India
QUEST FOR SNOW LEOPARDS
MAR 2024 • 13 DAYS • 16 GUESTS
Summon your inner adventurer and join Wild Earth Expeditions in India’s remote Himalayas on a quest to view one of the world’s most mysterious, majestic, and elusive cats—the snow leopard.
Explore the wildly spectacular mountain and valley landscapes of Hemis National Park, a vast element-shaped corner of the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir known as Little Tibet. Spend five unforgettable days here guided by a local tracker famed for his instinctive knowledge of habit and habitat, as you drive and hike across sweeping valleys and high plateaus in search of the “ghost of the mountains.”
Setting the stage for this remarkable journey is an introductory two-day stay in Leh, the ancient, and fabled, high-altitude capital of Ladakh whose ethereal magic leaves no visitor untouched. Exquisite monasteries and the serenity of its Buddhist culture, the colourful lore of its trade route history, photogenic local markets, and the dazzling mountain peaks that glow in the twilight... We carry all of this with us as we travel overland to the centrepiece of our expedition.
Over the past decade, Ladakh’s Hemis National Park in the Ulley Valley has earned the reputation of having the highest number of snow leopard sightings, along with its intensive research and documentary filmmaking. The region is also home to an astonishing array of birds and wildlife—soaring golden eagles, ibex, Tibetan wolf, yak, blue sheep, and Himalayan brown bear.
A cozy traditional lodge overlooking a vast valley in the park is home base for six nights, offering a rare opportunity to experience winter life in these majestic hinterlands with a hospitable Ladakhi family dedicated to your comfort.
Each morning, wake to the promise of new adventures and unique highlights, scenery of breathtaking scale, and that ever-present chance to glimpse and observe the incomparable snow leopard. And when returning from your daily hikes, share your adventures with your hosts, now friends, in the warm fragrant kitchen covered with exquisite brass, copper, and silver ornaments—making these ultimately memorable moments timeless.
HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the history and culture of fabled Leh
Travel overland to remote Ulley Valley and Hemis National Park
Search for snow leopards on wonderful walks through magnificent Himalayan landscapes
Watch for ibex, Tibetan wolves, golden eagles, and blue sheep
Visit Buddhist villages, local markets, and towering monasteries
Led by the best snow leopard trackers and one of India’s top wildlife guides
Stay in comfortable traditional mountain lodge with a Ladakhi community
COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE INDIA EXPERIENCE
For those wishing to expand their travels in India, this journey can be combined with India’s Iconic Wildlife and Cultural Splendours expedition. Enhance your travel experience by adding one or both of our Optional Add-ons to either India: Kaziranga National Park, where you can get close to the highly endangered Asian rhino and Indian elephant or journey to the iconic Taj Mahal, listed as one of the seven modern wonders of the world and explore the past and present on the Old and New Delhi City Tour.
“My first adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions was the Himalayan Snow Leopard & Tiger expedition. I have to admit that I think about our adventure all the time. It really did have a deep affect on me. The team in every location were amazing. The quality of service and knowledge to ensure we were well taken care of and happy was first class. All details for travel within India were complete, all we had to do was show up. Everyday was a new adventure, truly a once in a lifetime vacation. Thank you to Thomas, the entire team and Indrajit who made the trip all that more special with his knowledge, patience and happy demeanour. The memories will last forever! What a pleasure to now have friends from all over the world.”
ENQUIRIES
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW
ADD ON - INDIA – Kaziranga Indian Rhino & Asian Elephant
MAR 2024 ● 5 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Extension
(other dates available)
Day 01. Arrive, dinner and overnight in Delhi, India
Day 02. Fly to Guwahati / Journey to Kaziranga
Day 03-04. 2 full days exploring Kaziranga National Park
Day 05. Travel back to Delhi / Join Snow Leopard expedition
INDIA – Quest for Snow Leopards
MAR 2024 ● 13 DAYS ● 18 GUESTS
Day 01 | Depart home and travel to Delhi, India
Day 02 | Arrive in Delhi / Welcome cocktails and dinner
Day 03 | Scenic flight across the Himalayas to Leh, acclimatize to altitude
Day 04 | Visit Buddhist monasteries, Leh palace, explore the local market and town of Leh
Day 05 | Drive along the Indus River across mountain passes to remote Ulley Valley
Day 06-10 | 5 days in Hemis National Park searching for snow leopards and other wildlife
Day 11 | Return drive from Ulley to Leh
Day 12 | Fly to Delhi and home OR join India’s Iconic Wildlife & Cultural Splendours trip
Day 13 | Arrive home
ADD ON - INDIA – Iconic Taj Mahal
2024 ● 2 DAYS ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Extension
Day 01. Dinner and overnight in Delhi, India
Day 02. Travel to Agra / Red Fort & Taj Mahal at sunset
Day 03. Taj Mahal sunrise / Return to Delhi
ADD ON - INDIA – Delhi City Tour
2024 ● 1 DAY ● Optional Add-On Pre or Post Extension
Day 01. Full-day Old and New Delhi City Tour with lunch.
ADD ON - KAZIRANGA INDIAN RHINO & ASIAN ELEPHANT
Optional Add-on Pre or Post Extension
MAR 2024 | 5 DAYS
Be part of an extraordinary wildlife expedition to witness and photograph some of the world's rarest mammals in India’s far north-eastern State of Assam. Travel to the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, famous for its one-horned Rhinoceros and Asian elephants, tiger, gaur, and swamp deer. Explore Kaziranga National Park on elephant back and on 4x4 jeep safaris.
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Kaziranga National Park on 4x4 jeep safaris and on elephant-back.
Key species to spot: Asian elephant, one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, leopard, gaur, monkeys, dhole and a variety of birds and deer
Learn about the local tribes and savor delicious Assamese food
Stay at a lovely jungle lodge, designed to resemble an Assamese village
Witness breathtaking scenery along the mighty Brahmaputra river
*Please note this is an optional add-on extension that will be led by professional local guides, no Wild Earth leaders. We are currently holding 3 rooms at Diphlu Lodge for these dates prior to the Snow Leopard expedition, but depending on availability, this extension could be done at any time Pre or Post either of our two India Expeditions.
ADD ON – ICONIC TAJ MAHAL
Optional Add-on Pre or Post Extension
2024 | 2 DAYS
Our Iconic Taj Mahal Add-on provides Wild Earth Explorers the opportunity to discover some of India’s most iconic architectural treasures. Learn about the history and construction behind some of India’s most spectacular fortresses, tombs, and palaces. Marvel at the impressive architecture of the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort and take in the incredible blend of past and present.
HIGHLIGHTS
Be mesmerized by the beauty of the majestic Taj Mahal and Red Fort
*PLEASE NOTE this is an optional add-on extension that will be led by a professional expert Agra Tourist guide and driver, not a Wild Earth leader. This extension can be done at any time Pre or Post either of our two India Expeditions.
ADD ON - DELHI CITY TOUR
2024 | FULL DAY TOUR w. LUNCH
Optional Add-on Pre or Post Extension
If you have an extra day in Delhi (which we always recommend), we are offering a full-day guided Delhi city tour with lunch. Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land.
WILD EARTH LEADERS
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, Encounters Asia, Indrajit Latey, Adobe Stock