Snow Leopard Quest Photo Tour                
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Snow Leopard Quest

Lodge-Based Photo Tour
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Snow Leopard Quest

Lodge-Based Photo Tour
Upcoming Departures
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Single Supplement: +$4,000.00
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  Deposit: $3,500.00  
Start/End

New Delhi, India / New Delhi, India

Length

12 Days/11 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 2 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 10 Guests

Highlights
  • Last of the Big Cats: Experience the thrill of photographing the elusive snow leopard, one of the last great big cats, with a team of seasoned trackers who boast over two decades of expertise and a proven track record of over 99% sightings.

  • Remote Luxury in Snow Leopard Habitat: Stay at our premier wilderness camp nestled at 12,000 feet amidst prime snow leopard habitat, surrounded by ancient Tibetan monasteries and pastoral hamlets, combining remote luxury with rugged adventure.

  • Cultural Immersion: Beyond wildlife photography, engage with local culture, and gain insights into the indigenous communities of the Himalayas, making it a holistic experience of India's Himalayas.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

Join us on our "Snow Leopard Quest," a 12-day exclusive photographic journey in the Himalayas of Ladakh, India. This adventure presents a rare opportunity to photograph the elusive snow leopard, one of the last great big cats. Utilizing the same seasoned trackers as BBC and other renowned nature production companies, our team has a wealth of experience, with over two decades of expertise in locating snow leopards.

The tour begins in New Delhi, before traveling to the historic city of Leh, where you'll acclimatize to the high altitude and experience local culture. As we venture into the mountains, the spectacular landscapes of Ladakh unfold, offering opportunities to capture great frames beyond the snow leopard. The region is also rich in other wildlife, including the bharal or blue sheep, Tibetan wolves, and a variety of birds. Plus, many cultural photography opportunities will be available during this trip.

Nestled in the Ladakh Range of India, our camp embodies the perfect fusion of remote luxury and rugged adventure. Encircled by ancient Tibetan monasteries and pastoral hamlets, it echoes the rich history of the Silk Road. This premier High Asia wilderness camp, perched at 12,000 feet in a vast expanse of prime snow leopard habitat, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With an elite team of specialists, we offer an unparalleled Himalayan adventure, marrying local cultural immersion with modern comforts to create a truly unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.

Our unique itinerary is carefully crafted to provide the best chances of snow leopard sightings. We're proud to say that our property is the only one within the snow leopard's geographic range that offers comfortable and diverse accommodations. From standard tented camps to luxurious suites for those seeking comfort in the wilderness, our accommodation options cater to all preferences. Guests can choose between shared or single supplement setups, ensuring a personalized and comfortable stay.

Each day, our dedicated trackers and spotters are out before dawn, meticulously searching for signs of snow leopards with the finest Swarovski optics, which are also available for guests. Upon a sighting, we'll be guided to the nearest observation point, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the location. During sightings, we are well-catered for with a continuous supply of meals, coffee, tea, and snacks from the camp. Our team not only focuses on tracking but also enriches the experience by pointing out other interesting wildlife and birds, as well as sharing insights into the local culture and way of life.

This trip offers excellent wildlife and cultural photography, and so much more; it's an immersion into India's Himalayas. It's a chance to witness a mystical big cat, nature's raw beauty, and the lifestyle of the indigenous communities of the Himalayas. Our small group sizes ensure a personalized experience, where every participant gets individual attention from our professional team.

Our camp offers an exclusive and intimate wilderness experience, with just nine tents and suites designed for adventurous travelers in search of snow leopards.

You have two lodging options on this trip. Note, standard trip price is based on double occupancy. Single Supplement (your own private room for solo travelers) is possible, but the costs are high due to the lodging setup of our remote camp.

  • Kurkhang Tents (+$4,000 for Single Supplement): These tents are the result of extensive research and testing, meticulously designed to provide ultimate warmth and comfort in the wilderness. In Ladakhi, "Kurkhang" translates to "tent home," a fitting description for these cozy bedroom retreats. Crafted from hand-stitched canvas and featuring custom insulation, central heating, and the option of one king-sized or two twin beds, these unique structures ensure a snug and inviting stay. As a guest in a Kurkhang, you'll have exclusive access to the 'Hammām'. This heated stone building boasts four private bathrooms, each equipped with a shower, toilet, and dressing space, ensuring your comfort during your stay.

  • Predator Suites (+$3,500 per person, double occupancy required): These suites offer generous one-bedroom layouts, averaging around 300 sq ft. The interiors are meticulously designed, featuring wooden floors, traditional poplar and willow ceilings, and walls adorned with a combination of wood and mud-plastered stone. State-of-the-art Italian central heating systems keep you warm, and the bathrooms ensure a constant supply of hot water, even during the coldest winters. The Predator Suites are truly the epitome of accommodation for snow leopard expeditions worldwide.

Our elegant central dining and lounge space, nestled within the mountains, draws inspiration from the local caravansaries of the Great Silk Road. With a commanding view of the mountains and a traditional skylight, it serves as the heart of camp where meals are savored and stories are shared.

The menu, crafted by an acclaimed master chef, explores the classic cuisines of the Great Silk Road with Indian and Ladakhi influences.Our kitchen team brings a wealth of experience, from mountaineering expeditions to serving delectable meals at the world's premier snow leopard camp.

Mornings begin with espresso and tea, while evenings come alive with guests socializing over libations after a day of snow leopard tracking. The central area also houses a specialized library, maps, board games, and more, creating a space where unforgettable memories are made.


Join us on this incredible journey to capture one of nature's most elusive big cats!

Note: There are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife sightings - especially with an animal as elusive as the snow leopard. Though over the past five years, every guest that has spent at least six days tracking the cats has seen snow leopards. 

What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits, park, and admission fees

  • Internal flights

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Exceptional local guides & wildlife trackers

  • Use of Swarovski optics

  • Porters for carrying gear

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from New Delhi

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 (D): Arrival in New Delhi

Upon your arrival in New Delhi, you will be transferred to either the Roseate House Hotel or J.W. Marriott, depending on availability. Take this day to adjust to the time difference and relax. In the evening, there will be a group dinner and orientation.

Day 2 (B,L,D): Transfer to Leh, Ladakh

Early in the morning, you will depart for Leh, Ladakh, from New Delhi. Upon landing at the airport in Leh, you will be greeted by our team and transported to the Grand Dragon Hotel. Leh is located at an altitude of 11,550 feet and is surrounded by the Ladakh Range. It has a rich history as an important trading center on the Great Silk Road.

Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude, taking in the breathtaking views, and resting in your Premier Heritage Room. This acclimatization day is required and essential to a successful trip.

Day 3 (B,L,D): Exploration in Leh

After acclimatizing on the first day in Leh, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour to explore the region's rich history. Visit the 15th-century Thiksey Monastery, Leh's main market, and the Central Asian museum.

The day will be divided between morning and evening sightseeing, with a break for lunch. You'll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and renowned Pashmina shawls during the market visit.

Day 4 (B,L,D): Transfer to the LUNGMĀR

After an early breakfast, you will depart from the Grand Dragon Hotel. The road journey to the LUNGMĀR takes approximately an hour but brings a complete transformation from Leh's urban landscape to the wild environment of the LUNGMĀR camp.

Nestled deep in the Ladakh Range, the camp offers a unique blend of remote luxury and rugged adventure. Your transfer team will take you to the camp for check-in. If there is news of active wildlife sightings, your team will explore that opportunity before arriving at the camp.

After checking in, you'll receive a tour of your accommodations and a briefing. Later, you'll set out in search of wildlife with your tracking team.

Day 5-10 (B,L,D): Wildlife & Snow Leopard Tracking

The LUNGMĀR camp is renowned for snow leopard tracking. Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk, and our spotters leave camp at dawn to search for wildlife. They scan the valleys and slopes for sightings and report back to camp.

We typically wake up around 7 AM and enjoy breakfast. LUNGMĀR's snow leopard trackers are world-renowned and have decades of experience, equipped with the finest Swarovski optics. Tracking and spotting activities continue throughout the day. When a sighting occurs, we stay as long as possible - with meals, coffee, tea, and snacks provided on-site from camp.

You will also have opportunities to explore local homes and villages, gaining insights into the region's culture and conservation efforts. Daily guided wildlife tracking may involve driving, walking, hiking, or a combination.

Day 11 (B,D): Departure from Leh

On this day, your transfer team will take you to Leh airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon your arrival in New Delhi, you will be transferred to either the Roseate House Hotel or J.W. Marriott, depending on availability. You can schedule your flights for later in the evening or the next day.

Day 12 (B): Flights Home

After enjoying your trip, it's time to depart. You will be transferred to the Delhi airport for your flight home.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.

Physical Requirements 

This is a Level 2 trip due to the elevation and the fact that some walking may be required for wildlife watching. We have 4x4's and porters available to assist at all times, but some sightings may require walking. Note, our camp is situated at 12,300 feet as well. There will be 2 days of acclimatization beforehand in Leh, which is a requirement for any participant. 

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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
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928-478-1521
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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
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