Snow Leopard Lodge

Ladakh lies above the Himalayas in the far northwest corner of India, bordering Pakistan. This mountainous country is home to a surprising variety of mammals, including the elusive snow leopard. Seeing one in the wild once took a miraculous stroke of luck, but in the past 20 years, Snow Leopard Lodge has perfected the art of tracking them. Success rates on treks are now approaching 90%, making it the best place to see the big cats in the wild.

Snow Leopard Lodge isn’t much more than an expansion of a traditional Ladakh home. However, the beds and family-run hospitality will keep you comfortable in the sub-freezing temperatures – snow leopards are best seen in winter. The lodge is located in Ulley, north of Hemis National Park, and is well connected to a road system for daily mountain expeditions. Hikes to see the leopards are at high altitudes but only cover a few miles daily, so an average fitness level is required. Travelers may also see yak, ibex, Tibetan wolf, and red fox in addition to snow leopards on these walks.

Before visiting either lodge, we advise travelers to acclimate to the altitude for two days in the capital city of Leh. The Ladakh region is part of the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, but it is safe for travelers away from the border.