)
)
Uley has gained a reputation for the high number of snow leopards as well as a fantastic spot to see Himalayan Fox, Bearded and Himalayan Griffon Vultures and Golden eagles.
Ideal period for spotting Snow Leopard is from October to March, that’s from end of autumn to beginning of spring. These elusive cats are spotted throughout the Hemis National Park. Beside Snow Leopard there is always a good chance of spotting many other famous and rare animals like “Nyan” or “Tibetan Argali” (Ovis Ammon); Himalayan Blue Sheep, called “Bharal” or “Napo” (Pseudois Nayaur); Uriel, locally called “Shapo” (Ovis Orientalis), Asiatic Ibex (Capra Sibirica), and among the predators are Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Lynx, Pallas Cat, and many others.
I’ve been in the travel industry for 18 years, and although I’m an economics graduate I was bitten by the travel bug and have led tour groups in many different parts of the world, from many different nationalities.
I’ve led tours across India and many different parts of the subcontinent, and in doing so have learned so m Read More
You will be met at Let airport and taken to your hotel where you will have a chance to acclimatise to the altitude.
Flights from Delhi to Leh are scheduled early morning .
In the evening you will be taken on a leisurely walk in Let market. Make sure you drink lots of water to help with the acclimatisation.
Today we set out for some sightseeing. We tour around Leh visiting Hall of Fame, Shankar Gompa, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa which is a Bhuddhist white domed stupa on a hilltop in Changspa, after enjoying panoramic views of the lit up Leh city and sunset from the top we recommend that you walk down, making use of this opportunity to acclimatize further and walk through the back lanes into Leh.
Explore the bazaar of Leh and head back to the hotel for dinner. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
Today post breakfast, we drive west on the road to Kargil and Srinagar, generally following the Indus River. We will pass through the small town of Nimmu – one of the most important in Ladakh, where the Zanskar river meets the Indus. After a little over an hour you head north on a road marked to Likir – one of Ladakh’s famous Buddhist monasteries. This is all Snow Leopard country. The landscape here is even bigger, more expansive and open, until you turn off onto a dirt road, winding up a narrow valley, following a stream called the Uley Chhu.
Uley village, west of Leh is an area that is only recently being developed for Snow Leopard watching. Settle in on arrival and acclimatize to the higher altitude of Uley. We will be based here over 04 nights and the advantage of Uley is that it is relatively free of tourism and the chaos that has enveloped the first Snow Leopard destination – Rumbak.
The advantage is that from here you explore 3 valleys, which, apart from Snow Leopards, are great for finding Urial, Ibex, Wolf and Himalayan Fox. Over the next few days we will explore the area on foot and SUV’s with spotter tracking the Snow Leopard. You will be amazed at the sheer dedication and commitment the local spotters bring to their trade and the effort they make to ensure that the guests leave happy. In the process there will also be plenty of opportunity for us to get insights into local folklore, as well as learn about local customs and traditions. Whenever there is a report of a sighting, we will be taken to the spot by dedicated vehicle comfortably. As per the sighting Lunch will be either at the lodge or will be served in the field.
Dinner and overnight stay at the lodges. Lodges are luxurious with well insulated rooms having heaters installed in rooms. Hot water bags under the sheets are provided. Also 24 hours hot water and electricity backup, well- appointed chef having mastery in multiple cuisines. Full multiple course meals. This is a place that has been selected as it is where you will feel comfortable even at that high altitude.
After another morning out, we say our goodbyes to our host after lunch and drive back to Leh town. Enroute we visit the Alchi monastery if time permits
(The morning can drag longer if there is good wildlife movement). Alchi Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries dating back to the 11th century. It is the only low land monastery in the region as it was built in a time of peace, before the marauding armies forced the monasteries to take shelter amongst the slopes and gorges. Overnight at Leh hotel.
You will be picked up directly from Leh airport and taken to your accommodation.
