WHY TRAVEL WITH US
nature & wildlife
Wild Ladakh
Where the Snow Leopard and Brown Bears Walk and Prayer Flags Whisper
Best Time: March, April or November
Duration: 14 Days / 13 nights
In the farthest reaches of the Indian Himalayas, cradled by ancient mountains and veiled in snow for much of the year, lies Ladakh, a realm where nature and spirit are inseparably entwined.
This is a land where the elusive Snow Leopard roams silently across wind-carved ridgelines, and the rugged valleys echo with the distant call of Himalayan Wolves and the gentle rustle of Blue Sheep. In the high meadows near Drass, the rare Himalayan Brown Bear lumbers through wildflower-laced fields, a quiet guardian of the frontier. Here, wildlife is not merely observed, it is revered, as part of a greater cosmic dance.
Yet Ladakh’s true magic lies not only in its dramatic landscapes or rare fauna, but in the deep spiritual rhythm that pulses through its stone monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, and warm-hearted people. Buddhism here is not doctrine but a way of living with the land, a quiet devotion to simplicity, compassion, and awareness. Every cliffside gompa and every butter lamp flickering in a mountain shrine reminds the traveler of the interconnectedness of all life.
Delhi – Leh – Ulley – Drass – Lamayuru – Alchi – Leh – Delhi
On this 14-day journey, you’ll walk through remote wildlife sanctuaries, where patient eyes may catch a glimpse of a Snow Leopard, a moment as sacred as a whispered mantra. You’ll sit with monks in timeless monasteries like Alchi, Ridzong, and Hemis, where ancient wall paintings breathe the stories of the Buddha into silent halls. And in homestays tucked into apricot orchards and windswept valleys, you will meet Ladakhis whose lives still honour the old ways, living in rhythm with the seasons and skies.
This is not simply a wildlife expedition or a cultural tour, it is a pilgrimage into stillness, an invitation to witness how nature and spirituality converge in one of the last truly sacred landscapes on Earth.
Come as a traveler, return as a witness to something far greater, a living mandala of mountain, monk, and mystery.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi:
Arrive at New Delhi International airport. After completing the immigration and customs, proceed towards the arrival hall. Meeting and assistance upon arrival with a traditional welcome of garlanding and transfer to the hotel (room being held from 1400 hrs).
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Your journey begins in the capital city of India. Upon arrival in Delhi, you are met and transferred to a comfortable boutique hotel for rest and recovery after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to unwind or explore the calm greens of Lodhi Gardens or the heritage charm of Humayun’s Tomb. This evening, enjoy a gentle introduction to the journey ahead over a quiet dinner.
Day 2: Into the Himalayas – Fly to Leh (3,500 m)
An early morning flight carries you high above the plains into the Himalayas, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks as you land in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The thin air reminds you to move slowly as you settle into a traditional Ladakhi-style hotel. The rest of the day is dedicated to acclimatisation. In the evening, a short walk to Shanti Stupa offers panoramic views and a chance to begin attuning yourself to the serene rhythm of the mountains.
Day 3: Monasteries and Mountain Light
Today is set aside for gentle explorations as your body adjusts to the altitude. You’ll visit some of Ladakh’s most revered monastic sites: the dramatically located Thiksey Monastery, echoing with morning chants and lit by golden dawn; the historic Shey Palace; and Hemis, the largest monastery in Ladakh, its courtyards filled with ancient thangkas and the scent of incense. Return to Leh by late afternoon, with time to relax and enjoy a local Ladakhi dinner.
Day 4: Into the Wild – Drive to Ulley (3,800 m)
This morning you journey westward into snow leopard country. The drive to Ulley, a remote hamlet tucked into a rugged mountain valley, takes you deep into Ladakh’s wild heart. Your base here is a warm, family-run homestay or a wildlife lodge that works in tandem with conservation projects. After settling in, meet local trackers who will accompany you in the coming days in search of Ladakh’s most elusive inhabitants.
Days 5–7: Tracking the Ghost of the Mountains
Over the next three days, you rise with the sun and head into the silent valleys of Ulley. With the help of expert spotters and naturalists, you’ll scan the ridgelines for movement—perhaps the flick of a long tail or the slow silhouette of a snow leopard crossing the heights. The search unfolds slowly, blending vehicle-supported excursions and mindful walking. Along the way, you’ll encounter blue sheep, red foxes, golden eagles, and possibly the Tibetan wolf. In the quiet evenings, stories are shared over butter tea, and you may join in simple guided meditations or learn about the ancient folklore surrounding the mountains.
Day 8: To the Edge – Drive to Drass via Kargil
Today’s journey takes you along the Indus River and through high-altitude passes toward Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places on earth and home to the rare Himalayan Brown Bear. The drive is long but stunning, traversing landscapes that shift from barren moonscapes to alpine forest. You arrive in a small village guesthouse or eco-lodge near bear habitat, where you learn about the conservation efforts protecting these shy and endangered animals at the frontier of Ladakh.
Day 9: In the Realm of the Himalayan Brown Bear
Rising early, you trek gently into the high pastures where the bears are known to roam. These meadows, rich in wildflowers and silent but for the cry of a Lammergeier, are the brown bear’s seasonal domain. With luck and patience, you may glimpse one foraging in the distance. The day may also include visits to nearby shepherd communities, whose lives are intricately woven with the land and wildlife. Return to your lodge for a quiet evening under the stars.
Day 10: Moonland & Meditation – Drive to Lamayuru
After breakfast, you begin the drive back east, stopping at the ancient village of Lamayuru, famous for its monastery and its landscape, which resembles the surface of the moon. You’ll explore the cliff-hugging gompa, meet with monks, and perhaps participate in an evening meditation in the temple hall. Spend the night in a simple monastery guesthouse or nearby eco-lodge, wrapped in the deep silence of this sacred site.
Day 11: Sacred Art – Drive to Alchi
A short drive takes you to Alchi, home to one of the most treasured monasteries in Ladakh. Unlike other monasteries perched high on hills, Alchi lies in the valley, and its walls hold some of the finest Buddhist murals in the Himalayas, dating back to the 11th century. The afternoon is yours to wander through the village, walk along the Indus River, or rest in the serene grounds of your traditional guesthouse.
Day 12: The Hidden Hermitage – Ridzong Monastery & Return to Leh
En route back to Leh, you stop at Ridzong Monastery, hidden in a gorge and home to a community of monks dedicated to silent contemplation. It is one of Ladakh’s most peaceful spiritual centres. After a final drive through the Indus valley, return to Leh. The evening offers time for last-minute shopping, café stops, or a celebratory dinner with traditional music or a short film screening on Ladakh’s wildlife and culture.
Day 13: Fly to Delhi – A Return to the World
Fly back to Delhi this morning and transfer to your hotel. After two weeks in the high Himalayas, the bustle of Delhi feels like another world. Spend your afternoon at leisure, visit a crafts market, or join an optional Sufi music performance in the evening. Enjoy your final dinner reflecting on the journey’s gifts.
Day 14: Departure from Delhi
Today you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. You leave with more than photographs, you carry the stillness of the mountains, the grace of wild encounters, and the wisdom of Ladakh’s monastic heart.
