The Velvet Queen in Ladakh

Flight to Ladakh from India (not included). This flight to Ladakh is a real spectacle, and one of the most beautiful in the world. Open your eyes wide and look out of the window as you fly over the Himalayan range!

Arrival at Leh airport, where you’ll be greeted by our customer service manager. Together with your private driver, you’ll make your way to your guest room, where you’ll share the latest information essential to the smooth running of your expedition. You spend the day in a quiet area to acclimatize to the altitude at 3500m.

Given Ladakh’s high altitude, a mandatory acclimatization period is essential for your well-being, and during this acclimatization day you’ll have the chance to explore the outskirts of Lehet and soak up the local atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we embark on a journey of cultural and natural exploration. Visit the historic monasteries of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis, and immerse yourself in the spiritual richness ofLadakh. Later, you’ll discover the avian wonders of the region on a birdwatching expedition near the Sindu River, accompanied by a delicious packed lunch.I n the evening, stroll through Leh’s bustling market and soak up the local atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Leh.

Embark on a scenic drive to snow leopard territory, passing through charming villages such as Nimmo, Basgo and Saspol along the Leh-Srinagar highway.

Observe the majestic confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers at Sangam. After a 3 to 3.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive in Mangyu, a remote and little-visited village.

On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed in a guest house with a traditional white scarf.
The Mangyu monastery, an ancient marvel, awaits your exploration, nestling in the village. This historic monastery, dating from 1000-1300 AD, reflects Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage and unique architecture.

The village’s biodiversity, which includes prey species such as bharal, ibex and urial, adds to Mangyu’s appeal as a prime destination for snow leopard enthusiasts. The ever-vigilant local trackers increase your chances of encountering this elusive ghost of the mountains.

Your days at Mangyu begin at first light, greeted by steaming cups of tea or coffee, followed by a refreshing wash in hot water.
Accompanied by skilled spotters and trackers, you venture into the valley, on foot or by bike, in search of the magnificent snow leopard. The trackers, deeply connected to the land, share their expertise and communicate constantly, maximising your chances of encountering these elusive creatures.

During this time, you will be staying with a Ladakhi family, giving you an insight into their authentic way of life, sharing moments in their warm and lively kitchen, the heart of a Ladakhi home, and savouring the local cuisine.

Immersed in Ladakhi hospitality, you’ll also have the opportunity to lend a hand, enriching your cultural experience.

You’ll spend five days surveying the valleys of Rumbak, Yurutse, Husing and Tarbuns in the heart of Hemis National Park, a favorite haunt of the Phantom of the Himalayas. We recommend that you bring a good pair of binoculars and your best photographic equipment on this trip.

To maximize your chances of spotting a snow leopard, there will be no fixed itinerary, and the program for these five days will be decided by your guide, an expert on the local wildlife. You’ll return to base camp each evening and navigate during the day between sites where snow leopard sightings are most likely.

The extreme cold of winter forces snow leopards and other animals to descend from the high altitudes they normally enjoy, and you’ll have plenty of chances to see them over the five days. You may also be lucky enough to spot bharals, lynx, red pandas or wolves, all protected species familiar to this region.

In terms of comfort, you’ll be accompanied for these five days by a complete team, including guide, cook and camp helpers. You’ll sleep in tents, and hot meals will be taken in a mess tent with camping tables and chairs, equipped with gas heaters and solar lamps. Hot drinks will be offered frequently, and at night our team will provide hot water bottles to ensure that you spend these five days in the heart of the Himalayas in the best possible conditions.

Indulge in a winter cut off from the world and savor every moment. What if the quest for the leopard wasn’t also an inner quest? An opportunity to find yourself in the heart of this unchanging wilderness.

On this day, your journey into the wilderness continues as you explore deeper into Hemis National Park, venturing into more remote areas where snow leopards and other rare species roam. Your guide will lead you to new vantage points and hidden valleys, where the chances of encountering wildlife are even higher.

You’ll spend the day tracking animal trails and scanning the rugged landscape for signs of movement. Along the way, keep an eye out for bharals, ibex, and other high-altitude dwellers. With patience, you might witness snow leopards in action, whether prowling through the snow or resting in the cliffs above.

The evening will bring another peaceful night under the Himalayan stars, with the warmth of the campfire and the camaraderie of your team, readying you for the days ahead.

After a final morning of wildlife watching, and after expressing your gratitude to your hosts and trackers, you drive back to Leh.

Arrive for lunch and check into your hotel.
Guided walking tour of Leh market, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and buy souvenirs, completing your Ladakh adventure with local flavours.

Bid farewell to the enchanting land of Ladakh during your early morning airport transfer. Board your flight with precious memories of the wilderness and warm hospitality of Ladakh, and end your trip with a heart full of experiences and a deep respect for nature and local traditions. Have a good trip on the way back