High Valleys of Ladakh; A Snow Leopard Journey - Small Group March 2027

Expert tips:

Morning:

A short drive from Leh takes us to Shey Palace, once the summer retreat of Ladakh’s royal family. The palace sits on a rocky ridge with beautiful views across the Indus Valley. Inside the temple, we will find a remarkable 12-metre gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha (the name given to the historical Buddha, the real person who lived and taught in northern India around the 5th century BC) one of the tallest in the region, surrounded by richly painted walls and butter-lamp alcoves. The site gives a gentle introduction to Ladakh’s former kingdom, its artistic traditions, and the strong connection between royalty and monastic life.

Nearby, Thiksey Monastery is one of Ladakh’s most important cultural centres. Spread across several levels of a hillside, it resembles a miniature Potala Palace (the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas in Tibet). The monastery belongs to the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school and is home to a large community of monks. Highlights include the impressive 15-metre statue of Maitreya (future Buddha), created to mark the Dalai Lama’s visit, the assembly hall with colourful murals, and a range of chapels that showcase different aspects of Tibetan Buddhist practice. The views from the rooftop are superb, offering a wide perspective over the Indus Valley and the surrounding mountains.

Visiting these two sites offers an excellent introduction to the history, culture, and spiritual life of Ladakh before travelling deeper into the region.

Afternoon:

Central Asian Museum: A fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Ladakh and its historical connections with Central Asia. Housed in a beautifully restored, traditional Ladakhi building, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artefacts, including ancient trade route maps, traditional clothing, and religious objects. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the region's history as a vital crossroads of trade and culture, where merchants, monks, and adventurers once traversed the Silk Road. The museum's displays highlight the unique blend of Tibetan, Indian, and Central Asian influences that have shaped the heritage of Ladakh

Shanti Stupa: A white-domed Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop, Shanti Stupa is not only a significant religious site but also provides stunning views of the sunrise and sunset over Leh.

If we have time during one of our days in Leh, it may be possible to visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust, an NGO working in the Trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Spiti for the conservation of the highly endangered Snow Leopard.  SLC-IT has established itself as one of the most productive and successful conservation organisations in the Himalayas.  Programs are meticulously designed to conserve the mountain ecosystems in collaboration with local communities. They focus primarily on building local stewardship through community-based tourism, education and research in Ladakh, where snow leopards and wolves, once disdained as pests and adversaries because of frequent livestock depredation, are now considered as Ri Gyancha or 'ornaments of the mountains'.