10 Days | January–March
High in the remote and spectacular mountains of Ladakh, where winter temperatures plunge far below freezing and the high Himalaya is transformed into a world of snow, silence and stark beauty, the elusive snow leopard descends into the valleys in search of prey. This is far more than a conventional wildlife safari; it is an expedition into one of India’s most extraordinary wildernesses, combining the thrill of tracking the world’s most elusive big cat with walks through remote Himalayan villages, encounters with traditional Ladakhi hospitality, visits to ancient monasteries and an intimate experience of life in one of the world’s highest inhabited regions. Accompanied by experienced local trackers and naturalists, we explore the cliffs, ridges and valleys in search of signs of the snow leopard, while also looking for Himalayan blue sheep, ibex and other mountain wildlife and capturing the extraordinary landscapes of winter Ladakh. A sighting of the snow leopard can never be guaranteed—and that element of uncertainty is an essential part of the experience, making every glimpse all the more rewarding and authentic. The prime season for this remarkable wilderness journey is January to March, when the snow leopard is more frequently seen in the valleys.
ITINERARY
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Our representative will provide your information kit and brief you about the forthcoming journey, including the air/train/ road transfer arrangements for the following morning. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel- Oberoi Maidens
Meal Plan - Room + Breakfast + welcome dinner
Arrive in Leh, the historic capital of Ladakh, situated high in the Trans-Himalaya. After your transfer to the hotel, the remainder of the day is deliberately kept free for complete rest and acclimatisation. At this altitude, allowing the body time to adjust is an essential part of the journey. Take in the extraordinary mountain scenery from the comfort of your hotel, enjoy a gentle evening and prepare for the wilderness experience ahead.
Hotel- Grand Dragon
Meal Plan – All meals
Today is devoted to gradual acclimatisation and an introduction to the remarkable natural and cultural landscape of Ladakh. After a relaxed morning, take a gentle walk around Leh, exploring its old lanes and traditional architecture while becoming familiar with the rhythm of life at high altitude. Depending on conditions and your level of acclimatisation, there may be an opportunity to visit one of the nearby monasteries and learn about the distinctive Buddhist culture that has shaped Ladakh for centuries. Your naturalist will also introduce you to the wildlife and fragile ecosystems of the high Himalaya, preparing you for the days ahead.
Hotel- Grand Dragon
Meal Plan – All meals
After breakfast, leave Leh and travel towards Hemis National Park, entering the spectacular landscape of the Rumbak Valley. As the road gives way to a more remote mountain environment, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with rugged cliffs, snow-covered peaks and narrow valleys surrounding traditional settlements. On reaching the valley, settle into your accommodation and meet the local trackers and naturalists who will accompany you during the expedition. The remainder of the day is spent becoming familiar with the surroundings and looking for the first signs of wildlife.
Hotel- The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge
Meal Plan – All meals
The expedition begins in earnest today. Setting out after an early breakfast, we walk through the valleys and mountain slopes in search of signs of the elusive snow leopard. Experienced local trackers read the landscape for footprints, scent marks and other clues that may reveal the presence of the animal. The search itself is an absorbing wilderness experience, with opportunities to encounter Himalayan blue sheep, ibex, birds of prey and other mountain wildlife. Return to the lodge for a warm meal and time to rest before sharing the day's observations with your naturalist and fellow travellers.
Hotel- The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge
Meal Plan – All meals
Each day in the Rumbak Valley brings a different perspective on the mountain wilderness. Today, continue exploring the ridges, slopes and valleys where snow leopards move in search of prey. Patience is an important part of the experience; hours may be spent quietly scanning distant cliffs and rocky outcrops through binoculars or spotting scopes. The rewards extend beyond wildlife, as the stark beauty of the winter Himalaya, the silence of the valleys and the sight of animals surviving in such an extreme environment become experiences in themselves.
Hotel- The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge
Meal Plan – All meals
Continue the search with your trackers and naturalists, exploring areas where recent signs suggest wildlife activity. The landscape provides opportunities to observe Himalayan blue sheep and ibex and, with luck, other species that share this high-altitude ecosystem. Along the way, gain an insight into the remarkable relationship between Ladakhi communities, their livestock and the surrounding wilderness. The day is shaped by the rhythms of nature rather than a fixed timetable, allowing time to stop, observe and appreciate this extraordinary environment.
Hotel- The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge
Meal Plan – All meals
Your final full day in the Rumbak Valley offers one more opportunity to search for the snow leopard. Return to promising locations identified during the previous days or explore a new section of the valley according to local conditions and wildlife movements. Whether or not the elusive cat reveals itself, the experience of spending several days immersed in its habitat provides a rare understanding of this fragile mountain ecosystem. As the expedition comes to an end, take time to reflect on the landscapes, wildlife and people encountered during your stay.
Hotel- The Rumbak Wildlife Lodge
Meal Plan – All meals
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Leh, leaving behind the remote wilderness of Rumbak Valley. On arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy some well-earned time at leisure. Later, explore the atmospheric old town and its traditional streets and local markets, where you can browse for handicrafts, textiles and other reminders of your Himalayan journey. The evening provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy Leh before your departure the following day.
Hotel- Grand Dragon
Meal Plan – All meals
After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of an extraordinary expedition into the high Himalaya — a journey in search of one of the world's most elusive wild animals and an experience of a landscape and culture unlike anywhere else in India.
Hotel- Day rooms in Delhi, depending on your international ETD
Meal Plan – Room + Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost: N/A USD
Our approach is based on respect for the wilderness and the communities that call these mountains home. We keep groups small, follow responsible wildlife-viewing practices and maintain appropriate distances from animals at all times. We work with experienced local trackers and communities, helping ensure that tourism contributes positively to the local economy. Above all, the purpose of the expedition is not simply to photograph or tick off a snow leopard sighting, but to experience, understand and respect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem in which this magnificent animal survives.
A snow leopard sighting can never be guaranteed. The wilderness, however, is guaranteed to leave an impression.
Terms and Conditions
1. Eligibility: Fitness, Experience & Motivation
All participants must be physically fit, technically prepared, and mentally motivated for high-altitude climbing. Your mountaineering résumé and experience records will be reviewed before we submit the team application to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
While peaks above 7,000 m demand exceptional stamina and technical competence, numerous Himalayan summits below 6,000 m are equally challenging due to route complexity, weather exposure, remoteness, and objective hazards.
2. Delayed Departure & Early Closure
Expedition timelines may shift due to weather, route conditions, medical concerns, permit directives, or the leader’s safety decisions.
- Delayed closure: Any extension of the itinerary will incur additional charges.
- Early pack-up/retreat: Should the expedition conclude earlier than scheduled, no refund will be provided.
- Any extra transport, hotel stay, lodge/camp nights, or logistical support arising out of delays, roadblocks, medical evacuation, or administrative regulation will be billed separately on a cost-to-cost basis.
3. Satellite Phones, Filming & Drone Permissions
Satellite communication devices are subject to regional security restrictions and cannot be used freely across the Himalaya.
- Only company-registered satellite phones may be used, and will be provided on additional rental in the areas allowed by the Indian Government.
- Drone operations, documentary filming, and aerial recording require prior permits, which vary by district, border zone, and wildlife protection area.
All protocols must be strictly followed to avoid administrative intervention or penalties.
4. Refund Policy
All refund considerations will follow the official cancellation policy issued along with your expedition dossier. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed only as per those terms.
5. Health, Insurance, Rescue & Indemnity
Participants must hold valid high-altitude insurance, including evacuation coverage.
- Any emergency medical service, evacuation helicopter, ground rescue, insurance activation, or hospitalisation can be coordinated through us in the knowledge of LO, but must be paid directly by the team or the insurer.
- All members are required to sign an Indemnity & Risk Acceptance Bond with Adventure India before departure.
6. Booking Confirmation
Once all expedition details, services, and logistics are finalised, the following payment schedule applies:
- 50 % of the expedition fee + IMF fee at the time of confirmation
- Remaining balance payable 61 days before expedition commencement
- 100% advance payment is required for last-minute bookings (booking within 61 days before departure)
7. Non-Refundable / Non-Credit Services
Expedition pricing is quoted as a complete logistical package, not as itemised services.
Therefore, no partial refunds, credits, or adjustments will be issued for unused services (e.g., unused load-ferry, camp nights, high-altitude rations, guide days, transport segments, etc.).
We strongly recommend purchasing full travel cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
8. Replacement Participant
If you nominate another climber to take your place:
- All cancellation charges will be fully waived provided:
- The replacement climber meets the fitness and mountaineering requirements, and
- Secures IMF approval and permit to climb the peak.
9. Sightseeing & Post-Expedition Extensions
Following intense climbing periods in remote high-altitude environments, we encourage participants to decompress and experience India’s cultural and natural richness.
Extension trips may be arranged at additional cost to:
- Taj Mahal / Agra
- Rajasthan Desert & Fort Circuit
- Ladakh & Trans-Himalaya Culture
- Goa / Konkan Coast
- South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
- Northeast India or custom destinations
Cancellation policy
| Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 45 and 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 25% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 30 and 45 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 50% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure | The entire deposit will be forfeited. |
UIAA Grade and UIAA Declaration
Not applicable