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Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,000
Interests
Wildlife, Off the Grid
Destinations
India

The sneaky Snow Leopard proves a rare sight to see. The cat prowls the Himalayan Mountains, lurking in the shadows of dawn and dusk. Thankfully, Norbu - an unparalleled expert in the ways of the cat - is prepared to take you through every valley surrounding beautiful Ullay, working with charming locals and utilizing his own talent for tracking to ensure you spot the sneaky Snow Leopard. Begin your journey in lovely Delhi before heading to picturesque Leh to begin the acclimatizing process in preparation for full Snow Leopard-based exploration of incredible Ullay.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Elusive Exclusivity: Tracking the elusive snow leopard, a white cat that lives in the white snow-blanketed terrain of northernmost India, requires perseverance and a touch of luck. An unforgettable adventure, spotting the animal in such conditions makes it all the sweeter.
  • Dressed for Success: You will be outfitted with a team of professionals including one of the top leopard trackers, a private chef, and expedition crew.
  • In the Thick: Your base will be what used to be the personal homestay of one of the region's top snow leopard trackers. It is situated in an ecologically rich habitat of the ibex, urial, wolf, Himalayan fox, vulture, golden eagle, and of course, the snow leopard.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

New Delhi

Arrive in beautiful Delhi. Meet your guide upon landing and transfer to the elegant Leela Palace hotel for a restful evening before your adventure truly commences.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Stunning Décor: The rooms and suites are painstakingly decorated to stunning effect, with elements spanning from handcrafted tapestries to the Presidential Suite’s gold leaf ceilings.

Accommodations: Even the smallest guestrooms at The Leela New Delhi are larger than the rooms at all other hotels throughout the capital, not to mention The Leela’s 4,800 square foot Presidential Suite.

Service: No problem is too small for the hotel’s lauded, professional butler service, available 24-hours a day.

See Hotel
The Leela Palace Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Leh

Rise early and enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking a brief flight to lovely Leh, the capital of Ladakh in northern India. Once here, check in at the luxurious Hotel Grand Dragon or Stok Palace before gently acclimatizing yourself to the 11,400 ft elevation. The next 2.5 days are a mandatory acclimatization period while also providing time to familiarize yourself with the Snow Leopard and your mountainous surroundings.

Hotel Options
About

Surrounded by the Stok Kangri Mountains this modern hotel, established in 2007, offers a total of 82 rooms. The solar powered Grand Dragon is located just a 10-minute walk away from Leh Palace and Leh Market.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The official residence of the Ladakhi royal family, the Stok Palace is a 200-year old four storey palace sitting on a mountainside moraine overlooking the valley. Its 77 rooms & suites are beautifully decorated with colourful hand-painted woodwork and Tibetan rugs, and have magnificent views over the Indus valley.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Leh
Leh

Day 3

Leh

After breakfast, attend a lesson at the incredibly Snow Leopard Conservancy for a brief history on the history of these majestic creatures in the area and the current threats. Then, enjoy a guided exploration of the picturesque Thiksey Monastery, being sure to take in the many unique and beautiful elements of Buddhism and Ladakh history this architectural wonderland offers. Stop by Leh's labyrinthian streets and quiant bazaars. Leh is very 'Tibetan' in culture, which is visible in the local dress, montasteries, large chortens, prayer flags and mud brick houses with flat roofs. After, return to your hotel for a night of refreshment and relaxation.

Day 4

Leh

Today take a scenic drive east of the village to experience Ladakh's mountainous landscapes and remote villages. Indulge your senses in the extraordinary scenery this piece of paradise displays. Additionally, prepare your eyes for sightings of Golden Eagles, Blue Sheep, Bearded Vultures, and Red-Billed Choughs. Later, return to your hotel for a tranquil evening.

Day 5

Ullay

After breakfast, enjoy a stunning journey a few hours west to the village of Ullay which only has 7 houses and the prime area for Snow Leopard watching. Drive past many areas of both natural and architectural beauty, featuring rivers, mountains and monasteries. The expansive landscape narrows upon entering Ullay, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for nearby Ibex and Snow Leopards as the sun begins to set. Then, retire to your local accommodation, Snow Leopard Lodge, for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Hotel Options
About

Nestled in the remote village of Ullay at an altitude of 13,000 feet, Snow Leopard Lodge is the only wildlife lodge in Ladakh in India’s far north mountains. Ullay itself is a hamlet of just 7 houses, and sits in an ecologically rich habitat of the ibex, urial, wolf, Himalayan fox, vultures, golden eagles, and snow leopards.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Ullay
Ullay

Day 6

Ullay

Take time to enjoy the morning, chatting with charming Ladakhi locals and guests alike, and tasting delicious cuisine prepared by the chef. Then, enjoy a slow-paced walk in this stunning village as you continue to acclimate to the ever-increasing elevation. Later, return to your homestay for a warm dinner and a quiet night.

Day 7

Ullay

Greet Norbu, your friendly and knowledgeable Snow Leopard guide. Listen as he speaks of his dedication and experience tracking these amazing animals. Ullay is not an overly populated town, and Norbu knows exactly which locals to speak with to receive the best Snow Leopard information. As night falls, enjoy a home-cooked meal before retiring to your room for the evening.

Day 8

Ullay

After a warm breakfast, join Norbu on an adventure into the first of three nearby Snow Leopard sighting valleys. Use a combination of SUV roads and foot to navigate this winter wonderland of wild potential. After an exciting day of mountain adventure, return to your host family for a delightful meal and intriguing conversation.

Ullay
Ullay

Day 9

Ullay

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before joining with Norbu to explore the second Snow Leopard sighting valley. While looking for the stunning Snow Leopard, keep your eyes peeled for Urial, Ibex, Wolf and Himalayan Fox. Then, return to the main village for a night of relaxation and refreshment.

Day 10

Ullay

After breakfast, greet Norbu and set off to journey through the third and final Snow Leopard sighting valley. While continuing along your adventure, you are sure to meet many locals, all of whom wish to help your quest. Listen to their stories, as they are full of intriguing lore and local mystery. As the day comes to an end, return to the village for a warm meal and a peaceful night.

Day 11

Ullay

Enjoy a slow-paced morning as you rise and partake in a wonderful breakfast prepared by your homestay chef. After, explore the charming village with Norbu and decide on the valley areas you would most like to revisit. Be sure to return to your homestay by dusk, as you stand an excellent chance of seeing incredible wildlife from your own front door. Then, enjoy a final night with your host family, reminiscing about your Ullay adventure.

Ullay
Ullay

Day 12

Leh

After a final breakfast with your lovely host family, it is time to take the scenic drive back to Leh. En route, enjoy a guided exploration of Alchi monastery, where you will see incredible ancient architecture and learn tales of local history. After the day’s adventure is complete, retire to the enchanting Hotel Grand Dragon for the night.

Hotel Options
About

Surrounded by the Stok Kangri Mountains this modern hotel, established in 2007, offers a total of 82 rooms. The solar powered Grand Dragon is located just a 10-minute walk away from Leh Palace and Leh Market.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The official residence of the Ladakhi royal family, the Stok Palace is a 200-year old four storey palace sitting on a mountainside moraine overlooking the valley. Its 77 rooms & suites are beautifully decorated with colourful hand-painted woodwork and Tibetan rugs, and have magnificent views over the Indus valley.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 13

Leh

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and another stroll to enjoy the crisp mountain air, and perhaps another chance to spot the elusive Snow Leopard, before transferring back to Leh. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or browsing the bazaar as you wish.

Day 14

Departure

After breakfast, it is time to transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi for your adventure onward.

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

The Leela Palace
Preferred Hotel

The Leela Palace

Located near the heart of Chanakyapuri, the city’s diplomatic enclave, the Leela Palace New Delhi is a five-star luxury hotel in the Indian capital. Its 260 rooms and suites combine traditional Indian opulence with sleek contemporary decor and amenities in typical Leela luxury. Dining options include the striking glass-house Qube,offering an eclectic global menu and show kitchens, overlooking the Leela’s gardens; Jamavar for traditional Rajasthani and north Indian cuisine; and new outposts of the acclaimed restaurants Le Cirque (French and Italian) and Megu (Japanese). The Library, meanwhile, is a sophisticated retreat for cocktails, fine whiskeys, cigars, and a collection of first-edition books. The ESPA spa offers a range of Western, Oriental and Ayurvedic-influenced health and beauty treatments, as well as a café, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, relaxation lounge, finishing studio, roof terrace, and sauna, steam and drench rooms. The Leela is approximately a 30-minute drive from Indira Gandhi International airport (DEL).

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Suggested Hotels For Days 2–4

Hotel Grand Dragon

Hotel Grand Dragon

Surrounded by the Stok Kangri Mountains this modern hotel, established in 2007, offers a total of 82 rooms. The solar powered Grand Dragon is located just a 10-minute walk away from Leh Palace and Leh Market. All rooms at Hotel Grand Dragon have WiFi, satellite TV, a mini bar, and a coffee/tea maker. Hotel dining options include Tusrabs, which serves Ladakhi, Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Zasgyath, a coffee shop, is also available and features a multi-cuisine menu that changes depending on the season. The in-house bakery, Solja, serves freshly baked breads and pastries. Hotel facilities include a garden, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, spa and game room. Bicycles are also available for rental. The hotel is located approximately 10 minutes away from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

The official residence of the Ladakhi royal family, the Stok Palace is a 200-year old four storey palace sitting on a mountainside moraine overlooking the valley. Its 77 rooms & suites are beautifully decorated with colourful hand-painted woodwork and Tibetan rugs, and have magnificent views over the Indus valley. The hotel also boasts splendid gardens and a fascinating museum which includes jewels, armour and ceremonial Buddhist scrolls.

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–11

Snow Leopard Lodge

Snow Leopard Lodge

Nestled in the remote village of Ullay at an altitude of 13,000 feet, Snow Leopard Lodge is the only wildlife lodge in Ladakh in India’s far north mountains. Ullay itself is a hamlet of just 7 houses, and sits in an ecologically rich habitat of the ibex, urial, wolf, Himalayan fox, vultures, golden eagles, and snow leopards. Originally a personal homestay of Tchewang Norbu, one of Ladakh’s top snow leopard trackers, the lodge was repurposed for tourism as a conservation tool of the animals by putting revenue directly into the local community. The lodge offers comfortable single and twin bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Dining and laundry service are available onsite. Besides tracking snow leopards, guests of the lodge can enjoy nearby birdwatching, hiking, cycling, golf, and guided walks. Ulley is 2-3 hours drive from the capital of Leh.

Suggested Hotels For Days 12–13

Hotel Grand Dragon

Hotel Grand Dragon

Surrounded by the Stok Kangri Mountains this modern hotel, established in 2007, offers a total of 82 rooms. The solar powered Grand Dragon is located just a 10-minute walk away from Leh Palace and Leh Market. All rooms at Hotel Grand Dragon have WiFi, satellite TV, a mini bar, and a coffee/tea maker. Hotel dining options include Tusrabs, which serves Ladakhi, Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Zasgyath, a coffee shop, is also available and features a multi-cuisine menu that changes depending on the season. The in-house bakery, Solja, serves freshly baked breads and pastries. Hotel facilities include a garden, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, spa and game room. Bicycles are also available for rental. The hotel is located approximately 10 minutes away from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

Stok Palace Heritage Hotel

The official residence of the Ladakhi royal family, the Stok Palace is a 200-year old four storey palace sitting on a mountainside moraine overlooking the valley. Its 77 rooms & suites are beautifully decorated with colourful hand-painted woodwork and Tibetan rugs, and have magnificent views over the Indus valley. The hotel also boasts splendid gardens and a fascinating museum which includes jewels, armour and ceremonial Buddhist scrolls.

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