Land of the Snow Leopard

A very important feature of our snow leopard adventure is the small group size—essential for the intimate tracking opportunities at the heart of this singular expedition.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s), local guides, spotters and lodge staff, 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 adventure with wildlife viewing as the primary objective. Good health and general physical fitness and mobility are essential for participation 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.

Our days start early. On the days we track snow leopards, expect to be outdoors for 2 or more hours at a time in cold winter 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. During the winter months, the 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. Temperatures progressively warm up in March and April.

Ladakh is a high-altitude desert. The capital, Leh, sits 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.

On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

Our snow leopard journey is a conservation-focused wildlife expedition for intrepid travelers with a desire for deeper discovery, and an awareness that staying in proximity to wilderness and wildlife is the ultimate luxury. To search for snow leopards we’ll spend five nights in the best area at the best time of year for potential sightings, but there are no guarantees we will see this elusive animal. Many sightings are in the distance, on mountain ridges and seen through scopes—thrilling nonetheless! This is the Himalayan winter, and weather and high-altitude conditions can sometimes be 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 dedicated lodge in Rumbak offers the most comfortable and authentic way to view snow leopards in the wild. Accommodations there are modern and comfortable, with twin or queen-sized beds and warm bedding, 24-hour electricity, heated floors, and private en suite Western toilets and showers with hot running water. Because it is a 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, and 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.