The Ghost of the Snows
Ulley, Ladakh
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7th to 13th February 2026 / 7 Days
The stark beauty of Ladakh’s winter landscape is unlike any other; wandering through the frozen desert and looking for the shan or snow leopards in Ulley, one of the best places in the region for tracking this elusive ‘ghost of the snows’, is a bucket list experience. This trip blends wildlife adventure with cultural and scenic highlights, and allows you to have a tryst with the trans Himalaya like no other.
At A Glance
ITINERARY
Day 01
Arrive in Leh, where crisp winter air and high altitude welcome you. Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude to avoid AMS (acute mountain sickness) and the low temperatures. Overnight stay in a centrally heated hotel or well-insulated guesthouse in Leh.
Day 02
After a relaxed breakfast, head out to explore some of Leh’s key cultural landmarks including Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace. This light sightseeing helps with acclimatisation and gives an insight into Ladakhi Buddhist heritage. In the evening, meet with your snow leopard expedition guide for a briefing on the tracking process and prepare your gear for the journey to Ulley.
Day 03
Begin your journey towards Ulley, a remote high-altitude hamlet known for frequent snow leopard sightings.Stop en-route at the Indus-Zanskar confluence for the stunning blue-green waters, the colours at their best at this time of the year. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge, meet your tracking team, and take a short walk around the village to scan for early wildlife activity. Overnight stay in Ulley.
Day 04
Spend the day exploring the rugged terrain around Ulley, tracking snow leopards and other high-altitude wildlife with the help of expert spotters. You’ll trek to different ridges and vantage points based on recent sightings. Be prepared for long periods of waiting in the cold with binoculars in hand. Even if the elusive snow leopard doesn’t appear, the chance to see blue sheep, foxes, and lammergeiers in the wild is rewarding.
Day 05
Another full day of tracking, adjusting your routes depending on fresh pugmarks, kills, or trackers’ reports. Ulley’s quiet valleys offer some of the best chances to see a snow leopard in its natural habitat. The terrain is snow-covered but manageable, and the scenery of barren white cliffs and frozen streams adds to the adventure. Return to the warmth of your lodge by the evening.
Day 06
After breakfast, drive back to Leh, retracing your path through the winter landscape. The return journey allows time to rest, warm up, and enjoy the comforts of your hotel. In the evening, walk around old Leh, visit the Central Asian Museum, or do some souvenir shopping on your last night here.
Day 07
Breakfast and departure.
What Our Adventurers Say
Read testimonials from fellow explorers who’ve journeyed with Snowfox Escapes and discovered more than just landscapes.
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