On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. Should you arrive earlier, we are happy to assist with optional sightseeing. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members and the early morning departure to Leh on day 2, the main tour briefing in Leh. In Delhi you will be briefed about options for luggage storage and the departure time to the airport. NOTE: If you are arriving in Delhi on a late night flight, you may like to arrive the day before your trip commences. Please talk to your World Expeditions reservations consultant for pre-tour accommodation options. Overnight: The Metropolitan, Delhi

Meals:  Nil

An early morning flight takes us across the snow draped peaks of the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges, a breathtaking preview of the landscapes to come. Today is about gentle acclimatisation. With Leh sitting at 3500m/11483ft, it’s important to rest and adjust slowly to the altitude. In the afternoon, we take a short, optional orientation walk through Leh’s old town, browsing the main market and winding alleyways. Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh NOTE: The internal flights are not included in the tour cost. We will nominate a group flight and will be very happy to assist in booking this for you. *The standard checked luggage allowance for internal flights in India is 15kg. Additional kilos can be purchased with your ticket, or at the airport.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our journey is timed to coincide with one of Ladakh’s most vibrant and spiritual winter gatherings, the masked dance festival at Matho Monastery, perched on the southern slopes of the Indus Valley. For the monks of this ancient Sakya monastery, and the surrounding village communities, this is a deeply significant annual event. The monastery courtyard becomes a stage for sacred Cham dances, each movement a symbolic offering to ward off evil and usher in blessings for the year ahead. Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we set out on a one hour drive into the frozen wilderness of the Hemis National Park, arriving at the remote village of Rumbak, a place long associated with snow leopard sightings in the winter months. While the chances of sighting a leopard during the middle of the day are slim we can nonetheless gain a sense of the cats’ habitat as they descend to lower elevations in the immediate vicinity of the village. In the afternoon, we return to Leh and visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy, whose pioneering work over the past decades has helped transform the future of this endangered species. From livestock enclosures that protect both predator and prey, to community led conservation initiatives, the conservancy’s work, supported by the Australian Himalayan Foundation and Garry Weare since 2006, offers hope for this magnificent “ghost of the mountains.” Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh

Meals:  B,L,D

We set off on a spectacular winter drive westward along the Indus Valley, where the landscape opens into vast plains hemmed by towering peaks. One of the early highlights is the striking confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers. We then climb towards Likir Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh (15th century), yet little visited due to its remote setting. Here, in peaceful isolation, we explore richly painted assembly halls with striking Buddhist statues, including depictions of past, future, and revered spiritual leaders of the Gelug tradition. Continuing west we pass remote hamlets and snow covered ridgelines, we cross a series of low mountain passes offering stunning winter panoramas back towards the Ladakh Range. By late afternoon we reach Hemis Shukpachen, a tranquil village where settle into accommodation with welcoming hosts. Overnight: Sonam Guest House, Hemis Shukpachen

Meals:  B,L,D

If conditions allow, we set out on a rewarding walk of around three hours, crossing two gentle passes on paths that once formed part of the original royal highway to Leh, long before a road was carved along the Indus. Our trail leads to Tingmosgang, once a capital of lower Ladakh, steeped in history and set against dramatic terrain. From here, we continue by vehicle to Mangyu, one of Ladakh’s oldest and least visited monastic sites, dating back to the 11th century. We then cross the Indus river to explore Rizong Monastery, a 19th century retreat nestled against the cliffs. Few travellers reach this peaceful site, where we’ll see the monastery’s atmospheric 200 year old Black Kitchen, once used to feed its resident monks. Overnight: Sonam Guest House, Hemis Shukpachen

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive less than an hour to the remote village of Ulley, tucked deep within a side valley of the Ladakh Range. Known for its rugged isolation and snow leopard sightings, Ulley offers an extraordinary base for wildlife observation in winter. We settle into our cosy and well appointed lodge, warm, inviting, and ideally positioned for scanning the surrounding ridgelines. Over the next three nights, this will be our base for immersion in the snow leopard’s domain. Local trackers, will be out from dawn to dusk scanning for signs of the “ghost of the mountains.” We’ll venture to quiet vantage points, to scan the slopes and wait for movement among the rocks. Garry Weare’s long standing connection to the region and close relationship with the Snow Leopard Conservancy adds unique insight, offering context, stories, and expert interpretation that deepen our understanding of both the landscape and the elusive cat. While every effort will be made to spot a snow leopard, sightings are never guaranteed, these elusive creatures operate on no one’s schedule but their own. Accommodation: Shan Lodge, Ulley

Meals:  B,L,D

After a final morning scanning the slopes for signs of the snow leopard, we return to Leh via the celebrated monastery complex of Alchi. Nestled in the Indus Valley, Alchi’s four ancient temples house some of Ladakh’s oldest and most exquisite wall paintings. Back in Leh, we visit the restored 17th century King’s Palace, once home to Ladakh’s royal family. Its commanding views and thick stone walls offer insight into a bygone era, before the Dogra invasion of 1835 led to the family’s exile across the valley to the more modest palace at Stok. Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh

Meals:  B,L,D

We’ve set aside two flexible days to make the most of potential snow leopard activity within driving distance of Leh, working closely with the Snow Leopard Conservancy and their trusted network of spotters. Our plans will remain adaptable, giving us the best chance of responding to fresh leads in the field. When not actively searching, we’ll enjoy further local exploration around Leh. Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh

Meals:  B,L,D

A free day to rest and reflect on your journey, from the dramatic winter landscapes to the unforgettable search for the elusive snow leopard. You may wish to visit a final monastery, browse for local crafts, or simply take in the views one last time. In the evening, we gather for a celebratory farewell dinner to mark the end of our extraordinary time in Ladakh. Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trip concludes in Leh after breakfast. You are welcome to book additional accommodation in Leh, Delhi or further arrangements in India or Nepal. A transfer from the Leh hotel, to the airport will be provided. Any additional services, we are happy to assist with, at an additional cost. NOTE: The internal flights are not included in the tour cost. We will nominate a group flight and are happy to assist in booking this for you.

Meals:  B