Search for Snow Leopards with Valerie Parkinson

4.8Based on

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

New Delhi, India

Ends

New Delhi, India

Highlights

Chance to see the rare, elusive snow leopard

Wonderful winter walking in mountainous Ladakh, when it is cut off from the rest of the world

Visit ancient monasteries and most departures attend a colourful monastic festival with masked dancers

Enjoy a homestay night and traditional meal with a friendly Ladakhi family

Look for lynx, blue sheep, wolves, bearded vultures, red foxes, Himalayan griffin vultures and golden eagles

Itinerary

Imagine searching for one of the world’s most elusive big cats amid the snowy wilds of Ladakh. The "Search for Snow Leopards with Valerie Parkinson" tour offers a 14-day wildlife quest for those drawn to rare and remote encounters. Starting and ending in New Delhi, with time spent in Rumbak and Leh, this moderate-activity trip is led by Valerie Parkinson, a Himalayan trekking specialist with a lifetime of mountaineering and cultural expertise. As you scan rugged valleys for snow leopards and other high-altitude fauna, you’ll also visit isolated Buddhist communities and experience unique local festivals (itinerary varies by departure). All accommodation, meals, and transport are included, ensuring comfort in challenging terrain. The unique selling point? Exclusive expert leadership and the chance to witness rare wildlife in the spiritual heart of the Himalaya—a true pilgrimage for nature lovers.

day 1 - Adventure begins in Delhi

Our adventure begins in Delhi, a colourful and chaotic city full of architectural masterpieces. You are free today to explore this buzzing city or rest after your flight.

Around 6pm, say namaste to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Want more time in Delhi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals:Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Regent Grand (or similar)

day 2 - Fly across the Himalaya to Leh

Usually, we have an early start for the flight to Leh. We may have to leave the hotel around 3am and drive to the airport for the very early morning (but highly spectacular) flight over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya, which are incredibly beautiful in winter. Landing in Leh, the temperature drops dramatically and we need our down jackets at the airport. If the weather is good and the flight goes on time, we should be in Leh for breakfast. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (11,485ft/3,500m). In the morning, we rest and catch up on sleep. In the afternoon, we have a gentle orientation walk around Leh and its bazaars.