Rothschild Exclusive: India’s Ghost Cat

Your Rothschild journey begins the moment you arrive in India’s vibrant capital. Receive VIP assistance at the airport as you're guided smoothly through immigration, customs, and baggage collection. Outside the arrival hall, your personal representative will escort you to your private transfer. Tonight, relax in comfort at the Andaz Delhi, a refined base for the start of your adventure.

This morning, fly into Leh with spectacular views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges along the way. Nestled in the high-altitude desert of Ladakh, this captivating region is shaped by towering peaks and Buddhist heritage. After your arrival, settle into the Grand Dragon Hotel and take the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize to the Himalayan altitude.

Today is a journey into Ladakh’s spiritual heart. Begin with Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest in the region, known for its rich traditions and sacred relics. Continue to Thiksey Monastery, perched on a hill with dramatic views of the Indus Valley, and home to an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha. Conclude at Shey Palace, the former summer retreat of Ladakhi royalty, where you’ll explore its ancient corridors and serene surroundings.

Immerse yourself in local life with a morning walk through Saboo Valley, passing through cultivated fields and traditional Ladakhi homes. A warm welcome awaits in a family kitchen, where you’ll enjoy a traditional hot lunch. Later, return to Leh for a gentle city tour, including a visit to the majestic Leh Palace, built in the 17th century, and the serene Shanti Stupa, where a golden sunset over the valley offers the perfect ending to the day.

Depart Leh on a scenic one-hour drive into the wild beauty of Rumbak Village, a region renowned for snow leopard sightings. On arrival, receive a warm Ladakhi welcome and check into the House of Rumbak Lodge, your base for the next five nights. After lunch, head to the surrounding ridges with your expert trackers. With scopes in hand, begin scanning the mountainsides for the first signs of the elusive ghost cat.

Over the next four days, explore this rugged terrain in search of the snow leopard. Accompanied by seasoned spotters and local guides, you’ll trek through remote valleys, keeping watch for signs of wildlife. Sightings of bharal, a favorite prey of the snow leopard, often signal promise. Hot meals and warm drinks are carried by porters to enjoy in the field. Each day unfolds with quiet anticipation, as your guides tap into a network of local knowledge to track this rare and powerful predator.

Another day of dedicated wildlife tracking takes you deeper into this dramatic Himalayan landscape. Trek through untouched valleys and ridges, guided by expert eyes that read every track and trail. As you follow the patterns of wildlife, your guides share stories and insight into the mountain ecosystem and the cultural connection between local communities and the snow leopard. Every step adds to the story.

The rhythm of the wild continues as you explore lesser-known paths with high hopes of a sighting. Whether tracking fresh signs, observing prey species, or scanning cliff faces for movement, the excitement never fades. The stillness of the environment, broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot, sets the stage for another unforgettable day in the realm of the ghost cat.

Your last full day in Rumbak is one of quiet reflection and heightened awareness. Every scan of the ridgeline feels more poignant, every print in the snow more meaningful. Even if the snow leopard remains elusive, the journey has revealed much - about nature, patience, and yourself. Return to the warmth of the lodge, where stories are shared over dinner and memories are already forming.

This morning, return to Leh and fly back to Delhi. On arrival, your private transfer takes you to Andaz Delhi, where the rest of your day is at leisure. Enjoy modern comforts and perhaps indulge in a final taste of India’s dynamic flavors.

Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international departure. You leave India with more than memories - you take with you the quiet power of the Himalayas, the beauty of untamed wilderness, and the rare privilege of tracing the path of one of the world’s most elusive cats.