Snow Leopard Safaris
WILDLIFE
Tracking the World's Most Mysterious Big Cat
Your heart skips a beat as your guide points in the direction of one of the world’s most elusive big cats. Watching through a spotting scope to observe the elegant movements of this wild animal, you are one of the lucky few who will ever experience something so magical and so rare as seeing the magnificent snow leopard in its natural habitat.
Where do Snow Leopards Live?
Snow leopards are found across 12 countries in North and Central Asia's mountains including Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and Tajikstan. In the Himalayas, they live above the tree line of the high alpine ares, up to 18,000 feet in elevation.
Where is the Best Place to see Snow Leopards?
Our snow leopard safari is focused in the region of Ladakh, India, on traversing the rugged Himalayas. Following the tracks and trails of bharal and blue sheep - prime cuisine for snow leopards - we watch out for these beautiful big cats. By following the ungulates and evidence left by the snow leopards themselves, we increase our chances of spotting them in the wild, alongside other predators such as Tibetan wolf and Himalayan brown bear.
Where is the Best Place to Stay to see Snow Leopards?
Regarding accommodation, we recommend staying at Above and Beyond or Snow Leopard Lodge. Nestled in the quaint village of Ulley, Ladakh, the Snow Leopard Lodge beckons with its five inviting bedrooms and breathtaking vistas of the Ulley Chhu Valley. This charming retreat offers a harmonious blend of simplicity and warmth, boasting additional amenities like supplementary gas heaters, invigorating warm showers, plush mattresses, and a delightful array of teas and coffees to combat the chill, rendering it a considerably cozier alternative to camping. Your stay also promises an authentic cultural immersion, as you'll reside with a welcoming Ladakhi family, delving into their way of life and relishing homemade traditional cuisine.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE SNOW LEOPARDS
Winter is the best time to see the snow leopards, with January through March the best time to track them. As the snow begins to melt, the bharal comes down from the higher altitude to the warmer valleys, followed by the hungry hunting leopards.
The Snow Leopard
- Slightly smaller than African or Asian leopards, weighing between 35 and 55 Kg, snow leopards are very elusive, found in the mountains of central Asia.
- Mountain Camouflage: These beautiful cats camouflage very well with their snowy, mountainous surroundings and have thick fur to help them in the cold conditions and an exceptionally long tail which aids in balance as well as keeping the face warmer during snowstorms.
- Their large paws act like snowshoes as they traverse powder and ice and their distinctive long legs allow them to leap up to 20 feet.
- Their prey includes wild and domestic animals which can be as much as three times their own body weight. They will usually eat the blue sheep (bharal), found in Tibet and the Himalayas, as well as the more common ibex which can be found pretty much everywhere that a snow leopard can.
- Snow leopards are found at high altitudes in the Himalayan Mountains of Central and South Asia and have an estimated population of around 4,000-6,590 individuals left on the globe.
WHY BOOK YOUR SNOW LEOPARD SAFARI WITH NWS
Working closely with conservationists, we can offer the change to join habituation safaris and more. Our exclusive network on the ground links us to all the best lodges in the region and we are often able to add that little NWS twist to your trip, transforming it into something really special. Taking part in a snow leopard safari with Natural World Safaris contributes both to their conservation and a truly unique wildlife experience.