India, Wildlife Tours

Himalayan Highlights – Red Pandas and Snow Leopards

Scroll
Tailor-Made Tour
16 Days
From 7080
Big Cat Safari
Country Combo
Off The Beaten Track

Tour Introduction

16 Days from  7080 per adult. All trip details below can be tailored just for you

Embark on an extraordinary adventure that takes you from the dense, misty forests of Singalila National Park to the rugged, snow-clad landscapes of Ladakh. From Delhi, fly to Bagdogra and cross the border into Nepal to reach the wonderful Habre’s Nest, situated right on the border. Explore the lush forests and bamboo groves of the Tinchule-Singalila region, renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rich biodiversity. Trek through emerald forests of rhododendrons and bamboo, searching for playful red pandas amidst breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga.

From the lush forests of Singalila, transition to the stark beauty of Ladakh’s high-altitude Himalayan labyrinth. First, spend a couple of days acclimatising to the high altitude while exploring cultural sites such as Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery around the city of Leh. Transfer by road to Ulley Valley, known as the ‘snow leopard capital,’ where you will spend exhilarating days tracking the elusive snow leopard. Each morning begins with spotters scanning the ridges with high-powered scopes and binoculars, guiding you towards any signs or sightings of snow leopards. Experience the serene charm of traditional Ladakhi villages and explore the region’s rich cultural heritage. This tour offers the unique opportunity to witness two contrasting Himalayan ecosystems and their iconic wildlife, making it a phenomenal journey for the intrepid.

Full Itinerary

Price from  7080 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be
warmly welcomed and transferred to the hotel in Delhi’s Aerocity. Rest of the day at leisure.

Staying at Roseate House. Includes No Meals.

Day 2
Bagdogra

Take a morning flight from Delhi to Bagdogra and transfer by road to Kakarbhitta. Complete immigration formalities to enter Nepal. Then, continue your journey to Habre’s Nest, situated in a stunning Himalayan landscape on the border between India and Nepal.

Staying at Habre's Nest. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
Tinchule-Singalila

Full day of excursions and red panda tracking.

Staying at Habre's Nest. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Tinchule-Singalila

Full day of excursions and red panda tracking.

Staying at Habre's Nest. Includes All Meals.

Day 5
Tinchule-Singalila

Full day of excursions and red panda tracking.

Staying at Habre's Nest. Includes All Meals.

Day 6
Tinchule-Singalila

Full day of excursions and red panda tracking.

Staying at Habre's Nest. Includes All Meals.

Day 7
Bagdogra to Delhi

Transfer by road back to Bagdogra airport and depart for Delhi by air. Met on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Delhi’s Aerocity.

Staying at Roseate House. Includes Breakfast.

Day 8
Delhi to Leh

Today you will take an early flight to Leh, in the region of Ladakh. Met at the airport on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day spent at leisure whilst acclimatising to the high altitude.

Staying at The Grand Dragon Hotel. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Leh

A full day of altitude acclimatisation in Leh. However, you will get out and explore via some planned cultural excursions. Attend the early morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, followed by a short hike to Gotsang to view the Hemis Monastery.

Staying at The Grand Dragon Hotel. Includes All Meals.

Day 10
Leh to Ulley Valley

Transfer by road to the Ulley Valley. Once settled in at the lodge, the remainder of the day will consist of your first recce searching for the local wildlife in this extreme environment.

Staying at Shan at Uley. Includes All Meals.

Day 11
Ulley Valley

Full day of snow leopard tracking and spotting. Each morning the tracking begins with spotters set up across various ridges armed with high-powered scopes and binoculars, keeping in radio communication with the rest of the team, You will then be guided towards any snow leopard signs or sightings within reach.

Staying at Shan at Uley. Includes All Meals.

Day 12
Ulley Valley

Full day of snow leopard tracking and spotting.

Staying at Shan at Uley. Includes All Meals.

Day 13
Ulley Valley

Full day of snow leopard tracking and spotting.

Staying at Shan at Uley. Includes All Meals.

Day 14
Ulley Valley to Leh

A final morning in the Ulley Valley seeking out its wildlife. Return to the lodge and later transfer by road back to Leh. You will have the opportunity to visit the Tibetan Buddhist monastery of Alchi, or the Sikh memorial of Gurdwara Pathar Sahib en route.

Staying at The Grand Dragon Hotel. Includes All Meals.

Day 15
Leh to Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport and catch your flight from Leh back to Delhi. Met at the airport on arrival and transfer to your hotel in Delhi’s Aerocity area. Enjoy your final evening in India at your leisure.

Staying at Roseate House. Includes Breakfast.

Day 16
Depart Delhi

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the international airport to
take your flight home.

Includes Breakfast.

Tour Accommodation

India Northern India

Roseate House

Overview

Located in the capital city’s hospitality district, Aerocity, this hotel offers luxurious comfort, exceptional dining options, and a convenient location close to the airport. There are 216 spacious and tastefully well furnished rooms, including 15 suites. Roseate House is only a two minute walk to the Aerocity Metro Station, providing easy access to both the Old and New Delhi centres.

The ‘Del’ bistro provides both alfresco and indoor dining options throughout the whole day, offering European and oriental cuisine, along with a sushi island. ‘Kheer’ is a lavishly decorated, award-winning Indian restaurant, and ‘Tara’, an open rooftop lounge by the infinity pool, serves drinks and light bites. For a more opulent evening, ‘Chidya Ghar’ is the upscale bar offering fine wines, spirits and cocktails, in addition to an exclusive dining menu.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
216
Facilities

Spa, business centre, rooftop infinity pool, all-day bistro, café, bar, Indian restaurant, sushi bar, buffet breakfast, poolside bar.

Optional Activities

Tours into New and Old Delhi, as well as the city's historic and religious sites of interest.

India Eastern India

Habre’s Nest

Overview

Located directly on the Singalila Ridge, Habre’s Nest offers an authentic Himalayan homestay experience where the local celebrity is the elusive red panda. The lodge is actually on the Nepal side of the ridge, just across the border road from India’s Singalila National Park.

Perched at an altitude of approximately 3,000 metres above sea level, this eco-friendly lodge boasts breathtaking Himalayan views and offers an unparalleled experience for wildlife enthusiasts and birders. With just four cosy, double rooms, featuring warm interiors and basic modern amenities, the lodge is designed to provide warm and inviting comfort in an otherwise unforgiving environment.

Habre’s Nest is committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly construction using locally sourced materials. Solar-powered electricity and heating, along with rainwater harvesting and responsible usage practices, ensure minimal environmental impact. Wildlife highlights include expert-led red panda tracking and birdwatching tours, with over 300 species recorded, including the Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, and Blood Pheasant. Guests can also embark on guided nature walks through rhododendron and bamboo forests, or engage with local communities to explore their unique traditions. Strict waste segregation and minimal single-use plastic policies further emphasise the lodges dedication to zero waste and sustainable living.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
4
Facilities

Rooms have en suite flushing toilets and hot and cold running water (including proper showers). There are balconies with great sunset views, an eco-friendly fireplace and a small library area. Pure, Himalayan drinking water is filtered and UV treated. A Power supply is provided from a generator that runs from 5pm to 6am.

Local Wildlife

Mammals: An estimated population of around 32 red pandas within Singalila. Other mammals include: Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, leopard, leopard cat, Himalayan serow, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, wild boar, pangolin and pika.

Birds include over 300 species: Blood pheasant, satyr tragopan, kalij pheasant, brown and fulvous parrotbills, rufous-vented tit, and old world babblers like the fire-tailed myzornis and the golden-breasted fulvetta, rosefinchs, bull finches, wren babblers, laughingthrushes, nuthatches, treecreepers, yahunas, minivets and partridges.

Optional Activities

Panda tracking, bird photography hide, birding, world class trekking routes.

India Northern India

The Grand Dragon Hotel

Overview

The Grand Dragon Hotel is a stunning accommodation offering the comforts of luxury at 3,500m above sea level in the remote Himalayan town of Leh. Located just a 10 minute walk from the centre of Leh and main market square, this is one the most comfortable and modern hotels in the town.

The hotel has an incredible view towards the impressive Stok mountain range from most floors including the smart and friendly restaurant, which offers a range of local Ladakhi and Tibetan cuisine as well as Chinese and Western dishes. There is also a specialty coffee shop and bakery for light snacks and room service is available 24 hours a day. With magnificent views, the hotel offers 82 rooms including 3 beautiful suites, each of which comes with all modern amenities like an LED TV with entertainment channels, telephone, and Wi-Fi Internet access. Rooms have different views either overlooking the Stok Mountains, Khardung La Pass, Leh Palace or Shanti Stupa.

Other facilities include central heating, Wi-Fi access (although rarely works during the winter), 24-hour heated water supply, generator backup and laundry service. Make the most of the well-appointed travel desk, garden, jogging track, wellness center and enjoy indoor games, cultural shows and a bonfire on demand.

They are now practicing a more sustainable philosophy too, using 95 solar panels for their hot water supply and heating system. The incredible views blended with the traditional interior architecture and smart accommodation creates a unique experience in such a remote location.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
82
Facilities

Modern private bathrooms, air-conditioning in the rooms, international restaurant, coffee shop, free Wi-Fi, 24 hour room service, laundry service, wellness centre and jogging track.

Local Wildlife

The Grand Dragon Hotel offers a perfect starting point for trips to Ulley and Hemis National Park to search for snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, blue sheep, Ladakh urial, Asiatic ibex and birdlife including lammergiers, golden eagles, robin and brown accentors, Himalayan snowcocks and more. Nearer to the hotel is the Indus River Valley home to the peculiar ibisbill, elusive solitary snipe, flocks of Tibetan snowfinches and colourful white-winged redstarts.

Optional Activities

Wildlife watching excursions in Ulley and Rumback Valleys, birdwatching in the Indus Valley, trekking, visits to local Buddhist Monasteries and Festivals, white water rafting, cycling and exploring the bazaars of Leh.

India Northern India

Shan at Uley

Overview

Exceptionally warm hospitality is sure to greet you at this family-run lodge, a two hour drive from Leh, in the ancient buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. Shan at Uley is the product of another successful lodge nearby. The family chose to expand on this success to focus on providing an especially personalised and intimate experience for guests coming to this little-visited corner of the Himalaya.

There is a beautiful communal lounge space with a wood stove, where documentary screenings are shown during some evenings. Bedrooms are comfortable and warm with modern amenities, traditional Ladakhi decor and wall art showcasing elite wildlife photography of local species. The windows throughout the lodge elegantly frame the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. A Dining room provides a social space where delicious traditional cuisine is served up, whilst the day’s experiences are shared amongst guests.

Norboo and his team of wildlife spotters and trackers excel in their field. He has guided wildlife filmmaking teams from both the BBC and National Geographic on trips to document snow leopards. His team are some of the best in the business and they do all that they can to try and find snow leopards for their guests. Whether snow leopards make an appearance or not, the culture, hospitality, landscape and other wildlife on offer here make this a truly unforgettable location to venture to.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
6
Facilities

Six rooms (five with en suite facilites), hot and cold running water, communal lounge and dining room, traditional wood stove.

Local Wildlife

Snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, Ladakh urial, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan red fox, Himalayan marmot, Himalayan pika.

Griffon vulture, bearded vulture, golden eagle, chukar partridge, Himalayan snowcock, yellow-billed chough, red-billed chough.

Optional Activities

Snow leopard spotting, photography workshops, wildlife tracking.

Route Map

Departure Dates

This tour has no set departure date and can be tailored to suit your travel requirements. Contact us for more details.

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

Domestic flights included

Best Visited:

October to May

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

Jonathan Morris

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

Delighted we have been to India, an amazing experience & ticked all our boxes. Well done Reef and Rainforest – if you can make it work in India, I am sure you can do it anywhere!

Mr J J - Angus