Epic India: Spotting Snow Leopards

Take the chance to view the magnificent snow leopards in their natural habitat with some of the best private India tour guides in the Trans-Himalayan Region on a join-in expedition. This epic itinerary is fabulously unique and perfect for someone who likes to get off the beaten track in search of adventure with added luxury and home comforts.

Delhi, Leh, Ulley Valley & Delhi

13 nights private tour from GBP £6,600

Journey highlights

The snow leopard itinerary in Ladakh is based on set departure dates and is a small, group tour. As these departure dates are on a join-in basis you will be joined by additional participants other than Scott Dunn guests on the expedition.
The majority of time in Ladakh is spent at elevations of 11,800 feet or higher, with the highest sleeping altitude at 13,000. Anyone with a history of medical. problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory, should consult a doctor before considering this trip.
The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and the experience of the expert guides as to what will work best for each individual departure.
On this itinerary you will travel to the Ulley Valley to see snow leopards which will give you a much more exclusive experience as most Snow Leopard trips are offered in the Rumbak Valley which has now become overcrowded.

Our tailor made journeys include:

Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
Private international airport transfers in destination
Your own private, English-speaking local guides
Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
Entrance to must-see local sites
Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

Due to temperatures and precipitation, Delhi and much of northern India can be an extreme place to visit during certain months of the year. The hottest months of the year are May and June, during which time temperatures can get up to 40°C. The coldest months are from December until February whilst the monsoon season is from the end of May through to August. During this time although the temperature cools, the humidity is very high, and rainstorms are frequent. It is not advised to visit during these months.

Ladakh is normally only open for tourists only during the summer months of May to September. However for special experiences and expeditions it is possible to access the region during other harsher months. The weather of Ladakh remains cold and chilly for most part of the year. Winter usually lasts from October to May and its usually very cold. During these months the whole area is covered with snow. Monsoon season experiences rainfall but due to the land slides, the area is closed. The temperature is cool and can go up to 33°C.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Delhi, Delhi and the North, India

You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights, staying at The Oberoi, offering a slice of luxury right in the centre of the bustling city.

Here you will be perfectly placed to enjoy the city over the next couple of days, with something new and exciting around each corner. Firstly enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city where you will explore the contrasts between the Old and New town, from Chandni Chowk and the Jama Masjid Mosque to Rajpath, Humayun's Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. At the temple you will have the opportunity to lend a helping hand in the community kitchen or participate in community service. You will also have time to immerse yourself in the colourful stalls and busy streets of this historical market on a rickshaw ride.

Accommodation: The Oberoi New Delhi ( 2 nights )

Day 3-5

Himalaya, India

From Delhi you will take the short flight to Leh, your gateway to Ladakh and the start of your snow leopard experience. Here you will spend three nights and while you adjust to the increased altitude you will have the chance to both explore the ancient city and take part in an introduction to the Snow Leopard Conservancy which is key in grass-roots interventions in the protection of these amazing animals. Leh itself is a fascinating city full of winding side streets showcasing its heritage as a Central Asia trading town. With its unique Tibetan character seen and felt throughout the old town, Leh is a fantastic base to find your feet and start your adventure. During your two nights here, you will also be able to explore the surrounding area visiting Taglang La and the villages of Gya, Lhato and Meru. If you are lucky enough there is even the chance that you will start your sightings early with Blue Sheep, Golden Eagles and Bearded Vultures known to inhabit the area.

Accommodation: The Grand Dragon ( 2 nights )

Day 5-12

Himalaya, India

Once you have acclimatised you will begin your journey by car to Ulley Village where you will be spending the next seven nights. The journey will take approximately two hours by car and along the way as you venture west you’ll pass through the small town of Nimmu and towards Likir, one of the region's famous Buddhist monasteries. The dramatic open landscapes narrow into smaller valleys as you continue on into snow leopard country until you reach Ulley Village. Snow Leopard Lodge is the only non-tented accommodation in the area and provides clean, comfortable and warm base from which to explore this incredible area.

The Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh is known for its raw and dramatic landscapes, in this high altitude cold desert, which makes for all the more of a rewarding experience. As the environment is bleak and cold, the people of this region are warm and welcoming and alongside the wildlife you will have a chance to enjoy a true cultural immersion.

During your seven nights here you’ll explore the three surrounding valleys which are not only home to snow leopards but a whole host of interesting wildlife including urial, Ibex, wolf and Himalayan fox. Using a mix of on foot transport and SUVs your guide will expertly lead you through the landscapes calling on his impeccable knowledge and connections with local people to pinpoint where the snow leopards might be found.

Accommodation: Snow Leopard Lodge ( 7 nights )

Communal Living Room - Snow Leopard Lodge

Telescope Ready for Sightings - Snow Leopard Lodge

Day 12-13

Himalaya, India

On departure from Ulley Valley you will drive back to Leh and on the way have the chance to visit Alchi monastery, one of the earliest monasteries built in Ladakh. In Leh you will have one night in order to connect to your onward flight to Delhi.

Accommodation: The Grand Dragon ( 1 night )

Day 13-14

Delhi, Delhi and the North, India

For the final stop in India, you will take a short flight from Leh to Delhi where you will have one final night to relax and unwind, staying at the Trident Gurgaon Hotel before either taking your international flight home or to continue with any onward trips.

As the region of Ladakh is difficult to access during winter months, the itinerary is on set departure dates and can accommodate up to 8 guests per trip. In order to have the best chance to spot to snow leopards this itinerary does involve trekking at a moderate to strenuous grade and you will need a good level of fitness to be able to take part. The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and the experience of the expert guides as to what will work best for each individual departure. As the portion of the itinerary in Ladakh is set, we cannot tailor this but we can of course tailor your trip before and after the expedition depending on interests. Before you head into the mountains as a suggestion you could add in some additional time into exploring the jewels of Rajasthan and then to end the adventure tack on some downtime under the swaying palm trees in Kerala.

Accommodation: The Trident Gurgaon ( 1 night )

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and includes international flights)

Departing	Price from^* Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type. Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.	Deposit from ^*	Enquire
December 2024	GBP £6,800	GBP £1,000	plan your trip
January 2025	GBP £6,800	GBP £1,000	plan your trip
February 2025	GBP £6,800	GBP £1,000	plan your trip
March 2025	GBP £6,800	GBP £1,000	plan your trip
April 2025	GBP £6,800	GBP £1,000	plan your trip

December 2024
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*
GBP £1,000
January 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*
GBP £1,000
February 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*
GBP £1,000
March 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*
GBP £1,000
April 2025
Price from ^*

Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.

Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.

Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*
GBP £1,000
plan your trip

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