Snow Leopard Photography Tours of Ladakh (India)

 

In search of  the elusive Snow leopard, every year in January, Feb and March, we head to Hemis National Park (Ladakh) in northern India. Due to the elusive nature of Snow Leopards, they are also known as mountain ghosts. So far, we have enjoyed 90% success rate during our Snow Leopard Photo Tours.

Unlike others, our tours are lodge based, which means you will  be staying in a comfortable, clean and heated accommodation in the reserve, rather than tents.

We use the same leopard trackers used by BBC and Nat Geo , so your chances of spotting and photographing  these mountain ghosts are much higher.

The winter season of January, February and March has been chosen carefully as this is the time when Snow leopards come to the base of the valley in search of prey.

This 10-day all inclusive tour ensures you comfortable stay and high chances of photographing Snow Leopards. Most of the tour of the national park will be done on foot since no vehicles are allowed inside the reserve to conserve the pristine ecology.

Suggested itinerary for Snow Leopard Photo Tour is as follows:

Day 1 : Arrive in New Delhi and relax in the beautiful 5 star Imperial Hotel.

Day 2 Early Morning flight to Leh (Ladakh) where we spend rest of the day acclimatising to the high altitude. We will also explore the beautiful town and monasteries . Our stay will be be at the Luxurious Grand Dragon Hotel.

Day 3: We head  to the Hemis national park. Our home for next 6 nights will be the Snow Leopard Lodge in Ulley,  a comfortable, clean and heated accommodation with running water and electricity.

Day 4 to Day 9 We will head out with our expert trackers  on the lookout for Snow leopards and native wildlife like Ibex, Urial, Bharal , Pikas, Hare, Marmots, Red foxes Tibetian Wolves to name a few.

Day 10 We take a flight from Leh to New Delhi  where we conclude our tour.

What’s included in the tour?

• All Accommodation on a same gender Twin shared basis (single rooms may be available – please inquire).

• Return Flights from New Delhi to Leh.

• All meals (Breakfasts, Lunches Dinners , snacks, Tea/ Coffee)

• Full Photography and Post Processing tuition.

• Guided Snow Leopard watching for our group at Hemis National Park.

• Private meet and assist services at the airport and chauffeured transfer to the hotels.

• Private vehicles and drivers for all road transfers throughout the trip.

• Entrance and still camera fees at all parks and sight-seeing destinations where applicable.

• The current National park entry permits and tourism levies and all relevant government taxes.

What’s Not Included?

• International airfare to/from New Delhi, India.

• Gratuities for hotel staff.

• Gratuities for game drive driver/guides in the National Park.

• Visas, travel insurance, personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.)

Our Photo Tour Leader: Perhaps the most important aspect of a photographic safari is your leader. All our photo safaris  are personally hosted and lead by experienced wildlife photographers.

Our professional wildlife photographers have spent years in the wilderness, following specific animals day after day for several months and witnessing extraordinary and rare  behaviour. They have extensive first-hand knowledge on the behaviour of many animals including Tigers, Snow Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs and Elephants.

Apart from organising your photo-safaris, they will accompany you to your destination, share their knowledge of wildlife as well as help you with expert tips on wildlife photography and post processing. They will be there to coordinate with the driver, instructing on positioning, approach, timings, lighting conditions etc.

Photo Tour Cost:

Please click the book now button below to see the cost of this all-inclusive tour. This fee includes all in-country transportation as well as hotel accommodation (double occupancy) and all meals. You can reserve you place by paying 25% deposit and rest 75% is due 90 days before the tour date.

Financial Protection:

You have the financial protection of booking through a registered tour operator. Your money is 100% safe and if one of our suppliers goes bust, your money is fully protected.

 

Gear Recommendations :

For Snow Leopard photo tour, lenses of  500mm or more (on full frame) are required for this tour . A 600mm (or more) will be  necessary for birds. Teleconverters are highly recommended and so is a pair of binoculars!

A good tripod, ideally with Gimbal head is also essential for supporting long lenses.

Physical Fitness : This tour requires moderate level of physical fitness as you will be hiking at high altitude to spot the snow leopards. During the hiking in the mountain region, we will have porters to carry any heavy gear/luggage which you are unable to carry yourself.

What Do I Do Next?

Our groups are small, so space is limited. If you are exited to be on this trip, then now is the time to book. Remember, there will be limited space available for this expedition.