In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard

Home >
In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard

In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard — 2027

Route : Leh → Spituk Monastery → Uley Valley → Hemis National Park → Uley Village → Leh

08 Days

07 Nights

Dates:

Any Dates on Request

Customize

This itinerary is customizable according to your need.

Overview:

Ladakh lies between the Karakoram and the Himalayas at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,500 meters.
The climate is cold and arid: summer temperatures reach +20…+25°C, while winter drops to −15…−25°C.
Main valleys: Zanskar, Nubra, Changthang, Uley.
Major monasteries: Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, Lamayuru Monastery.
Historically, Ladakh formed part of the Silk Road linking Tibet and India.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Leh (3,524 m)

Arrival in the capital of Ladakh — Leh. Airport meet and transfer to The Bilupa Mountain Lodge. The day is entirely dedicated to acclimatization: rest, warm drinks, and light meals. In the evening — a short walk along the main street.
About Leh: Once a key Silk Road hub connecting Tibet, Kashmir, and Central Asia. Today, it retains a deeply Buddhist atmosphere — prayer wheels, monks, juniper incense. Overnight in Leh.

Day 2. Leh → Spituk Monastery → Uley (≈70 km)

Visit to Spituk Monastery — one of the oldest Gelugpa monasteries (11th century). Continue along the Indus River toward Uley Valley. Accommodation at Snow Leopard Wildlife Lodge.
About Uley Valley: Located at the entrance to Hemis National Park — the region with the highest density of snow leopards in India. Overnight in Uley.

Day 3. First Valley Reconnaissance

Early departure into the mountains with professional spotters. Search for tracks, scent marks, scratch marks on rocks. Wildlife observation includes:
• Bharal (blue sheep)
• Himalayan ibex
• Tibetan fox
Overnight in Uley.

Day 4. In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard

Sunrise observation sessions. Use of telescopes and professional optics. Occasionally, the elusive Snow Leopard — Snow Leopard — may be spotted moving across ridgelines or resting on rocky slopes.
Search methodology: – Early morning and late afternoon observation – Reports from local villagers through Snow Leopard Conservancy networks – Camera traps and motion sensors Overnight in Uley.

Day 5. Exploring New Gorges

Trekking into neighboring valleys. Study of predator behavior and movement patterns.
About the Snow Leopard: Panthera uncia — the “Ghost of the Mountains.” Lives at altitudes up to 5,500 meters and can leap up to 15 meters. In Buddhist tradition, it symbolizes compassion. Overnight in Uley.

Day 6. Village Culture & Final Observations

Checking camera traps for rare captures. Meeting with families in Uley village. Yak butter tea and discussions about coexistence between humans and snow leopards. Farewell dinner by the fire. Overnight in Uley.

Day 7. Return to Leh

Drive back to Leh. Stops at scenic viewpoints and monasteries. Overnight in Leh — The Bilupa Mountain Lodge.

Day 8. Departure

Transfer to the airport. Return home carrying the experience of encountering the spirit of the mountains.

Price :

Included:

Accommodation as per program
Full Board in Leh
Full Board at Snow Leopard Wildlife Lodge (Uley)
Toyota Innova Crysta (max 3 persons per vehicle)
English-speaking guide (first 2 days)
Naturalists and spotters at the lodge
Use of telescopes and optics (shared equipment)
Entrance fees to museums and monasteries
Inner Line Permit
All transfers, parking, fuel, road taxes

Not included:

Flights and visa
Russian-speaking tour escort — 2,000 USD per group
Additional meals not specified
Insurance, tips, personal expenses
Optional activities
Force majeure expenses
Any services not mentioned in the “Included” section

Price

On Request

Get Free Quote

Just fill in the form and we will get back to you with a custom made tour plan.

Contact Details

10 Days

Festivals of Little Tibet (Ladakh)

6 Days

Kashmir & Ladakh: On the Road to Heaven (Gulmarg)

10 Days

In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard

08 Days

Tirthan. The Path to the Silence of the Dalai Lama

09 Days

Ru