Northern India
Snow Leopard Lodge
Snow Leopard Lodge offers a unique base from which to experience Ladakh’s stark winter landscapes and search for the elusive snow leopard. Set in the remote village of Ulley, the lodge sits amid high‑altitude valleys home to ibex, Himalayan wolves and a rich traditional culture, with expert local trackers greatly increasing the chances of memorable wildlife encounters.
Originally a traditional family home, the lodge has been sensitively adapted to welcome guests in comfort while retaining its authentic Ladakhi character. Rooms are simple and warm, meals are home‑cooked, and the atmosphere is friendly and communal. Days are spent exploring the surrounding ridges and valleys, returning each evening to hearty food and insights into the conservation work that supports both local communities and the region’s iconic wildlife.
Facilities
Extra gas heaters, bathrooms with warm showers, home‑cooked Ladakhi meals, teas coffees and warm drinks, communal dining and lounge spaces.
Local Wildlife
Mammals: snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian lynx, red fox, Ladakh urial, ibex, woolly hare, mountain weasel, Royle's pika, marmot.
Birds: bearded vulture (lammergeier), Himalayan griffon, golden eagle, red-billed and alpine chough, Himalayan snowcock, chukar, Tibetan partridge, white-winged redstart, robin accentor, solitary snipe, snow pigeon, greater short-toed lark, magpie, Blanford's snowfinch, black-winged snowfinch, white-rumped snowfinch.
James Gilpin
Area Specialist
At Snow Leopard Lodge, much of the viewing happens from fixed observation points where you’ll spend long periods scanning the ridgelines. A simple buff helps in three ways: it cuts the wind chill on your face, reduces moisture loss in the dry mountain air, and prevents your breath from fogging binoculars or camera lenses during cold mornings. It’s a small item that makes a big difference to comfort and clarity while you wait for that unforgettable sighting.
If you have any questions regarding our India tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Naturalist guides were brilliant. We seem to have been given the best one in each place. Had same one for whole of stay in each place. Cultural guides gave just enough information and then left you to ask questions about what interested you which is what we like. They did not seem to have a set patter. Helpful about photographic sites – i.e. good position to take photos.
[OVERALL STANDARD OF SERVICE] Excellent isn’t good enough. In every place we were treated like royalty. Totally relaxed and felt totally safe but not smothered.
[WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS] 11 tigers, innumerable rhino, wild elephants, buffalo, otters, hog and swamp deer, and wild boar. Birds at Keoladeo excellent. Watched leopard and three cubs at Siana for 1.5 hrs of exceptional viewing.
An outstanding holiday which far exceeded our expectations. Many people would enjoy it I’m sure.
