This new 8-day tour is designed to find snow leopards in the Himalayas

This new tour brings guests up close with snow leopards in India.

Known as the ‘ghosts of the mountains’, snow leopards are highly elusive (and incredibly cute), having adapted to the freezing, rocky environments of Central and South Asia’s high-altitude mountain ranges. They’re hard to find on one’s own – but an incredible sight if you manage it. Which is where Adventure World’s brand new Snow Leopards of Ladakh itinerary can help.

“Searching for snow leopards in the Himalayas in northwest India is a travel experience unlike any other,” said Eric Finley, product manager for Asia & India at Adventure World.

Spotting snow leopards

Allow the experts to help you find snow leopards. (Credit: Eric Finley)

The journey takes eight days to explore the Himalayan Mountains in Ladakh, India, where the highest global density of wild snow leopards can be found. Follow a network of expert local trackers using high-end Swarovski spotting scopes to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities.

“Seeing these big cats in the wild is a very special memory,” recalls Finley. “My first sighting was of a female sitting on a rocky outcrop just 100 meters above a mountain valley track, quietly watching over her kill.”

“None of us could see the leopard at first, but as each of us spotted her amongst the rugged terrain, the excitement was incredible. On our final morning, we watched another leopard crossing a snow-covered peak a kilometre away.  It was unforgettable.”

Ladakh has one of the highest populations of this big cat in the world.

“The setting of Ladakh is a key part of this with spectacular mountain landscapes, high-altitude deserts and Buddhist monasteries perched on mountainsides,” he continued.

“The snow leopard is considered one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife sightings, and Ladakh is one of just a handful of locations globally where one in the wild becomes a real possibility.”

Creature comforts and local culture

Stay in remote, local villages. (Credit: Eric Finley)

But, as much as adventure is at its core, the tour does so in a more elevated and comfortable style of travel. Think comfortable lodge-style accommodations with private bedrooms, rather than the more typical winter camping.

Between wildlife spottings, get to know the local people and culture. Stay in the remote, high-altitude village of Uley, surrounded by dramatic rocky slopes and deep valleys. Explore sacred Ladakhi heritage sites, like the Thikse Monastery – founded in 1433 and filled with historic images, stupas, scroll paintings and paintings. And experience ancient Tibetan Buddhist spiritual traditions and practices.

Details

Discover the new Snow Leopards of Ladakh itinerary. (Credit: Eric Finley)

Operations dates: Departures operate daily between November and March and can be tailored to the individual traveller.

Cost: From $5635 per person

Website: Adventure World Snow Leopards of Ladakh