Begin your adventure and catch your flight to Delhi, India.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
March - May or Sept - Nov
Venture into the heart of the Himalayas for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure. Look out for the elusive snow leopard, the mighty Himalayan Brown Bear, and the majestic lynx in one of the world’s most remote regions.
March and April are the prime time for snow leopard and brown bear sightings, when the landscapes are breathtaking, snowy in the high-altitude areas, and bursting with wildflowers in the bear territories. This unique journey immerses you in the wild beauty of Ladakh, offering an experience that blends adventure with nature’s serenity.
In addition to extraordinary wildlife experiences, you’ll enjoy many moments of tranquillity and awe in remote villages and historic sites. Whether you’re tracking wildlife across snow-covered valleys or experiencing Ladakh’s rich culture, each day brings you closer to the wilderness that few have witnessed.
Wildlife Wonders of Ladakh
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2
Delhi
Touch down in Delhi, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for the night. This is a chance to recharge before the real adventure begins tomorrow, as you fly to Leh and into the mountains.
Days 3 - 5
Nimmu - Acclimatisation
After landing in Leh, you’ll be met by your local driver and set off on a scenic journey to Nimmu. Over the next three days, you’ll acclimatise to the altitude in this peaceful, remote village. Stay at either Nimmu House or Moljok’s Heritage House, both offering an authentic Ladakhi experience. During your time here, visit the UNESCO-listed Alchi Temple Complex and immerse yourself in the village’s culture through walks and local interactions. Don’t forget to look up for staggering stargazing in the clear Ladakhi skies.
Days 6 - 7
Drass Valley
Drive through the striking mountain landscapes to the Drass Valley, where you’ll stay at Drenmo Lodge. This is your gateway to spotting the Himalayan Brown Bear in its natural habitat. In the evenings, use high-powered telescopes to observe the bears as they roam the valley. Early mornings provide a chance to get close to these magnificent creatures on an off-road adventure. You’ll also have the chance to go on relaxing walks along the river and dig into delightful picnics at scenic viewpoints.
Days 8 - 9
Leh
A scenic 5-hour drive will bring you back to Leh, where you’ll spend two nights at Chospa hotel. Set off on a heritage walk through Leh, visiting landmarks like the Stakna Monastery and learn about the town’s cultural and spiritual significance from your guide. In the mornings, it’s worth rising early to experience the local prayer rituals and continue to soak up the charm of this high-altitude town.
Days 10 - 13
Snow Leopard Country – Rumbak Lodge
From Leh, take a short drive to Rumbak Lodge, nestled in the heart of the snow leopard region. Over the next four days, you’ll explore the breathtaking landscapes and, with a bit of luck, spot the elusive snow leopard in the wild. The region is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including ibex and Tibetan wolves, and you’ll enjoy early-morning treks and scenic nature walks. These days will give you a real taste of Ladakh’s high-altitude wilderness, with endless opportunities for wildlife photography and incredible encounters.
Day 14
Return home via Leh
After a remarkable journey through Ladakh’s wildlife, return to Leh for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and rare wildlife.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“Ladakh only needs one word to sum it up: Wow. This sample route works brilliantly and it’s the real deal for anyone keen on genuine wildlife encounters and Himalayan landscapes”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Important FAQs about Ladakh
Ladakh isn’t just another stop in India, it’s a world of its own. High-altitude desert, Himalayan wildlife, ancient Buddhist culture and a real sense of frontier adventure come together to create something remarkable.
With ETG, you’ll experience Ladakh in a way that’s immersive, safe, and genuinely unforgettable. We partner with expert local trackers, conservationists, and boutique lodge owners to give you front-row access to snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, and more—without sacrificing comfort or peace of mind. It’s wild travel, done right.
Ladakh has two prime seasons, depending on what you’re looking for:
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March to May: Ideal for snow leopard sightings and the early bear-watching season, with snowy mountains and crisp air.
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September to November: A fantastic window for more stable weather, blooming wildflowers in bear country, and lower visitor numbers.
We’ll curate your bespoke itinerary to match the season, and the wildlife, so you’ll have the best experience possible.
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
