The Grand Expedition
The Snow Leopard Capital, from its deepest valleys to its highest plateau.
Eurasian lynx on a snowy slope, Ladakh. Photograph: Karanjit Singh.
From the valleys to the roof of Ladakh
The Grand Expedition begins in the valleys of central Ladakh, with five full days searching for the snow leopard. It then climbs east to Changthang, a high, open plateau of salt lakes and wide grasslands above 4,200 metres, home to animals found almost nowhere else in India.
The founder has studied this landscape first-hand: his published work includes research on the Pallas's cat, the Tibetan gazelle and the black-necked crane.
Snow leopard valleys
Snow leopard, blue sheep, Ladakh urial, Asiatic ibex, Tibetan wolf, red fox, golden eagle, lammergeier
Changthang plateau
Pallas's cat, Tibetan wolf, kiang (Tibetan wild ass), Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan argali, Himalayan marmot (spring), wintering waterbirds
Fourteen to fifteen days
- Days 1–2
Delhi, then Leh
Arrive in Delhi, then fly to Leh and rest.
- Day 3
Acclimatisation
A gentle day in Leh and the first Author's Evening.
- Days 4–9
Snow leopard valleys
Five full tracking days with the founder and the spotters.
- Day 10
Return to Leh
A rest day before the plateau.
- Days 11–13
Changthang plateau
Pallas's cat, wolves, kiang and the high lakes.
- Day 14
Return to Leh
Farewell dinner.
- Day 15
Departure
Fly to Delhi and depart.
The final itinerary will be published with the first dates. Changthang lies in a protected border area; Odzer arranges all permits.
Experienced wildlife travellers, mammal-watchers and photographers who want to see the whole of Ladakh's high-altitude wildlife, and who are comfortable with long drives and nights above 4,000 metres.
From 2028–29
Indicative price US$13,000–14,000 per person, maximum six guests. Dates and the final price will be announced in 2027.
Be the first to know
The Grand Expedition opens for booking in 2027. Register your interest and we will send you the first dates.