


















Snow Leopard Photo Safari
From $12,450
12 Days
- India
January 2027
Join Pangolin Photo Hosts William Steel and Charl Stols on our second Snow Leopard photo safari in Ladakh, high in the Himalayas. After extensive research, we’ve partnered with exceptional local experts to give you the best possible chance of seeing and photographing these elusive cats.
This carefully designed itinerary blends remarkable wildlife encounters with Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage while supporting local conservation efforts. Staying at LUNGMĀR, you’ll have easy access to prime snow leopard terrain, welcoming Ladakhi homesteads, and three major Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, all within a 40-minute drive.
It’s the ideal setting for an unforgettable snow leopard adventure, guided by two outstanding wildlife photography hosts.
Upon arriving in New Delhi, you will be transferred to the Roseate House Hotel, where you’ll stay in a deluxe room with dinner and breakfast included. Take some time to adjust to the time difference and enjoy a full day of relaxation. In the evening, Charl and William will host a welcome dinner where you can meet your fellow travellers and discuss the days ahead.
You will transfer to the New Delhi airport early in the morning for your flight to the incredible mountains of Ladakh. Upon arrival in Leh, our ground team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the Grand Dragon Ladakh.
Located in a valley of the Upper Indus River, Leh is a small town steeped in grand history. At 11,550 feet (3,520 meters) above sea level, it is surrounded by the peaks of the Ladakh Range, a southeastern extension of the magnificent Karakoram Range, home to K2. One of the most remote areas of India, Leh is also among the highest permanently inhabited towns in the world.
Historically, Leh flourished as an important trading center on the Great Silk Road. It served as a crossroads for traders from the Indian plains to the south, Tibet to the east, Xinjiang and Turkestan, including the great Khanates of Samarkand and Bukhara, to the north, and Kashmir to the west. This convergence of cultures helped shape Leh into a warm and hospitable settlement, rich in heritage and welcoming to travellers.
Sandwiched between Buddhist Tibet and Islamic Central Asia and Kashmir, Ladakh is religiously diverse, with a population roughly half Buddhist and half Muslim. The major Tibetan Buddhist orders are represented here, including the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat Order), led by HH The Dalai Lama, and the Drukpa (Red Hat Order), led by HH The Gyalwang Drukpa.
Due to the high altitude, acclimatisation is essential. Today is dedicated entirely to rest. Relax in your room, stay well-hydrated, and enjoy the stunning views. No physical activity or exploration is recommended on your first day.
After spending the first day acclimatising to Leh’s altitude of 11,550 feet, we begin the second day with some gentle sightseeing to introduce you to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Our morning includes a visit to the 15th-century Thiksey Monastery, one of Ladakh’s most architecturally impressive monastic complexes. Later, we explore Leh’s main market, set beneath the imposing 16th-century Leh Palace, before making our way to the Central Asian Museum, which showcases the town’s deep historical connections to the Silk Road.
As acclimatisation is still important, the day’s activities are paced carefully. Sightseeing will be divided between the morning and late afternoon, with ample time to rest in and around lunch. Those wishing to purchase souvenirs, including Ladakh’s renowned fine Pashmina shawls, will have the opportunity to browse local shops during the market visit.
This day also offers wonderful opportunities for cultural and street photography. We will take our time visiting monasteries and local areas where photography is welcomed. Charl and William will be available throughout the day to assist with composition, creative techniques, and capturing the essence of Ladakh’s captivating cultural landscape.
After an early breakfast, it’s time to trade your sightseeing cap for your explorer’s hat. Although the road journey from Leh takes a little over an hour, the transformation from the urban landscape of the town to the wild, rugged environs of the LUNGMĀR Remote Camp is profound.
Nestled deep within the Ladakh Range beyond mediaeval Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and ancient shepherding hamlets, the LUNGMĀR offers a timeless Silk Road atmosphere and a remarkable blend of remote luxury and rugged adventure.
Your transfer team will take you directly to the camp for check-in, unless they receive news of an active wildlife sighting along the way. In that case, you will seize the opportunity to explore it first. Upon arrival at the LUNGMĀR Remote Camp, you will be welcomed with a tour of your accommodations, followed by a detailed briefing. Soon after, you will head out with your expert tracking team to begin your search for wildlife amidst this dramatic high-altitude wilderness.
Important Information – Please Read
The LUNGMĀR is at a serious altitude (around 10,000 feet), and a reasonable level of fitness will be required to participate in this photo safari. Although we don’t anticipate having to do many long walks (as cars will take you from one vantage point to another), you may have to walk a fair distance over uneven, rocky terrain to get into the best positions. If in doubt, we suggest consulting your physician as to whether a high-altitude adventure like this is within your physical capabilities.
Our spotters leave camp at dawn, dropped off by one of our 4x4s at various points in the surrounding valleys. They scan the ridgelines and slopes for wildlife, reporting any sightings back to camp. Guests usually begin waking around 7 AM, when the SUMDO SARAI restaurant is already warm and inviting. The LUNGMĀR’s snow leopard trackers are world-renowned, with senior trackers boasting two decades of experience and having worked internationally on snow leopard expeditions across North India and Central Asia. All trackers are equipped with the finest Swarovski optics.
Throughout the day, trackers and spotters carefully scan for wildlife and follow any signs of snow leopards. If a sighting occurs, guests are guided to the closest vantage point either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the location. Other spotters converge on the sighting to ensure everyone has the best possible view. To increase the chances of sightings and photography, our group is divided into two “teams” led by Charl and William. For particularly promising sightings, both teams will come together at the same location.
A certain level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this high-altitude photo expedition, as the lower oxygen levels can amplify fatigue. Guests who have concerns about stamina or altitude should consult their doctor before participating.
Under the guidance of our Chief Tracker, the team uses their combined experience to plan each day’s tracking activities while maintaining a respectful distance to ensure the snow leopard and other wildlife remain undisturbed. Meals, coffee, tea, and snacks are provided by the camp throughout any sightings.
Guests accompany the spotters and trackers across the valley as they search for snow leopards, with opportunities to observe other wildlife, including birds and mammals, and to learn about local life and culture. Visits to nearby homes and villages may also be included, offering insight into the essential role of local communities in conservation efforts. Daily guided wildlife tracking may involve driving, walking, hiking, or a mix, depending on the day’s plan and the wildlife sightings.
On this final evening, William and Charl will host a special farewell dinner, providing an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their adventure. If time allows, guests can also share some of the images captured during the trip, celebrating the unforgettable experiences and memories made in Ladakh.
Today, you will transfer from the Roseate House Hotel to the Delhi airport for your flight home.
For guests wishing to extend their adventure, we can arrange additional expeditions. Our trusted contacts and ground handlers can take you on wildlife safaris to see tigers or guide you on trips to explore the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Please speak with our Safari Planners to learn more about the possibilities and to customise your post-Ladakh adventure.
The Predator Suites are located within a spectacular stone-and-wood building and offer generous space, warmth, and comfort. Each suite is a beautifully designed one-bedroom unit of about 300 sq ft, featuring wooden floors, traditional poplar and willow ceilings, and walls crafted from wood and mud-plastered stone. The rooms are heated by state-of-the-art Italian central heating systems, and the en-suite bathrooms have hot running water throughout the cold winters. Four of the suites are suitable for double occupancy or single use, while one smaller suite is best suited for a single guest.
The six Quonset-style Kurkhang tents offer a traditional and refined version of a remote bush camp. These hand-stitched canvas structures have undergone years of research and development to ensure they provide excellent warmth and comfort. Furnished with either a king-sized bed or two twin beds, and heated for the harsh winters, they deliver a classic “bush glamping” experience. Guests staying in the Kurkhang tents use the nearby LUNGMĀR Hammām, a heated stone building containing four private bathrooms with showers, toilets, and changing areas. The Hammām is only a 30-second walk from the tents. Charl and William will be staying in these rooms.
Sheltered within the mountains, the camp’s central stone and carved-wood building serves as the elegant heart of LUNGMĀR. Inspired by traditional caravansaries of the Great Silk Road, it features a warm interior, a beautifully crafted skylight, and sweeping south-facing views. This building, known as the SUMDO SARAI, is where guests gather for dining and relaxation. The menu, created by Master Chef Corey Ferguson of Denver’s El Five, draws on flavours of the Great Silk Road alongside Indian and Ladakhi favourites. Chef Sajan Rai and Sous Chef Gagan Rai lead the kitchen, bringing experience earned from years on demanding mountaineering expeditions. Mornings are lively with fresh espresso, tea, and breakfast preparations, while evenings come alive with conversation, drinks, and stories after days spent tracking snow leopards. The SUMDO SARAI also houses a small specialised library, maps, board games, and more, creating a space designed for connection and lasting memories.
All road transfers, including airport and sightseeing
Accommodation as per the itinerary
Meals as per the itinerary
Photo Hosting by Charl Stols and William Steel
Internal flights Delhi to Leh (return)
All permits, tickets and entrance fees for the activities
Meals and drinks as per the itinerary
Dedicated Tour Manager from Leh to Leh
Private guided tour of Leh
International flights: please contact our office for any assistance on routing
Comprehensive travel insurance for this trip.
Any required visas.
Customary tips for guides and trackers
Anything else not specified as included
Dates & Rates
12 – 23 January 2027
Kurkhang Tent (pp)
$12,450 Sharing
$16,995 Single
Predator Suite (pp)
$15,450 Sharing
$26,450 Single
*A Note on the Single Supplement
As with the sharing rates, there will be a single supplement should you wish to take a room for yourself. This will be approximately 30-40% of the sharing rate in a Kurkhang tent. Obviously, we would like to keep this as low as possible, but the supplement is necessary, as there are only 9 rooms available at The LUNGMĀR for 12 guests, plus William and Charl.
EXCELLENT Based on 342 reviews Posted on remmick1963Verified Pangolin provided a "one of a kind" India experience beyond just tigers I just returned from the Pangolin India Tiger Safari. It was an amazing experience. Before the trip Daniella at the office was very helpful and answered any email question promptly. The tour Hosts, Sabine and Charls, are very knowledgable regarding wildlife photography, both how to properly photograph the animal and then processing techniques. This old curmudgeon was able to learn and retain a couple of new techniques from them. The lodges are some of the nicest that I have stayed in. They were Bagh Tola, Pench Tree Lodge, and the Bori Safari Lodge. The were Bandhavgarh NP, Pench NP, and the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary at Stapura NP. I liked the first and last parks the best, but had incredible Wile Dog sitings at Pench. One important items that I learned is that unlike some lodges in other locations that allow you to include gratuities on your credit card in India that was not possible and currency exchange outside of the airport or ATM use was not convenient. The local "handler", and lodge owner of Bagh Tola, Jason Fernandes, was an extremely gracious and made the trip one of a kind by providing a life altering experience during the "Holi" holiday. Almost all of the naturalists/drivers were great, but my personal favorite was TK at Bori Safari Lodge.Posted on AmberVerified Professional, Luxurious, Safe High quality experience that left me wanting to experience Botswana again. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable about both the wildlife and photography. Hands on experience was next level as they guided us on how to use camera equipment properly and capture the best shots. I’m profoundly grateful for my time there and will return with more friends/family. We were treated with respect, and our group felt very safe.Posted on shankarhokieVerified Experience of a Lifetime for everyone - Must do for Photographers Booking: My wife and I went on the Pangolin Chobe, Delta, Kalahari (CDK) photo safari in September 2025. The best way to describe the experience is SURREAL! I am a nature photographer and visiting Africa and photographing the wildlife was a bucket list trip for me and my wife. I have followed Pangolin photo safaris through their YouTube channel and website for a few years. When we decided to go on this trip, I filled out the form and Samantha McDonald, a lovely agent contacted me via email. After several weeks of email & phone conversations wit Sam, I booked us for the 10 day CDK safari experience a full year in advance! Sam was an amazing resource of knowledge, tips and patiently answered all our questions for the next whole year and throughout the trip! I highly recommend her! Experience: Pangolin is a first class operation. It is run by photographers for photographers. If you are a photographer, don't think twice - Book this trip now before they fill out for 2027. If you are not a photographer, don't worry. Just simply watching these animals and birds in their natural habitat is breathtaking. Their goal is to send us home with world class wildlife photos which your family and friends will think are worthy of being in magazines! To that end, they have an experienced Canon photographer with us offering excellent coaching on exposure, shutter speed and angles to get the best shots for that particular scenario. They give everyone interested a professional camera (Canon R6 MKII in 2025) and a great lens (Canon RF 100-500 in 2025) and abundant training. Our coach Sara Jenner was amazing and her energy and enthusiasm was infectious. Accommodations: The places where we stayed were 5*! The new Pangolin Voyager houseboat, The luxurious and spacious tents at Shinde Footsteps and Dinaka camp were incredibly well appointed for a place in the middle of wilderness! The food was amazing with a lot of local fare and it catered to everyone's needs, which included some Indian curry for me and many dishes for the guests who were vegetarians. Wildlife: The guides at Chobe, Delta and Kalahari were amazing! They knew where the animals and birds were and what the best locations for getting the best photos! They are expert trackers and follow footprints to locate the wildlife! We got to see so many varieties of birds and mammal species. Every day we did two game drives that were 4 hours in duration. The day starts with a 5:30 am breakfast, 6:30 am game drive for 4 hours, 11:30 lunch, a short break, 3:30 tea, 4 pm game drive, 8 pm dinner. The days are jam packed with opportunities to see wildlife. We saw a leopard, cheetahs, a rhino, so many hippos, lions & cubs, Hyenas, the endangered wild dog, wildebeest, elephants, elephants and elephants, giraffe, baboons, and hippos to name a few. Cost: This Chobe, Delta, Kalahari trip is not inexpensive. At $13,500/person for this and the round trip airfare from the US costs a good chunk and required a lot of planning and saving. I thought that it was expensive. Having completed this trip, I will confidently say that the experience was worth every penny and you'll end up with amazing memories and so many awesome pictures. I am an extremely value conscious, comparison shopper and I highly recommend that you do your own research about these safaris. I did mine. There is NO ONE that provides such an exclusive small group 5* experience at this price. I found that even those through Costco (We travel a lot through them) were almost twice the cost for a similar length and those did not include such intensive game drives. We are looking forward to booking our next Pangolin Safari in 2027. Hope to see you there!Posted on Derna DVerified I cannot recommend more highly this wonderful week - immersed in the wildlife of Botswana. We had an incredible week on the Chobe river with Pangolin Photo Safari. The wildlife was astounding and we were given excellent instruction and detailed description of all the birds and animals we were seeing. The Riverboat was wonderful - so comfortable and quiet (all electric). We then moved to the Chobe Hotel, which was first class with excellent food and delightful staff. In fact the staff throughout the whole week were amazing - so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you all for making my holiday such a happy and memorable one.Posted on murphy313Verified Pangolin Photo Safaris - the very best! An unforgettable experience. I recently completed the Chobe River/Okavango Delta/Kalahari with Pangolin. The trip exceeded my hopes and expectations. Excellent accommodations at every step. The brand new (July 2025) houseboat on the Chobe was extremely comfortable, and the staff/service was excellent. We saw an amazing amount of wildlife almost constantly, and the river guide, Laskey, was fantastic. The river experience was uncrowded and we were able to go where we wanted without having to compete with other tour boats The Ker & Downey camp on the Okavango was very comfortable, and again excellent staff/service/food. The drives through the delta were an unforgettable experience, with plentiful animal and bird life. A great guide again, Bobbie, who really added to the experience, and we saw a tremendous amount of wildlife throughout the visit The Kalahari visit was at another Ker & Downey camp, this time very luxurious and comfortable. The same excellent experience, plenty of wildlife, good food and service at the camp, all in all another great stay. Our local guide, KLB, was again absolutely first-rate. The overall trip management by Pangolin was first rate. They had people to help us at every stage on the tour, to ensure we had the best possible experience. Our trip host, Karolina, was fantastic - her friendly and positive approach contributed greatly to the group experience, and she gave all of the guests, regardless of experience level, really useful photography pointers. I can’t recommend Pangolin highly enough. If you are looking for a photo safari outfit, look no further!Posted on Keith DVerified Best Trip We've Ever Taken This trip, by far, was the best trip my wife and I have been on. Everything was top notch. From planning our trip with our Pangolin Safari Planner, to the photo host, guides, and staff on the Pangolin Voyager II and the Pangolin Hotel, everyone was friendly, courteous and helpful. We felt that an African Safari would be a once in a lifetime experience, but I'm already thinking about a return trip. Our photo host and guide worked to position us to get the best positioning for photo's, offered suggestions on composition, and assisted in whatever questions we had. Back at the Voyager II and hotel the food was great, and accommodations very comfortable. I highly recommend Pangolin Photo Safaris!Posted on DebVerified Fantastic Chobe, Delta and Kalahari Photo Safari Tour My husband and I utilized the services from Pangolin Photo Safaris who arranged the details for a pre-excursion visit to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwa and then joined our fabulous tour leader, Janine, and spent 10 days on their Chobe, Delta and Kalahari Photo Safari tour. Their attention to detail was fantastic. And Janine's guidance to hobbyist photographers on taking wildlife pictures was phenomenal. I know her voice will be in my mind whenever I look to take any fast action pictures to note the lighting, adjusting your exposure, and always remembering to check my ISO. Thanks Janine! Needless to say, I would highly recommend Pangolin for your future wildlife photo trips.Posted on Heather SVerified All round winner of a tour Wow! I am so glad I did this safari. After a Covid delay of five years we finally made it to the "Chobe, Delta and Kalahari" 10 day safari. My partner and I started this trip as "phone photographers" basically, and after the ten days tuition and guidance on provided cameras we are hooked. This tour has three nights on the Voyager houseboat , four nights at Okavango Delta, and two nights on the edge the Central Kalahari. These two camps were at Ker & Downey establishments and every place was fantastic. The Pangolin houseboat is a little bit old and is getting replaced soon, but on board everything was clean and comfortable. The staff were amazing - so friendly and meals were delicious. Up early for morning river trips or game drives with our wonderful photo host Will, for whom nothing was trouble, we were astounded by the wildlife and the skill of our driver/guides. Their placement of vehicles to get good shots, and Will's technical guidance helped us come home with memorable good photos. Afternoon brought another trip out for photographs and sundowners as the magical African sunsets coloured the sky. All arrangements booked through Pangolin were well planned and communication with our consultant was always timely. I have no hesitation in recommending Pangolin Photo Safaris and hope I can return one day.Posted on HW Photo & SafarisVerified Great Safari Product. Already booked my trip for next year. Pangolin has a great photo safari product. I had a group of 17 at the Pangolin Hotel. We were at Pangolin before starting our main safari in the Okavango Delta. The set ups in the boat with the gimbals and the swivel seats was brilliant! My guests who were not as interested in photography were loaned canon cameras and lenses and they had a professional photographer on the boat helping them with their settings. It was the best way to start a safari. By the time my guests were in the Okavango Delta, they already had a good foundation for wildlife photography.Posted on lestrewinnardVerified Yet another amazing week with Pangolin Photo Safaris Yet another amazing week with Pangolin Photo Safaris on the Chobe river and National Park. Walter, out photo host, was encouraging us to stretch our photographic skills, always ready to give advice as to getting the best shot. Dan, our wildlife guide, boat driver and boat pilot, kept us safe even when charged by a hippo. We saw wild doge just having killed and eaten, a malachite kingfisher on our boat with a frog in it's beak and many other animals and birds. The staff at the Pangolin Chobe Lodge were as always, friendly, welcoming and providing excellent food. Thoroughly recommend this company for anyone interested in wildlife photography, beginners and experts.
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