Nestled in the heart of the trans Himalayan region, with its stunning Karakoram, Ladakh, Pangong, and Zanskar ranges, this is a land of extremes. It’s a cold desert that exists in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas. The air thins as you ascend, and temperatures can plummet to 20 degrees, yet the sun shines brilliantly, casting a warm, golden glow on the surreal landscape.
Uley: An Enigmatic Wilderness
Your journey commences at Uley, a tiny hamlet perched at an altitude of about 13,000 feet, just a stone’s throw away from Leh. Here, the snow leopards reign as elusive monarchs, but they’re not the only stars of the show. Ibex, urial, wolves, Himalayan foxes, and magnificent griffon vultures soar through the skies, creating a thrilling spectacle. The sight of a majestic Ibex standing precariously on a precipice, thousands of feet above the abyss, is a memory that lingers.
Mangyu: A Ravine of Wonders
Venture further south, and you’ll arrive at the enchanting village of Mangyu. The journey is as remarkable as the destination, with glimpses of the ancient Alchi monastery and herds of Urial along the way. As you weave through a narrow gorge, the thrill intensifies, and the sight of ibex and, yes, the elusive snow leopard becomes a reality. At the edge of Mangyu village lies the Snow Leopard Lodge, offering a panoramic view of the valley and the timeless beauty of Ladakh. Abundance reigns, from the alluvial silt to the magnificent Vairacona temple situated nearby. Here, you’ll find serenity in the midst of wild splendor.
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ITINERARY
Day 1 | Arrive in Leh, transfer to the hotel, and relax. Acclimatize for the next couple of days.
Day 2 -3 | Enjoy short walks around Leh market, immersing in local culture and beauty.
Day 4 | Drive to Uley, check in, and receive a briefing from the Lodge manager/naturalist. Familiarize yourself with the area during an evening village walk.
Day 5 – 6 | Wake up at 7 AM for a day filled with wildlife exploration. After breakfast at 8:30 AM, join spotters in the early morning or engage in planned excursions. Utilize lodge vehicles and participate in easy to medium-difficulty walks to vantage points or possible sighting areas. Enjoy hot lunches either at the lodge or in the field, based on the day’s plan. Return to the lodge in the evening for debrief sessions, documentaries, or interactions with naturalists. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at the lodge.
Day 7 | Check out from your lodge and transfer to Mangyu. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 8 – 9 | Explore the various valleys around Mangyu with experienced spotters. Travel by vehicle or combine drives with walks into the valleys based on the spotters’ findings. On leisure days, opt for picturesque village walks, a day trip to Thar village, or a walk to a private monastery in the hills around Mangyu.
Day 10 | Spend the morning exploring Mangyu further, then return to Leh.
Day 11 | Check out from the hotel in Leh and transfer to Leh airport. Fly back to Delhi, concluding your unforgettable Ladakh adventure filled with wildlife wonders and cultural discoveries.
