In a bid to boost tourism, Ladakh is all set to add new experiences to its already spectacular adventure and nature tourism portfolio. As per official website, Ladakh will launch India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari allowing wildlife adventures to witness snow leopards and many rare birds. The Union Territory administration has approved guided wildlife safaris with the first services expected to be ready before the snow-leopard sighting season in winter 2026.More about the guided safarisIt will bring a more organised safari experience where visitors will get a chance to drive into fragile habitats. The new programme will use guided Jeep safaris in specially designed open-back vehicles, operated by trained local drivers and guides. The move is intended to reduce illegal off-roading, prevent disturbance to wildlife and make nature tourism more sustainable.Where will the Ladakh wildlife safari take place?
Snow leopard
The administration has asked the Forest Department to explore safari routes across some of Ladakh’s most important wildlife landscapes, includingHemis National ParkChangthang Wildlife Sanctuary Karakoram Wildlife SanctuaryPossible safari areas will also include Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass. However, the administration has not yet announced a final list of safari routes, entry fees or booking process yet.Snow leopard, the star attraction
snow leopard in Hemis (Canva)
For wildlife lovers, the star attraction will surely be the elusive high-altitude cat. As per Ladakh administration, the Union Territory is home to an estimated 477 snow leopards out of India’s national estimate of 718. But beyond snow leopards, the region is home to over 38 mammals and 340 bird species and some 1,800 species of vascular plants.BirdwatchingLadakh is also a growing birdwatching destination. The administration plans to select and train 20 local young people in bird identification, birdwatching and spotting techniques. In addition, 10 bird-watching hides are planned at major hotspots with Changthang region being particularly important. Ladakh has plans to promote the black-necked crane, which is an iconic species of the high-altitude wetlands.How to reach Ladakh for the wildlife safari
Ladakh
For most travellers, Leh will be the main gateway.Leh can be reached by air from Delhi and other major Indian cities, while road access is available through the Srinagar–Leh and Manali–Leh highways.The official Leh district tourism information lists the Srinagar–Leh highway at about 434 km and the Manali–Leh highway at about 473 km. Once in Leh, travellers can head towards wildlife areas such as Hemis, Changthang or NubraBest time to plan the tripThe best season totally depends on what people wish to experience:For snow leopards: Winter months are the best between October and MarchFor birdwatching: May to SeptemberThis means, for Ladakh lovers, there’s something new and exciting to look forward to next time you visit the region.
