Snow Leopard and Wildlife Photography Expedition in Ladakh

High Altitude Wildlife

Snow Leopard and Wildlife Photography Expedition in Ladakh, for 14-days and 13-nights. This expedition offers a rare opportunity to track and photograph the “Ghost of the Mountains” amidst the rugged Himalayas. Accompanied by expert trackers, you will have the chance to document Snow Leopard, Pallas cat, and Tibetan fox etc in their pristine winter habitat. This high-altitude adventure is designed to provide stunning mountain vistas and unique wildlife encounters. Dates are limited, so Book Now.

Cost

410000 INR

Jan to Mar.

Ladakh

Features & Information

Highlights

Highlights of the Ladakh Snow Leopard Photography Tour

  • Accompanied by Wildlife Photographer Talat Khalid.
  • One of the Best Habitat for Snow Leopard.
  • Great for a variety of High Altitude Wildlife and Birds
  • Spectacular Landscape.
  • The Focus is Snow Leopard Photography.
  • Average 2-4 Guests, no crowd.
  • Suitable for Most People with Moderate Fitness Levels.
  • Comfortable Local Homestays with Essential amenities.
  • Service of Porters to carry equipment in the field.
  • Transfer Vehicle with sufficient space for Camera and Luggage.

Itinerary of the Ladakh Snow Leopard Photography Tour.

During winter, weather can be unpredictable, leading to heavy snowfall and potential roadblocks. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary at short notice to navigate around affected areas. It’s advisable to plan for an extra 1-2 days after the tour ends for flexibility. The Tour Starts and Ends in Leh.

Daily flights from Delhi to Leh. (Not included)

14 Day Ladakh Snow Leopard and other wildlife & birds. 

Ladakh Itinerary

  • Day 01 – Pickup from Leh Airport (Altitude 3500 meters) and transfer to Hotel in Leh. Rest full day to acclimate altitude. Overnight in Leh Hotel.
  • Day 02 – Morning after breakfast, if you feel good we go for nearby Birding and Sightseeing Monasteries. Overnight in Leh hotel.
  • Day 03 to 05:  Today, we leave at 8 am and drive the 1 hour drive until we reach the Rumbak Village, entry into Hemis National park. We start scanning for wildlife from morning till evening.. Overnight Stay in a Homestay in Rumbak.
  • Day 06  Rumbak to Leh. Overnight Stay in a Hotel in Leh.
  • Day 07 to 09 Uley or Shang valley or elsewhere where leopard sightings are possible…
  • Day 10 Overnight Stay in Leh.
  • Day 11 Leh  to Hanley 260 km, 6 hrs drive, Evening session for wildlife and overnight HomeStay
  • Day 12, Hanley full day for wildlife. overnight HomeStay..
  • Day 13 , Full day hanley  for wildlife. overnight HomeStay.
  • Day 14, Hanley to Leh back (if possible after the morning session) to Airport.

Possible Wildlife: Snow Leopard, Pallas cat, Wolf, Sand Fox,Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan wildAss, Tibetan Argali.

Route Leh – Rumbak – Uley – Hanley – Leh

Short Trip

You can do short 11 Days/10 Nights Snow Leopard Tour. Skip the Hanley itinerary.

Optional Additional Days

You can extend your stay in Ladakh for an additional cost, subject to availability.

Cost of Ladakh Snow Leopard Photography Tour

Overseas Nationals (Cost given below is in Indian Rupees)

4,10,000 INR Cost per Person (if 2-4 foreign participants, double occupancy)

Rooms are double occupancy with limited availability.

Single occupancy is possible in hotels/homestay for an extra fee, if available.

Cost Includes

  • All the Permits & Fees for Hemis and other places in Ladakh.
  • Stay at Homestays and Hotels during the journey to and from Leh.
  • All meals with morning and evening tea/coffee.
  • Leh pickup/drop in AC Innova or suitable vehicle, depending on weather conditions.
  • Bottled Water for Drinking.
  • Service of Trackers and Porters in field.
  • Tour led by a wildlife photographer.

Cost does not Include

  • Travel cost from your home to Leh and back.
  • Tip for the guides, trackers, porters and Hotel, Homestay staff.
  • Cost of Alcoholic drinks, sodas, laundry, telephone, and other expenses of personal nature.

Accommodation & Facilities

Ladakh remains a remote location, and we will travel through some very remote areas to reach the wildlife areas. The Facilities here are no less than a luxury, whereas most natives have very little or none. On the way, accommodation will be at Homestays, where guests will enjoy a more authentic experience in lovely Homestays in Rumbak, Uley, Hanley, and other places. Due to the high altitude and extreme weather conditions, the facilities are basic and limited in scope. The essential amenities provided include bottled drinking water, hot water, diesel-powered backup for charging cameras and equipment, comfortable bedding with blankets, and shared restroom facilities, among others. We’ll be serving simple meals prepared in the homestay kitchen, with the option of eggs & chickens as well. We try to avoid non-vegetarian food as it often arrives cold and is sourced from distant locations, raising concerns about storage and hygiene safety. The homestay is equipped with heaters, also known as bukharis, which are fireplaces with chimneys, located inside the rooms. In some cases, electric heaters may also be available. The Homestay provides comfortable bedding and blankets for your stay. During winter, obtaining water can be a challenge. It’s primarily sourced from a distance, often from groundwater via handpumps, or from melted ice. If you require hot water for cleaning or washing, it will be provided. The toilet facilities are typically shared and consist of a Chemical bio-toilet or dry pit. Toilet tissue paper will be available for use. If Drains are not frozen and still working, a Western-style toilet with a bucket flush may be available.  Flowing water is still a luxury.

Camera Gear to bring on Snow Leopard Photography Expedition

Focal length is what is most needed to shoot Snow Leopards. A 500mm or 600mm or 800mm is a must for any mammal photography in the area. Increase the focal length by using a convertor, Dx/Crop Camera with high resolution. High resolution cameras help as you have some luxury to crop the final image. Final focal length is recommended to be at-least 800mm. Higher the focal length the better. Get the maximum focal length possible.

Tripod

With magnification comes the problem of how to keep the camera lens stable. Good heavy tripod is ideal. However bring something that can be carried while hiking and will keep your camera & lens stable at the high magnifications. While hiking usually there is a porter to help. Lightweight tripods are not useful when the wind blows. Wind can spoil the images no matter what equipment is there. Somedays the wind blows so much the camera lens tripod shakes like a leaf. Get a heavy bag to hang on the tripod for some stability.

Things to Carry on the Ladakh Snow Leopard Tour

The below is not an exhaustive list. You should add things you feel are needed by you especially medicine etc. At minus -15 deg Celcius (usual day temp) the most important is to keep yourselves warm and comfortable.

  • A Good down/synthetic jacket suitable for -15 to -20 deg Celcius.
  • Wear clothes in Layers instead of a big puff jacket.
  • Warm pants or snow pants (preferably water repellent).
  • Gloves/Mittens with thin liners so you can wear and use cameras. Without any protection bare fingers can get frost bitten in a few minutes.
  • Warm beanies and head covering. Warm woolen socks.
  • Eye Cover for the high UV protection. Fog proof Ski Googles may help.
  • Windproof layer.
  • Waterproof outer layer.
  • Snow boots or shoes.
  • Face covering is most important when the wind blows.
  • Apart from clothes few basic precautionary medicines are important.
  • Medicines for High Altitude Sickness. Acidity, Stomach upset etc. Basic first aid.
  • Basic fitness is essential. You should be able to hike for 20-40 mins. As the terrain is difficult with extreme cold weather and wind. Sometimes you will need to walk some slopes and some inclined unmarked trails. It is recommended to start walking for 20-30 mins a few months in advance especially inclined walks.  Stairs climbing for 5-10 mins every day may help. Take expect advice before doing any exercise.
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Expert Tip

The snow Leopard habitat.

For a Shorter focussed on Snow Leopard Tour Join Ladakh Snow Leopard Photography Tour

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