India
QUEST FOR SNOW LEOPARDS
24 FEB - 07 MAR 2028 • 13 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
Summon your inner adventurer and join Wild Earth Expeditions in India’s remote Himalayas on a quest to view one of the world’s most mysterious, majestic, and elusive cats—the snow leopard.
Explore the wildly spectacular mountain and valley landscapes of Hemis National Park, a vast element-shaped corner of the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir known as Little Tibet. Spend five unforgettable days here guided by a local tracker famed for his instinctive knowledge of habit and habitat, as you drive and hike across sweeping valleys and high plateaus in search of the “ghost of the mountains.”
Setting the stage for this remarkable journey is an introductory two-day stay in Leh, the ancient, and fabled, high-altitude capital of Ladakh whose ethereal magic leaves no visitor untouched. Exquisite monasteries and the serenity of its Buddhist culture, the colourful lore of its trade route history, photogenic local markets, and the dazzling mountain peaks that glow in the twilight... We carry all of this with us as we travel overland to the centrepiece of our expedition.
Over the past decade, Ladakh’s Hemis National Park in the Ulley Valley has earned the reputation of having the highest number of snow leopard sightings, along with its intensive research and documentary filmmaking. The region is also home to an astonishing array of birds and wildlife—soaring golden eagles, ibex, Tibetan wolf, yak, blue sheep, and Himalayan brown bear.
A cozy traditional lodge overlooking a vast valley in the park is home base for six nights, offering a rare opportunity to experience winter life in these majestic hinterlands with a hospitable Ladakhi family dedicated to your comfort.
Each morning, wake to the promise of new adventures and unique highlights, scenery of breathtaking scale, and that ever-present chance to glimpse and observe the incomparable snow leopard. And when returning from your daily hikes, share your adventures with your hosts, now friends, in the warm fragrant kitchen covered with exquisite brass, copper, and silver ornaments—making these ultimately memorable moments timeless.
HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the history and culture of fabled Leh
Travel overland to remote Ulley Valley and Hemis National Park
Search for snow leopards on wonderful walks through magnificent Himalayan landscapes
Watch for ibex, Tibetan wolves, golden eagles, and blue sheep
Visit Buddhist villages, local markets, and towering monasteries
Led by the best snow leopard trackers and one of India’s top wildlife guides
Stay in comfortable traditional mountain lodge with a Ladakhi community
COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
For those wishing to expand their travels in India, this journey can be combined with India’s Iconic Wildlife and Cultural Splendours expedition, an unforgettable exploration of tiger-filled forests, sacred cities and the wildlife-rich grasslands of Assam. Complete the adventure with one or both optional add-ons: visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, and explore India’s fascinating past and vibrant present on a guided tour of Old and New Delhi.
“The big cat wildlife experiences - snow leopard, bengal tiger, leopards - were amazing.. five snow leopard sightings was an absolute treat and being able to watch them arouse and then stalk the majestic Himalayas is something I will never forget. Most of my friends think only of Africa as the place for big cats..but India provides equally fabulous experiences and Thomas and his gracious and knowledgeable Indian colleagues made our Indian encounters simply awesome! I sincerely hope more people recognize India’s conservation efforts and take on an Indian experience.”
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW
INDIA – Quest for Snow Leopards
FEB 24 - MAR 07, 2028 ● 13 DAYS ● 16 GUESTS
Day 01 | Feb 24 Depart home and travel to Delhi, India
Day 02 | Feb 25 Arrive in Delhi / Welcome cocktails and dinner
Day 03 | Feb 26 Scenic flight across the Himalayas to Leh, acclimatize to altitude
Day 04 | Feb 27 Buddhist monasteries / Leh palace / Local Market
Day 05 | Feb 28 Drive along the Indus River across mountain passes to remote Ulley Valley
Day 06-10 | Feb 29-Mar 04 Spend 5 days in Hemis National Park searching for snow leopards
Day 11 | Mar 05 Return drive from Ulley to Leh
Day 12 | Mar 06 Fly home via Dehi OR join Kaziranga Post-Extension trip for Indian Rhinos & Asian Elephants
Day 13 | Mar 07 Arrive home
ADD-ON - RAJASTHAN - Blue Citadels, Pink Palaces and Emerald Lakes
FEB/MAR 2028 ● 6 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Trip
Day 01 | Fly Delhi–Jodhpur / Arrive in the Blue City / Overnight at RAAS Jodhpur
Day 02 | Explore Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada / Discover Jodhpur’s Blue City / Textile Experience
Day 03 | Journey from Jodhpur to Jawai / Afternoon Leopard Safari
Day 04 | Morning & Afternoon Leopard Safaris among Jawai’s Granite Hills
Day 05 | Morning Leopard Safari / Journey to Udaipur / Explore the City Palace, Jagdish Temple & Historic Old City
Day 06 | Fly Udaipur–Delhi / Continue Home or Onward
ADD ON - INDIA – Iconic Taj Mahal
FEB-MAR 2028 ● 2 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Extension
Day 01 | Dinner and overnight in Delhi, India
Day 02 | Travel to Agra / Red Fort & Taj Mahal at sunset
Day 03 | Taj Mahal sunrise / Return to Delhi
ADD ON - INDIA – Delhi City Tour
FEB-MAR 2028 ● 1 DAY ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Extension
Day 01 | Full-day Old and New Delhi City Tour with lunch.
ADD-ON - RAJASTHAN - Blue Citadels, Pink Palaces and Emerald Lakes
FEB/MAR 2028 ● 6 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Trip
Elevate the India experience with an exclusive five-night journey through the royal heart of Rajasthan. Explore Jodhpur’s majestic Mehrangarh Fort and blue-washed lanes, venture into the dramatic granite wilderness of Jawai on thrilling leopard safaris, and discover the palaces, temples and colorful bazaars of romantic Udaipur. Privately guided experiences, exceptional regional cuisine and extraordinary accommodations - including the stylish RAAS Jodhpur, a Tented Rock Suite at SUJÁN JAWAI and a palace-view room with a semi-private pool at The Oberoi Udaivilas - combine to create an unforgettable celebration of India at its most luxurious.
PLEASE NOTE: This optional extension is privately guided by professional local Rajasthan guides and an experienced driver; it is not accompanied by a Wild Earth Expedition Leader. The extension may be arranged before or after either of our two India expeditions.
ADD ON – ICONIC TAJ MAHAL
Optional Add-on Pre or Post Extension
2028 | 2 DAYS
Our Iconic Taj Mahal Add-on provides Wild Earth Explorers the opportunity to discover some of India’s most iconic architectural treasures. Learn about the history and construction behind some of India’s most spectacular fortresses, tombs, and palaces. Marvel at the impressive architecture of the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort and take in the incredible blend of past and present.
*PLEASE NOTE this is an optional add-on extension that will be led by a professional expert Agra Tourist guide and driver, not a Wild Earth leader. This extension can be done at any time Pre or Post either of our two India Expeditions.
ADD ON - DELHI CITY TOUR
2028 | FULL DAY TOUR w. LUNCH
Optional Add-on Pre or Post Extension
If you have an extra day in Delhi (which we always recommend), we are offering a full-day guided Delhi city tour with lunch. Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land.
SNOW LEOPARD LODGE
Set amid the remote, high-altitude wilderness of western Ladakh, Snow Leopard Lodge offers a warm and welcoming sanctuary in the heart of prime snow leopard country. Surrounded by sweeping valleys, rugged cliffs and pastel-hued mountains, the lodge is ideally positioned for exploring several wildlife-rich valleys known for snow leopards, Asiatic ibex, Ladakh urial, Tibetan wolves, red foxes, golden eagles and Himalayan vultures.
Ten comfortable, twin-bedded rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, central heating, 24-hour hot water and abundant natural light, while panoramic windows reveal dramatic views across the surrounding mountains. After exhilarating days in the field, gather in the inviting lounge and dining area to share sightings, enjoy a warming drink and savor delicious Ladakhi, Indian and international cuisine.
More than simply a place to stay, Snow Leopard Lodge lies at the heart of the wildlife experience. Expert naturalists and dedicated local trackers draw upon an intimate knowledge of the landscape, carefully scanning distant ridgelines and following fresh signs through the valleys in search of the elusive “Ghost of the Mountains.” Remote, intimate and filled with genuine Ladakhi hospitality, the lodge provides an unforgettable base for one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife quests.
WILD EARTH LEADERS
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Encounters Asia, Indrajit Latey, Adobe Stock