Overview

This tour offers a blend of wildlife observation, cultural exploration, and stunning landscapes. Highlights include spotting snow leopards and diverse wildlife such as the Tibetan wolf and blue sheep, along with high-altitude birds like the golden eagle. You’ll explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, experience vibrant local festivals, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Ladakhi families through homestays.

The journey begins with acclimatization in Leh, followed by visits to historic monasteries and an ornithological expedition. You then travel to Mangyu village, known for its ancient monastery and rich biodiversity, where you’ll stay with local families and embark on daily expeditions to spot snow leopards. The tour concludes with a return to Leh, ending with a market visit and a flight back to Delhi.

The best time to see the snow leopard is from December to March (early spring). The breeding season is usually in February and March. Places to see this elusive animal include Hemis National Park, the south side of the Ladakh mountain range, in particular Ney Phu, Ulley Phu, and the hills of Skindyang village, Rahim and other villages in the region. While looking for the snow leopard, there’s also a good chance of spotting other wild animals, such as the ibex, Bharal or Yurutse, ibex, blue sheep (Napo), Urial sheep (Shapo), or other predators, such as the red fox, called watse in Ladakhi, the Tibetan bird, the polar bear…the Tibetan wolf (shanku) or the lynx. Smaller animals such as the Palla’sCat, various pikas, marmots and birds are also worth a look.

From 1.990 EUR 12 Days / 11 Nights Departure: Walking Grade: Difficult

Trip Details

Group Size

6 Travelers Max

Seasonality

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Schedule

Intense

Tour Highlights

Witness the majestic snow leopards in their natural habitat
Encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including Tibetan wolves, red foxes, bharal (blue sheep), Asian ibex, Ladakh urial, etc.
Observe high-altitude birds such as the golden eagle, bearded vulture (Lammergeier), Himalayan sandpiper, red-billed chough, etc.
Explore Ladakh, known as ‘Little Tibet’, with its ancient pre-Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, lively festivals and unique culture.
Marvel at the spectacular snow-capped mountains and mesmerising cold desert.
Experience the warm hospitality of Ladakhi families by staying with local people.

Tour Type

Scheduled
Shared

Next Departures

Jan 23rd, 2025
Jan 16th, 2026
Feb 21st, 2026

Thematics

Expedition
Photography
Wildlife

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Thursday Jan 23rd, 2025

Arrival to 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!

Arriv...

Padma Ladakh (or similar)

DAY 2 - Friday Jan 24th, 2025

Leh Acclimatation

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...

B, L, D Padma Ladakh (or similar)

DAY 3 - Saturday Jan 25th, 2025

Leh to Mangyu Village

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 San...

B, L, D Local house in Mangyu (or similar)

DAY 4 - Sunday Jan 26th, 2025

In search of the snow leopard

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 bi...