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

We explore Leh, including the Victory Fort and the impressive nine storey Kings Palace that has been extensively renovated over the last 20 years. We visit Chanspa with its ancient chortens and the remains of the cities earliest settlement and also visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy in Leh to appreciate some of the filed work they have been undertaking in recent years. Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start to complete the drive to Likir before the commencement of the masked dances. Likir is the oldest monastery subscribing to the Gelugpa or yellow hat sect – the most dominant Tibetan school of Buddhism founded by the 1st Dalia Lama in the 15th century. For the monks and surrounding communities, this is a deeply significant annual event. The Monastery courtyard becomes the stage for the scared Cham dances, with 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

We reserve half a day to visit Shey Palace with its two storied ‘gold’ Buddha and ancient rock carvings that may date back to the time when the first Buddhist monks undertook a pilgrimage through Ladakh two thousand years ago. We continue to Matho Monastery, one of the least monasteries in the upper Indus Valley. The monastery is part of the Sakya sect with deep seated connections to the allied monasteries in Tibet. Overnight: Lakrook Boutique Hotel, Leh

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive 2 hours 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 five 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. During our stay there will be ample time to explore the outlying villages and culture. This includes visits to the nearby settlement at Hemis Shukpachan (where snow leopard sightings are by no means uncommon) and from where If conditions allow we complete a rewarding walk for around three hours, crossing two gentle passes on paths that once formed part of the original royal highway to Leh, centuries before a route was carved along the Indus. Our trail leads to Tingmosgang, once a capital of lower Ladakh, steeped in history and set beneath dramatic terrain. We also plan to visit the 11th century monastic site at Mangyu, (also cited for regular snow leopard sightings) as well as the famous monastic complex at Alchi which attracts a mere handful of visitors in winter. A further highlight when based in Ulley is to explore the Rizdong monastery, 19th century retreat with its traditional cooking oven. 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 to relax and enjoy free time in the area. 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