Himalayan Wildlife Tour, India

Day 1 - Fly London to Delhi

On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met and transferred to a hotel near the airport.

Overnight: Roseate House, Delhi

Day 2 - Fly to Leh. Time at leisure for acclimatisation.

Flights to Leh leave very early in the morning, so set your alarm or ask reception for an early wake-up call. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the domestic terminal at the airport for your flight. This is surely one of the most sensational scheduled flights in the world, taking you right over the Greater Himalaya before dropping down to land at the small military airport at Leh. The flight time is about 70 minutes. You will be met and driven through Leh to check into your hotel.

Leh is located at over 3,500 metres and you will immediately notice how thin the air is. It’s best to take it easy for the day, with plenty of rest to help adjust to the altitude. Later, if you're feeling ok, you might like to take a short orientation stroll from your hotel. The hotel is well located so you can easily take a leisurely walk into town.

Overnight: Dolkhar Resort, Leh

Day 3 - Morning walking tour of Leh Old Town. Afternoon visit to the Snow Leopard Conservation Centre.

Today you will enjoy a walking tour of the sights of Leh in the company of a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide. Leh was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Ladakh and the kings of Leh once commanded a huge civilisation stretching from Baltistan in the west, almost as far as Lhasa in Tibet. Leh is full of interest with its semi-ruined, Potala-like palace and in the old town a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, several temples, a mosque and bustling bazaars. It's a great place to explore. You will see the backstreets, bazaars and temples of Leh as well as the Royal Palace which dominates the town. The tour will give you a real sense of the mediaeval character of Leh before the advent of the modern age.

This afternoon you will visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust office in Leh. You will have a short talk from the naturalists about their mission and the work that they are doing to conserve this beautiful Himalayan creature.

Overnight: Dolkhar Resort, Leh

Day 4 - Early morning visit to Thikse Monastery. Continue to Gya. Explore Gya village.

This morning you will have a very early start to visit Thikse Monastery for the Morning Prayer Ceremony. It is a short drive of 20km to Thikse which will take about half an hour. Thikse is famous for its fabulous statue of Chamba Buddha, an enormous figure, 15 metres and three storeys tall. Thikse is considered one of the most splendid of all the gompas of the Indus valley and is full of Buddhist art, statues, thangkas, wall paintings, swords etc. The gompa has the largest contingent of monks in Ladakh, with about 120 yellow-cap (Gelugpa sect) monks. You will visit the Morning Prayer Ceremony which features the blowing of horns and banging of drums along with prayers and chants from the assembled monks. Its all very atmospheric. The ceremony lasts about an hour after which you can climb to enjoy the marvellous views of the valley from the roof.

Once the morning ceremonies have come to an end you will have breakfast in a nearby restaurant before continuing on to Gya. The drive to Gya offers some stunning scenery as you travel through deserted landscapes veering away from the Indus and up a subsidiary valley. Upon arrival in Gya you will have some time to explore the village and visit a small locally run museum.

For lunch you will spend time at a local homestay. The family who owns this have been farming and practicing weaving for over 27 years. After a delicious local meal there will be chance to watch the locals weaving skills being put to practice.  You will then return to Leh.

Overnight: Dolkhar Resort, Leh

Day 5 - Drive to Drass via Lamayuru Monastery and the Fotu La Pass, 4,150m - 7½ hours.

Leaving Leh, today you will head west along the main highway which leads towards Srinigar in Kashmir. Initially you follow the Indus River Valley passing through the village of Nummu, a picturesque village surrounded by orchards and located close to the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Continuing west you arrive at Lamayuru one of the most famous monasteries of Ladakh, spectacularly situated in a weird moonlike landscape. This fine monastery is made up of a number of temples which house some magnificent wall paintings and an exceptionally rich collection of thangkas. The oldest part of the monastery dates back to the 11th century, and part of this older monastery can be visited by venturing downwards from the newer buildings, through crumbling, narrow streets where you can see an interesting temple with some rather spooky protector images.

From Lamayuru you drive through an increasingly wild landscape to reach the prayer flag decorated Fotu La Pass. At 4,150m/13,479ft it is the highest point on the road from Leh to Srinigar. As you drive west today you will notice Buddhist culture giving way to a majority Muslim population, until you arrive at the town of Kargil, the only Muslim majority district in Ladakh. You continue past the town of Kargil to arrive at the town of Drass, considered the gateway between Kashmir and Ladakh. The town of Drass is again majority Muslim being home to Dard and Balti communities, thought to have originally migrated from central Asia and Tibet. The town is renowned for its breathtaking location being surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It has the distinction of being known as one of the coldest places on earth in the winter, so don’t be surprised if you experience snow on the ground during your stay. Other seasons are comparatively mild.

In Drass you will stay in the nearby Mushkow valley at the Drenmo Lodge – named for ‘drenmo’, the Himalayan Brown Bears which inhabit this region. This lodge was founded in 2016 and is a comfortable base for your time here. Rooms are warm and cosy and it’s a good place to return to after your rather chilly excursions. Drenmo was the first ever dedicated wildlife lodge in western Ladakh and was set up specifically to introduce wildlife tourism to the valley, to help conserve the Himalayan Brown Bear, and where there might otherwise have been conflict, to raise awareness of their importance with the local  people. The lodge has a dedicated team of local experts with a decade of experience in the field who are passionate about wildlife conservation and ensuring that guests at the lodge have the best possible experience during their stay. This is a unique location to enjoy the wild beauty of the area and for some incredible wildlife spotting.

Overnight: Drenmo Lodge, Drass

Day 6 - Wildlife watching activities from Drenmo Lodge.

You will be awakened bright and early to ensure your best possible chances of good wildlife sightings – you will be offered tea or coffee either in your room or in the dining room. Bears are most active during the early morning hours or in the evening which means there are increased chances of spotting one during these times. As the sun rises you may enjoy views of the snow-capped mountains from the lodge’s balcony. While you are enjoying your coffee, ‘spotters’ will have been positioned throughout the valley on your behalf, scouring the surrounding area for bears. If bears or other wildlife are spotted, depending on where they have been seen, you will head off, either on foot directly from the lodge or by vehicle. The crew will bring binoculars and a telescope with them to assist you in optimal wildlife viewing.

The Mushkow Valley, where the Drenmo lodge is located, is prime Himalayan brown bear habitat. Brown bears occupy the high altitude pasture and shrub land and tend to avoid dense forests so the area round the lodge is ideal terrain to spot bears. These bears hibernate every year through the cold winter months from December to late march, and it’s also the time when the female bears have their cubs. So, when they emerge in March, they are hungry and come down to look for food which makes it easier to be sure of seeing them. Your stay at Drenmo provides a unique opportunity see these bears. While brown bears will be your main focus, you may also spot other wildlife such as blue sheep, Asiatic ibex, Himalayan wolf, Himalayan fox and long tail marmots. There are also good opportunities for birdwatching in the area with the most spectacular being large raptors such as the Himalayan griffon vultures or bearded vultures (lammergeier). 

After your wildlife watching you will make your way back to the lodge for a hot breakfast and some well-earned rest. You will then have some free time to relax at the lodge before you head out again later in the afternoon to look for more animals or birds, or just to enjoy the high mountain scenery. 

In the evening you will have a hearty meal before an early night ready to be up bright and early in the morning! 

Overnight: Drenmo Lodge, Drass

Day 7 - At Drenmo Lodge - more opportunities for wildlife spotting or local exploration.

In the early morning, and then during the day, you will again have excellent opportunities to spot brown bears and other wildlife. It might also be possible to hike up a nearby hill to try to get closer sightings of bears.

Besides being a wildlife hotspot, Drass is very much a frontier region and in the not too distant past has witnessed various wars between India and Pakistan. You may see various reminders of the conflict as you travel around, and if you talk to local people they will no doubt have some good stories to tell of this time of hostilities.

You will also have time to explore Drass town and learn more about the potential for developing eco-tourism here which will help create jobs for the community and give local people reasons to protect and embrace the bears.

Overnight: Drenmo Lodge, Drass

Day 8 - Drive over the Hambuting La Pass, 4,024m, and descend to the Aryan Valley. Continue drive to Ulley, 4,000m. Total journey time - 7½ hours.

After your final chance this morning to spot bears, you will bid a fond farewell to Drenmo Lodge and make your way over the Hambuting Pass to the Aryan Valley. This is a 3½ hour drive and takes you along a much less travelled route and through some really remote country. Firstly you head back to Kargil and then turn off the main Leh-Srinigar Road to zig zag up to cross the high Hambuting La pass at 4,024m. This is an incredibly wild and scenic route. You descend towards Lamrung village and continue downwards to the picturesque Aryan valley. This lovely valley is known for its orchards of apricots which are especially beautiful in spring with their pink blossom. The people here are called Brokpa, and are thought to be descendants of an ancient Aryan race believed to predate other ethnic groups of Ladakh and possibly dating right back to the time of Alexander the Great. You will stop for a picnic lunch in Garkone, a village on the banks of the Indus River, where you will have the opportunity to visit The Himalayan Museum of Labdak Culture and Heritage. This is a small but interesting museum, which gives an insight into the colourful history of the area and its people. Before you continue on your journey you should also have time to have a walk around this this beautiful, pristine village.

From Garkone a further 4 hours drive takes you back in the direction of Leh, before you bear left off the main road and up into the Ulley valley. You will notice a distinct change in scenery from what you saw around Drass - the Ulley valley is far more barren with rugged, tawny landscapes and spectacular towering rock pinnacles and looming cliffs. Above the village are summer pastures for yaks and dzhos. The abundant grasses growing in the Ulley Valley mean it is a perfect natural habitat for wild ungulates like ibex and urials, which in makes it an attractive area for apex predators like the Snow Leopard.

The small village of Ulley is set beneath crags and is home to a small, close-knit community of seven families, many of whom work at the wildlife lodge or in tourism. Ulley village and surrounding area, have in recent years gained a reputation for wildlife watching and more especially for tracking snow leopards, with many being seen in the area. But the area is also notable for other Himalayan wildlife including Asiatic ibex, urial (wild sheep), Himalayan red fox and wolf.  Amongst birds to be seen in the area are two sorts of partridge: chukor and Tibetan, golden eagle, red-billed chough and also lammergeyer and Himalayan griffon vultures.

In Ulley you will stay at the Snow Leopard Lodge. This was the first dedicated wildlife lodge in Ladakh and it’s a very comfortable base for your exploration of the area. Your host at the lodge is an expert naturalist with a real understanding of conservation and its value to the area. The conservation of the snow leopard in Ulley brings in income to the villagers and they have become very much engaged in these efforts, They benefit by being given assistance in building predator proof corrals against snow leopards and wolves and knowing that they will be compensated for any loss of livestock. They become more involved with conservation efforts and so less hostile to predators having a genuine incentive to encourage wildlife, knowing that it brings in tourism Rupees.

In the evening at the lodge there is often a presentation or a documentary film about the wildlife in the Ulley Valley and Ladakh. This is followed by an excellent dinner. Later there is the chance to share stories with your fellow travellers before you head off to bed in your cosy room – hot water bottles are provided!

Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge, Ulley

Day 9 - Wildlife watching activities around Snow Leopard Lodge.

This morning after the treat of ‘bed tea’, should you wish to rise early you may do so, and before breakfast perhaps join fellow wildlife seekers in the valley. Alternatively, you may drive to one of the nearby valleys and have an initial search for any animals. Hopefully you will at least have some good views of the mountains perhaps finding some clues as to whether there are snow leopards nearby, such as recent footprints, even if not the animals themselves. Your naturalists will be doing their best to ensure you have a rewarding experience. You will then head back to the lodge for breakfast hopefully having spotted some wildlife, or tracks at the very least.

After breakfast you will rely on the spotter’s expertise and information that they have gathered to decide where you should head this morning. You will jump into your vehicle along with your spotter/naturalist and local guide then descend down the valley; the scenery as ever impressive. Your guides will take you where they feel there is the best potential for animals. You might drive towards Hemishuka Chan a small village where Ladakh urial and snowcock can be seen, as well of course the potential to see snow leopard. The abilities of the local naturalists are nothing short of amazing – with their experience and quick eye they have the uncanny ability to pick out creatures, sometimes as much as 2km away. They will be able to direct your gaze to see things that would otherwise be all but invisible to the naked eye, and with the aid of binoculars or telescope, you will have the chance of some great sightings. During the morning, refreshments will brought to you and depending on wildlife viewings and the weather, you may stay out to have lunch in the field, or return to the lodge for a bite to eat. There is an element of flexibility built into your program.

In the afternoon you will have some down time to relax before heading back out for further viewing. You may well spot birds such as Himalayan partridge, Tibetan snow cocks, golden eagles and two sorts of vultures as well as animals like Himalayan fox, with of course the added frisson of the possibility of a snow leopard.

As the sun begins to set you will return back to the lodge for another documentary or presentation, and then dinner. Culinary offerings at the lodge showcase local dishes with organic ingredients sourced locally providing a true taste of Ladakhi cuisine.

Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge, Ulley

Day 10 - Further day at Snow Leopard Lodge.

You have three full days in Ulley which gives excellent chances for really good wildlife sightings. Of course, snow leopard sightings cannot be guaranteed, but with your extremely well informed host and your expert local naturalists you will have the best chance. You may follows paths on foot out of the village or take your vehicles to explore further afield.

You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the friendly locals in their homes. At this time of year it is still too early for much work in the fields but the local women, many of whom run cosy village homestays, will no doubt welcome you into their traditional ‘chansa’ - the typical kitchen of a Ladakhi home. Here the ladies cook and look after their children, in addition to other tasks involved with livestock and tending their domestic animals. The women of Ulley are also skilled at knitting, often creating knitted animals which snow leopard toys made from locally sourced yak and sheep wool. They make excellent souvenirs if you want to purchase one!

Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge, Ulley

Day 11 - In and around Snow Leopard Lodge.

Today you will again have vehicles at your disposal to scour the area for wildlife. Again your expert naturalists will know the best place to go for optimum possibilities of spotting animals.

Your guide might also arrange an excursion to the village of Likir with its ancient monastery. Likir Gompa dates back, in part, to the 11th century. It sits majestically on a hilltop dominating the valley and is attractively set amongst running water and willow trees which make a pleasant contrast to the surrounding barren landscape. Likir is famous for its imposing 25m high golden figure of the Matraiya Buddha, which sits behind the gompa looking towards the east. Take some time to explore the many finely decorated halls and temples. The gompa also contains a small museum with a very interesting collection of artefacts.

Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge, Ulley

Day 12 - Drive to Leh - 2-3 hours, with a visit to Alchi Monastery on the way.

This morning you will have a final opportunity to seek out wildlife and birds, before regretfully saying farewell to this mountain eyrie which has no doubt provided some unforgettable wildlife memories. 

From Ulley you will drive back down to the valley of the River Indus and continue along its banks before you cross a bridge to reach the village of Alchi on the opposite bank. Alchi is an extremely pretty village set among apricot orchards above the river. At Alchi you will find one of the oldest and most beautiful temples of this entire region. Alchi has somehow miraculously survived war and earthquake relatively intact. The temples date back to the 11th century and have some of the oldest surviving wall paintings in Ladakh. Many of these wall paintings are in a different style to those you see in other monasteries of the Indus Valley - said to be more ‘Indian’ in style with possible links back to the times of Alexander the Great. The various chapels which make up the complex, house a stunning array of images and statues. The sheer artistry found at Alchi sets it apart from other monasteries in Ladakh.

You then return to the main highway to drive back to Leh where you will check into your resort. In the evening you will have last meal to celebrate your epic Himalayan journey and hopefully lots of wonderful tales of rare wildlife sightings.

Overnight: Dolkhar Resort, Leh

Day 13 - Fly to Delhi over the Greater Himalaya. Transfer to hotel.

It's another early start this morning for the short drive to the airport for the return flight to Delhi. Within minutes of taking off the aircraft flies over a sea of ice-cold peaks and glaciers as it crosses the Greater Himalaya range. On one side can be seen the distant peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat and Gasherbrum, and on the other side is the Nun Kun massif - so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it,

On arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to your hotel and rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Overnight: Roseate House, Delhi

Day 14 - Transfer to airport. Fly to London.

After breakfast there will be a group transfer to the airport where you will check in for your flight to London.