Wildlife in the Upper Himalayas

Ladakh which is part of Jammu & Kashmir is home to exceptional wildlife. This diversity is a result of the unique landscape and the weather conditions in the region. The fauna of Ladakh has much in common with that of Central Asia in general and that of the Tibetan Plateau in particular.

Exceptions to this are the birds, many of which migrate from the warmer parts of India to spend the summer in Ladakh. For such an arid area, Ladakh has a great diversity of birds — a total of 225 species have been recorded. Many species of finches, robins, redstarts and the hoopoe are common in summer. The brown-headed gull is seen in summer on the river Indus and on some lakes of the Changthang. Resident water-birds include the Brahminy duck and the bar-headed goose. The black-necked crane, a rare species found scattered in the Tibetan plateau, is also found in parts of Ladakh. Other birds include the raven, Eurasian magpie, red-billed chough, Tibetan snowcock, and chukar. The lammergeyer and the golden eagle are common raptors here.

Some key mammals to look out for in the region are the snow leopard, brown bear, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian lynx, weasels, Tibetan fox, ibex, blue sheep and yak to name a few.

During the time of this expedition in winters key wildlife to look for in are as follows:

Mammals: Snow Leopard, Eurasian Lynx, Pallas Cat, Himalayan Wolf, Himalayan Fox, Ibex, Ladakh Uriel, Blue Sheep, Weasel, Marmot and the Woolly Hare.

Birds: Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Yellow-billed Chough, Red-billed Chough, Eurasian Magpie, Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar Partridge, White-capped Redstart, Horned Lark, Alpine Accentor, Robin Accentor and Ibis Bill

Departures8th Nov 2019 to 18th Nov 2019

Itinerary Program

Day 1: 08th Nov 2019Arrive in Delhi. No activities are planned for this day as participants of thisgroup arrive from different destinations. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: 09th Nov 2019This morning you take a morning flight to Leh in Ladakh. On arrival youwill be transferred to your hotel in Leh. The rest of the day is spentacclimatizing. Overnight will be at The Grand Dragon Hotel, Leh

Day 3: 10th Nov 2019This day is again spent acclimatizing. We will organize some localsightseeing in and around Leh for those who feel up to it. Overnight willbe at The Grand Dragon Hotel.

Day 4: 11th Nov 2019This morning you transfer to Ulley. Your stay in Ulley will be at SnowLeopard Lodge – a homestay. We will spend the day trekking through thevalley in search for wildlife. Overnight will be at Snow Leopard Lodge.

Day 5: 12th Nov 2019This day you continue to explore the valleys for wildlife led by experttrackers and spotters accompanying the group. Overnight will be at SnowLeopard Lodge.

Day 6: 13th Nov 2019Explore Ulley in search of wildlife of the region. Overnight will be at SnowLeopard Lodge.

Day 7: 14th Nov 2019Explore Ulley in search of wildlife of the region. Overnight will be at Snow Leopard Lodge.

Itinerary Program

Day 8: 15th Nov 2019Explore Ulley in search of wildlife of the region. Overnight will be at Snow Leopard Lodge.

Day 9: 16th Nov 2019You continue to explore Ulley Valley. In the afternoon transfer back to Leh. Overnight at The Grand Dragon Hotel.

Day 10: 17th Nov 2019This morning catch a flight to Delhi. You have the day at leisure. Overnight will be at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity.

Day 11: 18th Nov 2019Early morning transfer to the International airport and catch you flight back home.

Important Note:

o Please note accommodation in Ulley is a homestay and size of guest rooms may vary. The region is very remote with only 5-6 households in the region.

o All rooms do not have an attached toilet. There are 4-5 rooms that share 3 bathrooms.

o Since the weather is extreme quite often water pipelines freeze thus water for the bathroom will be provided in a bucket heated with an immersion rod.

o Rooms will be heated using gas heaters and a Bukhari (fire wood furnace). Thick quilts will be provided, however, should the guest feel necessary they can carry their sleeping bags along.

Key Information about the Region and the Experience

Acclimatization: Since the expedition takes you to an elevation of 3500m to about 4900m, it is imperative that all guests spend at least 2 days in Leh to acclimatize. During this period they should spend time resting or go out on short excursions to the city or the surrounding villages.

AMS: AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is a big risk when traveling over 3000m. AMS can be unpleasant and may reduce enjoyment of activities. In addition, if it is not managed appropriately it can result in more serious illness which can lead to death. An understanding of the prevention and recognition of AMS is important to anyone travelling to high altitude.

Symptoms: The main symptom is headache, which is as a result of mild swelling of the brain, caused by the reduced oxygen levels. This can vary in severity. Rarely, people can experience more severe swelling leading to a condition called high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE).

For a diagnosis of acute mountain sickness (AMS) to be made you need a Headache plus one other symptom from:Poor appetite and/or nausea/vomitingFatigue/weaknessDizziness/light-headednessDifficulty sleeping

Connectivity: Being a border state, Ladakh is an army base and security is always high as we share borders with Pakistan and China. Satellite phones thus are not permitted and there is no mobile connectivity in the region where we trek. Key Information

Accommodation: The Grand Dragon Hotel, LehThis is perhaps the best and the most comfortable accommodation option in Leh, a god place to begin and end your hardy wilderness experience.

Accommodation: Snow Leopard Lodge, UlleyThis is perhaps the best and the most comfortable accommodation in the region when searching for the elusive snow leopard.

INCLUDED ACCOMMODATION

City / Park Name of Hotel Room Category

New Delhi Holiday Inn, Aerocity Superior Room

Leh Grand Dragon Deluxe Room

Ulley Snow Leopard Lodge Standard Room

JOURNEY COST

Pricing Options $USD

Price per person (2-8pax)on twin sharing

3200

Single room supplementOver and above the twin sharing journey cost. Only offered if room is available with the lodge.

2350

AirfareAirfare in economy class for the sector – Delhi – Leh - Delhi(airfare subject to change at the time of booking)

335

o Accommodation for Ten (10) nights in India with breakfast included in Delhi. Your stay in Leh & Ulley will be on full board (inclusive of breakfast, lunch & dinner).

o One (1) Interaction with Snow Leopard Conservancyo Daily excursions when in Ulley in search for the snow leopard and

other wildlife. Please note this will largely be trekking and walking. Certain longer stretches will be covered using Toyota Innova provided we have road access.

o All explorations in search for wildlife will be led by a naturalist and a team of trackers and spotters.

o All road transfers will be by air-conditioned Toyota Innova. (3 guests per jeep)

o All currently applicable taxes.

INCLUSIONS

o Does not include any beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc. unless otherwise specified. It is more cost effective for us to bill you for all beverages based on actual consumption.

o Any airfare or airport taxes (quoted separately above with the package cost)

o Any camera fees. This can be added in if desired.

o Any items of a personal nature such as beverages, tips (except for group meals and baggage handling), laundry, telephone calls etc.

o Anything featured as optional.

o The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

BOOKINGo 35 % of Journey cost to be paid at the time of bookingo Remaining payment to be paid 90 days prior to Journeyo If booking is made within 90 days of the journey, full payment is

required to confirm the Journeyo Payment can be made by bank transfer or through online payment

gateway (a small credit card processing fee shall be applicable)

CANCELLATIONo Between 120 - 90 days prior to Journey - 35% cancellation fee shall

be applicableo Between 89 - 31 days prior to Journey - 50% cancellation fee shall be

applicableo Less than 30 days prior to Journey - 100% cancellation fee shall be

applicable

BOOKING & CANCELLATION PROCESS