Ghost of the Mountains

Plan your trip

Overview

A trip that takes us into the higher reaches of Ladakh to track and view the elusive Snow Leopard and other high-altitude wildlife.

Set against the stark and sweeping beauty of the Trans-Himalayas, this journey brings us deep into the wild heart of Ladakh – across windswept valleys, dramatic ridgelines, and remote plateaus. We begin by exploring the landscape of Leh, its ancient monasteries perched above the river, and habitat that is home to wildlife such as the Woolly Hare, Red Fox, and, with luck, the elusive Eurasian Lynx. From here, we move into Uley, known for its high density of Snow Leopards, spending days scanning rugged slopes for this elusive cat, while also encountering Ibex, Urial, and Tibetan Wolves. High above, Golden Eagles and Lammergeiers soar on thermal currents, and the hills echo with the calls of Snowcocks and Chukars. Continuing into Ladakh’s remote eastern plateau, we venture into the marshes and plains of Hanley, where Black-necked Cranes breed and Pallas’s Cats silently stalk through the scrub. Accommodations at the Snow Leopard Lodge and similar premier properties offer a perfect balance of comfort, convenience, ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and insights into the local way of life. This is a journey into one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildernesses, where each day brings new encounters and unforgettable moments.

10 Nights and 11 Days

A mix of vehicle-based explorations and walks through the stark and spectacular landscapes of Ladakh, covering high-altitude cold deserts, alpine steppe, trans-Himalayan valleys, glacial rivers, and wetlands teeming with rare wildlife and birds, set amidst the dramatic backdrop of the Greater Himalayas and Zanskar ranges.

Precautions

Carry sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), headlamps, personal first-aid, high-SPF lip balm, reusable water bottles, light gloves, and motion sickness meds if sensitive to winding roads. Be prepared for altitude-related symptoms in the initial days—consult a doctor if needed.

Expected Weather

Cold and dry at higher elevations, cool to moderately warm in the valleys. Temperature ranges from -5°C to 20°C. Carry layered warm clothing, including thermal inners, insulated jackets, gloves, and caps for early mornings and evenings.

Physical Level

Moderate, due to high-altitude terrain. Includes walking on uneven rocky paths, some steep ascents, and longer durations at elevations above 3,000 m. Good acclimatization and basic fitness required.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel near the Airport. Night at a hotel in Delhi Aerocity.

Catch the morning flight to Leh. (1 hr) and transfer to the Grand Dragon Hotel or similar in Leh for a day of acclimatizing to the high altitude conditions.

Today, (if everyone is fully acclimatized) head out late morning with packed lunches towards the villages of Latho and monasteries of Thiksey and Stakhna for a day of exploring monasteries, landscapes and birding along the upper Indus valley.

Leave early today towards the pass at Wari La to look for endemic birds like Tibetan snowcock, Brandt’s mountain finch, Tibetan partridge and mammals like mountain weasel, wooly hare and if lucky, the Eurasian Lynx. 

Today we leave post breakfast towards the land of snow leopards. The Snow Leopard Lodge is roughly 2 hours from Leh. Arrive, briefing by manager and guides followed by lunch. Afternoon exploration by jeep/foot/or scanning from vantages. Dinner and rest

 

Spend the next 4 days with your driver and trackers exploring the valleys around Uley, Mangyu, Hemis Shukpachen, Yanthang and Saspoche in search of snow leopards, ibex, wolves and other high altitude wildlife. A mix of drives, short walks and scanning for wildlife with the trackers is part of the everyday program. Keep an eye out along with spotters for white-browed tit warbler, solitary snipe, Himalayan snowcock and other birds that occupy the high altitude.
Nights at Snow Leopard Lodge.

After another morning at the snow leopard lodge and surroundings, check out and return to Leh for lunch. Post lunch explore the historic silk route market at Leh with a guide or explore the Indus banks for the elusive Ibisbill. Night at Grand Dragon.

Leave your hotel after breakfast to fly back to Delhi. At Delhi you will have a room to wash and change and relax before your onward flight. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.

Gallery

Map & Other Info
Cost Estimate: ₹ 99,000
Trip Inclusions:
  • Accommodation for all hotels mentioned, unless booked separately by the client
  • Meals at all places of accommodation, unless mentioned
  • Local guides and support at birding/wildlife sites
  • Internal flights, unless indicated otherwise by client
  • All entry fees in sanctuaries, monuments, safari drives, birding walks and
    excursions as per the itinerary.
  • All road transfers by air-conditioned SUV or Tempo Traveler (Urbania).
  • Taxes.
Trip Exclusions:
  • Expenses of personal nature (beverages, laundry, telephone, souvenirs, etc.).
  • Meals/snacks and flights beyond what is mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities for local staff, guides and drivers.
MAP
PLAN YOUR TRIP

Extensions

Satpuras

4 Nights & 5 Days

Satpura offers an immersive wilderness experience through rugged hills, teak forests, and rivers. Safaris in the quiet Bori–Satpura reserves provide chances to see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, dholes, crocodiles, and rich birdlife. Diverse terrain and options for guided walks and canoeing create a uniquely intimate wildlife experience.

Bharatpur & Taj Mahal

4 Nights & 5 Days

This extension explores Bharatpur’s rich wetlands, offering sightings of the Dusky Eagle-Owl, Sarus Crane, and Striated Babbler. Continue to Agra to visit the impressive Agra Fort and admire the Taj Mahal from across the river, followed by a morning visit to the monument before returning to Delhi.

Haryana & Punjab

4 Nights & 5 Days

This extension blends wildlife and culture across Haryana and Punjab. Explore Manethi’s acacia scrub for the White-naped Tit, Indian Spotted Creeper, and White-bellied Minivet. Continue to Harike Wetland for floodplain specialists like the Rufous-vented Grass-Babbler, Sind Sparrow, and wintering waterfowl, ending with a visit to Amritsar’s Golden Temple.

Kaziranga & Jorhat

5 Nights & 6 Days

This Assam extension features Kaziranga’s rhinos, tigers, elephants, and 470+ bird species, including the Bengal Florican. It continues to Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary to see western hoolock gibbons, diverse primates, and rich forest biodiversity, offering an ideal complement to Kaziranga’s grassland and woodland wildlife.