In Search Of The Snow Leopard, India Trekking Holiday

Essential Information

Trip Profile

7 days winter walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4550m, average 3800m.

Accommodation

7 nights hotels, all en suite, 6 nights full-service camping and homestays.

Food

All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners included.

Reality Check

This is an adventurous tour and you need to be flexible in your approach to the trip.

The trip takes place in winter when Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the world by road and temperatures drop well below zero. Although the hotel in Leh is comfortable, water pipes can freeze in winter and water (both hot and cold) may be provided in a bucket.

On trek conditions will be basic either camping in sub zero temperatures or staying in local Ladakhi houses.

The tour is designed to maximise the chance of spotting a Snow Leopard and this will mean you need to be flexible and we may need to adjust or change the itinerary at short notice should snow conditions or other adverse or local conditions deem it wise to do so. What makes this trip challenging is the weather conditions in Ladakh at this time of year.

The walking distances each day will be moderate. Most of the walking will be optional dependant on your enthusiasm for tracking animals each day. Internal flights to Leh are operated throughout the winter when the weather is clear.

Delays and cancellations cannot be ruled out. If you are prepared to be flexible and patient and have a spirit of adventure then this is a magnificent trip into one of the world's most incredible best kept secrets.

Normal group size and age

Normally 6 to 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff. Minimum age 18.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

No experience is necessary; those who take weekend hill walks in areas like the Peak District or Cotswold’s at home should manage a B-grade trek; good health and reasonable fitness are important. These Moderately graded departures are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks.

Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.

Wildlife: Trips may be wholly wildlife focused, or contain an element of wildlife viewing within a less specific itinerary.

Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.