Ladakh to have India’s first high-altitude safari. Featuring snow leopard trails, Drass scenery

The Ladakh government seeks to curb illegal off-roading incidents and disturbance to wildlife through the new initiative.

Two snow leopards cubs captured on a camera trap during the state-wide population assessment in Himachal Pradesh | Image courtesy of Wildlife Wing, Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and the Nature Conservation Foundation

New Delhi: Ladakh is one of India’s favourite mountain getaways. Now, the high-altitude desert is offering visitors a new reason to explore its rugged mountains.

Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena has announced India’s first-ever Altitude Wildlife Safari in the region. With this step, the Ladakh government seeks to curb off-roading incidents and disturbance to wildlife.

Ghost of the mountains

India is home to 718 snow leopards, spread across the Himalayas. The mountains of Ladakh are home to 477 of them, followed by Uttarakhand (124) and Himachal Pradesh (51).

The guided safaris will cover popular trails in the region. Hemis National Park, Changthang Valley, and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries and landscapes such as Drass, Nudra, and Sham are included in the list.

The Snow Leopard and High Altitude Nature (SHAN) Conservation Society, chaired by the governor, is figuring out possible safari routes in the region.

“The guided safari primarily aims at curbing incidents of illegal off-roading, disturbing the wildlife while boosting sustainable & responsible eco-tourism and enhancing visitor experience,” LG Saxena posted on X. 

According to Saxena, the model is one of community-led conservation. It will involve local youth as specialised guides, empower women artisans, and launch plastic-free campaigns.

“We are ensuring that local communities become equal partners in environment conservation and benefit economically,” Saxena added. 

SHAN, formed on 16 June, is encouraging responsible and plastic-free tourism across Ladakh. The group also aims to strengthen community-led conservation, sustainable livelihood, and waste management in the region.

(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)