Ladakh's Snow Leopards (lodge-based) & Ranthambore's Tigers

Few species embody wilderness quite like the Snow Leopard. This legendary cat makes its home in some of our planet's last truly remote places and, until a few years ago, actually seeing one in the wild was thought to be all but impossible. Even after our annual 'Ladakh — A Snow Leopard Quest' started to encounter Snow Leopards regularly — in the Himalayan winter when the predators and their prey descend to accessible altitudes — we had no option but to use tents to shelter ourselves from the bitter cold. Now, by basing our search in a new area, the Ulley Valley, we are able to stay throughout our quest in a cosy, if simple, mountain guesthouse. This new accommodation offers eight twin rooms and two shared bathrooms, with hot washing water being provided in buckets each morning and evening since most pipes are frozen at this time of year. The main living area, built in traditional style, is heated by a warm central stove during the day, whilst hot water bottles are provided at bedtime to ensure a cosy night's sleep. This setting, and the friendly hospitality that goes with it, provide a comfortable alternative to camping in this remote area as, during each day, we go in search of one of the world's rarest and most stunning big cats — a species that is still only beginning to reveal its secrets to Western observers.

To reach Ladakh, in the far north-west of India, we will first fly to Delhi. From there we will take another flight to Leh, Ladakh's capital, which boasts one of the highest airports in the world, at 3,256 metres. Our first three days will be spent in Leh, as we acclimatise to the high altitude while enjoying a little local culture and wildlife, which could include Solitary Snipe and Ibisbill. Then we will drive west to Ulley, our base for six nights as we search for Snow Leopards in an area that is rarely visited by other tourists.

The village lies at the centre of three interlocking valleys that support a healthy number of about 10 Snow Leopards. These three valleys can be accessed by road, enabling us to use vehicles to explore the region, but we will also search on foot. The effort should be worth it, for with the help of our local guides' sharp eyes and expertise, there is an excellent chance of a memorable Snow Leopard sighting, whether at a kill or making its solitary way up a remote mountain pass, blending into the wilderness in which it is totally at home. We will also be on the lookout for Blue Sheep, the main prey species of the Snow Leopard, plus Asiatic Ibex, Ladakh Urial, Woolly Hare and cute Large-eared and Royle's Pikas. The Snow Leopard is not the only predator up here, and with a bit of luck we may also encounter the elegant Mountain Weasel, Stone Marten, a pack of Tibetan Wolves, or perhaps even Eurasian Lynx — another notoriously elusive feline. As for the birdlife, few species spend the winter here, but those that do — the Lammergeiers, Himalayan Griffons, Golden Eagles, Himalayan Snowcocks, redstarts, finches and accentors — make splendid mountain companions.

We will return to Delhi by air, leaving behind the mountainous Himalayan kingdom. In Delhi we will end our tour with a visit to Sultanpur National Park and Bird Sanctuary, a compact wetland, woodland and grassland reserve just 13 miles from our hotel. It covers less than two square kilometres, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for through the abundance of its wildlife. This is an ideal birding spot, where large numbers of migratory species arrive each winter to complement the resident waterbirds. We will hope to find species such as Painted and Black-necked Storks, Indian Roller, Sarus Crane and Great Spotted Eagle, as well as mammals like Nilgai, or perhaps even Blackbuck or Jungle Cat. Your holiday need not end here, however, for should you wish to extend your stay in India with a search for Tigers and other wildlife in the country's lowlands, we are pleased to offer a post-tour 3-night extension in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, one of India's most spectacular and best-known Tiger Reserves. Alternatively, you might wish us to help you to extend your stay with a bespoke extension itinerary of your own choice. If so, please do call the Naturetrek office.