Land of the Snow Leopard

For generations, snow leopards were considered nearly impossible to see — true “ghosts of the mountains.” Today, conservation efforts and ecotourism have transformed Ladakh, India, into one of the world’s best places to see and photograph these elusive cats. Photo Expedition Leader Surya Ramachandran shares the story behind that remarkable recovery while introducing the wildlife and landscapes that define our snow leopard adventures. Learn about snow leopards and other high-altitude species, including ibex, bharal and Tibetan wolves, and gain insight into life in the remote Trans-Himalaya.

Venture in search of one of the world’s most elusive cats: the snow leopard. Expedition Leader Faiza Mookerjee takes us behind the scenes of our Land of the Snow Leopard adventure, sharing stories from the field and stunning images of Ladakh’s rugged wilderness. Learn what it takes to track this endangered feline—so rare it’s been dubbed the “ghost of the Himalayas”—and how our presence promotes snow leopard conservation. Encounter other Himalayan wildlife and experience the culture and beauty of life in far northern India.

High in the Himalayas, the elusive snow leopard survives against incredible odds. But its future hinges on more than its own resilience. Sheren Shrestha, World Wildlife Fund’s Snow Leopard Program lead, shares the challenges and successes of WWF’s conservation project in Nepal’s Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to one of the world’s largest snow leopard populations. Learn how governments, scientists and communities are working together to reduce conflict, protect habitats and ensure the long-term survival of these iconic cats.