Sample Itinerary
A Simple Expedition Plan
Every winter expedition at Shan at Uley is shaped by weather, road conditions, guest comfort, and recent snow leopard activity. The plan below gives guests a clear idea of how the journey usually flows, while keeping enough flexibility for the mountains.
Day 1: Arrive in Leh
Arrive at Leh Airport and transfer to your hotel in Leh.
The first day is kept very slow and relaxed to help the body adjust to the altitude. Guests are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat light, and avoid any heavy activity.
This day is mainly for acclimatisation.
Day 2: Acclimatisation in Leh
Spend a second night in Leh to acclimatise properly before travelling higher to Uley.
Depending on how guests feel, the day can include light sightseeing around Leh, a short visit to nearby monasteries, or gentle birding around the Indus River and Shey marshes.
The pace remains easy, as proper acclimatisation is important before beginning the snow leopard expedition.
Day 3: Drive to Uley
After breakfast, drive from Leh to Uley, a scenic journey of around two hours through the landscapes of West Ladakh.
On arrival at Shan at Uley, guests settle into the lodge, meet the team, and get introduced to the tracking plan.
Depending on arrival time and conditions, there may be a short evening scan around the village or nearby ridges.
The evening is spent at the lodge with warm food, tea, and a relaxed briefing for the coming days.
Day 4 Onwards: Snow Leopard Tracking Days
The main expedition days are spent exploring Uley and nearby valleys with our experienced local spotters.
Each morning begins with tea and early updates from the tracking team. Based on recent signs, calls, local information, and wildlife movement, the day’s plan is decided. Guests may scan from nearby vantage points, drive to different valleys, or walk short to moderate distances depending on where activity is reported.
The focus is on patient tracking — scanning ridgelines, watching ibex and urial movement, following tracks, and reading the landscape carefully.
Apart from snow leopards, guests may also see Asiatic ibex, Ladakh urial, Tibetan wolf, red fox, bearded vultures, golden eagles, and other high-altitude wildlife.
Hot drinks and field meals can be arranged during long days outdoors. Evenings are spent back at the lodge, resting, reviewing the day, sharing stories, and preparing for the next day.
Final Day: Return to Leh or Direct Airport Transfer
On the final morning, guests can either drive back to Leh for the last night or travel directly from Uley to Leh Airport, depending on flight timing.
Many guests prefer staying the last night in Uley and taking an afternoon flight the next day, as it allows one extra evening and morning in snow leopard country.
The final plan can be decided based on comfort, flight schedule, weather, and road conditions.