Snow Leopard Quest Photo Expedition

A very important feature of our Snow Leopard Photo Expedition is the small group size—essential for intimate tracking and non-intrusive photography that are imperative to the success of this singular expedition.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional photo Expedition Leader(s), local guides, spotters and lodge staff, local porter to assist with carrying gear, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on final day, local wine and beer at dinner while at the Snow Leopard Lodge, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, donation fees to the Snow Leopard Conservancy, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
  

• Internal air cost includes: All flights within the itinerary, additional luggage allowance (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages (other than those listed above), some gratuities, passport and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline excess baggage fees, required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance. 

Difficult
This is a remote and rugged nature expedition with snow leopard photography the primary objective. Good health and general physical fitness and mobility are essential to participate in this trip. Our schedule is flexible to accommodate the movement of snow leopards and other wildlife. Sometimes we may spot wildlife directly on the mountain ridges surrounding our lodge, while other times we may need to drive 30 minutes or more to nearby valleys.

When our trackers spot wildlife, we often need to walk short distances from our lodge or vehicles to get the best views. In cold temperatures and at altitudes of 12,000 to 14,000 feet, hiking can feel strenuous, even though it will not be overly taxing in terms of distance and elevation gain. Although our walks are generally shorter in nature, as a guideline, travelers must be capable of hiking a minimum of 2 miles daily (in total, with stops) at a relaxed pace on narrow, rocky trails that may be covered with snow and ice. We may also walk off-trail at times, which requires extra agility and stability. Our staff is available to assist for safety purposes, but travelers must be able to comfortably negotiate uneven and unstable conditions, at extremely high altitudes, on their own. Longer or more strenuous optional hikes may be offered, too, to access additional areas of exceptional scenic beauty and photography opportunities.

Our days start early. On the days dedicated to tracking and photographing snow leopards, expect to be outdoors for two or more hours at a time in cold weather, though wearing proper boots and clothing will ensure your comfort. Weather can be variable, and travelers should be prepared for the possibility of high winds, intense sun and very cold temperatures. Heavy snowfall is not uncommon. Average daytime temperatures in this part of the Himalaya can range from the low teens to 30 F. Evenings and early mornings can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below zero and wind chill that may make it feel even colder.

Ladakh is a high-altitude desert. The capital, Leh, lies above 11,000 feet. Our lodge in the Rumbak Valley sits at 12,800 feet and activities take place between 12,000 and 14,000 feet. At these elevations, it is possible that some individuals may experience altitude sickness. We recommend consulting your doctor about bringing altitude-sickness medication with you, since it is impossible to predict who may be affected. Travelers with a history of medical problems—particularly cardiac or respiratory ailments—should consult a doctor before deciding to participate in this expedition.

The drive to our expedition-style lodge takes approximately 1 hour from Leh, depending upon local conditions, and involves travel on very narrow, winding mountain roads with steep drop-offs. Although oxygen is provided at the lodge if required, Leh offers the closest comprehensive medical care. Flight transfers require walking with luggage through airports and climbing stairs to board and disembark planes.

Our snow leopard photo expedition is a conservation-focused adventure designed to provide accomplished photographers with the best chances to go home with coveted wildlife images. It's meant for intrepid travelers with a desire for deeper discovery, and an awareness that staying in the very heart of wild snow leopard habitat is the ultimate luxury. We spend seven nights in the best area for potential sightings, but there are no guarantees we will see this elusive animal. Many sightings occur in the distance, on mountain ridges and through scopes—but they are thrilling nonetheless! We visit during the Himalayan winter and early spring, and weather and high-altitude conditions are sometime hostile. Essential requirements for travel in Ladakh include flexibility, a sense of humor, a true spirit of adventure, and an openness to the unexpected.

Accommodations

Because of its location and the staff’s commitment to our guests, our Private Snow Leopard Lodge offers the most comfortable and authentic way to view snow leopards in the wild. Accommodations there are simple and comfortable, with twin or queen-sized beds and warm bedding, 24-hour electricity, electric and wood-burning stove heat and private en suite Western toilets and sink basins. While there is no running water, hot water is supplied on demand for washing, including bucket-style showers. Because it is a small, Ladakhi-style lodge, you will reside in relatively close quarters with fellow travelers. Thus, a flexible and tolerant attitude toward other participants is paramount for the enjoyment of all. While considered rustic by our usual standards, all in all a stay at the Snow Leopard Lodge is one of the most inspiring and memorable hotel experiences in the world of adventure travel!

Wildlife Viewing in Ladkh
When viewing wildlife in Ladakh, guests will be stationary for long periods of time. After reaching the point of a snow leopard sighting and setting up, we may be seated and simply waiting for any wildlife movement for the majority of the morning or afternoon. Hot refreshments and seating will be provided by our lodge for all outings.

Additionally, the distance from which we typically view wildlife on this trip is extremely far—often miles across a valley on the opposite mountainside or on the top of a mountain ridge line. While it's possible sightings can be closer – and unforgettable when they are – typically, we will be viewing wildlife from far away. This is when proper camera equipment and spotter's scopes will help to bring that wildlife into focus, and we will make use of this equipment for all sightings.

Landscape serving as the backdrop can also present challenges when viewing wildlife in Ladakh. These animals are adapted to this mountainous environment and remarkably can blend into the intricate jagged rocks of a mountainside. While the expert eyes of our spotters are well accustomed to spotting wildlife in this setting, it can take patience to spot creatures against the mountains for most visitors.
 
Safety & Health
Your safety is of paramount importance to us. Toward that end, we provide highly competent guides and local staff with extensive experience in high-altitude terrain. Our Expedition Leaders are thoroughly trained in emergency wilderness first-aid techniques. Ultimately, our guides and local staff make decisions with everyone’s comfort and safety in mind, while trying to maximize the adventure experience for each individual. Listening carefully to your Expedition Leader's instructions and directions is ultimately your responsibility, and your astute attention is always in your best interest and that of the group.

Oxygen is available at all times at our expedition lodge. A military hospital is 1 hour away in Leh. Anyone who experiences acute mountain sickness will immediately be taken down to a lower altitude for treatment at the hospital in Leh.

Meals
Meals are hearty and delicious, are they are specially planned and prepared for well in advance. Dietary requirements due to serious medical conditions or strict personal restrictions can be met with ample notice, but must be adhered to while on the adventure.

Communication
There is no Wi-Fi or cell reception at our expedition lodge. There are nearby areas where our guides can drive for cell service.

You should plan to arrive in Delhi by 2 pm on Day 1 in order to participate in an orientation and group welcome dinner beginning at approximately 5:30 pm. You are free to depart Delhi any time after 8 pm on the final day.

We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.