Ladakh Launches India’s First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari for Snow Leopards

Ladakh has come up with the first high altitude wildlife safari in India with the introduction of six special open back vehicles for guided wildlife safari in the UT of Ladakh. The pilot project will take place in the regions of Rumbak, Shang and Uley which are famous for the habitat of snow leopards and wildlife tourism. This project has been approved by the Ladakh administration in August 2026 and aims at promoting sustainable tourism, avoiding illegal off-roading and providing livelihood options to the locals.

Key Features of Ladakh Snow Leopard Safari

The safari will use specially modified vehicles along with local drivers and guides who have the expertise to track the wildlife in that area. These vehicles will take designated routes instead of moving freely in wildlife areas.

The starting places for the operation will be Rumbak, Shang and Uley. Rumbak, close to Hemis National Park, is a winter spot for snow leopards, whereas Uley is one of the well-known spots in Sham region.

Routes which may be added in the future are Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass. These routes can be considered for expansion and shouldn’t be confused with the three places mentioned above.

Why is Ladakh Significant for the Conservation of Snow Leopards?

Ladakh has the highest population estimate of snow leopards amongst India’s surveyed areas. This is the first ever scientific estimation in the country which is known as the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI). It estimates the total snow leopard population in the country to be 718.

According to the results which were revealed in January 2024, the population estimate in Ladakh was 477 and then 124 in Uttarakhand. Thus, almost two-thirds of the country’s population was found in Ladakh.

How Will This Safari Help in Wildlife Conservation?

Irregular movement and off-roading by vehicles may disrupt wildlife and harm delicate habitats at higher altitudes. The purpose of this safari is to ensure that the movement of vehicles takes place on approved routes and through the guidance of professionals who are well-versed with the terrain.

The government also wants to employ locals as drivers, wildlife guides and nature guides so that they have some economic benefit from their involvement in the process of conservation. Some 20 young locals are receiving training in bird spotting and birdwatching. Also, birdwatching hides are proposed for important wildlife locations.

This will help diversify wildlife tourism and generate more income from the activity apart from snow leopards tracking. But the success of the program will be based on the way the number of visitors, movement of vehicles and wildlife areas are managed.

Other Animals of Ladakh

The cold desert habitat of Ladakh includes several animals that have evolved to survive in tough climatic and topographical conditions.

Bharal: Often referred to as the blue sheep, this animal serves as a food source for the snow leopards.

Siberian ibex: Another mountain goat found in the northwestern Trans-Himalaya region that is also a significant food source for predators.

Snow Leopard: This big cat has evolved to thrive in high-altitude conditions. Often referred to as the “ghost of the mountains”.

It is not just the animals that make the region’s wildlife so special. The government also recognizes the importance of birds and wants to focus on birdwatching as a part of nature tourism.