Overview
Venture into the remote winter landscapes of Wari La, Sakti and Chemrey, where the search for the elusive Eurasian Lynx unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the high Himalayas. With five nights at Chemday House as a base, this expedition brings together seasoned local trackers, wildlife spotters and naturalists whose intimate understanding of the terrain informs every day’s exploration.
Rather than following a predetermined itinerary, each outing responds to the latest field intelligence — fresh tracks in the snow, scent-marking sites, prey movements, local sightings and camera-trap evidence where available. Weather, visibility and terrain further shape the search, lending each day its own purpose and possibilities.
The pursuit extends beyond the Lynx, with opportunities to encounter Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture and Himalayan Griffon in their natural habitat. For wildlife photographers and discerning nature enthusiasts, the experience offers a rare combination of fieldcraft, ecological insight and the anticipation of encountering some of the Himalayas’ most remarkable wildlife.
The expedition is guided by a commitment to ethical wildlife observation, with sightings dependent on natural conditions and no guarantee of encountering any particular species.
India | 6 Nights 7 DaysHighlights
- Explore the remote high-altitude wilderness of Wari La, Sakti and Chemrey in pursuit of one of the Himalayas’ most elusive wild cats.
- Follow fresh tracks, scent marks, prey movements and local sightings alongside experienced wildlife trackers and naturalists.
- Dedicated wildlife photography in the field capturing the dramatic winter landscapes and wildlife of Ladakh.
- Look out for Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture and Himalayan Griffon.
- Visit Shey, Thiksey, Chemrey and Takthok monasteries, discovering the region’s distinctive architecture and spiritual traditions.
- Experience traditional Ladakhi settlements, snow-covered slopes, rugged ridgelines and the stark beauty of the high Himalayas.
- Stay close to the expedition’s primary wildlife habitats, allowing more time for tracking and field exploration.
January to March
Gallery
Itinerary Schedule
Arrive in Leh, the gateway to Ladakh’s spectacular high-altitude landscapes, and transfer to The Grand Dragon Leh or similar.
The day is dedicated to rest and acclimatisation, allowing your body time to adjust to the altitude before the expedition begins. Keep the day leisurely and avoid strenuous activity.
Overnight: The Grand Dragon Leh or equivalent hotel
Meals: Full board
After breakfast, drive towards Chemday House, stopping at Shey and Thiksey monasteries to explore their ancient shrines, impressive architecture and the iconic Maitreya Buddha. If the timing allows, you may also witness the monks’ morning prayers.
Continue through Sakti and Chemrey, passing traditional Ladakhi villages and the striking mountain scenery. After lunch and check-in at Chemday House, meet your local wildlife team to discuss recent sightings and prepare for the search for the elusive Eurasian Lynx.
Overnight: Chemday House
Meals: Full board
Set out before sunrise with your wildlife tracking team to explore the valleys and mountain slopes around Chemrey, Sakti and Wari La in search of the elusive Eurasian Lynx.
The search draws on fresh tracks, scent marks, prey movements and recent reports from local trackers and shepherds. With routes guided by field observations, terrain and weather conditions, each outing offers a new perspective on the Lynx’s high-altitude habitat and the wildlife that thrives here.
Overnight: Chemday House
Meals: Full board
Head out before sunrise for another day in the field, exploring the valleys and ridgelines around Chemrey, Sakti and Wari La. Guided by recent sightings, fresh tracks and local knowledge, your team will adapt the search throughout the day, revisiting promising locations or exploring new terrain as conditions allow.
Between tracking sessions, capture the stark beauty of Ladakh’s winter wilderness, from snow-covered slopes and frozen streams to remote villages and dramatic mountain ridges. Keep watch for other wildlife, including Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Golden Eagle and Himalayan Griffon.
Return to Chemday House in the evening.
Overnight: Chemday House
Meals: Full board
Spend another day exploring the rugged landscapes of Wari La, Sakti and Chemrey, guided by local trackers and their understanding of this remote wildlife habitat. Fresh tracks, scent marks and prey movements help shape the day’s search, with routes adapted to wildlife activity, weather and terrain.
Along the way, discover opportunities to photograph Ladakh’s striking mountain scenery, traditional homes and quiet village life, capturing the region’s natural and cultural character.
Return to Chemday House in the evening.
Overnight: Chemday House
Meals: Full board
Make the most of your final full day in the field, continuing the search for the elusive Eurasian Lynx with your tracking team. Fresh tracks, prey movements and recent field observations will guide the day’s exploration, with opportunities for wildlife photography shaped by local conditions.
During a suitable break, visit Chemrey and Takthok monasteries to discover Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage, distinctive architecture and enduring spiritual traditions. The visits are planned around the wildlife search, allowing you to experience the region’s cultural richness without giving up a full day in the field.
Return to Chemday House in the evening.
Overnight: Chemday House
Meals: Full board
After breakfast, depart for Leh Airport.
The transfer takes approximately one hour, depending on weather conditions.We recommend allowing ample time for airport check-in and any weather-related delays when planning onward connections.
Meals: Breakfast
Package cost
₹Starting from INR 2,99,500 for two guests, on a twin-sharing basis.
Inclusions / Exclusions
What is included
- One night’s accommodation in Leh at The Grand Dragon Leh or a confirmed
equivalent hotel. - Five nights’ accommodation at Chemday House.
- Full-board meals throughout the programme, as specified in the booking.
- Tea and coffee at Chemday House.
- Experienced local wildlife trackers and dedicated wildlife spotters.
- Professional wildlife guide and naturalist support as specified in the confirmed package.
- Swarovski spotting scopes.
- Tripods and mobile adapters for wildlife observation and photography, subject to availability.
- Radios for field communication.
- Premium binoculars.
- Dedicated wildlife field support throughout the programme.
- Private Airport pickup and drop-off at the Leh hotel.
- Transfers between Leh and Chemday House.
- Transfer from Chemday House to Leh Airport on Day 7.
- Daily transport between Chemday House and designated wildlife observation areas.
- All applicable permits and local fees
What is not included
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Optional activities and additional excursions not specified under inclusions.
- Laundry and dry-cleaning services.
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs, shopping and other incidental purchases.
- Medical treatment, emergency medical assistance and evacuation costs.
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance. Guests are strongly advised to arrange
appropriate cover before travelling. - Gratuities for the lodge team, wildlife spotters, drivers, naturalists and other field staff.
- An additional personal tour leader or privately requested dedicated naturalist beyond
the field support specified in the package. - Repair or replacement costs for lodge property, furnishings or equipment damaged or
lost by guests. - Any service or expense not expressly listed under package inclusions.
Terms and conditions
Explore these experiences
Uganda
10 Day Uganda –...
Embark on a thrilling 10-day adventure through Uganda, a land of extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Begin with an unforgettable...
