This morning we drive 2 hours to the remote village of Ulley, tucked deep within a side valley of the Ladakh Range. Known for its rugged isolation and snow leopard sightings, Ulley offers an extraordinary base for wildlife observation in winter. We settle into our cosy and well appointed lodge, warm, inviting, and ideally positioned for scanning the surrounding ridgelines. Over the next five nights, this will be our base for immersion in the snow leopard’s domain.
Local trackers, will be out from dawn to dusk scanning for signs of the “ghost of the mountains.” We’ll venture to quiet vantage points, to scan the slopes and wait for movement among the rocks. Garry Weare’s long standing connection to the region and close relationship with the Snow Leopard Conservancy adds unique insight, offering context, stories, and expert interpretation that deepen our understanding of both the landscape and the elusive cat. While every effort will be made to spot a snow leopard, sightings are never guaranteed, these elusive creatures operate on no one’s schedule but their own.
During our stay there will be ample time to explore the outlying villages and culture. This includes visits to the nearby settlement at Hemis Shukpachan (where snow leopard sightings are by no means uncommon) and from where If conditions allow we complete a rewarding walk for around three hours, crossing two gentle passes on paths that once formed part of the original royal highway to Leh, centuries before a route was carved along the Indus. Our trail leads to Tingmosgang, once a capital of lower Ladakh, steeped in history and set beneath dramatic terrain.
We also plan to visit the 11th century monastic site at Mangyu, (also cited for regular snow leopard sightings) as well as the famous monastic complex at Alchi which attracts a mere handful of visitors in winter. A further highlight when based in Ulley is to explore the Rizdong monastery, 19th century retreat with its traditional cooking oven.
Accommodation: Shan Lodge, Ulley
Meals: B,L,D