Snow Leopard Photo Expeditions

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The Ghost of the Himalayas

SNOW LEOPARD WINTER PHOTO EXPEDITION

LOCATION

Ladakh, India

DURATION

7 Nights 8 Days

11500-13200 Feet

ALTITUDE

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy to Moderate

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we set out to discover and photograph one of the world’s most enigmatic and elusive big cats — The Snow Leopard.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Leh (11,500 ft)

Day 2: Explore the Leh Valley

Day 3 to Day 7: Explore the villages of Saspoche (12,100 ft), Uley(13,200 ft), and Hemis Shukpachan (11,500 ft) to spot and photograph Snow Leopards.

Day 8 : Adieu

MENTORS

Rigzen Mingyur: Naturalist, Snow Leopard spotter

Pradeep Hegde: Wildlife cameraman, Photographer

Panchami Gaitonde: Outdoor facilitator

22nd to 29th

JANUARY 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

MARCH 2025

15th to 22nd

3rd to 10th

+91 97975 06493 +91 60054 53938
+91 76763 49137 pantheraexpedition@gmail.com

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION

Ladakh, located in the far north of India, is an extraordinary habitat for snow leopards. It is nestled among some of the world’s most magnificent mountain ranges. This former Tibetan Buddhist Kingdom is arguably the premier destination on Earth. Our well curated Snow Leopard Expedition to Ladakh is designed to offer a deep immersion into the region’s culture and history while pursuing these charismatic creatures.

The breathtaking landscapes, awe-inspiring fauna, and diverse flora of Ladakh are captivating in the summer months. Yet, in winter, the region transforms into an even more enchanting haven for spirited nature enthusiasts. The season’s highlight is the rare opportunity to glimpse the elusive snow leopard, often called the ‘Ghost of the Mountains’.

Our team of experts, with years of close engagement with Ladakh’s natural world and wildlife, has meticulously crafted this expedition. Not only will you seek out the snow leopard in its natural habitat, but you will also gain an in-depth understanding of the wilderness from seasoned nature interpreters. Along the way, you will experience the rich traditions of Ladakhi culture, enjoy their warm hospitality, hear stories of the ancient Ladakh kingdom, and explore the region’s serene Buddhist monasteries.

ITINERARY

Experience the stunning beauty of Ladakh with our curated itinerary. After a smooth airport transfer to your comfortable hotel in Leh, spend your first day acclimatizing. Over the next week, explore the Leh Valley, search for snow leopards in Saspoche and Uley, and discover the serene village of Hemis Shukpachan. Enjoy guided wildlife tracking, breathtaking landscapes, and local culture. We’ll ensure a seamless transfer back to the airport at the end of your adventure.

Day 1 : Arrive in Leh (Altitude: 11,500 ft)

We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the Gawaling Hotel. This will be the acclimatization day. It is best that you let your body acclimatize by taking the day slowly, sipping tea, hydrating yourself, or just reading a book with a view. In the evening, we can stroll around the markets of Leh.

Day 2 : Exploring the Leh Valley

We will start our day after breakfast. We will enjoy a relaxed pace today. We shall first head to Thiksey Gompa. This monastery was established in the 1600s, featuring Ladakh’s most gorgeous image, a huge statue of the Maitreya. After this, we will go on a beautiful drive along the picturesque valley. We return to the hotel for an early lunch and rest since you are still acclimatizing. In the evening, we will visit the Shanti Stupa, a peace pagoda built by the Japanese in the 80s. It also offers stunning views of the mighty Ladakh range.

Day 3 - Day 4 : Saspoche (12,100 ft)

This day begins with a drive from Leh to Saspoche. We will be gaining an altitude of 600 ft. A two-and-a-half-hour drive will take us to the heart of snow leopard territory. Saspoche is a remote village known for its rich wildlife.

On both days, we will spend the daylight hours searching for the elusive ghosts of the Himalayas. We will set up our equipment at strategic spots known for sightings. The experienced trackers will help spot the leopards, and we will also photograph other wildlife such as ibex, and bird species like the Himalayan Griffon. Evenings will be spent resting, learning, and reflecting on the day.

Day 5 : Uley (13,200 ft)

The drive from Saspoche to Uley takes 45 minutes. We will spend the entire day searching for snow leopards with the help of expert guides. Ulley’s craggy ridges and valleys are perfect for these cats, and our chances of spotting one here are high. The day will be dedicated to tracking and photographing the snow leopard, but we will also focus on other wildlife like the ibex, red fox, and the striking landscapes of Ladakh. We will then return to our homestay for a Ladakhi dinner and photo review.

Day 6 : Uley

Given the high likelihood of spotting a snow leopard in Uley, we will spend another day here. We will dedicate the entire day to tracking snow leopards. By the end of the day, we will drive to Hemis Shukpachan, a picturesque village renowned for its ancient juniper trees and tranquil environment.

Day 7 : Hemis Shukpachan (11,500 ft)

On our final day of snow leopard tracking, we will explore the ridges and valleys around Hemis Shukpachan. Local trackers will guide us to areas

with recent sightings. We will take the opportunity to explore the village and its surroundings, as Hemis Shukpachan is also rich in cultural heritage. Let us not miss photographing the traditional architecture and local way of life. After an evening chai, we will head back to Leh.

Day 8 : Depart

It’s time to bid farewell to the majestic mountains of Ladakh. We’ll transfer you to Leh airport, ensuring a smooth departure.

RIGZEN MINGYUR

PRADEEP HEGDE

A seasoned guide and expert naturalist, Rigzen has over 13 years of experience in the Himalayas of Ladakh, specializing in snow leopard expeditions, trekking, and wildlife tours.

He has co-led the Ice Stupa project with Sonam Wangchuk for four winters and has also built Ice Stupas in Switzerland. Rigzen has also contributed to the School of Tourism at HIAL, working on projects like Himalayan Farmstay and coordinating Responsible Tourism courses. Deeply involved in sustainable initiatives, he serves as an executive member of the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association (LMGA).

A renowned Indian wildlife cameraman, known for his captivating storytelling and ecological insights, serves as a mentor on our snow leopard photo tour. His films, featured at international festivals

and broadcasted on Animal Planet, Discovery, and National Geographic, cover India’s diverse species, including snow leopards and king cobras.

His acclaimed works include “Wild Karnataka,” narrated by Sir David Attenborough, “Into the Wild India,” and the award- winning “Raptors” series, which was the highest-rated TV show of its year.

Panchami, an experienced outdoor facilitator who worked at Indiahikes, has led over 40 treks across the Himalayas and Bangalore. Passionate about fostering a connection to nature,

She works with trekkers of all ages, from 2.5 to 70 years old, and has led school groups, summer, and winter camps.

Trained in wilderness first aid, she ensures safety in high-altitude environments. Her love for nature began during childhood visits to the Western Ghats, and as a naturalist, she integrates conservation and resilience into every trek.

PANCHAMIGAITONDE

Good trekking shoes
(Preferably with ankle support)
A 30 L daypack with raincover
2 pair of thermals
1 woollen sweater
2 fleece
1 padded jacket (Available on rent)
4 pairs of quick dry T-shirts
Dry fit trekking pants (Available on rent)
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Gloves (Available on rent)
Balaclava

PACKING LIST

Woollen cap (Available on rent)
2 pair of Woollen socks
Trekking pole (Optional)
Rain jacket + pants or a poncho
Sunscreen and Moisturiser
Light towel
Lip balm or vaseline
Toilet paper
(Wet wipes are strictly prohibited)
Toiletries
Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Personal medical kit

High resolution Camera
Lens with minimum 400 mm
Teleconverter recomeded
3 Batteries (Atleast)
Good Tripod

CAMERA GEAR

DOCUMENTS

A soft copy of the government photo identity card (Original has to be carried during the trip). Anything such as a driver’s licence, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required for acquiring the local permits.

Disclaimer form: A copy of the disclaimer will be sent to you prior to the tour. Print it, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your expedition leader during the first day of briefing at Leh.

POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND

Ladakh can get extremely cold during winter, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling Negative 25 degrees Celsius. However, we will have traditional heating systems in the home stays to ensure a cozy and comfortable stay.

Due to the intense cold, taking baths isn’t advisable as it’s crucial to conserve body heat and avoid issues like mountain sickness and hypothermia. We will be flying into Leh, which sits at around 11,500 feet. This altitude change from the plains can be quite significant, so we will need to focus on acclimatising our bodies to the higher altitude and cold conditions.

Another important note is that water sources in Ladakh freeze during winter, which means water in pipes is also frozen. Most facilities use dry toilets, which function without water. We will use a waterless system with a pit and sawdust, which helps turn human waste into manure over time. For personal cleaning, we will use tissue.

We understand this may sound a bit different from what you are used to, but rest assured, we will
be here to guide you through every step and ensure your comfort.

Accommodation: Stay is included from day one to day eight with three meals a day with coffee and snacks. Accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.

Safety Equipment: A High Altitude Medical Kit along with Oxygen Cylinder.

Permits: All Inner Line Permits (for Both Indians and Foreign Nationals), Photography and Community welfare fee.

Naturalist : An expert naturalist who will help us spot Snow Leopards and other wildlife on field.

Transportation : Local transportation from day one to day eight (Leh Airport to Leh Airport).

Equipment: Technical equipment like scope, and binoculars on a sharing basis.

INCLUSIONS

EXCLUSIONS

Personal porter (Available on request)

Travel Insurance

PAYMENT TERMS

A non-refundable advance payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking. The remaining amount must be settled at least 20 days before the tour begins.