🗓️ Check In: January 1, 1970
🗓️ Check Out: January 1, 1970
🧭 Duration: 1D/0N
📍 Location:
💵 Price: /-
8 Nights / 9 Days
Snow Leopard Expedition Into The Snow Kingdom Of Himalayas
SIGNATURE SAFARI EXPERIENCE:
The grey ghost of the Himalayas! The most mythical & wonderful of all the animals that roam the mighty high altitude ranges. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful of cats. The thick, long- haired, whitish to yellow- buff grey fur is very soft, heavily marked with dark-grey spots overhead, nape and limbs with a distinct black line along the lower back and open rosettes on the black and sides. Under parts are paler and almost unmarked.
SNOW LEOPARD SIGHTING EXPEDITION
Called Shan in Ladakhi, Irbis in Mongolian, Tai-Lung in Kung Fu Panda or Unica Unica by scientists, the Snow leopard is considered by many to be the most enigmatic of the big cat families. With a habitat range limited to some of the most hostile environments in the world, little is known about this remarkable animal which makes the prospect of spotting one memory little else can compare to.
The Snow leopard is the ultimate predator in habitats where stone and rubble are the only elements for camouflage, scree and suspended cliffs the hunting grounds. Paws specially adapted to bursts of speeds and stealth that borders on the surreal, has earned it the sobriquet of, “The Phantom Stalker”
Hemis National Park is situated in the eastern part of Ladakh with a general elevation over 3000 meters. It covers an area of 600 sq.kms in the valleys of Markha and Rumbak. This high altitude protected area was created in 1981 for the conservation and protection of its unique flora and fauna. The terrain surrounding the Park is generally rocky with thin soil cover supporting a poor vegetation growth. Streams and rivers have laid a thick deposit of sand along their banks. The climate of the area is subarctic to arctic with less rainfall during summers and heavy snowfall during winters and temperature dropping much below freezing point. There are many rare and endangered animal species found in this cold desert, amongst which are the elusive Snow Leopard, Ibex, Tibetan Antelope, Blue Sheep, Shapo (Ladakh Urial), Marmot, Tibetan Hare etc. The variety of fauna found are the Snow Patridge, Golden Oriole, Snow Cock, Golden Eagle, Horned Lark, Red Billed Chuff etc.
In the winter months of January and February, the harsh winter forces high altitude herbivores to descend, allowing for the best opportunities for spotting this most elusive of cats.
Ladakh, alternately known as “Mountain Desert” is a superb drama of altitude and terrain-it lies beyond mountains so high that monsoon clouds can’t cross over to nourish the land, making it a rain shadow…that explains the starkness in the terrain and a barrenness that’s surreal. Its geography pretty much defines their lifestyles.
Where monasteries and the village share a name, and it is these monasteries with their fascinating corpus of traditions and treasures that have made the villages so famous: Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, Alchi and Lamayuru.
Ladakh by road is one of the greatest road journeys of the world. There are smatterings of green oasis villages, which bring relief from the epic starkness of the vistas.
Itinerary
Delhi to Leh (1 hour flight)
The Ladakh flight is one of the most beautiful flights as it goes over the western Himalaya range over the majestic peaks and lends into the heart of Himalayan Snow kingdom of Ladakh. Arrival at Leh airport, to be received by the Frozen Himalayan team and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel for a complete day of rest wherein welcome tea and coffee will be served by your host. After lunch, visit Leh Market. In the evening our wildlife expert will brief us about the snow leopard tour.
Stay: Grand Dragon Ladakh
Full day visit to monasteries and acclimatisation (104 kms)
After breakfast, drive for a full day of sightseeing to the Shey Palace, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. This will be a great way to have the perfect introduction to Ladakh and its monastic rituals. This day tour will also help you to acclimatize properly. Return to Leh in the evening.
Stay: Grand Dragon Ladakh
Wildlife viewing at Ulley (4 nights)
After breakfast, we will drive to Ulley village which provides an equivalent opportunity to spot snow leopards as in Rumbak valley. Villagers are trained in hospitality and are a part of a community conservation effort to conserve the endangered snow leopard. After lunch, we will go out to get an idea of the area and explore the village. For the next 3 days, we will explore the area and scan every day. After an early breakfast, we will leave with our team in search of snow leopard and other wildlife which includes lynx, pallas’ cat, wolf, red fox dhole (Tibetan wild –dog), blue sheep, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan argali and many other species of mammals. For the next one week we will do short drives, walks and hikes to spot snow leopards.
Stay: Shan at Ulley / Similar
Ulley to Leh (3.5 hours)
Post breakfast we will leave again with our team in search of snow leopards and other wildlife. Around afternoon we will drive towards Leh.
Stay: Singge Palace OR Similar
Leh to Delhi (1-hour flight)
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi/ Mumbai with the sweet memories and stunning shots of snow leopard.
END OF JOURNEY
Rates
| DOUBLE SHARING / PERSON | SINGLE OCCUPANCY / PERSON |
|---|---|
We need min 3 pax to fulfill this tour.
- Comfortable hotel stays in Leh and premium homestay/lodge accommodation in Ulley
- Daily breakfasts; all meals during the all stay
- Private vehicle for all road transfers as per itinerary
- Airport transfers in Leh
- Guided visits to key cultural sites in Leh (as per itinerary)
- Wildlife experiences including guided snow leopard tracking, ridge walks and naturalist-led field excursions
- Curated signature experiences such as acclimatisation walks, cultural interactions and evening review sessions (as per itinerary)
- Laundry services during the stay (as provided by hotels/lodges)
- On-ground journey support and assistance throughout
- Bottled water during travel
- All applicable taxes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees, travel insurance and medical expenses
- Optional experiences or excursions not listed
- Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal expenses (spa services, alcoholic beverages, phone charges, shopping)
- Camera fees at monuments or national parks
- Tips and gratuities
- Any services not listed under “Included”
Book Now
Luxury Stay
ITC
The Grand Dragon
Shan at
The above accommodations are subject to availability at the time of booking; similar accommodations will be provided if these are unavailable.
Location
DELHI — CAPITAL OF CONTRASTS
Delhi unfolds as a living tapestry where centuries of history and modern ambition meet in striking harmony. The grandeur of Mughal monuments like the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb stands alongside colonial avenues and the sleek skyline of New Delhi. Bustling bazaars brim with spices, textiles, and street food, while quiet courtyards and leafy gardens offer moments of calm. More than just India’s capital, Delhi is a city of resilience and reinvention, where every street corner tells a story of power, culture, and survival across the ages.
LEH — LADAKH’S MOUNTAIN HEART
Perched high in the Himalayas, Leh is a gateway to adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes. Its stark desert valleys are dotted with ancient monasteries, where prayer flags flutter against cobalt skies and chants echo across barren ridges. Turquoise rivers carve through rugged terrain, while snow‑clad peaks frame a horizon that feels both infinite and intimate. More than just a town, Leh embodies resilience and culture, offering travelers a rare blend of silence, grandeur, and timeless Himalayan spirit.
ULLEY — SNOW LEOPARD’S SILENT REALM
Tucked away in the highlands of Ladakh, Ulley is a remote hamlet that has quietly become one of India’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Known for its snow leopard sightings, the rugged cliffs and icy valleys here form the perfect backdrop for tracking the elusive “ghost of the mountains.” Beyond leopards, ibex, urial, and Himalayan wolves roam its stark terrain, while traditional Ladakhi homes and warm hospitality add a cultural depth to the wilderness experience. Ulley is not just a place to spot rare wildlife — it is a sanctuary of silence and resilience, where nature and tradition coexist in breathtaking harmony.
Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the total amount needs to be paid as an advance at the time of booking confirmation
- The remaining 50% needs to be paid at least 60 days prior to the arrival date
- Cancellation before 90 days of arrival 15% of the total booking amount will be charged
- Cancellation 89 - 60 days of arrival 30% of the total booking amount will be charged
- Cancellation 59 - 30 days of arrival 60% of the total booking amount will be charged
- Cancellation 29 - 0 days of arrival 100% of the total booking amount will be charged
- No refund will be granted for the portion/portions of the journey not performed by the traveller.
- No refund will be granted in case of non-performance of the journey due to external and natural events.
- In the event of any dispute, the matter shall be resolved under the jurisdiction of the District Court, Kargil.
- 30% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 45 days prior to the tour start dates.
- Between 45-30 days, 50% will be refunded. No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 30 days of the tour.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees. (email: Sevenrhinos.in@gmail.com)
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- Safari bookings are non-transferable as safari permits are issued by the Government under specified names and strictly enforced.
Frequently Asked Question
Below we have addressed many of the questions and concerns you may have.
A Tour is a big investment. It is important that you match your expectations. Our tours, for now, are confined to Asia only. India has more than a hundred national parks, covering over 15,600 square miles of protected land. Many of the country’s wildlife sanctuaries once were hunting reserves of the maharajas, and more than 50 have been designated as tiger reserves. This wildlife tour is designed to focus on the wildlife but you will also experience some of India’s cultural marvels.
This tour is a wildlife tour with a touch of culture and photography. So nature and wildlife lovers want to see the iconic Royal Bengal tiger—India’s national animal—the top attraction for safari-goers, as well as India’s unique wildlife and varied exotic fauna. Visiting three of India’s top wildlife national parks with a high-density tiger population will increase your chances of photographing the royal majestic tiger.
You need to arrive in India on Day 1. Anytime after 14:00 hrs, you can check in at the hotel. Usually,
rooms are available after 14:00 hrs. Sometimes it can be very confusing flying in and out of India
because many of the flights arrived and depart around midnight. So please check the dates very
carefully and make sure your dates are correct. Drop us a message before confirming your flight.
Yes, you can arrive 1 or 2 days prior. We can take care of all the extra accommodation on payment
basis. Also you can add a pre or post extension to this tour. You can visit Delhi, Jaipur and other cities of
Rajasthan. You can add a week to relax in Kerala as well.
The best time to visit India for a tiger safari tour is from October to March. It gets really cold in the early morning in the months of November – March, so extra layers are advisable. April to June is the summer season. The probability of rain is almost negligible to very low rain with 7-8 hours of sunshine each day.
During our wildlife tour, our resorts in general will be a combination Luxury EcoCamp and 4 stat Hotel/Resorts
including all amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, room service, excellent food, laundry services,
etc. Wi-Fi is usually slow in forest areas. In Delhi and Agra, expect luxury accommodation (4/5) stars.
We will take our meals in the resorts; the menus are designed to celebrate local ingredients and
vegetables and are a delight to your senses. Fresh, Simple, Locally grown, and Seasonal foods will be
served as per the taste buds of foreign (western) tourists. During safaris, packed breakfast will be
served. In Agra and Delhi, we will take our meals in well-appointed multi-cuisine restaurants. Our
coaches and safari vehicles will be well-stocked with water bottles and snacks. Contact us if you have
any dietary needs or restrictions.
For arrivals and departures, it will be an Air-conditioned private Car, or mini bus, depending on your
arrivals and departures. We will get around in an air-conditioned tempo traveler with a professional
driver. During our safaris, we will be using 4-wheel drive, private, Safari vehicles in the National Parks.
The train will have chair cars in AC coach.
- The currency used in India is Indian Rupee. Though Exchange rates vary almost every day, this change is marginal.
- US$1.00 = INR 85-90.
- There will be plenty of options to exchange your money. The airport will be the 1st option but usually, their exchange rates are low with added charges. We always advise exchanging through authorized
money exchange. For any need feel free to contact your tour leaders.
Yes, most retail places will accept Visa & Master cards. Before you leave home, check with your credit card company on what additional charges they may add.
Please check this link for more details.
Yes. In fact, proof of insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage is a requirement for
participation in this workshop. There are many travel insurance companies out there. The most
recommended one is – https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance
- Waterproof durable hiking shoes
- Woolen/fleece warmer
- Down jacket
- Gloves
- Woolen hat/cap
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Personal toiletries and medicines
- Sunblock
- ID Proof
- Head torch
If you need high-speed internet then yes, you can buy sim cards from the airport. Don’t rely solely on
hotels. It’s advisable to get international roaming activated on your phones before you leave. So you
don’t have to buy a sim card.
Absolutely, India is completely safe for all travelers. The only thing which everyone should take care
of is there money and belongings.
Disclaimer
By signing up for a trip with Roots, you acknowledge that you have voluntarily applied to participate in this trip and that you have read the description of the trip as it appears and the information below:
- All outdoor-related activities involve a certain level of risk. You are expected to sign an Indemnity Form in agreement to the risks involved in partaking in such outdoor activities.
- Signing up for this trip by no means guarantees sighting of any wildlife. While we will put forth all our efforts and knowledge towards wildlife sightings, the company cannot be held responsible incase of no sightings.
- Delays are expected on account of roadblocks & weather conditions. Our effort will be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make you as comfortable as possible. But in such situations, we may have to compromise and adjust to these situations then & there. Our Lead Guide on location will take the final call.
- The itinerary should be viewed as ideal. We may have to make some spot changes due to various unavoidable reasons.
- The distances & altitudes mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information; marginal variance in the actual distances & altitudes is possible.
- You are expected to be in reasonable shape and fitness
- Roots reserves the right and permission to use photographs of individuals taken by our local team and photographs submitted by them on tour for use in promotional and publicity purposes
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