In Search of the Snow Leopard 2023

February 16th – March 1st, 2023 (14 Days, 13 Nights)

 Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

 

 

Interested in joining us for this expedition? Let us know here!

 

Trip Highlights

Throughout this journey, you will get to experience historic and cultural sites in India in addition to a dedicated search for Snow Leopards. The trip includes:

  • Visiting the Red Fort with its exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens

  • Exploring Leh, and visiting the peaceful and soothing monasteries including the Spitok Monastery, Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and more

  • Finally, an extensive tour of India mountains in search of the Snow Leopard. 

Accommodations

 

During your trip, you will experience many locations in India. Amazonia aims to provide you with the best experience, and so will be traveling to the following locations for accommodations. Please note that locations are subject to change with equivalent accommodations based on availability, and for a large portion of this trip we will be camping in search of Snow Leopards.

Day 1 - Feb 16

Arrive Delhi

  • On arrival in India you will be greeted and escorted by Indo Asia Tour’s Executive to your hotel. (Rooms will be available from 1400 Hrs)
  • In its 3000 years of existence; seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands.  Here you’ll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis, Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla

Meals: None

Day 2 - Feb 17

Explore Dehli

  • After breakfast full day city tour of Old & New Delhi which includes the following:
  • Red Fort: The 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge 33m high boundary wall. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.
  • Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer at one time, the interior of the prayer hall is divided into aisles by arches. The walls and floors are of marble inlay panels.
  • Raj Ghat: Visit the Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna is Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”.
  • India Gate and Government Buildings: Drive through Lutyens Delhi and see India Gate which commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. Photo stop at Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy’s residence is now the official residence of the President of India.
  • Humayun’s Tomb: Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century, an early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal.Accommodation: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Feb 18

Fly from Delhi to Leh

  • After breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight for Leh
  • Take an hour spectacular flight to Leh over the Trans-Himalayas and Zanskar ranges into Leh. The airport is at 11,500 ft above sea Level. You will be transfer to hotel.

     

  • Rest of the day at leisure for acclimatization, afternoon stroll around Leh market.Accommodation: Singge Palace or similar

    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4 - Feb 19

Explore Leh

  • Today we will visit Spitok Monastery; oldest part was founded in the 15th CE. The Monastery belongs to Yellow hat School of Tibetan Buddhism. There are about 30 monks reside in the monastery. You could visit several temples, which dedicated to different Deities. Most famous ones are Crown Buddha and 21 Taras which was brought from Tibet. On the way you could stop at Hall of fame, a small Museum to display arms and picture of Indian war history.
  • Back to Hotel for Lunch, afternoon a gradual hike to the Shanti stupa on hill lock located in Changspa built by Japanese in 1984. You can get a good orientation and ideal for picturing the Leh valley and the Ladakh range.Accommodation: Singge Palace or similar

    Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 5 - Feb 20

Explore Leh

  • After breakfast drive to visit the Ladakh most famous monasteries, (Shey-Thiksey-Hemis), Shey used to be the capital of Ladakh until 16th century. Visit the most Popular 12 mtrs high Copper gilded statue of Buddha built in 1640. Continue to Thiksey monastery belongs to yellow hat school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the largest Monastery in Ladakh, about 90 monks live here. The Morning Prayer held with sun rise by all monks is a peaceful and soothing atmosphere never to be missed. From Thiksey drive to Hemis monastery, located at the southern bank of Indus River.
  • Hemis is the Largest and most famous monastery of Ladakh, there are many interesting statues and painting to see inside the chapel and the newly open museum has the thousand year old collection of frescos and statues.Accommodation: Singge Palace or similarMeals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 6 - Feb 21

Leh to Zingchan to Husing

  • Today post breakfast drive to Zingchan about an hour drive along the Indus river to Zingchan then Trek to Husing for about 2 hrs. This will be your base for next 4 days while searching for the endangered snow leopard. Beside Snow leopard one could get to see Blue sheeps and Ladakh urial. Beside wild sheep good chances to spot Golden Eagle, Lammergeyer, Snow cock, Partridges and finches.
  • Husing is located between Rumbak and Zingchen villages in the Hemis high altitude national park, National park covers an area of 3200 sq kms. Our camp will be set up in a narrow gorge on the bank of Rumbak stream.Accommodation: CampsiteMeals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7 Feb 22

Begin Search for Snow Leopard in Husing

  • Today we will search for Snow Leopard for 4 to 5 Hours of trek at an altitude of 3800 meters.
  • Trek up to Husing nallah which is known for frequent snow leopard movements, trail takes you through a narrow gorge where you may spot your first blue sheep, which are the main source of prey for the elusive cats. You will also witness fresh signs of snow leopard rock scents along this trail. The camp is located around 50 minutes from Zingchen, surrounded by rugged broken slopes at a junction where two side valleys meet – a good place for sighting snow leopards.Accommodation: Campsite

    Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - Feb 23

Continue Search in Husing

  • Morning trek up to Tarbung and Kharlung Valley (4 to 5 Hours at 3800 m) looking for snow leopard signs and possible sightings. Tarbung is also known for frequent snow leopard movements. Spend day looking for snow leopards and prey animals around the valley. Overnight in tents in Junction camp. Accommodation: Campsite

     Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 9 - Feb 24

Continue Search in Rumbak

  • Trek up to Rumbak Sumdo (4 to 5 hours of trek) 4050 Meters where the narrow gorge suddenly opens into a wide valley surrounded by high mountains including the mighty Stok Kangri at 6120mts. The Sumdo is where the three valleys meet with Rumbak hamlet to the east, Lungnak to south and the Kharlung towards the west. Trek further up to Rumbak, which is a small hamlet of few houses situated at an altitude of 4050m. The whole of this day is dedicated to exploring the Rumbak Valley. Afternoon return to the sumdo to look for cats in the opposite valley. Overnight in Rumbak. Accommodation: CampsiteMeals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 10 - Feb 25

Continue Search in Rumbak

  • Trek up to Yurutse (4 to 5 Hours of trek at an altitude of 4200 Meters) which lies at the base of Gandala pass to the West past Sumdo. This area serves as an ideal habitat for the Tibetan Argali/ Great Tibetan sheep and also known for sightings of Tibetan wolf (depending on cat movement). Later in the afternoon walk back to camp. Overnight in tent at Rumbak.Accommodation: Campsite

     Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 11 - Feb 26

Husing – Zingchan – Leh

  • Morning walk down to Husing/Tarbung. Later trek back to Zingchen via the same route and drive back to Leh. Overnight in Leh Hotel. Accommodation: Singge Palace or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 - Feb 27

Leh

  • Day at leisure for own activities Accommodation: Singge Palace or similar Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 13 - Feb 28

Leh to Delhi

  • Morning transfer to Leh airport to connect flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport you will be greeted and escorted by Indo Asia Tour’s Executive to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure Accommodation: Pride Plaza Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - Mar 1

Delhi Departure

  • In time transfer to Delhi airport to connect flight for onward destinationMeals: Breakfast

Reserve Your Expedition Today!

 

Deposit – $750
$3400 per person in double occupancy room
Single in a room adds $700.

Airfare Supplement:

Delhi / Leh / Delhi USD $375.00. Airfare cost is subject to change

NOTES:

  • Note: The best time to witness snow leopard in Ladakh will be in the month of January, February and mid-March. These are the coldest months in Ladakh with very cold temperatures. Our trips are specially planned to optimize your chances of seeing snow leopards, namely when they are lower down in the valleys following the domestic flocks and prey. At these months most passes will still be snow bound, the nights are very cold and even during the day the temperature drops when out of the sun.
  • All the passengers must have an Identification Card/Passport with them
  • Itinerary subject to changes only if beyond our control
  • Payment can be made by credit card on our PayPal site
  • We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. https://buy.travelguard.com/TGI2/proc/stateselector.aspx?br=agentlink&arc=51868&agentlinkasp=yes

    Cancellation Policy: 50% of cost up to 120 days before departure. Purchase of travel and evacuation insurance is required. https://buy.travelguard.com/TGI2/proc/stateselector.aspx?br=agentlink&arc=51868&agentlinkasp=yes

 

This Trip Includes:

  • Double / twin room / tents on sharing basis
  • Daily breakfast & Dinner in Delhi. And Full board in Leh & Ladakh part.
  • All land transfers and sightseeing using air-conditioned Indian-made Mini coach in Delhi and Non AC Toyota Innova’s / Similar in Leh & Ladakh portion (03 Pax per car).
  • Services of English Speaking accompanying tour Escort from arrival till the departure of the guests (Tour escort will not stay in the same hotels in Delhi & Leh)
  • Monument entrance fees as per the Program.
  • Inclusions in Leh & Ladakh portion –
    • Naturalist at Camps.
    • All Camping Equipment Like Tents, Sleeping Bag, Mattress & Toilet Tents.
    • All Entrance fees, Wild Life Fees.
    • Binocular + Spotting Scope as per group size.
    • All meals at Camp.
    • English speaking guide, Cook, Helper throughout the trek.
    • All Kitchen utilities with staff as per group size.
    • Camping Fees.
    • Hot Water Bags in Camps.
    • Oxygen Cylinder.

* Currently applicable taxes & Service Tax

This Trip DOES NOT Include:

  • Any airfares.
  • Any airport taxes.
  • Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone charges, etc.
  • Any new tax imposed by the Govt.
  • Any optional activities mentioned in the program

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!

What Our Guests

Have to Say…

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!

Estefani Mishel Maytahuari

Mishel got her degree in tourism from Nauta Institute in 2016. After working as a guide with other companies, Mishel came to study with Amazonia Expeditions as a training guide in 2023. Mishel was promoted to head guide in 2025.

Leyner Arian Ijuma

Leyner got his degree as a tour guide in 2010 at the Nauta Institute and came to work at Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. He has biological field work experience from supporting Nicholas Gardner of the University of Florida who he helped study the adaptations of birds in seasonally flooded igapo forests. Birding is one of Leyner's strongest skills.

Julio Pacaya

Julio finished his studies as a tour guide at the Nauta Institute in 2016 and came to work as a training guide with Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. Nature photography and birding are among Julio's strongest skills. Julio is fluent in English and French, as well as his native tongue of Spanish.

Claudio Huayllahua Sánchez

Claudio was born and grew up in El Chino Village on the Tahuayo River. He studied primary school in El Chino and continued his education in Iquitos, earning a technical degree from SENATI Institute. He started working for Amazonia Expeditions in 2014 as a field research assistant with several biologists and as an assistant guide. Claudio was promoted to head guide in 2017 and is our camping and jungle survival specialist.

Hersog Chavez Yuyarima

Hersog first got the idea of becoming a guide after watching the tourist boats going by his village every day. He was fascinated that tourists would come to see his home and he loved the way that the guides he saw did their work. He knew that someday he wanted to be just like them. Hersog studied at technical school for 3 years leaning the basics of guiding. After graduating, Hersog worked as a guide for several years working with Peruvian tourists, later coming to work for Amazonia in 2017. Hersog was promoted to head guide in 2019. He has worked as a field research assistant in the study of the elusive pygmy marmoset. Hersog is known for his sharp eyes and his unique stories about the jungle.

Lander Juan Peña Ramirez

Lander was born in the remote jungle community of Santa Victoria. His boyhood dream was to become to best jungle guide in the Amazon. Lander studied at a local institute for several years where he learned basic English and the foundations of the being a tour guide. Later he worked for several years at other jungle loges as a guide, honing his skills as a survival camping guide. Lander came to work for Amazonia Expeditions in 2017 and along with a strong interest in birding and fishing is also one of our lead camping and survival guides.

Aladino Jr. Hidalgo

Aladino was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River and attended school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. During this period, Aladino worked with his father as a trailblazer, assisting primate researchers who came to study at a local field station. Afterwards, he moved to Lima where he worked for several years while studying guiding & English. Upon returning in 2019, he was hired by Amazonia as a field assistant and actively supported researchers studying giant river otters, pygmy marmosets, and various bird species. He then joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was later promoted to head guide in 2022.

Jhony Hidalgo

Jhony was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. He attended primary school in his home village and high school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. Jhony later pursued further studies in Iquitos, where he obtained a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. After graduating, he worked at the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos (CREA), guiding visitors to the center. In 2021 he joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2023.

Sila Hidalgo

Sila was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. She attended primary school in Diamante village and high school in the community of “El Chino” on the Tahuayo River. Her family moved to El Chino so Sila could attend high school, as it was the closest village offering secondary education. Later, Sila joined our Angels (AoA) scholarship program to further her education in Iquitos, where she earned a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. She completed her internship at Tahuayo Lodge. After graduating, Sila began her career with Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2022.

Welister Perez

Welister grew up in the small community of Padre Cocha just outside of Iquitos City. He lived there for most of his life, and later worked at several jungle lodges before starting at Amazonia Expeditions. Welister has proven himself as both a talented jungle man and team player with an eagle eye for spotting wildlife. After several months of training with Amazonia he was promoted to a head guiding position in 2017.

Javier Anibal Alván Arévalo

Javier has worked at the Amazonia Expeditions lodges for 10 years, starting as a young teenager as an assistant in building repair, then moving up to motorboat pilot, then camping assistant and assistant guide, and after passing his guide exams with high grades was promoted to head guide in 2014. Javier is also our Canopy Zipline specialist and has taken professional certification classes in Costa Rica. Javier is also a fishing specialist and is beloved by families with children.