India’s Ghost Cat

You will be met at the aerobridge and will be provided VIP assistance during the baggage collection process. After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met outside the arrival hall by our representative. He will escort you to your vehicle and assist with transfer and check-in formalities at Andaz Hotel.

Fly into Leh valley with spectacular views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges en-route. One of the most remote places in the world, Ladakh’s extraordinary landscapes and Buddhist culture and history makes it unlike any other place in India. Sparsely populated with huge and expansive mountains, Ladakh is a cold desert that has one of the greatest rivers in the world flowing through it – the Indus. Most of the plateau is above 9,845 feet (3,000m), surrounded by mountains higher than 16,400 feet (5,000m) that create a rain shadow around it and stop the monsoon winds from affecting this area. 

Here, you will check into the Grand Dragon Hotel to relax for the evening and begin acclimatizing to the increased altitude of the Himalayas.

Visit Hemis Monastery situated 45 kilometres west of Leh, after passing through the Chortens and Mani walls to enter the complex through the East Gate. Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back, taking the same route, to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hillock with formidable views of the Indus valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its immense seated statue of the Maitreya, and is also known for its Dukhang (assembly hall) which houses hundreds of prayer books stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. Continue through a series of chortens to visit Shey Palace, the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh.

Today you will explore the lovely Saboo Valley and its rural landscape on foot for approx. 3-4 hours, learning about the Ladakhi way of life. Your walk into the Saboo Village takes you through cultivated lands, passing the traditional houses and onward through the alley, climbing up along the old castle where you are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the the Indus Valley.

A traditional hot Lunch at a local Ladakhi kitchen will be served with a family, followed by a walk around the village

After lunch you will proceed on a gentle orientation tour of Leh. Visit the popular landmarks, which include the magnificent Leh Palace. This majestic nine-story palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. Some of the sections display some fine traces of Ladakhi architecture. Conclude your day with a drive to Shanti Stupa for a sunset view across the Indus valley.

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic one-hour drive to Rumbak Village, which is well-known for numerous sightings of the snow leopard. You’ll be presented with a traditional Ladakhi welcome and assisted to check-in at the House of Rumbak Lodge. After settling in and following lunch at noon, you’ll ascend to the spotting ground where you’ll get a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountainsides with the hope of spotting snow leopards through scopes assisted by experienced spotters. For five memorable nights the Rumbak Wildlife Lodge is going to be your home as you experience the thrill of spotting the snow leopard in its natural habitat.

The next four days in this area will take you to quaint and remote places in search of the snow leopard or its kill. Sightings of bharals are always a good sign as they are a staple prey of the snow leopard. With the guidance of experienced spotters and high-quality optics, every day is filled with anticipation as you track these magnificent creatures through the rugged terrain.

Being away from the comfort of the lodge, packed lunch and beverages will be carried by porters and served hot. Your spotters will also interact closely with the local people and use the network of local intelligence to narrow down the likely sites. In the process, there will also be plenty of opportunities for you to get insights into local folklore, as well as learn about local customs and traditions.

See Day 6 for details.

See Day 6 for details.

See Day 6 for details.

Today you are met and chauffeured to Leh airport (1-hour drive) to connect with your flight to Delhi.

You’ll be met on arrival and chauffeured to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Spend One Night in Andaz, Delhi. Accommodation will be in an Andaz View Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay will be on bed & breakfast Basis. 

Today you’ll transfer to the airport for your international flight home. An appreciation for all the distinctive moments of your journey will be etched in your memory, heart, and soul.