in place to protect this iconic species
  • Visit remote monasteries and experience Ladakh’s unique Tibetan Buddhist culture
  • Enjoy the hospitality of Ladakhi villagers in picturesque, isolated settlements

What's Included

  • Return flights between Delhi and Leh
  • 1 night at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel with breakfast included
  • 3 nights at the Grand Dragon Hotel in Leh with breakfast, lunch & dinner included
  • 6 nights at the House of Rumbak Wildlife Lodge with breakfast, lunch & dinner included
  • Interaction with the Snow Leopard Conservancy
  • Daily wildlife excursions in Ulley led by a local naturalist guide and a team of trackers and spotters (walks, treks and jeep drives)
  • All sightseeing activities in Ladakh as mentioned in itinerary, including monastery entrance fees
  • All road transfers
  • Use of shared high Quality Swarovski Spotting scopes from the lodge

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Delhi - Arrive
1Day

Delhi - Arrive

Arrive independently to Delhi International Airport and meet your tour representative to transfer to the fabulous Trident Gurgaon Hotel for your included overnight stay. After checking in, the rest of the day will be at your leisure. Trident Hotel Gurgaon offers easy access to New Delhi’s vibrant mix of history and modernity. If time permits, explore the city’s iconic tombs, temples, and monuments alongside its bustling streets and contemporary skyscrapers, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of India’s dynamic capital.

One night’s accommodation at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel, Delhi, with breakfast included.

Leh, Ladakh
2 - 3Days

Leh, Ladakh

On the morning of day 2 you will transfer back to the airport for your included flight to Leh in the Ladakh region. Upon arrival you will transfer to the beautiful Grand Dragon Hotel. Since the majority of your itinerary will see you stay at areas of very high altitude, it will be necessary to spend a couple of days here to acclimatise before we head into the Rumbak Valley. Leh lies at an altitude of 11,562ft above sea level and the area is also a desert, meaning a lack of trees which also contributes to low oxygen levels. There will be no activities planned for today as it will be necessary to stay at the hotel to acclimatise. There is plenty to keep you entertained at the hotel, including 3 different eateries, a games room, wellness centre and beautiful gardens.

The following day, if you are feeling suitably acclimatised, a local sightseeing tour around Leh can be organised. This will bring you to visit the Leh Market, Shanti Stupa, and the royal Palace. If weather permits, embark on a breathtaking drive east towards Taglang La Pass, exploring the dramatic gorges of Gya, Lhato, and Meru. This stunning route takes you beyond the Indus Valley to a remarkable region where the Indian subcontinent collided with the Asian landmass. Along the way, keep an eye out for blue sheep, golden eagles, and bearded vultures. Flocks of red-billed choughs perform mesmerising aerial displays, while Tibetan and chukor partridges may be spotted in the fields. If time allows, stop at the beautiful Thiksey Monastery on your return journey.

In the evening you can enjoy your included interaction with the Snow Leopard Conservancy which will introduce you to facts about these big cats and other wildlife in the region, the landscape of the area, the people, and the challenges facing the wildlife and the work being done to protect them. In the morning it will be time to set out to find these elusive big cats for yourself!

2 nights’ accommodation at the Grand Dragon Hotel with breakfasts, lunches and dinners included.

Transfer to Rumbak Valley
4Day

Transfer to Rumbak Valley

After breakfast, embark on a scenic one-hour drive to Rumbak Village, a renowned hotspot for snow leopard sightings. Along the way, pass the remote Zingchen Village, home to just 2 or 3 households, before crossing a rugged landscape of wild streams and rocky terrain.

As you arrive at your base camp just below Rumbak, you'll cross a small bridge adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. Upon arrival at the House of Rumbak Lodge, enjoy a warm Ladakhi welcome before settling in for your stay.

After settling in and enjoying lunch, head to the spotting ground for 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. With the help of experienced spotters and high-powered scopes, scan the hillsides in hopes of catching your first glimpse of the elusive snow leopard.

Accommodation: 6 nights’ accommodation at the House of Rumbak Lodge in a Rumbak Suite with breakfast, lunches, dinners and all guided excursions included.

Rumbak Snow Leopard Exploration
5 - 9Days

Rumbak Snow Leopard Exploration

Over the next five days, venture into remote valleys such as Kharlung, Hosing, and Tarbung, as well as the villages of Rumbak or Yurutse, in search of the elusive snow leopard. Spotting bharal (blue sheep) is always an encouraging sign, as they form a key part of the predator’s diet. Guided by expert trackers and equipped with high-quality optics, each day brings new opportunities to scan the rugged terrain for these magnificent creatures.

As sightings are unpredictable, each day’s plan is flexible and based on real-time local intelligence from experienced spotters and villagers. Along the way, gain fascinating insights into Ladakhi folklore, customs, and traditions. Expect full-day excursions with packed lunches and warm beverages, ensuring comfort even in the wilderness. Every day promises a new adventure in the heart of snow leopard country.

Leh, Ladakh
10Day

Leh, Ladakh

After your thrilling search for snow leopards and the other iconic wildlife species that reside here, it will be time to make your way back to the Grand Dragon Hotel in Leh for some well-deserved relaxation. By now you will have hopefully seen all that you came to see and today will be the perfect opportunity to sit down and collate all the magical pictures you are sure to have taken.

1 night’s accommodation at the Grand Dragon Hotel with breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Delhi - Depart
11Day

Delhi - Depart

As your itinerary comes to an end, this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival in New Delhi, you’ll be escorted to the JW Marriott, where a room will be available for you until your departure. Later tonight or early the next morning, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the international airport for your journey home.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

The Grand Dragon Hotel, Leh

One of the first 5-star luxury hotels in Ladakh, the Grand Dragon Hotel is a beautiful family-owned hotel and offers truly luxurious accommodation in historic Leh, accompanied by wonderful views of the upper Himalayas. The hotel is decorated magnificently throughout, with handmade paintings around every corner, and fixtures that are reminiscent of royalty. Each of the beautiful bedrooms and suites feature sumptuous furnishings, spacious en-suite bathrooms, LED satellite TV and views of the mountains or gardens. Many of the upgraded suites and rooms also feature balconies, underfloor heating, and lots of luxurious extras.

Three wonderful dining and snack options are available here, including a bakery and oriental cuisine restaurant. There is also a wellness centre, games room, business centre, shopping arcade, gym, manicured gardens and jogging track.

Trident Hotel, Gurgaon, Delhi

Trident Gurgaon is a luxurious five-star hotel set amidst seven acres of landscaped gardens, tranquil courtyards, and reflection pools, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city. Despite its resort-like ambiance, the hotel is conveniently located just 15 minutes from New Delhi’s international and domestic airports. Recognised as one of Asia’s leading hotels, Trident Gurgaon provides exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and world-class amenities, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Guests can indulge in a diverse culinary experience, from all-day dining at Cilantro to authentic Japanese cuisine at Konomi, or unwind with handcrafted cocktails at Lyrah Bar’s open-air setting. The hotel also features an exclusive spa offering Ayurvedic and Western therapies, a serene outdoor pool, and a fully equipped fitness centre. With 129 beautifully designed rooms and seven suites overlooking lush gardens or shimmering pools, Trident Gurgaon ensures a luxurious and relaxing stay with seamless hospitality.

House of Rumbak Wildlife Lodge, Ladakh

Nestled in the remote wilderness of Ladakh on the edge of Hemis National Park, House of Rumbak Wildlife Lodge offers an exclusive mountain retreat blending sustainability with comfort. Built using traditional techniques, this eco-conscious lodge features six beautifully designed cottages perched on a plateau, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks and the Rumbak Valley. Despite its secluded setting, the lodge ensures a cosy stay with underfloor heating, insulated roofs, double-glazed windows, and en-suite bathrooms with hot water, providing warmth and relaxation after adventurous days in the rugged terrain.

A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, the lodge offers a rare opportunity to explore Ladakh’s pristine landscapes and search for the elusive snow leopard. Guests can enjoy authentic Ladakhi cuisine in the communal dining area, warmed by a traditional wooden stove, and savour freshly baked treats from the in-house bakery. Committed to ecological balance and sustainability, House of Rumbak provides an immersive experience where luxury meets nature in one of the world’s most untouched regions.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect India adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

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Enquiry form

Book Consultation

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