Himalayan Highlights – Snow Leopards & Red Pandas
Tour Introduction
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
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 Pride Plaza Hotel. Includes No Meals.
Take a morning flight from Delhi to Bagdogra. On arrival, you will be met and transferred by road to Maneybhanjang. Check in to your homestay in the village, set in the stunning foothills of the Himalayas, close to the Nepal border.
Staying at Shikhar Tarry Homestay. Includes All Meals.
Head off early in a 4x4, climbing the slopes of the Himalayan foothills into Singalila National Park. Trackers and spotters will have been out searching for red pandas before your arrival, and will guide you to the location of any recent sightings.
Staying at Shikhar Tarry Homestay. Includes All Meals.
Spend a full day exploring Singalila National Park, with continued red panda tracking and guided excursions through the forest.
Staying at Shikhar Tarry Homestay. Includes All Meals.
Full day exploring Singalila National Park, with continued red panda tracking and guided excursions through the forest.
Staying at Shikhar Tarry Homestay. Includes All Meals.
Full day exploring Singalila National Park, with continued red panda tracking and guided excursions through the forest.
Staying at Shikhar Tarry Homestay. Includes All Meals.
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 Pride Plaza Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Take an early flight to Leh, in the region of Ladakh. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure while acclimatising to the high altitude.
Staying at The Grand Dragon Hotel. Includes All Meals.
A full day dedicated to altitude acclimatisation in Leh, with time set aside for gentle cultural exploration. Attend the early morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, followed by a short hike to Gotsang for views of Hemis Monastery.
Staying at The Grand Dragon Hotel. Includes All Meals.
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 Snow Leopard Lodge. Includes All Meals.
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 Snow Leopard Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of snow leopard tracking and spotting.
Staying at Snow Leopard Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of snow leopard tracking and spotting.
Staying at Snow Leopard Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of snow leopard tracking and spotting.
Staying at Snow Leopard Lodge. Includes All Meals.
After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport and catch your flight 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 Pride Plaza Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Delhi's international terminal to take your flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Pride Plaza Hotel
Overview
The Pride Plaza Hotel in Delhi is a luxurious accommodation option that offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. With 385 rooms categorized into Deluxe, Superior, Premium, and Suite, guests can choose the level of comfort that suits their needs.
The hotel boasts facilities such as free WiFi, a swimming pool, a wellness spa, air-conditioning, a fitness centre, a travel desk, airport transfers, and a restaurant. Located in New Delhi Aerocity, the Pride Plaza Hotel is an ideal base for stopping overnight between flights.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Free WiFi, swimming pool, wellness spa, air-conditioning, fitness centre, travel desk, airport transfers, restaurant.
Room categories are: Deluxe, Superior, Premium and Suite.
Shikhar Tarry Homestay
Overview
Shikhar Tarry Homestay, located in the heart of Mane Bhanjang in India’s Eastern Himalayas, offers an intimate and rustic retreat for travellers to Singalila National Park.
This small lodge features four heated rooms, each equipped with comfortable beds and electric blankets to ensure a warm stay. The rooms also come with attached bathrooms that have running hot water and showers, providing modern comforts amidst the serene mountain setting. The homestay’s simple yet inviting ambience is complemented by a seating area, dining room, and kitchen.
The friendly and helpful staff at Shikhar Tarry Homestay add to the welcoming atmosphere. The homestay’s location offers fantastic access to various trekking routes, including those for red panda tracking. After a day of exploring, guests can relax by the small fireplace, sharing stories and experiences with travelling companions and new friends.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Communal lounge area, dining area, kitchen, fireplace.
The rooms have heating, electric blankets, attached bathrooms with hot running water and showers.
Local Wildlife
Red panda, Himalayan black bear, leopard, clouded leopard, serow, takin, leopard cat, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, wild boar, pangolin, pika.
The Grand Dragon Hotel
Overview
Located at 3,500m in the heart of the Himalayas, The Grand Dragon Hotel offers one of the most comfortable stays in the remote town of Leh. Just a 10-minute walk from the bustling market square, the hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the region while enjoying modern amenities in a high-altitude setting.
The property features panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the dramatic Stok range, visible from many rooms and the on-site restaurant. The restaurant serves a mix of Ladakhi and Tibetan specialties alongside Chinese and Western dishes, and there’s also a coffee shop and bakery for lighter fare. Room service is available around the clock.
The hotel has 82 rooms, including three suites, each equipped with essentials such as Wi-Fi (intermittent in winter), LED TVs, and central heating. Depending on the room, guests may enjoy views of the Stok Mountains, Khardung La Pass, Leh Palace, or Shanti Stupa.
Additional facilities include a travel desk, wellness centre, jogging track, garden, and indoor games. Cultural performances and bonfires can be arranged on request. The hotel has also taken steps toward sustainability, using 95 solar panels to support its heating and hot water systems.
While no longer considered luxury by international standards, The Grand Dragon remains one of Leh’s most reliable and well-equipped hotels, offering comfort and convenience in a spectacular mountain setting.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
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. The Indus River valley is home to the ibisbill, solitary snipe, and white-winged redstart.
Optional Activities
Wildlife watching excursions in Ulley and Rumbak Valleys, birdwatching in the Indus Valley, trekking, visits to local Buddhist Monasteries and Festivals, white water rafting, cycling and exploring the bazaars of Leh.
Snow Leopard Lodge
Overview
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.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
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, blue sheep, woolly hare, Royle's pika, red fox, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian lynx.
Birds: bearded vulture (lammergeier), Himalayan griffon, golden eagle, red-billed and alpine chough, Himalayan snowcock, chukar, Tibetan partridge, white-winged redstart, robin accentor, snow pigeon, greater short-toed lark, magpie, Blanford's snowfinch, black-winged snowfinch, white-rumped snowfinch.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Domestic flights included
Best Visited:
November to April
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.
James Gilpin
Area Specialist
The best time to visit Singalila National Park for red panda sightings is from November to April when the weather is clear, and conditions are favourable. Autumn offers stunning colours, fresh air after the monsoon, and an abundance of ripened wild fruits increasing the chances of sightings. Winter (December to February) brings snow and subzero temperatures, marking the red panda mating season (also the best time for snow leopards in Ladakh). Spring (March and April) transform the park into a vibrant paradise with blooming rhododendrons and orchids, making it ideal for birdwatching and spotting red panda mothers with their cubs.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
All transfers were perfect…everyone extremely helpful…had a very enjoyable holiday.
