Introduction
There are wildlife encounters and then there are moments that stay with you forever.
The Eurasian Lynx is one of the rarest and most elusive predators of the Himalayas. Silent, secretive, and incredibly difficult to find, it lives among the rugged mountains of Ladakh, where only a handful of people have the experience and patience to track it consistently. Unlike Snow Leopards that have become relatively well-known, the Eurasian Lynx remains one of Asia's least photographed wild cats, making every sighting an unforgettable achievement.
At Elite Expedition India, we have spent more than a decade exploring the remote valleys of Ladakh, studying wildlife movements, working closely with local communities, shepherds and experienced trackers who understand the landscape better than anyone else. Our knowledge of the Warila region, particularly around the villages of Sakti and Chemrey, allows us to maximize your chances of photographing this extraordinary predator while respecting its natural behaviour.
This expedition is designed specifically for wildlife photographers, nature lovers and adventurous travellers who appreciate the excitement of searching for truly wild animals rather than visiting destinations where sightings are predictable. Every day in the field is different. Fresh tracks in the snow, alarm calls from Himalayan marmots, Blue Sheep moving nervously across the slopes or a fox suddenly disappearing into the valley may all indicate that the lynx is nearby.
The landscapes themselves are equally spectacular. Towering mountains, frozen streams during winter, dramatic ridges and ancient monasteries provide breathtaking scenery that complements every wildlife experience. Along the way, there are opportunities to photograph Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolves, Red Foxes, Himalayan Marmots (seasonal), Golden Eagles, Bearded Vultures, Himalayan Griffons and many other Himalayan birds.
Patience is the key to this expedition. Our experienced Trackers continuously monitor fresh signs, camera trap information, local wildlife reports by locals and daily animal movements to position photographers in the best possible locations. Every sighting is earned through dedication, teamwork and years of field experience.
If you dream of photographing one of the world's most mysterious wild cats in one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes on Earth, this expedition offers an experience few photographers will ever have.
Expedition Highlights
- 7 Nights / 8 Days from Delhi to Delhi.
- Two nights acclimatisation in Leh before entering the field.
- Four nights in one of Ladakh's best Eurasian Lynx habitats around Sakti, Chemrey, and the Warila region.
- Led by expert wildlife guides with more than a decade of experience tracking Himalayan wildlife.
- Excellent opportunities to photograph Eurasian Lynx, Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, and other Himalayan wildlife.
- Small-group expedition designed exclusively for wildlife photographers.
- Comfortable hotels in Delhi and Leh, with carefully selected lodge or homestay accommodation in the field.
- Ethical wildlife tracking with a strong focus on conservation and responsible photography
Top Tracking Team
Meet our expert tracking team, the finest local guides for winter wildlife expeditions in Ladakh. Born and raised in these high-altitude mountains, they possess an unmatched, lifelong knowledge of the rugged terrain and animal behaviour. Their exceptional tracking skills allow them to read the subtlest signs in the snow, ensuring you safely spot elusive creatures like the snow leopard.
Prime Habitat
Our wildlife tours take you directly into the world's absolute best habitats for spotting rare mountain wildlife. We operate exclusively in Ladakh's top tracking zones, including Hemis National Park, Ulley and Mangue region of Ladakh. These legendary landscapes offer the highest density of snow leopards and unique high-altitude wild animals on Earth. By exploring these pristine territories you maximize your chances of witnessing incredible wildlife encounters in their true wild element.
World-Class Equipment
For over a decade, we have used the world's best equipment to track snow leopards and rare mammals across Ladakh. We provide our guests with top-tier optics, including ultra-sharp Swarovski BTX spotting scopes and high-frequency radios and binoculars that reveal hidden wildlife from miles away. To navigate the rugged mountain terrain safely and comfortably, our expeditions rely exclusively on powerful 4x4 Toyota vehicles. This premium combination of advanced technology and reliable transport ensures you never miss a once-in-a-lifetime sighting.
Our Heated Stays
We ensure your winter expedition is perfectly warm by providing top-tier, insulated lodges with centrally heated rooms, bathrooms, and dining areas. Every accommodation is strategically located directly inside Ladakh's prime snow leopard habitats. This guarantees you enjoy ultimate comfort right in the heart of the wild.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our airport representative, who will be waiting in the arrival hall holding a placard with your name. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel in Aerocity, conveniently located near the airport for your onward flight to Leh the following day. Our representative will provide a brief introduction to Delhi, explain the arrangements for your upcoming journey and confirm your flight details and pick-up time for the next morning. He will also assist you with hotel check-in and check-out procedures to ensure a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. Overnight in Hotel with breakfast basis.
After breakfast, our airport representative will assist you with check-out from the hotel and transfer you to Delhi Airport for your flight to Leh. If a tour escort is accompanying the group, they will assist with all airport formalities and ensure a smooth journey. The flight to Leh takes approximately one hour and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range with countless snow-capped peaks visible along the way. We always try our best to arrange window seats so guests can enjoy these incredible views. Upon arrival in Leh (3,500 metres / 11,500 feet above sea level) please put on a warm jacket and cover your head before leaving the aircraft. Inside the arrival hall, you may be required to complete a simple tourism registration form with details such as your name, passport number, visa number, address, country of origin, duration of stay, and local reference.
After collecting your luggage, you will be welcomed by your local guide outside the airport and transferred to your hotel in Leh, just a 10-minute drive away. Your guide will assist with check-in and provide a briefing on acclimatisation, expedition plans, important dos and don’ts and the schedule for the coming days.
All meals are included during your stay in Leh. The remainder of the day is reserved for complete rest to help your body acclimatise to the high altitude. Please click here to learn more about acclimatisation and staying healthy at altitude.
Today begins with an early morning wake-up call, followed by tea or coffee before departing for a 30-minute drive to the famous Thiksey Monastery. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Indus Valley, Thiksey is one of Ladakh's largest and most beautiful monastery known for its impressive architecture and magnificent 15-metre-high Maitreya Buddha statue. We will attend the morning prayer ceremony, offering a unique opportunity to experience monastic life, observe the monks' daily rituals and enjoy excellent photography opportunities. During our visit we will explore the main prayer hall, the giant Buddha statue, protector chapels, the Dolma (Tara) temple, and rooftop areas where monks often perform traditional conch shell blowing ceremonies.
After approximately two hours at the monastery, we return to the hotel for breakfast. The remainder of the morning is free for relaxation and acclimatisation until lunch. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a walk through Leh's historic old town where you can experience local daily life and purchase any last-minute items needed for the upcoming snow leopard expedition. As this day is also kept flexible for wildlife opportunities. All guests should keep their cameras, warm clothing, and personal gear ready at all times even visiting Thiksey monastery. If we receive reliable information about a Eurasian Lynx sighting in the surrounding region, your guide may organise an immediate excursion to the area before returning to the hotel in the evening.
Route: Leh – Sakti – Chemrey – Warila Region
Driving Distance: Approximately 85–100 km
Driving Time: 3–4 hours
Altitude: 3,800–4,200 m
Today we leave Leh behind and head towards one of Ladakh's least explored wildlife regions.
The drive follows scenic mountain roads through traditional villages before entering the beautiful valleys surrounding Sakti and Chemrey, an area that has become one of our primary Eurasian Lynx study locations.
After reaching our lodge or homestay, we enjoy lunch before heading straight into the field. Using local knowledge, recent wildlife movements, fresh tracks, and signs collected by our experienced spotters, we begin searching for the elusive lynx. Besides the main target species, this region regularly offers excellent opportunities to photograph Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolves, Red Foxes, Golden Eagles, Bearded Vultures, and Himalayan Griffons.
As sunset paints the mountains in beautiful golden light, we return to our accommodation for dinner and discuss the day's observations.
Altitude: 3,900–4,300 m
Today begins before sunrise.
After an early breakfast, we head into the valleys while the morning light illuminates the mountain slopes where lynx often move between hunting grounds.
Tracking the Eurasian Lynx requires patience, experience, and careful observation. Our team searches for fresh footprints, scent-marking locations, prey activity, and movement patterns while maintaining complete respect for the animal and its habitat. Throughout the day, we remain flexible, moving between different valleys depending on fresh information received from our local tracking network.
Even when the lynx remains hidden, the surrounding landscape provides endless photographic opportunities featuring dramatic mountain scenery, Himalayan wildlife, local homes to interact with local to know about culture, stories from the Himalaya and monasteries like Takthok and Chemray monasteries nearby.
Return for dinner and overnight stay in Chemray house.
Know about Eurasian Lynx
How Every Tracking Works
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After early breakfast, drive about one hr to reach Leh Airport for your flight to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, our representative will assist you with your onward international departure or transfer to your to your hotel as per your International flight.
Your Eurasian Lynx expedition concludes with memories of one of the world's rarest wildlife photography experiences and, with a little luck and patience, photographs that very few people have ever captured.
Accommodation
Lemon Tree Premier
Type: HotelLemon Tree Premier, Delhi – An upscale business and leisure hotel that combines style, comfort, and personalized service. Guests enjoy premium amenities, modern rooms, award-winning dining, and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere—perfect for both leisure and business travelers.
Grand Dragon hotel
Type: HotelThe Grand Dragon Ladakh is Ladakh’s only 5-star certified hotel, offering luxury and comfort at high altitude in the heart of Leh. Blending traditional Ladakhi design with modern amenities, it is renowned for warm hospitality and a refined stay experience.
Chemday House
Type: LodgeNestled in the peaceful village of Chemday, just 44 km from Leh, Chemday House offers an authentic Ladakhi stay in a beautifully crafted rammed-earth home. Blending traditional architecture with contemporary comfort, the property features spacious sunlit rooms, stunning views of Chemday Monastery and the surrounding mountains, and warm hospitality rooted in local culture. Ideally located on the route to Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri, Chemday House is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet, sustainable, and immersive Ladakh experience away from the crowds.
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Double | Single | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12 November 2026
Limited Seats
|
19 November 2026 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
10 December 2026
Limited Seats
|
17 December 2026 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
07 January 2027
Available
|
14 January 2027 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
18 February 2027
Available
|
25 February 2027 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
11 March 2027
Available
|
18 March 2027 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
12 November 2027
Available
|
19 November 2027 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
17 December 2027
Available
|
24 December 2027 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
06 January 2028
Available
|
13 January 2028 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person | |
|
04 February 2028
Available
|
11 February 2028 | USD 3,600 Per person | USD 4,600 Per person |
Note: If you want to customize your trip date please click here
Includes & Excludes
Includes
Hotel in Delhi with breakfast only.- Airport transfers in Delhi with assistance.
- All ground transport by Toyota cars.
- Wildlife permits.
- Inner line permits to restricted areas.
- Fees to monasteries and parks.
- 1st aid kit and oxygen cylinders in cars, hotels, lodge and homestay.
- Bottled mineral water while traveling and at hotel /guesthouse or homestay filtered RO water.
- All airport transfers.
- Wildlife spotters with Swarovski scopes, Tripod and mobile adaptor for scope.
- Wildlife Guide as per the itinerary
- All accommodation in Grand Dragon and Chemray House with all meals
Excludes
International airfare.- Visa and travel insurance.
- Main meals in Delhi.
- Tips and gratuities for driver / helper.
- Alcohol and beverages.
- Medical expenses beyond 1st aid and oxygen cylinders.
- Any other activities which is not mentioned in the itinerary.
Altitude Information
Acclimatisation is essential and life-saving for any journey to Ladakh. Located in the high Himalayas, Ladakh sits at extreme altitudes where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level. Leh, the main entry point for most travellers, is situated at approximately 3,600 meters (11,500 ft), making proper acclimatisation crucial before moving to higher regions.
Without adequate acclimatisation, travellers may experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, AMS can develop into life-threatening conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
To ensure safety, the Leh District Administration enforces a mandatory 48-hour rest period for all visitors arriving by air. This allows your body to gradually adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude-related illness. Skipping this crucial phase can significantly impact your overall experience and health during the expedition.
Important Acclimatisation Guidelines:
- Take complete rest on your first day in Leh and avoid any physical exertion.
- Drink at least 3–4 litres of water daily to stay well hydrated.
- Avoid climbing stairs, long walks, or any strenuous activity during the initial days.
- Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption for at least the first 48 hours.
- Consume light, easily digestible meals and maintain a high-carbohydrate diet.
- Preventive medication such as Diamox (Acetazolamide) may help, but should only be taken after consulting a doctor.
- Immediately inform your guide, hotel staff, or travel companion if you feel unwell or notice any symptoms.
Proper acclimatisation ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience in Ladakh, allowing you to fully focus on the mountains, landscapes, and unique cultural experiences that the region has to offer.
Things To Carry
Thick down Jacket with hood.- Pair of snow/ski or insulated cold-weather hiking pants.
- Warm, windproof fleece upper and lower.
- Comfortable warm pants.
- Long-sleeved shirts.
- Warm gloves with inner liners.
- Warm hat which covers ears.
- Fleece neck gaiter.
- Few pairs of Wooden Socks.
- Hiking boots.
- Sport shoe for camp.
- Underwear.
- Warm sleep wear.
- Cash for discretionary gratuities.
- Binoculars.
- Water resistant day bag.
- Headlamp or small flashlight.
- Spare batteries.
- Sun glasses.
- Hand and foot warmers.
- Earplugs.
- Toiletries.
- Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF 50)
Why With
Elite Expedition India
Choosing Elite Expedition India means joining India's premier snow leopard photography expeditions with a proven 100% success rate. We take you deep into the remote high-altitude habitats of Hemis National Park, Spiti Valley, and beyond with elite local trackers, master naturalist-photographers, and professional Swarovski optics. Capture rare, intimate moments of the elusive Ghost of the Himalayas responsibly while contributing directly to conservation.
Travel with purpose into some of the world’s last wild places, where nature remains raw and untamed. Every expedition is thoughtfully designed to respect wildlife, support local communities, and contribute to conservation—ensuring your journey leaves a positive footprint long after the adventure ends.