When will my departure be scheduled?

Your departure will be arranged based on your international flight timings. Accommodation will also be organised accordingly for your departure day.

Are there any additional expenses not included in the package?

Yes, any expenses not specifically mentioned in the inclusions will have to be borne by the participants.

What identification documents are required for booking safaris?

Foreign Nationals: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity. Indian Nationals: A copy of Aadhaar Card, Driver’s Licence, or PAN Card.

Can the day-wise itinerary change?

Yes. The day-wise itinerary may vary depending on seasonal factors, weather conditions, or bird activity in the area. The decision of the local guide will be final in such cases.

How far in advance are safaris booked?

All safaris in Indian National Parks are booked 120 days in advance. Therefore, we request advance payment to secure your safari booking.

What if I am a solo traveller and want to share a room?

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 a match is not possible, the single supplement charge will apply.

Snow Leopards (Grey Ghost)

Tour Code
SNLGGH
Best season
Feb to March
Maximum Altitude
9,800 to 19,700 feet
Group Size
5 and 11+1
Language
English, Hindi
Transportation
Domestic Flights, All Surface Transfers
Meals
All Inclusive Meals (B, L & D)
Fitness level
Tough to Strenuous

Overview

Itinerary

Notes

Stay

Cost

Cost notes

Terms

Booking Conditions

Overview

Price On Request

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: Lyton Paul

Day 1 :

Arrive at New-Delhi International Airport

Arrive at New-Delhi International Airport - Indira Gandhi International Airport. Meet our representative on arrival and transfer to the Luxury hotel (at Aero city- Delhi Airport).
Check-in the hotel, freshen-up followed by the meals

Day 2 :

Arrive at Leh Airport

Fly from New Delhi Airport and arrive 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 3 :

Visit Leh Tibetan Market

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 4 :

Arrival at Rumbak village

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 5 - 9 :

Tracking within Hemis National Park

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 10 :

Arrive at Hanle village

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 11 - 12 :

Explore wildlife in the Hanle region

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 13 :

Wildlife activities in the Hanle area

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 14 :

Flight to Delhi

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
Post breakfast drop to New Delhi Aiport for your onward flight.

Tour Ends but Memory Remains

Snow Leopards (Grey Ghost)

Overview

Itinerary

Notes

Stay

Cost

Cost notes

Terms

Booking Conditions

Overview

Itinerary

Stay

Cost

Package Inclusion:

Package Exclusion:

Terms

Booking Conditions

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