Snow Leopard Expedition – Ladakh
A 16-day winter wildlife expedition across Ladakh in search of the elusive Snow Leopard, Pallas’s Cat, Eurasian Lynx, Tibetan Gazelle, and other rare Himalayan wildlife.
Big Bear Journeys presents an unforgettable 16-day Snow Leopard Expedition in Ladakh, operating during the winter season from January to March. This specially designed wildlife journey takes you through some of Ladakh’s best-known habitats for rare Himalayan species. The expedition includes multiple days dedicated to tracking and sighting the elusive Snow Leopard around Shang and Rumbak, along with opportunities to look for Eurasian Lynx, Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Gazelle, owls, and other high-altitude wildlife. The journey also includes a visit to Thiksey Monastery and travel through the spectacular winter landscapes of Leh, Shang, Rumbak, Warila, Hanle, and nearby wildlife areas.
Itinerary
Arrival in Leh
Arrive in Leh and transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization.
Leh Acclimatization & Market Walk
Continue acclimatization with a relaxed day in Leh and a short walk through the local market.
Leh to Shang Chokdo via Thiksey Monastery
Travel from Leh towards Shang Chokdo, with a visit to the beautiful Thiksey Monastery along the way.
Shang Chokdo Wildlife Sighting
Spend the day exploring the surrounding area with your wildlife team in search of Snow Leopards and other Himalayan wildlife.
Full-Day Snow Leopard Sighting in Shang
A full day dedicated to tracking and spotting Snow Leopards in the Shang region.
Snow Leopard Tracking in Shang
Continue exploring Snow Leopard habitat with experienced local trackers and wildlife guides.
Shang to Leh
Return to Leh for a comfortable rest day, hot shower, and preparation for the next stage of the expedition.
Leh to Rumbak
Travel to Rumbak and begin wildlife spotting in one of Ladakh’s most famous Snow Leopard habitats.
Rumbak Snow Leopard Sighting
Full day dedicated to Snow Leopard tracking and wildlife observation.
Rumbak Snow Leopard Sighting
Another full day in Rumbak, maximizing opportunities to observe Snow Leopards and other high-altitude wildlife.
Rumbak to Warila – Lynx Sighting
Travel towards the Warila region with a focus on searching for the elusive Eurasian Lynx.
Hanle – Pallas’s Cat Sighting
Explore the Hanle region in search of the rare and fascinating Pallas’s Cat.
Hanle to Nurbula – Tibetan Gazelle Sighting
Travel towards Nurbula and explore the surrounding habitat for sightings of Tibetan Gazelle and other wildlife.
Hanle Wildlife Exploration
Spend another day around Hanle looking for Pallas’s Cat, owls, and other unique Himalayan wildlife.
Hanle to Leh
Drive back to Leh and enjoy your final evening in Ladakh.
Departure from Leh
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Ladakh and its extraordinary wildlife.
What’s Included
All meals for 15 days during the expedition, as per the itinerary.
Vehicle pickup and drop-off throughout the trip, from the scheduled arrival pickup until the final drop.
Services of an experienced expedition guide and local wildlife spotters/trackers.
All required permits and entry permissions included in the itinerary.
Wildlife spotting binoculars / spotting equipment for use during tracking, subject to availability.
All ground transportation and transfers specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
What’s Not Included
International and domestic flights unless specifically mentioned as included.
Any additional expenses arising from flight delays or cancellations due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
Camera equipment, including cameras, lenses, tripods, batteries, memory cards, and other photography accessories.
Personal binoculars and other personal trekking or winter equipment.
Indian visa fees and any other applicable travel documentation costs.
Travel insurance, including medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and high-altitude coverage.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, internet, beverages, snacks, and shopping.
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, spotters, and support staff.
Any additional accommodation, transportation, meals, or services required due to bad weather, road closures, flight disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Any service or item not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions.”
Terms & Conditions
Booking is confirmed only after receipt of the required advance payment.
Full payment must be completed before departure.
Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity is mandatory.
Visa requirements, if applicable, are the traveler's responsibility.
Standard hotel check-in/check-out timings apply.
Sightseeing is subject to weather, traffic, and operational conditions.
No refund for unused services, missed sightseeing, or early departure.
Any increase in government taxes, entry fees, or fuel surcharge will be payable by the traveler.
Personal expenses such as shopping, beverages, laundry, tips, and phone calls are not included.
Travel insurance is highly recommended.
The organizer is not responsible for delays due to flights, weather, natural disasters, or circumstances beyond control.
By confirming the booking, guests agree to all tour policies and cancellation terms.
Before You Travel
Carry a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and keep copies of important travel documents.
Check the latest Indian visa, entry, and permit requirements before travel.
Pack appropriate winter clothing, including thermal base layers, insulated jackets, gloves, warm socks, a woollen cap, and sturdy trekking footwear suitable for snow and cold conditions.
Carry UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and personal medication, as the expedition involves high-altitude environments and prolonged outdoor exposure.
Allow adequate time for acclimatisation in Leh and follow your guide's instructions regarding altitude, hydration, and physical activity.
Guests should be prepared for cold temperatures, uneven terrain, long wildlife-tracking sessions, and walking at high altitude.
Respect Ladakhi culture, local communities, monasteries, and religious customs. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and other sacred places.
Carry sufficient Indian Rupees (INR) for personal expenses, as ATMs and card facilities may be limited in remote areas.
Mobile connectivity and internet access may be limited or unavailable in remote wildlife areas. A suitable local SIM may be useful where network coverage is available.
Snow Leopard and other wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, as all observations depend on natural wildlife movement, weather, terrain, and tracking conditions.
Follow all instructions provided by wildlife trackers, naturalists, guides, and local authorities throughout the expedition.
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing animals, habitats, or local ecosystems.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude travel, medical emergencies, evacuation, trip interruption, and cancellation is strongly recommended.
The itinerary may be modified due to snowfall, road conditions, weather, wildlife movement, altitude considerations, or operational reasons in the interest of guest safety.
Flights and road transfers in Ladakh may occasionally be affected by winter weather, so keeping some flexibility in your onward travel plans is recommended.
Arrive at the airport with sufficient time for check-in and security procedures, especially for flights to and from Leh.