Delhi

Arrive in Delhi on your self-arranged flight. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your 5* hotel, so you can begin and end your tour in comfort . The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure exploring the capital. (We will be happy to arrange extra nights stay, if you wish)

Delhi - Leh

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport to board your short flight to Leh, The former Capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for three nights. For the next three days, you will explore the mesmerising capital with its towering Hemis and Thiksey monasteries, experience the places of this ancient Kingdom, and visit the Stok Museum. Leh was once a major hub on the Ancient Silk Road and the principal centre of Buddhism, from which the religion spread westward to China and beyond. You will also visit the offices of the Snow Leopard Conservancy of India to hear firsthand about their work and how they track snow leopard populations. Your time in Leh helps you acclimate to the higher altitude before progressing further into the mountains.

Ulley

After breakfast, you embark on a two-hour drive through the stark valley to the tiny village of Ulley and on to the Snow Leopard Lodge, your home for the next five days. We will drive past several tiny villages of two or three houses before the ground becomes completely rugged, and there is a complete lack of habitation until you reach Ulley. If you feel up to it, in the late afternoon, you can begin your Snow Leopard adventure this afternoon. Head for the mountains, accompanied by your naturalist guide and trackers, to experience 360-degree mountain views of the surrounding mountains and, if lucky, catch your first glimpse of the Snow Leopard. Each subsequent day will begin a new adventure as you head in a different direction into the mountains, depending on information received about possible sightings from outpost spotters. Accordingly, the day's programme will be decided with your naturalist /guide. You will also have plenty of opportunities to spot other wildlife, including wolves, blue sheep, ibex, and Ladakhi urial, both on foot and by jeep. If you are a keen birder, your days will be planned around your twin interests of Birding and Snow Leopard spotting to ensure you experience everything you wish. One of the advantages of a private tour!

Ulley - Leh

This morning, you say goodbye to the high-altitude terrain and head back to Leh for a stunning dose of Tibetan culture, including a visit to the Alchi Monastery.

Today, you fly back to Delhi, where you will be received and checked into a hotel. You will have the remainder of your day at leisure in teh bustling city to catch up on museums, and shopping or just rest before your return flight home.

Depart Delhi.