Arrival in Leh – Welcome to the Land of High Passes
- Receive a warm welcome from our local team at Leh Airport.
- Transfer to your pre-booked hotel for check-in.
- Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude (3,500m).
- Enjoy your first taste of Ladakhi hospitality with a traditional welcome tea.
- Overnight stay in Leh. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Heritage Drive – Shey Palace & Thiksey Monastery
- Begin the day with a scenic drive to Shey Palace, once the summer capital of Ladakh.
- Marvel at the 350-year-old copper and gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
- Continue to Thiksey Monastery, often referred to as “Mini Potala.”
- Walk through its beautifully decorated prayer halls and meet the resident monks.
- Discover the 15-metre statue of the Future Buddha (Maitreya).
- Overnight stay in Leh. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 3: Into the Wild – Drive to Hemis National Park
- After breakfast, set off on a 1.5-hour drive into Hemis National Park, renowned for its elusive wildlife.
- Check in to a family-run homestay – your base for snow leopard tracking.
- Spend the afternoon scanning the valleys for wildlife with our expert trackers.
- Enjoy hot tea by the stove and get briefed for the days ahead.
- All meals included (B/L/D).
- Overnight in the homestay (Hemis National Park).
Tracking the Ghost of the Mountains – Snow Leopard Expedition (Day 4–9)
- Spend the next 6 days immersed in Ladakh’s high-altitude wilderness:
- Begin each day with early morning wildlife scans led by experienced spotters.
- Search for Snow Leopards, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Red Fox, Shapu, Argali, and Tibetan Lynx.
- Be mobile – travel by vehicle and foot depending on wildlife movements.
- If a snow leopard is sighted, head straight to the location; meals and hot drinks follow you.
- If no sighting, explore valleys while learning about Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and conservation efforts.
- Visit nearby villages to engage with locals and understand their mountain life.
- A dedicated support crew ensures hot lunches, tea breaks, and added comfort beyond the homestay meals.
- Flexible logistics – if required, we shift to a different valley, regions including Shang, Rumbak and Ulley to increase chances of sightings.
- All meals included daily (B/L/D).
- Overnight in the homestay (Hemis or surrounding valleys).
Kindly refer to the description provided for Day 4.
Kindly refer to the description provided for Day 4.
Kindly refer to the description provided for Day 4.
Kindly refer to the description provided for Day 4.
Kindly refer to the description provided for Day 4.
Return to Leh – A Comfortable Retreat
- Drive back to Leh, with a flexible route based on last sighting locations.
- Stop for souvenirs, local crafts, or simply enjoy the scenic drive.
- Check into your hotel and relax after a rewarding expedition.
- All meals included (B/L/D)
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Farewell to the Himalayas
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.
- Our team will assist you with the transfer to Leh Airport.
- Say goodbye to Ladakh, taking with you lasting memories of its wildlife, culture, and Himalayan mysticism.
- Meal: Breakfast.
What is AMS?
Acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
How to avoid AMS?
- Give your body enough time to adjust to the high altitude/acclimation
- Get enough sleep and eat healthy food
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol
If you suffer from any respiratory or health related issues, please let the tour guide know before the start of the tour.
Is This Expedition For You?
This expedition is for the adventurous soul who seeks more than just beautiful views—it’s for those who crave authentic encounters, rare wildlife sightings, and deep cultural immersion.
- Do you dream of tracking the elusive Snow Leopard across wind-swept ridgelines and frozen Himalayan valleys?
- Are you comfortable trading luxury for raw, off-grid experiences and cozy Ladakhi homestays?
- Can you embrace cold weather, unpredictable wildlife patterns, and high-altitude conditions in exchange for once-in-a-lifetime moments?
- Are you curious about ancient Buddhist traditions and open to sharing tea and stories with resilient mountain communities?
How is the weather in Ladakh during winter?
Ladakh experiences an extremely cold and challenging winter season. Winter in Ladakh typically spans from late November to early March. During this period, the region encounters frigid temperatures, making it one of the coldest places in India.
Daytime temperatures can vary between -20°C to 0°C (-4°F to 32°F), while nighttime temperatures plummet even further, reaching well below freezing. Ladakh becomes a winter wonderland, draped in a pristine blanket of snow, offering a unique and starkly beautiful landscape.
Always remember that in any mountain area, the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
What things should I carry for the trip?
Following are the list of essentials that you should carry:
- Medicines such as: Diamox, Aspirin/Disprin
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal or merino wool tops and bottoms to keep you dry and insulated.
- Insulating Layers: A warm and breathable fleece or down jacket for added insulation.
- Hardshell Jacket and Pants: Waterproof and windproof outer layers to protect against snow and ice.
- Gloves: Insulated and waterproof gloves or mittens to protect your hands from the cold and moisture.
- Socks: Thick, moisture-wicking, and insulated socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Balaclava or Neck Gaiter: To protect your face and neck from cold winds.
- Goggles or Sunglasses: Eye protection from snow, glare, and UV rays.
- Beanie or Hat: A warm hat to cover your head when not wearing the helmet.
- Backpack: A small, lightweight backpack to carry essentials and extra layers.
- Thermal Underwear: Extra thermal layers for added warmth, especially for longer climbs.
- Extra Clothing: Pack additional clothing layers in your backpack for quick changes if needed.
How is the mobile connectivity in Ladakh?
Only Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh registered pre-paid sims are serviceable in Ladakh. The following services providers/services are active in Ladakh:
- Airtel: Post paid service
- Jio: Post paid & pre on post service
- BSNL: Post paid service
You can buy and activate a new sim in Leh.
How are the restaurants in Leh?
You can find plenty of restaurants in Leh serving Ladakhi, Indian, Kashmiri, Tibetan, Korean, Italian and continental food. There are always plenty of choices for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Please keep about £70-100 (US $110-160) for food.
Do try the Ladakhi cuisine like Thukpa or momo during your time in Leh!
Booking and Cancellation Policy
