Make the short transfer to Delhi Domestic airport in the early hours for the flight to Leh. Just an hours flight and you'll land in the 'roof of the world'. January is the middle of winter in Ladakh and Leh is situated at an altitude of 3500m above sea level. It is important to 'take it easy' this day with lots of rest and rehydration to acclimatise to the high altitude conditions and cold temperatures. 

Noticeably warming Tibetan culture & cuisine is for sure to bring smiles and joy during your time in Snow Leopard country. 

After a healthy Ladakhi breakfast, you'll visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy. Pioneers in snow leopard conservation in the region, you will get an opportunity to meet the biologists and conservationists to learn first hand the latest in Snow Leopard conservation. 

In the afternoon you will journey to the incredibly picturesque 14th century buddhist monasteries of Thiksey and Matho to pay respects to the traditional custodians of the land and soak up the ancient Buddhist culture.

After breakfast, we'll head west following the 'frozen' Indus River as we make our way to the Sham region of Ladakh. The incredibly vast and expansive valley is bordered by jagged peaks on all sides making it one of the top places for spotting snow leopards and wolves . You'll notice your guides will have their eyes peeled all the time, scanning the skyline for any silhouette throughout the journey to the village of Ulley.

Ulley is centrally located in the Sham range and is convenient if there happens to be a 'snow leopard sighting' in the neighbouring villages of Saspochey, Yangthang and Hemis Shukpachan. 

Your accommodation in Ulley will be in a modest and comfortable Ladakhi homestay owned and operated by local people. You will stay overnight and get to experience warm Ladakhi hospitality first hand. . 

Day 5 will see you waking up to incredible views of the Sham range. Your guides would have already begun scanning the ridge lines and passes for blue sheep, main prey for snow leopards in the region. With short hikes to close-by vantage points, we will establish an ideal location to scan the mountains 360 degrees. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner with endless cups of tea will all be served at comfortable times throughout the day to keep you warm and in the zone. 

Days 6 - 12 will have you rising with sun and gathering your gear before hiking to the days vantage point. Depending on the observations from the previous day, the location to establish the 'waiting spot' will be decided.  

Research by the Snow Leopard Conservancy has identified that from January through March snow leopards are on mating patrols covering vast distances in search of a mate. It is possible to hear snow leopard mating calls echoing through the mountains during the early hours of the morning and at dusk. 

Tracking snow leopard's prey is the best way to get close to a snow leopard. Our local guides are the best in the business and have decades of experiences in observing snow leopards in the wild. Lammergeier's, golden eagles and Himalayan vultures are sighted regularly in this region making the area rich in wildlife. 

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and endless hot cups of tea will be served at comfortable times throughout each day and will keep you well nourished and hydrated for the duration of the quest. 

By now, you'll be well accustomed to life in the mountains and have your expedition routine down pat. Today is the last day you'll spend hiking to the best vantage points and if you've already spotted the phantom cat, adrenaline will be full power. 

By evening you'll be travelling back to Leh after what will have been an incredible quest in search of the endangered snow leopard. By the time you reach Leh you'll be ready for a good feed, hot tea and a comfortable sleep ready for the final days of tour in Ladakh. 

After a comfortable sleep and a delicious breakfast served at your guest house in Leh, you'll get ready for a final morning of cultural activities. Leh monastary is picturesquely situated atop a mountain providing incredible panoramic views of the mountain city as you reach the top. You'll also take a short hike up to Shanti Stupa, one of 80 peace pagodas built around the world by Japanese Buddhist monk Gyomyo Nakamura. The Peace Pagoda mission was a journey to build these unique monuments to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds and to help unite them in their search for world peace.

The afternoon will be at your leisure. You'll be able to explore the narrow streets of Leh's main bazaar, relax with some hot tea or feast on some hearty Ladakhi thukpa in one of the restaurants hidden upstairs in the marketplace. 

An early flight will have you up and awake as the sun rises and bids you farewell on your last morning in the small mountain city. Your guide will accompany you to the airport and make the short transfer back to Delhi.

Upon arrival back to Delhi, depending on your return flight home you'll have another afternoon to explore the bustling streets of Paharganj or simply sit with a cup of chai and watch as the chaos of the developing city unfolds. Again, depending on homeward journeys, you'll also enjoy one last night at the Grand Godwin Hotel along with a final evening meal together before the tour concludes.