Snow leopard tracking vacations in Ladakh

Snow leopard tracking vacations in the Himalayas generally focus on two main locations: the valleys of Tarlung, Hysing and Karlung in Hemis High Altitude National Park, and the Ullay Valley a five-hour drive away, both of which are thought to have populations of around 200 leopards. You’ll typically fly to Ladakh from Delhi, as the roads are blocked by snow in winter, and spend a few days in the desert city of Leh, once an important stop on ancient trade routes, to acclimatise before driving further on by 4x4.

Accommodations are a mix of camping and homestays, the latter of which is a fantastic opportunity to learn about Ladakhi life, and helps to convince people there is value in protecting snow leopards. Porters and mules carry most of the equipment and your luggage, and when camping there will be a cook, too, so no need to worry about surviving on baked beans for a week. Trips are accompanied by expert trackers, naturalists and even trained zoologists subject to availability. Nocturnal spotlighting and thermal imaging are two of the techniques employed to better the likelihood of success. You can never guarantee a sighting, but with a team like this behind you, your chances are much improved.

These trips, which it’s worth pointing out have already resulted in a decline in leopard poaching in the area, will usually be tailor made. That gives you greater flexibility on your dates, and they can be organised for groups, couples, or even just one person, if necessary.

It’s not hard to pinpoint the exact best time to see snow leopards in the Himalayas – it’s in the coldest months between November and March. During the winter, the leopards’ prey species – ibex, bharal and argali – are forced down the mountains by thick snow and the leopards, of course, give chase. This makes the leopards much easier to spot, and the snow cover also helps considerably when it comes to following them, as you’ll see their tracks.