A Himalayan Adventure in Pursuit of One of Earth’s Rarest and Most Beautiful Cats
The snow leopard is a creature of legend in the alpine heights of the Indian Himalaya. Known locally as the “gray ghost,” they are rarely seen, since they are masters of camouflage and live on steep, rocky slopes. For wildlife photographers, this gorgeous cat is a coveted prize—and we travel with some of the best snow leopard trackers in the world in pursuit of images that few will ever have a chance to attain. Based at a small family-owned expedition lodge in a remote valley in Ladakh, we spend a full week in the snow leopard’s terrain, heading out each day in search of them. Other wildlife thrives in this austere landscape, too: keep your camera poised for shots of bharal, urial, argali and ibex—the wild mountain sheep and antelope that are the snow leopard’s prey—as well as Himalayan wolf, fox, and raptors soaring overhead, including the Himalayan golden eagle and lammergeyer, with its 10-foot wingspan.
Surya Ramachandran
Snow leopard, Ladakh, India.
Surya Ramachandran
Nat Hab guests and Expedition Leader, Ladakh, India.
Prayer bowls, Alchi Monastery, Leh, India.
Himalayan mountain range, Ladakh, India.
Surya Ramachandran
Prayer flags, Indus Valley, Himalayan mountain range, India.
Tibetan prayer wheel, Alchi Monastery, Leh, India.
Surya Ramachandran
Snow leopard, Ladakh, India.
Surya Ramachandran
Tibetan wolf, Ladakh, India.
Surya Ramachandran
Snow leopard, Ladakh, India.
Buddhist statue, Likir Monastery, Ladakh, India.
Himalayan mountain range, India.
Surya Ramachandran
Bearded vulture, Ladakh, India.
Perry Dollar
Snow leopard, Ladakh, India.
Surya Ramachandran
Urial, Ladakh, India.
Trip Highlights
Best Chance to Photograph Wild Snow Leopards
With top trackers and guides, pursue photos of snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife such as bharal, urial, ibex and Himalayan wolves
A Full Week in the Snow Leopard's Realm
On this in-depth photography immersion, spend seven nights at a private mountain lodge in snow leopard territory, with en suite facilities—for our group alone
Explore Local Himalayan Culture
Ladakh's austere mountain landscape is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture: photograph villages, monasteries and passes adorned with prayer flags
WWF In Action
Photo Expedition
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The World's Best Opportunity for Snow Leopard Photography
Photographing snow leopards in the wild is one of the most exclusive travel quests on the planet—and no one can help you attain that goal like we can! Visiting high-altitude Ladakh in winter or spring is a daunting prospect on your own—so let us handle all the details. This is the photo expedition of a lifetime you need our expertise for!
- No Better Place to Seek Snow Leopard Photos
Called the "gray ghost" by locals, a moniker that attests to its elusiveness, the snow leopard is a rare creature that has been virtually "unseeable" to many who go in search of it. But that is changing, as conservation becomes a priority in northern India. As the Snow Leopard Conservancy–India Trust continues to work with local villagers to protect these cats, sightings—and photo opportunities—are up. - Top Spotters, Trackers and Guides Enhance Your Odds
If you want the best chances to photograph elusive snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife, you must have access to a superlative local team. Based at our private lodge in snow leopard territory, we spend seven days with the finest trackers and naturalists, including our professional photographer Expedition Leader who coordinates the entire effort. Adept spotters, who are the region's top local trackers, attempt to locate the cats each morning and stay in constant radio contact regarding their movement. We plan our days with utmost flexibility so we can follow the snow leopards' paths accordingly. - Our Private Expedition Lodge Provides the Optimal Base
Proximity to snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife is the definitive luxury of this adventure, essential for maximizing photo opportunites. We have exclusive use of an environmentally conscious, family-run ecolodge—a simple, hospitable setting that provides every comfort, including private en suite facilities. Designed in the region's traditional architectural style, the lodge offers the optimum in setting, ambience, food and personal attention while directly benefiting local conservation efforts. - A Small Group is Essential to Maximize Photography Opportunities
With just eight photographers, our small group has a quiet, non-obtrusive presence, upping our chances of encountering snow leopards and other wildlife. - Private Vehicles Ensure Maximum Flexibility
We use private vehicles for maximum flexibility, allowing us to seek out snow leopards and other wildlife such as Tibetan wolves, urial, blue sheep, ibex and lammergeyers, wherever they are found. - Local Porters Help Carry Your Gear
We'll be covering some challenging mountain terrain as we hike in search of snow leopards, and it's easier to walk without being encumbered by heavy, bulky photography equipment. We've hired porters from the community to take the load off, hauling whatever you need them to carry until we are in range for photography. - Our Presence Directly Helps to Protect Snow Leopards
Snow leopards are a vulnerable species under threat from habitat loss, climate, retaliatory killings, and poaching. Their range continues to decline from human settlement, while a warming climate could diminish up to 30% of their terrain in the Himalayas. Responsible tourism is part of the solution. As conservation travelers, the investment we make to photograph Ladakh's snow leopards benefits local communities. Our being there creates an incentive to protect wild creatures they share the land with. In addition, we will make a donation to the Snow Leopard Conservancy–India Trust for each photographer on this expedition. - Travel with India’s Finest Wildlife Photography Guides
Our India naturalist Expedition Leaders average more than 15 years' experience—with top-level training including resources from WWF scientists. And of course, your guide is also an accomplished professional photographer adept in capturing coveted images of snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife—and by your side to share tips. You won’t find more knowledgeable, personable or enthusiastic guides than those who are proud to work for us. Our philosophy is simple: a nature adventure is only as good as the guide who leads it, so we provide the very best! See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders. - An Immersion in Ladakh's Rich Tibetan Buddhist Culture
While Ladakh is part of India, it stands apart. Ladakh gained status as a separate union territory in 2019, and this Himalayan state is often referred to as "Little Tibet." As ethnic Tibetans whose cultural and spiritual traditions have been left alone to thrive in a remote mountain environment, their long and vibrant Buddhist history continues to influence everything from roadside prayer flag installations to well-maintained ancient monasteries where monks reside and practice. Absorb Ladakh's cultural sites in a quiet, non-touristy way, including our stay among yak-herding locals in the small Himalayan village of Mangyu. - Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Snow Leopard Photo Expedition
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive quality value guarantee that promises we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise. - Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007. - Natural Habitat Adventures is World Wildlife Fund's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world's leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
