Winter Snow Leopard Expeditions
Expert-led tracking in one of Ladakh’s finest snow leopard habitats.
Local spotters
expert local spotter with decades of experience.
Best Location
Uley is known for one of the best snow leopard habitat.
Eco-luxury stay
Warm lodge, hearty meals & Ladakhi hospitality.
Conservation centric
Community-led conservation, youth training, and deep respect for local people, wildlife, and the land.
Winter at Shan at Uley
In the Land of the Snow Leopard
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Winter transforms Uley into one of Ladakh’s most special wildlife landscapes. Snow-covered ridges, frozen valleys, and clear mountain light create ideal conditions for tracking snow leopards and other high-altitude wildlife.
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Shan at Uley is primarily known for its winter snow leopard expeditions, led by experienced local spotters and shaped by the Norboo family’s deep knowledge of this landscape. The experience is patient, quiet, and immersive — not just about sightings, but about learning to read the mountains.
Why Uley?
A Prime Snow Leopard Habitat
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Uley is one of Ladakh’s most special snow leopard landscapes. Set in West Ladakh, high above the Indus River and around two hours from Leh, the village sits among rugged cliffs, open valleys, and quiet ridgelines that form excellent habitat for snow leopards and their prey.
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What makes Uley unique is not only the chance of seeing the snow leopard, but the way the entire landscape supports the experience. The surrounding valleys are home to Asiatic ibex, Ladakh urial, Tibetan wolf, red fox, bearded vultures, golden eagles, and other high-altitude wildlife. Every day in the field brings new signs, movement, calls, tracks, and stories from the mountains.
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Uley is also a small and peaceful hamlet, far from the rush of larger towns. This allows guests to stay close to the wildlife habitat while still returning each evening to the warmth and comfort of the lodge. From here, our team can explore nearby valleys by vehicle and on foot, depending on recent snow leopard activity, weather, and local updates.
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For the Norboo family, Uley is not just a tracking location. It is home. The ridges, trails, fields, and pastures around the village are part of a landscape we have lived with for generations. This deep local knowledge is what makes the winter experience at Shan at Uley personal, patient, and rooted in place.
The Tracking Experience
Slow Days in the Field
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Snow leopard tracking is a patient and deeply rewarding experience. Each day begins with early scanning, local updates, and planning with the spotter team.
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Guests may spend the day exploring nearby valleys, scanning ridgelines through scopes, following signs, waiting at vantage points, or moving to another location based on recent snow leopard activity.
What to Expect
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• Daily tracking with experienced local spotters
• Daily long hours in the cold trying to spot something
• Scanning ridges and valleys with scopes and binoculars
• Short walks or moderate hikes depending on the sighting location
• 24/7 Vehicle support to access nearby valleys
• Hot drinks and field meals when needed
• Flexible movement based on wildlife activity
• Evenings back at the warm lodge
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Snow leopard sightings can never be guaranteed, but every day in the field offers a deeper understanding of the landscape, wildlife, and rhythm of the mountains.
Tsewang Norboo | On Snow Leopard Mountain | Planet Earth II | BBC​
Watch this captivating BBC film from Planet Earth 2, filmed in 2014, featuring Tsewang Norboo as he shares his lifelong bond with snow leopards and the importance of community-based conservation. Set in the majestic Himalayas, the film offers a glimpse into Tsewang’s life and the deep commitment behind Shan at Uley. Experience the serene beauty and passion that drive our mission to protect wildlife and support local communities.
Expert Local Spotters
The Strength of Local Knowledge
At Shan at Uley, the expedition is led by people who know these mountains intimately.
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Our local spotters understand the ridgelines, animal movement, calls, tracks, weather, and behaviour of the snow leopard and its prey. This knowledge comes from years of living and working in the valleys around Uley.
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The team also works through a wider local network across nearby villages and valleys, helping narrow down possible wildlife movement and improve tracking opportunities.
Best Time for Snow Leopard Expeditions
November to April
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The winter snow leopard season usually runs from November to April, with each month offering a slightly different experience.
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November
Milder weather, minimal snow, quieter season, and possible sightings of young cubs if new litters are present.
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December – January
The coldest months, often with good tracking conditions and fewer crowds. Best for guests prepared for strong winter conditions.
February – March
Peak winter season and snow leopard mating period. These months are popular with photographers and wildlife travellers.
April
Warmer conditions, limited snow, excellent visibility, and a beautiful late-winter experience.
Suggested Expedition Duration
Recommended Stay
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For a serious snow leopard experience, we recommend 8–10 nights in Ladakh, including 2 nights in Leh for acclimatisation before travelling to Uley.
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A good winter plan usually includes:
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2 nights in Leh
For rest, acclimatisation, and preparation.
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6–8 nights in Uley
For snow leopard tracking and wildlife exploration.
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Photographers or guests who want more time in the field may consider a longer stay.
The Ghost of the Mountains
To track a snow leopard is to enter the rhythm of the mountains — to wait, watch, listen, and trust the landscape.
At Shan at Uley, our winter expeditions are built on patience, local knowledge, warm hospitality, and deep respect for wildlife.
Come for the snow leopard. Stay for the silence, the stories, and the wild beauty of Uley.