Snow Leopard Expedition 2027
Nine days in Ladakh's winter wilderness, with five nights in Ulley, local trackers and four full wildlife tracking days. Planned small-group departures for up to six travellers; private expeditions on request.
About this journey
Begin with two nights in Leh for acclimatisation before travelling to Ulley. Five nights with Ladakhi hosts allow four complete tracking days, shaped by local reports, weather and wildlife movement. Return to Leh for the final night before departure. Our team brings experience in Ladakh winter travel, with established homestay hosts and wildlife-tracking contacts around Ulley. Final stay properties and room categories are confirmed after payment, subject to availability and the selected package. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Leh
Arrive at Leh Airport and transfer to Hotel Pal Ladakh or similar. Keep the day for rest and altitude acclimatisation. Dinner and overnight in Leh. Route: Leh Airport -> Leh hotel. Elevation: Leh ~3,524 m. Stay: Hotel Pal Ladakh / similar.
Acclimatisation & expedition briefing
A second day in Leh for acclimatisation and the expedition briefing. Meet the team to discuss wildlife observation, winter layers and field expectations. Gentle local exploration, including the cultural visits in your itinerary, is optional and depends on how you feel. Overnight in Leh. Route: Leh -> local Leh outings -> Leh. Stay: Hotel Pal Ladakh / similar.
Into Ulley Valley
After breakfast, leave Leh and drive west on the road towards Kargil and Srinagar, generally following the Indus River. The route passes through Nimmu, where the Zanskar River meets the Indus. This is a useful landscape stop because it shows the wider river system that shapes western Ladakh. Continue north towards Likir, one of Ladakh's well-known Buddhist monasteries. After visiting Likir, the road leaves the main highway and turns onto a narrower dirt road that winds into the Ulley valley, following the stream known as the Ulley Chu. The terrain becomes quieter, drier and more wildlife-oriented as you approach the tracking base. Arrive at Snow Leopard Homestay, Ulley, run by a Ladakhi family. The homestay has around 4-5 rooms with common bathrooms. In deep winter, staying with a local family becomes an important part of the journey: the large warm kitchen, simple meals, conversations with hosts and the rhythm of village life are central to the experience. After arrival, rest and acclimatise to the higher altitude before the tracking days begin. Route: Leh -> Nimmu -> Likir -> Ulley. Elevation: Ulley region ~3,900 m. Stay: Snow Leopard Homestay, Ulley.
The search begins
Begin the first full tracking day in Ulley. The local trackers brief you on how the search works: snow leopards are usually found by reading the wider ecosystem, not by simply walking a trail. The team scans ridgelines for blue sheep movement, looks for pugmarks where snow or soft ground allows, checks possible resting ledges and listens for alarm calls. Explore the first valley on foot and by SUV where useful. The pace is slow and patient, with long pauses for scanning through scopes and binoculars. The same habitat may also hold urial, ibex, Himalayan fox, wolf, golden eagle and other high-altitude wildlife. Return to the homestay for hot meals and time in the family kitchen. Route: Ulley valley tracking area. Stay: Snow Leopard Homestay, Ulley.
Following the signs
Continue the search in a second valley around Ulley. Each valley is read differently by the trackers: one may be better for blue sheep, another for ibex movement, another for fresh signs after snowfall. The team chooses the direction based on recent sightings, weather, animal movement and what the spotters have heard from nearby villages. Expect a mix of walking, waiting and scanning. This is also a good day to understand local folklore and wildlife stories: how families used to protect livestock, how conservation changed attitudes, and how winter wildlife tourism now supports the community. Return to the homestay by evening. Route: Ulley and surrounding ridges. Stay: Snow Leopard Homestay, Ulley.
Into the high wilderness
By the third full day in Ulley, the group starts understanding the rhythm of snow leopard tracking: early starts, cold light, long silences and careful observation. The trackers may take you towards a third valley or ridge system depending on fresh signs and recent reports. This day is often strong for understanding the larger landscape. Even without a leopard sighting, watching ibex or urial move across steep rock faces explains why the snow leopard survives here. The search continues by foot and SUV support where required, with regular warm breaks arranged around the homestay rhythm. Route: Ulley third-valley tracking area. Stay: Snow Leopard Homestay, Ulley.
The final full day in the field
Use the final full day in Ulley for the most promising tracking area based on the previous days. The spotters may return to a valley where signs were found earlier, or move to a new ridge if animal movement suggests better chances elsewhere. The aim is to give the expedition enough time and patience rather than rushing the search. Alongside the snow leopard search, keep watching for Himalayan fox, wolf, urial, ibex and high-altitude birds. The guides also share practical insights into animal behaviour, winter survival, local customs and how village communities live through the coldest months. Return to the homestay for the last night in Ulley. Route: Ulley tracking area selected by local spotters. Stay: Snow Leopard Homestay, Ulley.
Return to Leh
After breakfast, say goodbye to your Ulley hosts and begin the drive back towards Leh. The return follows the same western Ladakh landscape, but after several days in the field the ridges, valleys and village life will feel more familiar. En route, visit Alchi Monastery near Saspol. Alchi is one of the earliest monasteries in Ladakh, dating back to the 11th century, and is known for its old murals, wooden details and Indo-Tibetan artistic heritage. After the monastery visit, continue the journey to Leh. Arrive in Leh by afternoon or evening and check in again at Hotel Pal Ladakh / similar. This final hotel night gives the group a warm, comfortable close after the remote Ulley section. Route: Ulley -> Alchi Monastery -> Leh. Elevation: Leh ~3,524 m. Stay: Hotel Pal Ladakh / similar.
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for the flight back to Delhi. The ninth day marks the end of the expedition. You leave with memories of high ridges, winter valleys, local Ladakhi kitchens, patient tracking days and the rare possibility of having searched for one of the Himalaya's most elusive animals in its real habitat. Route: Leh hotel -> Leh Airport -> Delhi flight. Stay: Departure day.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in Leh and Ulley, including Hotel Pal Ladakh / similar in Leh and Snow Leopard Homestay in Ulley.
- Meals as per itinerary, tea/coffee, drinking water and field refreshments. Alcohol, minibar and personal beverages are not included.
- Local wildlife spotters and tracking specialists familiar with the region.
- Transportation in and around Ulley for wildlife spotting and valley access.
- Transfers from Leh to the lodge and back to Leh.
- Airport pickup and drop in Leh.
- Shared scopes and binoculars for scanning ridges and wildlife habitat.
- Cultural visits including Shanti Stupa, Thiksey Monastery, Leh Palace, Tsemo Castle, Likir Monastery and Alchi Monastery.
- Local route coordination, wildlife tracking support and winter movement planning.
Exclusions
- Flights to and from Leh.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Gratuities for guides and staff.
- Photography permits for cultural ceremonies.
- Optional excursions or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- GST @ 5% on the base package amount and any credit-card / online payment gateway fees, if applicable.
Journey questions
When are the 2027 departures?
Planned dates are 12–20 January, 6–14 February and 16–24 February 2027. Each group is limited to six paying travellers, with a minimum of four for confirmation under the approved booking policy. Room blocks and tracking-team assignments require operator confirmation.
Is a snow leopard sighting guaranteed?
No. We observe wild animals in their natural habitat without baiting, chasing or staging encounters. Wildlife movement, weather and safe access shape the search.
How much field time is included?
Days 4–7 are four full guided wildlife tracking days. Day 3 may allow additional observation after the transfer, depending on conditions. The eight nights comprise three in Leh and five in Ulley.
What does the 2027 expedition cost?
2027 Price on Enquiry. The fixed-departure selling price and deposit are awaiting approval. Ask for a written proposal showing sharing arrangements, applicable taxes, inclusions, payment and cancellation terms before paying.
What accommodation should I expect?
Pal Ladakh and Singge Palace are Leh stay references; The Grand Dragon and Chospa are luxury options on request. Ulley accommodation is a homestay or a separately quoted lodge upgrade. Photographs show reference properties, not guaranteed accommodation. Before paying, request a written proposal with the stay category, room-sharing basis, meal plan and any substitution terms. Final property and room category are confirmed after payment, subject to availability and the selected package. Ask about bathrooms, heating, winter water, electricity and hot-water facilities.
Is this expedition suitable for me?
Expect high altitude, winter cold, uneven or snowy ground and long stationary observation periods. Share mobility needs before booking. Arrange suitable high-altitude travel insurance and seek medical advice for relevant health concerns before travel.
Will I have internet access?
Connectivity may be limited in Ulley and the tracking valleys. Ask the team about current local coverage; download important travel information before entering remote areas.
Can I book a private expedition?
Yes. Couples, photographers, families and private groups can enquire about custom dates, field time and accommodation needs. Private pricing and arrangements are quoted separately.