Day notes
Day 1: Fly from Delhi to Leh. Altitude 11,500 feet / 3,500 metres
Arrive on your international flight into Delhi and transfer for a domestic flight to Leh. You will be welcomed by your driver who will take you to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize for the day
The town of Leh is set against a dramatic backdrop of towering, snow-capped peaks, rugged mountains, and stark, arid deserts. The landscape is a study in contrasts, with the lush green valleys of the Indus River cutting through the barren, rocky terrain. The crystal-clear skies and the crisp, clean air add to the region's allure, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
In the distance, you can see the majestic Stok Kangri, one of the highest peaks in the region, offering a challenging trek for avid mountaineers. The surrounding areas are dotted with ancient monasteries perched precariously on cliffs, and the sight of these age-old structures against the vast, open landscape is truly breathtaking.
Note: If you wish to arrive a day or two earlier in Delhi, or stay there at the end of the programme, this can be arranged, along with a sightseeing tour.
Scheduled Flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport [DEL] to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL]
IndiGo [6E]
Scheduled Flight
2049
Indira Gandhi International Airport [DEL]
09:30
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL]
10:50
Transfer from Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL] to The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Transfer
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL]
The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Check-in to The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Expert tips:
Leh itself is a vibrant town that blends traditional Ladakhi culture with modern amenities. Some of the must-visit sights within Leh include:
Leh Palace: This nine-story royal palace, built in the 17th century, resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Though now in ruins, it offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains from its rooftop.
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.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa: This ancient monastery, founded in the 15th century, sits atop a hill overlooking Leh. It houses a three-story high gold statue of Maitreya Buddha and offers a tranquil retreat with scenic vistas.
Tsemo Fort: Located above the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, this fort offers a commanding view of Leh and the surrounding valley. It’s a short hike from the gompa and provides a historical context to the region's rich past.
Main Bazaar: The bustling heart of Leh, the Main Bazaar, is filled with shops selling traditional Ladakhi handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and pick up unique items.
Sankar Gompa: A relatively modern monastery, Sankar Gompa is known for its beautiful paintings and a large statue of Avalokitesvara with 1,000 arms and heads.
Hall of Fame Museum: This museum, maintained by the Indian Army, offers insights into the history, culture, and the sacrifices of soldiers in the region. It also has exhibits on the flora, fauna, and geology of Ladakh.
Day notes
Day 2: A day in Leh
This morning, a visit to the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust office in Leh to understand their community-based Snow Leopard conservation work in Ladakh.
This afternoon, a heritage walk of the Leh Old Town and visit some of the important sites there including the Central Asian Museum and Ladakh Arts and Media Association.
Overnight at your Leh hotel
Expert tips:
Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust is 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'.
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
Ladakh Arts and Media Association (LAMO): Many historic towns and heritage buildings in the Himalayas have been lost or irrevocably damaged through wars, natural disasters, and modernisation. In contrast, much of Ladakh had survived till the beginning of the 21st century. However, threats to built heritage are now imminent due to the accelerated pace of modernisation. In 1996, LAMO began the restoration of the 17th century Munshi House, and later on the Gyaoo house, below Leh Palace, with a conservation architect to convert the home into a community arts and media centre. The centre preserves the original structure of the home and showcases its rich history.
Day notes
Day 8: Transfer to Drenmo Lodge, Western Ladakh (approx 6 hours) Altitude 12,140 feet / 3,700 metres
As you leave Ulley behind, the road takes you through a series of picturesque valleys. These valleys, with their meandering rivers and green patches of cultivated fields, contrast beautifully with the rugged mountains that surround them. Along the way, you pass through remote villages where time seems to have stood still. These villages, with their whitewashed houses, prayer wheels, and monasteries, offer a glimpse into the traditional Ladakhi way of life. The route also involves crossing several rivers. Fed by glacial meltwaters, these rivers are a striking shade of turquoise and add to the scenic beauty of the journey.
As you approach Drenmo Lodge, the landscape opens up to reveal wide, open plains surrounded by towering peaks. The lodge itself is set in a stunning location, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Arrive and check in at Drenmo Lodge, the first-ever exclusive lodge in India dedicated to the majestic Himalayan Brown Bear known as “Drenmo” in the local language. Located in the remote Holiyal village in Mushkow valley, this lodge was born out of a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Roots Ladakh, a locally based responsible travel company.
This is prime brown bear country and known as the second coldest inhabited place in the world - it is undoubtedly the best location in India for sighting this magnificent mammal.
It is a pioneering initiative to change the perception of the local community towards the mammal by bringing them economic benefits through tourism.
This evening we will have a briefing by our local Tour Leader and Spotter, followed by dinner. An early night as we will be leaving for bear spotting tomorrow at 0500.
Check-out from The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Transfer from The Grand Dragon Ladakh to Drenmo Lodge
Transfer
The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Drenmo Lodge
Check-in to Drenmo Lodge
Expert tips:
Regarded as the “Second coldest inhabited place in the world” - Drass is an alpine terrain at an average elevation of 3000m with winter temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius and an average snowfall of about 4 to 5 feet. The unique microclimate of Drass nurtures over 50 varieties of high-altitude plants with a majority of them having medicinal properties and over 30 varieties of resident and migratory avifauna.
Ethnically, the region is inhabited by the “Shina” tribe. Primarily of the Muslim faith they are said to have come from the neighbouring region of Gilgit (now in Pakistan) and is one of six different ethnicities settled in the Kargil district of Ladakh. Joyful and full of life, their distinct Indo-Aryan (Dardic) culture is reflected through their language, traditions, attire and food.
Lodge facilities:
- Rooms are heated with electric heaters with hot/cold water provided in buckets in April and November
- 24-hour power supply with generator backup
- Food: Mix of Indian / Continental / Ladakhi (set menus)
- Dedicated Host with knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of the region and fluent in Hindi and English
- Tea/coffee & cookies available all day in the dining/lounge area
- Drinking water provided
- Packed lunch and tea/coffee provided when in the field
Included:
Packed lunch
Excluded:
Optional stops at Alchi, Lamayuru Monasteries and Saspol Caves
Day notes
Day 9: Brown Bear Tracking
A typical day at the brown bear lodge looks something like this:
0500. An early start to go looking for Brown Bears and other wildlife around Drass with your spotter and tour leader. A small packed breakfast will be taken with us and once back in the lodge, a brunch will be served.
You will be on foot to reach the vantage points at the top. 40 mins-1 hour climb on a gentle slope. Or drive scanning the slopes for the movement of bears.
The bears are generally active until around 0900 after which we return to the lodge.
You can also stay on the hill for the whole day with your spotter if you wish, and a hot lunch will be brought up to you.
Late afternoon, return to look for the bears
Expert tips:
Mules and porters can be arranged with advance notice
Included:
During the "down time" you can take some walks from the lodge.
Mushkow River Walk
Azur Glacier Walk
Pandrass Valley Flora Walk
Day notes
Day 10: Brown Bear Tracking
Day notes
Day 3: Drive to Ulley (5 hours). Altitude 10,000 feet / 3050 metres
Starting from Dras, you'll be greeted by rugged, snow-capped peaks that stand tall against the clear blue sky. The road winds through narrow valleys and along the banks of the Dras River, with rocky cliffs on one side and the rushing river on the other. As you drive, you'll witness a stark, yet beautiful landscape of barren mountains, interspersed with patches of green in the form of small villages and fields.
Continuing your journey, you'll pass through the historic town of Kargil, a bustling hub that offers a contrast to the otherwise remote and quiet surroundings. From Kargil, the scenery shifts as you ascend higher into the mountains. The road climbs through a series of hairpin bends, offering breathtaking views of deep gorges and wide, open valleys.
As you approach the Indus Valley, the landscape changes once again. Here, the majestic Indus River flows through a broad valley, flanked by towering mountain ranges. The riverbanks are dotted with small settlements, where traditional Ladakhi houses and monasteries add a touch of cultural richness to the natural beauty.
The final leg of the journey takes you to Ulley, a remote village known for its pristine environment and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Check into the lodge and rest. Enjoy dinner and a good night's sleep, ready to start trekking in the morning.
Check-out from Drenmo Lodge
Transfer from Drenmo Lodge to Shan at Uley
Transfer
Drenmo Lodge
Shan at Uley
Check-in to Shan at Uley
Day notes
Day 4: Snow Leopard Tracking
A typical day at the lodge will be as follows:
Wake-up call at 0700 and breakfast
The day’s plan is discussed based on the findings of the spotters from earlier that morning (guests can join the spotters early in the morning if they wish) Based on information and distances, excursions will be organised using the vehicles at the lodge, coupled with short walks ( easy to medium difficulty) to vantage points or possible sighting areas.
Hot lunch at the lodge or in the field based on the day’s plan.
Return to the Lodge in the evening and debrief in the common area over tea/coffee and snacks.
Documentary projection or interaction with naturalists in the common area.
Dinner at lodge.
Expert tips:
Mules and porters can be provided if requested in advance
Day notes
Day 5: Snow Leopard Tracking
Day notes
Day 6 : Snow Leopard Tracking
Day notes
Day 7 : Snow Leopard Tracking
Day notes
Day 11: Return to Leh. Altitude 11,500 feet / 3,500 metres
After breakfast, drive back to Leh and your hotel for a final night in this outstanding part of the world.
Check-out from Shan at Uley
Transfer from Shan at Uley to The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Transfer
Shan at Uley
The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Check-in to The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Day notes
Flight to Delhi to connect with international flights. Or overnight in Delhi to rest after the trip and take some time to explore this vibrant city.
Alternatively, an extension to the trip is available for 3 nights in Hanle and the opportunity to trek for Pallas's Cats.(Possible sightings of Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Sand Fox, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Grey Wolf). Finish with 1 night back in Leh and then onward to Delhi for international connections
Check-out from The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Transfer from The Grand Dragon Ladakh to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL]
Transfer
The Grand Dragon Ladakh
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL]
Scheduled Flight from Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL] to Indira Gandhi International Airport [DEL]
Air India [AI]
Scheduled Flight
446
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport [IXL]
12:00
Indira Gandhi International Airport [DEL]
13:35
Expert tips:
Hanle Extension (4 nights)
Start early today for Hanle (250kms / 5 hours) Lunch en route at Chumathang hot springs. Reach the homestay in Hanle by afternoon. Spend the evening at leisure.
Visit to the Indian Space Observatory (optional). Hanle is also a great location to photograph the night sky due to its remote location and minimum light pollution
Overnight for 3 nights at Padma Homestay or similar
Full-day vehicle safaris in the Hanle river, marshes and plains looking for Pallas’s cat and other wildlife. (Possible sightings of Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Sand Fox, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Grey Wolf)
Return to Leh for 1 night
