Snow Leopards & High-Altitude Wilds of Ladakh, India
Ghosts of the Himalaya
February 14 to 28, 2028
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Fewer than a handful of travelers each year witness a wild snow leopard in its own territory during mating season — this is that trip. Set off on an extraordinary expedition into the remote Trans-Himalayan mountains of Ladakh, India, one of the world’s best locations to observe the elusive “ghost of the mountains.” A former Buddhist kingdom, Ladakh is a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and soaring mountain passes. Led by expert trackers, you’ll venture into Hemis National Park, home to one of the highest densities of snow leopards on earth, searching not only for these magnificent cats, but also Tibetan wolves, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, Eurasian lynx, golden eagles, Tibetan argali, and dozens of high-altitude bird species. Immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture with monastery visits, and experience a welcoming, family-run lodge in close proximity to the search area, allowing you more time in the field.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- Exceptional Snow Leopard Viewing: Spend six full days searching for snow leopards alongside experienced local spotters to maximize your chances of remarkable encounters.
- More Time in the Field: Stay in prime snow leopard habitat, allowing extended time to observe snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife without long daily commutes.
- High-Altitude Wildlife: Search for Tibetan wolves, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, red foxes, and a variety of high-altitude birds in one of the world’s most dramatic mountain ecosystems.
- High-Altitude Luxury Camping: Stay in a comfortable high-altitude lodge designed for comfort in extreme conditions.
- Discover Ladakh’s Living Culture: Visit ancient monasteries, experience Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and gain insight into the people who call this remarkable landscape home.
- Expert-Led Adventure: Travel with an experienced Cheesemans’ leader and professional photographer alongside an expert local naturalist and spotters whose knowledge of snow leopard behavior is unmatched.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Updated: August 2026
FAQ Safari Options
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 14–15 | The Journey Begins. Travel to Delhi, India from our India trip or from home. | ||
| Feb 16 | Arrive in Delhi. Transfer to a luxury hotel and rest before your journey into one of the world's most remote mountain regions. | Andaz Hotel, Delhi | |
| Feb 17 | Fly to Leh & Begin Acclimatization. Enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views before settling into Leh, one of the highest and most isolated inhabited towns on earth, and begin your adjustment to high altitude. | Grand Dragon Hotel, Leh | B, L, D |
| Feb 18 | Visit Leh Highlights. Wander centuries-old monasteries and markets, and take in cultural highlights like Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Palace. | Grand Dragon Hotel, Leh | B, L, D |
| Feb 19–24 | The Snow Leopard Expedition. Travel through dramatic landscapes to a valley known for frequent snow leopard activity. Spend five full days tracking snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife during peak mating season, when rarely observed behaviors may unfold before you. | Snow Leopard Lodge, Mangyu | B, L, D |
| Feb 25 | Return to Leh. Retrace the route out of snow leopard country for a final night in Ladakh's remote capital. | Grand Dragon Hotel, Leh | B, L, D |
| Feb 26 | Fly to Delhi. Leave the high Himalaya behind and toast the adventure with a farewell dinner in Delhi. | Andaz Hotel, Delhi | B, L, D |
| Feb 27 | Depart for Home. Morning transfer to the airport reflecting on your journey to one of the planet's wildest, most remote corners. | B | |
| Feb 28 | Arrive Home. Conclude your once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan adventure, returning home with unforgettable memories of the Himalaya's wild heart. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Surya Ramachandran
Surya RamachandranSurya is an award-winning naturalist and wildlife guide with extensive experience across India's most biodiverse regions. He has spent the past six years developing community-based snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear tracking programs. Author of the Photographic Guide to Central Indian Wildlife and recipient of the 2016 TOFT Award, Surya is widely respected for his deep ecological knowledge, conservation work, and expertise in India's wildlife and landscapes.
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Scott Davis
Scott DavisScott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- FAQ
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Accommodations
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $11,200 |
| Single Supplement | $4,950 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy unless noted otherwise, not including airfare (except for round-trip flights between Delhi and Leh) singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | September 7, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, tracking, expedition services, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Round-trip flights between Delhi and Leh.
- Accommodations for the nights of February 16 through February 26.
- Meals from breakfast on February 17 through breakfast on February 27, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Transfers on February 16, 17, 26, and 27 between the Delhi Airport and Andaz Hotel; on February 17 from the Leh Airport to the Grand Dragon Hotel; and February 26 from Grand Dragon Hotel to the Leh Airport.
- $200 per person toward the Snow Leopard Conservancy, who help work with communities in the Himalayas to secure Snow Leopard Habitat.
- Group medical kit and oxygen cylinders for emergencies.
- Access to shared use of high-powered Swarovski BTX 95 and ATX 95 spotting scopes.
- Gratuities (except local Tour Leader)
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Dinner on February 16 and lunch and dinner on February 27.
- Personal porter – recommended if you are carrying any photography equipment.
- Divergent airport transfers and extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities for local Tour Leader.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.
- Optional Trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic beverages at hotels, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
The average February temperatures in Hemis National Park and Leh range from lows of about 10°F (-12°C) to highs of about 33°F (1°C). In Delhi, it will be much warmer, with lows around 53°F (12°C) and highs around 76°F (24°C).
Fitness Level
This trip is at high elevations (~11,000ft). If you have heart or lung disease, or other reasons to suspect high altitude may pose a problem for you, please talk to your doctor before booking this trip. While you can access some valleys by road, you may have to hike to access a site where the team has spotted snow leopards, especially if it is away from a road. You should be comfortable with a mix of driving and walking at high altitudes. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
When you fill in your Traveler Form, please answer the following:
- Describe how you handled traveling in high-elevation areas in the past.
- Do you have any conditions that could make travel at high elevation a challenge? If so, have you discussed them with your doctor?
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Delhi, India (DEL) by 11:59pm on February 16. If you are arriving from our India trip, see the Flights section in its itinerary for arrival information.
- Depart from Delhi, India (DEL) after 10:00pm on February 26.
Flights we book
- The round-trip flights between Delhi and Leh are included in the trip cost. Important: We will book this domestic flight to allow 20kg of free checked luggage per person and anything beyond is charged an excess baggage and can be paid for at check-in.
FAQ
How likely are we to see a snow leopard?
Snow leopards are among the world's most elusive big cats, so sightings can never be guaranteed. However, our expert local team, experienced trackers, and flexible itinerary maximize our chances, and recent Cheesemans' trips have enjoyed excellent success. Even when snow leopards remain hidden, you'll experience spectacular Himalayan scenery and other remarkable wildlife, including ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan wolves, and a variety of high-altitude birds.
What is the hiking like? Do I need to be an experienced trekker?
This trip is designed for wildlife observation rather than long-distance trekking. Most days involve driving between viewing areas and taking short to moderate walks over uneven, rocky terrain while scanning for wildlife. The high altitude (10,000–14,000+ feet / 3,000–4,300 m) makes even gentle walks more strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk on uneven ground are important.
Accommodations
Snow Leopard Lodge at Mangyu is designed and conceptualized for wildlife exploration in the trans-Himalayan landscape. The camp hosts only 6 passive-solar, centrally heated en-suite rooms.
Motion Sickness
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Snow Leopards.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.