Project Description
Snow Leopard Photo Safari
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.
