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Quest for the Snow Leopard

Exploring the Indian Himalayas in search for the world's rarest cat

10
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Nature & Wildlife
Nature & Wildlife
Family Adventures
Family Adventures
Luxury & Romance
Luxury & Romance
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Inhabiting among the most remote regions on Earth, the Snow Leopard is a fitting symbol of wilderness. Among seemingly inhospitable rocky hills, these most secretive of big cats eke out an existence worthy of admiration. Travel to the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh in northern India for the best opportunity to track this elusive and alluring creature. Spend several nights at a single, comfortable lodge here, making daily sorties into the surrounding hills and watch for the cats, along with other mammals and a myriad of mountain birds particular to this region. Your patience and persistence may be rewarded not only in sightings of Snow Leopards but also in the wonderful sense of serenity within this mystical realm.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01
Delhi
Arrive in vibrant exotic Delhi
02-04
Leh
Delving into “Little Tibet”
05-09
Ulley
Track Snow Leopards with top spotters
10
Leh
Explore Ladakh’s austere mountain landscape
11
Delhi
Departure

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01
The search begins
Delhi
,
India
Your journey begins with arrival in New Delhi, where our representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Quest for the Snow Leopard - 1
DAY
02-04
Delving into “Little Tibet”
Leh
,
India
Rise early for the domestic flight to Leh, capital of Ladakh. Take time to acclimate to the higher elevations and get to know the cultural and natural highlights. Visit the ancient city of Shey to see the huge gilded Buddha Sakyamuni and the impressive monastic complex of Thiksey Gompa.
Quest for the Snow Leopard - 2
DAY
05-09
Track Snow Leopards with top spotters
Ulley
,
India
Travel overland to our lodge in the village of Ulley. From our comfortable base, spend four full days searching for Snow Leopards. With a top local tracker and spotters, watch for tracks and sign of multiples types, including prints, scat, and carcasses left behind by the cats. Look out for the Himalayan Blue Sheep, which is a preferred prey of the Snow Leopard and whose movements and moods may signal the presence of their venerable predator. Keep an eye out too for impressive bird life including the Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture), Himalayan Snowcock and the amazing Golden Eagle!
Quest for the Snow Leopard - 3
DAY
10
Explore Ladakh’s austere mountain landscape
Leh
,
India
Make our way back to Leh, stopping to visit the wonderful Alchi Monastery.
Quest for the Snow Leopard - 4
DAY
11
Departure
Delhi
,
India
Fly back to Delhi and connect your international flight back home.
Quest for the Snow Leopard - 5

What's Included:

•     All airport and hotel transfers

•     Accommodation based on double occupancy for 10 nights

•     Breakfast daily

•     Services of your driver / host

•     Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage

•     All activities with your private guide as listed:

o  Leh: Ancient city of Shey

o  Ulley: Full days searching for Snow Leopards

o  Leh: Visit the Alchi Monastery

•     Entrance fees where applicable

•     24/7 Support Service

•     Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information

•     All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

•     International flights

•     Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc.

•     Video / Photography fees at monuments

•     Travel insurance

•     India Visa

•     Domestic flights within the USA

•     Gratuities

•     Beverages (other than water) at meals

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

Ajit Bhawan Jodhpur

Ajit Bhawan Jodhpur

Formerly a royal residence, this is one of India’s first heritage hotels. This charmingly refurbished property has 70 comfortable rooms decorated with colourful Rajasthani fabrics set in cottages around the main building. Meals are taken in the gardens, beside the lovely swimming pool.

Rawla Narlai

Rawla Narlai

An Alaya favourite. A beautiful heritage hotel carefully restored from a 17thC Maharajah’s retreat. Choose from character-filled rooms around one of the lovely courtyards or a modern room in the new wing. Fabulous pool in the walled garden. Traditional Rajasthani fare served in the airy dining room or outside on the terrace.

CGH Brunton Boatyard Kochi

CGH Brunton Boatyard Kochi

Inspired by Kochi’s colonial history, this gorgeous restored period building reflects an eclectic but tasteful blend of English, Portuguese, and Dutch influences as seen in its high ceilings, hanging fans, and a plethora of artifacts and curios from a great mercantile age known for its pomp and glamour. All 26 rooms have sea view and private patio. The outdoor pool and patio overlooks the working fisherman.

On The Ground

Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh

Dynamic travel designer who continually develops unique ways to educate and entertain each and every tour group. Adept at delivering exceptional customer service and turning each tour opportunity into an unforgettable experience. Personally, Sandeep is a fashionable trendy gentleman who’s impossible to miss with his colorful turbans. Commencing his career within hotels, Sandeep understands the importance in providing exemplary, consistent service.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.