Wildlife Safaris of Ladakh, India

The Elusive Snow Leopards of Ladakh...

The isolated and remote region of Ladakh is home to numerous mammal and bird species, the highlight however is undoubtedly the endangered snow leopard...

Due to the rugged terrain of the Himalayas most of the herbivores are related to the agile footed sheep and goats. They can move easily through the mountainous regions of the Himalayas from one pasture to the next. During the winter months the Bharal or Blue Sheep move down to lower altitudes where there is food and they are followed by the snow leopards and other predators like the Tibetan Wolf and the Himalayan Brown Bear. These grazers form the basis of the snow leopards diet and it is through the movements of these grazers that one can improve your chances of seeing the snow leopard in its natural environment.

Yak or wild ox - are the largest animals in the Ladakh region and can be easily seen grazing along the valleys. In winter months they move to lower altitudes where grazing is better.

Nyan – is the largest and most impressive sheep in the region with curling horns that can measure as long as 140cms. They live in the higher regions of the Himalayas, rarely coming down below 4,500 meters.

Ibex – can be seen on the high steep cliffs of Ladakh, often coming down to lower altitudes during winter where grazing is slightly easier.

Bharal or Himalayan Blue sheep – have a brownish grey coat giving them a blue appearance. They live at high altitudes but come down to the lower pastures to feed during the winter months. If alarmed they will freeze making them quite difficult to spot.

Tibetan Wolf – are extremely rare with an estimated 300 living in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas. They are extremely endangered because they come into the most conflict with the local herdsmen who persecute them to protect their livestock.

Snow Leopards – are some of the most elusive big cats remaining in the world because they live in such remote areas of Central Asia. There are thought to be between 6000 and 7000 snow leopards left in Central Asia today. During the winter months the snow leopards follow the Bharal and other prey species as they move to the lower altitudes to feed. This is the prime time to see them...