India’s capital, New Delhi, lies on the Indo-Gangetic Plain, within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful buildings, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the grand, sandstone Red Fort, striking Qutab Minar, and fascinating Humayun’s Tomb. Architecture enthusiasts will delight in the iconic Lotus Temple. Hear ‘qawwalis’ (devotional music) at the dargah (tomb) of the Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya; or wander through the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, famous for its traditional jewellery and saris. The gorgeous Sunder Nursery and Lodi Garden provide calm, flower-filled oases for picnicking.
Day Itinerary
Today you will arrive Delhi.
Flight TBA
Arrives Delhi TBA Hrs
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight: Andaz Delhi
Located in Aerocity New Delhi, Andaz Delhi is in proximity to the business hubs of Delhi and Gurgaon as well as some of the iconic tourist destinations and shopping locations in the city. The hotel offers 401 loft-style guestrooms, including 45 suites and an additional 129 serviced apartments. Each room features one of 401 unique art pieces that celebrate a reason to fall in love with Delhi. Sophisticated details such as wooden floors create a residential comfort, while modern bath amenities and artistic integration invite guests to relax in style. View rooms offer a stunning view of the runway at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an exciting vantage point to watch aircraft taking off or touching down. The Andaz Apartments offer residential-style living and dining areas with fully equipped kitchens, available with one, two, or three bedrooms or in a duplex townhouse.
Day 2: Delhi – Leh
Nestled among isolated mountain peaks, the bustling town of Leh has long been an important stopover for trade between Kashmir, Tibet, India and China. From a high viewpoint, grey flat-topped houses dominate the old city and sprawl through the valley easing off into a verdant patchwork of irrigated barley fields and tall trees, which light up the landscape. Major attractions offering superb views include the Buddhist Shanti Stupa and the former royal palace, Leh Palace, which is currently being restored. A worthwhile trek once you’ve settled into town is a hike to Victory Fort.
Day Itinerary
Today, in time, you will be transferred to the airport to connect with your flight to Leh.
Flight 6E 291
Departs Delhi 0810 Hrs
Arrives Leh 0930 Hrs
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure to acclimatize.
Overnight: The Grand Dragon Ladakh
The Grand Dragon Ladakh is situated in the ancient city of Leh and it overlooks the famous Cold Desert and the surrounding mountains. Rooms come with standard amenities including a work desk, complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary natural spring water, free Wi-Fi, well stocked mini fridge, in room electric safe, hair dryer, individually controlled heating radiator, tea/coffee making facilities, 40 inch LED TV with Satellite channels and modern private bathroom. Facilities include a restaurant, open terrace, garden, coffee shop, banquet hall and meeting facilities.
Day 3: In Leh
Day Itinerary
A visit to the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust (SLCT) office in Leh to meet with Mr Tsewang Namgyal who is the Director of SLCT. He will give a short talk session to our guests about their community-based Snow Leopard conservation work in Ladakh.
In the second half you can do a heritage walk of the Leh Old Town and visit some of the important sites there including the Central Asian Museum, Ladakh Arts and Media Association (LAMO).
Overnight at hotel
Day 4: In Leh
Day Itinerary
Morning to Thiksey monastery Followed by a day excursion to Gya-Mero towards the Changthang plains in the east of Leh for some wildlife. There are chances of sighting Blue Sheep and a variety of birds in that region
Overnight at hotel
Day 5: Leh – Ulley
Situated deep in the Ladakh mountain range, almost 4000 metres above sea level, the small high-altitude village of Ulley is one of the most remote in India. Here, where the tiny population lives in a quaint collection of homesteads, visitors travel from far and wide in the hope of seeing the ever-elusive, always-enthralling snow leopard in its natural habitat. This is one of the best locations to spot these majestic creatures, where they live peacefully along with Himalayan wolves, ibex, urial, and Himalayan fox. Nicknamed the ‘grey ghost’, this cat species is one of the rarest on earth. Travellers will be able to enjoy an otherworldly experience which makes for breathtaking photography and incredible memories.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, leave for the Ulley via Aryan valley (approx. 5 hrs). Explore the Brokpa tribes in Aryan valley and the Domkhar rock art site.
Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge
The Snow Leopard Lodge is the only dedicated wildlife lodge in Ladakh. It began originally as a homestay owned by one of Ladakh’s top snow leopard trackers – Tchewang Norbu – under the auspices of a program initiated by the Snow Leopard Conservancy designed to use tourism as a conservation tool for the preservation of snow leopards and their ecosystem by putting revenue directly into the local community.
The Lodge is located in the village of Ulley in West Ladakh, at an altitude of 13,000 feet. It is 2 – 3 hours driving time from Leh. Ulley itself is a hamlet of just 7 houses beyond which are the high summer pastures. This is excellent Ibex country and an area that has only recently been developed for Snow Leopard tracking. It has quickly gained a reputation not just for the high numbers of Snow Leopards but as one of the best areas to see Ibex, Urial, Wolf, Red Fox, Bearded and Himalayan Griffon Vultures and Golden Eagles.
The Snow Leopard lodge is also open in the summer from which to enjoy not just the stunning high altitude fauna, but also the flora of Ladakh, both on foot and using vehicles, guided all the way by our excellent nature guides and spotters.
Day 6-9: In Ulley
Day Itinerary
A typical day at the lodge will be as follows:
Wake up call at 7
Breakfast at 8 30
Day’s plan discussed then based on findings of the Spotters from earlier that morning ( guests can join the spotters early in the morning if they wish to)
Based on information and distances, excursions will be organised using the vehicles at the Lodge, coupled with short walks (easy to medium difficulty) to vantage points or possible sighting areas. (Mules and porters can be provided if requested in advance )
Hot lunch at Lodge or in the field based on day’s plan.
Return to the Lodge in the evening.
Debrief in the common area over tea/coffee and snacks.
Documentary projection or interaction with naturalists in the common area.
Dinner at Lodge
Day 10: Ulley – Leh
Day Itinerary
Today, you will be driven back to Leh.
On arrival, you will check-in at the hotel and rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight: The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Day 11: Leh – Delhi
Day Itinerary
In time, you will be transferred to Leh airport to connect with your flight to Delhi.
Flight 6E 6428
Departs Leh 1310 Hrs
Arrives Delhi 1430 Hrs
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight: Andaz Delhi
Day 12: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
In time, you will be transferred to the international airport to connect with your flight to onward destination.
