Snow Leopards (Grey Ghost)

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Tour Code: SNLGGH

Overview

Journey to the realm of the Gray Ghost and the elusive Pallas's Cat amidst the majestic winter landscapes of Ladakh.

Nestled in the stark beauty of Ladakh, Hemis National Park is a sanctuary where spirituality and wilderness converge. This specialized 13-day expedition begins in the high-elevation city of Leh, offering crucial acclimatization, before delving into the high-altitude terrain of Hemis National Park. Our primary quest is to locate and photograph the elusive Snow Leopard, often referred to as the "Gray Ghost." The park is a vital habitat, boasting over 220 individuals and the only Indian home to the Ladakhi Urial. It also hosts smaller mammals like the Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, and Himalayan mouse hare. We then extend our search to the cold desert areas around Hanle for the equally fascinating Pallas's Cat and other unique high-altitude wildlife, including the Himalayan Wolf. This itinerary is meticulously designed for optimal chances to observe these highly sought-after key species in their natural, extreme winter environment.

Photo Credit: Liton Das



Day 1

  • Upon arrival at Leh Airport (IXL), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your comfortable, centrally heated hotel.
  • Leh sits at an altitude of 3,474 m (11,400 ft). This day is strictly for rest and passive acclimatization. Avoid any strenuous activity.
  • Hydrate frequently and follow your guide's advice on AMS prevention. An initial briefing will be provided at the hotel.
  • Overnight stay at your hotel in Leh.
  • Meals: Dinner

Day 2

  • Continue your crucial acclimatization in Leh. The body needs adequate time to adapt to the decreased air pressure and lower oxygen content at this altitude. This day is vital to mitigate Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
  • Your guide will provide an in-depth briefing on AMS symptoms, prevention, and emergency protocols.
  • In the evening, enjoy a gentle exploration of the Leh Tibetan Market (approx. 10-minute drive). This offers a glimpse into local life, traditional handicrafts, and exceptional craftsmanship, while staying at a manageable altitude.
  • Return to your lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

  • After breakfast, depart at 08:00 HRS for the picturesque drive to Hemis National Park.
  • Check into your comfortable centrally heated guesthouse/homestay upon arrival at Rumbak village, which will be your base for the next 4 nights. Rumbak is nestled at an altitude of approximately 4,000 m (13,153 ft).
  • Upon arrival, you will meet the dedicated snow leopard team, including the expert naturalist, local shepherd, and experienced trackers.
  • Enjoy a scrumptious Ladakhi welcome meal.
  • Immediately after, you will be transferred to a suitable spotting location as advised by the trackers. Initial tracking activities will commence.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - 8

  • These five full days are entirely dedicated to intensive snow leopard tracking within Hemis National Park.
  • Daily Routine:
  • Trackers will set out before dawn (often before sunrise) to locate fresh snow leopard movements, as they are most active during dawn and dusk.
  • As soon as a promising sign or sighting is reported, you will be swiftly transferred to the spot by vehicle or on foot.
  • Expect to spend entire days out in the field, braving the extreme cold. Layers of warm clothing are essential.
  • Experienced spotters and high-quality optics (telescopes/binoculars provided by the team, alongside your own gear) will be crucial for scanning the rugged, snow-covered terrain.
  • Your lead guide and spotters will interact closely with local communities, leveraging their extensive network and indigenous knowledge to pinpoint potential hiding spots.
  • Lunch and hot beverages will be provided in the field.
  • Return to your accommodation in Rumbak for dinner and rest, sharing experiences and planning for the next day.
  • You will explore various valleys and ridges within the park known for snow leopard activity, such as Husing Point and Tarbung Valley.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (daily)

Day 9

  • After breakfast, depart from Rumbak and embark on a remarkable scenic drive to Hanle via a bypass route. This journey offers a dramatic change of scenery as we enter the cold desert landscape.
  • Arrive at your comfortable lodge in Hanle village, which will serve as your base for the next 3 nights. Hanle is renowned for its high-altitude astronomical observatory and offers excellent chances for sightings of unique high-altitude wildlife, including the Pallas's Cat and Himalayan Wolf.
  • After a hearty lunch, the team will commence an evening wildlife search, focusing on areas known for Pallas's Cat activity and other smaller mammals.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - 11

  • These two full days are dedicated to intensive searching for the elusive Pallas's Cat, Himalayan Wolf, and other fascinating high-altitude wildlife in the Hanle region.
  • Hanle's cold desert wetlands, vast plains, and surrounding rocky terrains are prime habitats for the Pallas's Cat, Tibetan Wolves, Tibetan Argali, Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), and a variety of resident and migratory bird species.
  • Our expert local guides will lead you to the best vantage points and tracking areas, utilizing their deep knowledge of the local ecosystem.
  • Be prepared for early starts and late finishes to maximize your chances of encountering these highly sought-after animals in their natural habitat.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (daily)

Day 12

  • Enjoy a final morning of wildlife activities in the Hanle area, seeking out any last opportunities for sightings.
  • Post a hot breakfast at the lodge, you will begin your return journey to Leh, traversing some of Ladakh's stunning high-altitude landscapes once again.
  • Check into your wonderful hotel located in the heart of Leh city. Retire for some rest and personal time in the afternoon.
  • In the evening, we will take you to explore the main Leh market and revisit the Tibetan market for any last-minute souvenir shopping or simply to soak in the local ambiance.
  • As our last day together, we will enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner, reminiscing about the incredible wildlife encounters and highlights of your expedition.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

  • Following a hot breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) for your onward flight to Delhi or your next destination.
  • Meals: Breakfast

Tour Ends but Memory Remains
  • Please note that the day-wise itinerary may change depending upon the season/weather conditions/activities of birds in and around the surrounding areas, the decision of the local guide will be final in such cases.
  • Please note departure to be advised as per your international flights and accommodation will be organised for your departure.
  • Any other expenses apart from the above will have to be borne by the participants
  • As all the Safaris in the Indian National Park are booked 120 Days in advance before your departure,
    kindly pay in advance to secure your safari.
  • If a solo guest wishes to share a room, we will do our best to match them with another guest of the same gender. If we cannot match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, then the single supplement will be charged.
  • Please Note : Non Veg will be served only in Dinner.

** Customised packages are also available for standard and economical categories

** We can make CUSTOMIZE ITERNERIES tailor-made for wildlife destinations, based on your inputs


- Comfortable, Authentic Homestays



Terms and Cancellation Policy:
  • 25% of the Package Cost is required to be paid at the time of Booking (non-refundable).
  • 75% of the total package cost will be refunded on cancellation before 90 days prior to Safari Date.
  • 50% of the total package cost will be refunded on cancellation before 60 days prior to Safari Date.
  • 25% of the total package cost will be refunded on cancellation before 45 days prior to Safari Date.
  • No Refund on cancellation within 45 days prior to Safari Date.
Payment Terms:
  • Full amount to be paid 120 days prior to the workshop/safari starting date.

  • Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.


    Please contact us for personalized tour quotes.
    Package Inclusion:
    • 12 Nights/13 Days Stay on Twin Sharing Basis (Leh, Rumbak, Hanle) in comfortable, heated accommodations with wet toilets (Western)
    • Internal Flights from Delhi to Leh Domestic Airport
    • All Meals during the trip (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as per the detailed itinerary.
    • All surface transfers by private, comfortable SUV vehicles suitable for winter conditions.
    • All necessary Camera Permits & Vehicle charges within the national park and protected areas.
    • Porter Charges: One porter per two participants for camera gear/personal bags in Hemis, to ease hiking.
    • Basic Medical Kit and Portable Oxygen support for emergencies.
    • All required Permits for Inner Line.
    • National Park entry fees, camera charges, and SDF (Snow Leopard Density Fund) contributions for local village communities.
    • Mineral water provided throughout the trip.
    Package Exclusion:
    • International flights
    • Visa
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal purchases (including shopping, spirits, laundry, internet fees, phone calls etc.)
    • Gratuities for our main professional experienced Indian Guide
    • Accommodations and transport before or after the arrival and departure dates listed in the itinerary.
    • Any expenses caused by factors beyond our control like flight cancellation, road blocks, vehicle malfunction etc.

    – We highly recommend travel insurance, which will cover these type unforeseen expenses.

    Please Note : Single occupancy is available on request with an additional cost
    Number of people : 11
    Minimum requirement : 5

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