SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION - INDIA 30 Jan to 09 Feb 2021 - Bellingham Safaris
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SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION
INDIA
30 Jan to 09 Feb 2021
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | TEL: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | WWW.BELLINGHAMSAFARIS.COM
2 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
TOUR AT A GLANCE
Day Date Location Accommodation
01 30 Jan 2021 Delhi Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel – Superior Room (BB)
02 31 Jan 2021 Leh The Grand Dragon Hotel – Deluxe Room (FB)
03 01 Feb 2021 Leh The Grand Dragon Hotel – Deluxe Room (FB)
04 02 Feb 2021 Ulley Valley Snow Leopard Lodge – Standard Room (FB)
05 03 Feb 2021 Ulley Valley Snow Leopard Lodge – Standard Room (FB)
06 04 Feb 2021 Ulley Valley Snow Leopard Lodge – Standard Room (FB)
07 05 Feb 2021 Ulley Valley Snow Leopard Lodge – Standard Room (FB)
08 06 Feb 2021 Ulley Valley Snow Leopard Lodge – Standard Room (FB)
09 07 Feb 2021 Ulley Valley Snow Leopard Lodge – Standard Room (FB)
10 08 Feb 2021 Leh The Grand Dragon Hotel – Deluxe Room (FB)
11 09 Feb 2021 Delhi & depart
PHOTO CREDIT: THIKSE MONASTERY BY SIMON BELLINGHAM
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.com
3 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
DAILY DETAIL
Day 1 Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met at the arrivals lounge and transferred to your hotel for an overnight
stay. Described as the “colourful, crowded, unruly heart of India”, Delhi is steeped in culture and
history, set against a backdrop of rich and flamboyant architecture.
Transfer: Indira Gandhi International Airport to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Day 2 Leh
Today you transfer back to the airport for your flight to Leh where you will be met and assisted to your
hotel. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh, the ancient Himalayan city of Leh is well known as a
jump-off point for treks into the magnificent mountains that dominate the surrounding area. The city
and its towering palaces lie at an altitude of 3,500m (11000ft). For this reason it is best to begin your
time here with short walks and rest in order to acclimatize. The first afternoon may be spent at the
Snow Leopard Trust, learning just how valuable some of the local community’s efforts have been to
conserve this rare creature.
Transfer: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel to Indira Gandhi International Airport
Flight: Indira Gandhi International Airport to Leh Airport on AirIndia
Departure: 05h55
Arrival: 07h15
Transfer: Leh Airport to The Grand Dragon Hotel
Overnight: The Grand Dragon Hotel
Day 3 Leh
Although there are many tempting sites to explore in Leh, a relaxed pace is important to ensure
proper acclimatization at these high altitudes. Worthwhile outings from your hotel in Leh which do not
entail too much physical exertion include the following: An early morning visit to Shanti Stupa
overlooking Leh and the magnificent Himalayas Mountain range beyond is a great way to start the day.
A leisurely drive to the nearby monasteries of Shey and Thikse with atmospheric buildings and devout
monks, here you will have the opportunity to marvel at the views that these unspoilt monasteries
command over the Indus river valley and Himayayas. The impressive Thikse Monastery, is home to a
two story high statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future.
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.com
4 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
At Shey Palace the locals gather to sing beautiful mantras and pray for world peace. Drums, prayer
bells, incense and song flood the senses. The tributaries of the Indus River offer some rewarding
birding including the highly sought after Ibisbill, an elegant wader restricted to the high plateaus of
Central Asia.
PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON BELLINGHAM
Overnight: The Grand Dragon Hotel
Day 4 Ulley Valley
After breakfast today you embark on a drive west along the Indus river valley to the Snow Leopard
lodge in the Ulley valley. Besides incredible views of a landscape dominated by the Indus river valley
and the Himalayas, this is all Snow Leopard country and it will not be long before you find yourself
scanning the scenery for this elusive cat. The Snow Leopard is not all this wonderland hides: this is a
place of gigantic peaks, frozen waterfalls and explosive night skies where wolves scour the cliffs,
Golden Eagles lord over the air, and a plethora of some of nature’s most hardy and fascinating
survivors make their home. You will know when you are getting close to your lodge when you turn off
onto a dirt road, winding up a narrow valley and scanning the hillsides and skyline for any silhouette.
This is excellent Ibex country and from the lodge grounds it is not uncommon to be treated to the
splendid sight a magnificently horned male Himalayan Ibex standing vigil on some impossibly narrow
outcropping. The Snow Leopard Lodge is well positioned to explore 3 three wildlife rich valleys, which,
apart from Ibex, are great for finding Urial (an animal that looks like a cross between an antelope and
a goat), wolf, Red Fox and, of course, Snow Leopard. Booking a stay at the Snow Leopard Lodge is the
simplest way to look for Snow Leopard, allowing you flexibility as to the number of days you wish to
spend and requiring none of the elaborate preparations that you would need to camp out in this hash
alpine environment. Furthermore, the lodge has a complement of skilled field staff whose entire being
seems to be narrowed down to finding wildlife and Snow Leopard in particular. During your stay at the
Snow Leopard Lodge you have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area by vehicle and foot
with members of this skilled team.
Transfer: Leh to Snow Leopard Lodge (2-3 hrs)
Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.com
5 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
Days 05 - 09 Ulley Valley
To some, searching for a Snow Leopard is akin to trying to find a unicorn. Over the last few years,
thanks to time, research, local will, determination and a good helping of luck, sightings of this “grey
ghost” have increased in the region to the point that it is now regarded as the best place in the world
to see this incredible cat. An average day at the Snow Leopard Lodge usually begins with a hot
breakfast and warming cups of tea or coffee, before venturing out into the shadow-filled valleys
around the lodge in search of Snow Leopard. Once you’ve geared up (good, warm hiking shoes are a
necessity!), and are satisfied that no Snow Leopard are visible from the lodge, you will begin exploring
the neighbouring valleys. The general approach to searching for Snow Leopard is not to cover a lot of
ground, but rather to scan the hillside thoroughly from various vantage points along the way. Once
likely Snow leopard locations have been identified, prolonged periods are spent sitting staring at one
rock after another, in the hopes that the “Grey Ghost” appears (the wildlife version of “where is
Wally”). Your guide will also use the opportunity to look for other, less elusive inhabitants of the
Himalayas, and will scan for Urial, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Ibex, Mountain Weasel, the Tibetan race of
Red Fox, Large-eared Pikas and more. Studying the behavior of other animals can provide a vital clue
to finding a Snow Leopard. Due to the rugged terrain of the Himalayas most of the large herbivores fall
into the agile footed sheep and goat subfamily (Caprinae), which can move easily through the
mountainous regions of the Himalayas from one pasture to the next. Studying these animals
(Himalayan Ibex, Urial and Blue Sheep), are of particular interest as they are the main prey species of
the “Grey Ghost”; it is through the movements of these ungulates and trails left by Snow Leopard
following them that one can improve the chances of encountering a Snow Leopard. Furthermore,
should these animals suspect the presence of a Snow Leopard, they will alert one another by uttering
a distinctive alarm call and look in the suspected direction. The expert local trackers, will also be in
touch with local communities who will inform them of any recent attacks on livestock or kills made in
the area. The principal focus when you head out each day is to find a Snow Leopard and it is for this
reason that there is a very flexible schedule. Depending on the interest of the participants and what
wildlife is found, long days can be spent in the outdoors, this can entail a hot lunch set up in the field
by your team (you do not need to carry any food).
PHOTO CREDIT: SIMON BELLINGHAM
Overnight: Snow Leopard Lodge
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.com6 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
Day 10 Leh
PHOTO CREDIT: LADAKH URIAL BY MERLIN WILSENACH
Sadly, you will not search for Snow Leopard after breakfast today and will instead enjoy a scenic
journey on the return to Leh.
Transfer: Snow Leopard Lodge to Leh (2-3 hrs)
Overnight: The Grand Dragon Hotel
Day 11 Day of departure
After an early start you will transfer to Leh airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you
will be met and transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure. Your room will
be available to you until your departure.
Transfer: The Grand Dragon Hotel to Leh Airport
Flight: Leh Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport on AirIndia
Departure: 07h55
Arrival: 09h30
Transfer: Indira Gandhi International Airport to Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
(day room)
Transfer: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel to Indira Gandhi International Airport
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.com7 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
COST OVERVIEW
Per adult sharing in double or twin room US$ 6303.00
Per adult in a single room US$ 8848.00
Supplement for en-suite room US$ 800.00
INCLUDES
• Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Delhi
• Accommodation on a full board basis in Leh
• Accommodation on a full board basis in Ulley Valley (shared bathroom or private bathroom at
supplement) including non-alcoholic beverages
• Flights from Delhi to Leh to Delhi (luggage limited to 25kgs per person)
• Airport assistance and transfers
• All ground transportation
• Activities (unless stipulated as optional)
• National parks entry fee, activities and all trekking excursions with your expert naturalist
guide
• All Park and Conservation fees
EXCLUDES
• Gratuities
• Conservation Commitment – we work closely with the Snow Leopard Conservancy and
encourage everyone to make a contribution of USD200 per person.
• Items of personal nature
• Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required)
• Travel Insurance
• Laundry
• Changes to the itinerary
• Any items not included in the inclusions above
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Payment
In the event of a go ahead we will require a non-refundable 30% deposit and the balance to be
settled 2 months prior to arrival.
We may have to impose more stringent payment and cancellation terms, should that be demanded
of us by any of our individual suppliers that have been included in your itinerary.
The tour price is always fixed in the currency quoted, and the actual cost in the other currencies will
be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (payments can be
made either in USD or ZAR). We use the exchange rate of the day with a 3% margin
(the typical exchange rate applied by credit card companies), using this source:
http://www.oanda.com – the currency quoted is plugged into the “Currency I Want” and
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.com8 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
the INTERBANK +/- is adjusted to 3% automatically generating the rate of the day. Guests are given 7
days to process with wire, after which we may need to update the exchange rate.
Please note
Upon confirmation of this tour, the cancellation policy for Bellingham Safaris will be effective
immediately and the parties agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions as stated in our
booking form. In the event of the Booking Form not being signed, the placement of any booking/s,
by any means including e-mail, shall be deemed to be confirmation that the Terms and Conditions
have been read, understood, any queries have been addressed to the satisfaction of the
parties and that the parties agree to be bound by thereto.
Rates quoted are subject to change if there are any increases in park fees, fuel, sales tax or
VAT, third-party services, currency fluctuations or any other circumstances beyond our control. We
will use our best endeavours to bring such changes to your attention, but you are nevertheless
bound thereby.
Prices are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs. Should an amendment in a
routing or itinerary be necessary, we will adjust the price but such adjustment will be for your
account.
If the number of nights or dates of travel or number of participants should change, this may
have an effect on the cost. We will re-cost accordingly and you agree to be bound by such re-
costing.
Please be sure to carefully check your visa requirements before your intended date of travel, as
Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary visa requirements not be
fulfilled. Please remember that in some cases you may need to apply for a multiple entry visa.
Please be sure to carefully check your passport requirements before your intended date of
travel, as Bellingham Safaris cannot be held responsible should the necessary number of blank
pages and passport validity dates not be fulfilled.
Please consult your physician before you travel for advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis.
Bellingham Safaris strongly advises that you take out comprehensive travel insurance covering
yourself for personal effects, cancellation and curtailment. Personal accident, medical and
emergency travel expense insurance is mandatory on any of our tours. Some activities and
services may have weight and/or height restrictions per guest. For the sake of your own
comfort, please advise us at time of booking if you are particularly bulky or tall and we will do our
best to accommodate you. Please note additional costs may apply.
Luggage restrictions are applicable including the use of hard suitcases. Details of luggage
restrictions per region are available on our pre-departure documentation. Please peruse all flight
information supplied by the airline concerned.
Some flights may involve stops before reaching the final destination. Please check your itinerary
and all flight information supplied by the airline concerned.
Although we will try to stick as closely to the itinerary as possible and include all the activities
mentioned there may be changes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Flights,
times and routes are subject to change without notice. Please make sure that you are aware
of the check-in times for flights and give yourself ample time in this regard.
Please advise us prior to booking should you have any health concerns. Also please notify us if
your age is above 80 as you may require a doctor’s certificate.
There may be some age restrictions with certain activities, most notably canoe rides and
walking.
All accommodations, activities and other services are subject to availability at the time of
booking.
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.com9 SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION 2021
India
Last minute changes are an inherent risk in India, furthermore rules and regulations within the
parks may change. We will however try to stick as closely to the itinerary as possible.
Additional notes:
Due to the unpredictable movements of Snow Leopards, it is very likely that we will make changes to
outings at short notice and on a regular basis. Enthusiasm, adaptability, flexibility and a good sense of
humour are excellent “extras” to bring along on this exceptional adventure! No toilet facilities are
available on hikes.
Your tour leader will provide a telescope for the group to share, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that
you have your own telescope. If you feel you will not be able to carry your scope, along with any other
equipment on hikes, there will be porters available to help.
Whilst we have chosen to stay in one of the best hotels in Leh for the nights prior to and following our
expedition, the town of Leh is at the mercy of environmental conditions, particularly the cold. It is not
uncommon for water in the town’s pipeline to freeze during cold winter days, ceasing flow to all
establishments, including hotels. During these times, heated water will be provided to you in buckets,
upon your request and at any time, day or night. The hotel and its rooms do have central heating and
all other amenities are on a par with the standards to be expected from our tours.
Please note that seeing a Snow Leopard is not guaranteed. A viewing should be regarded as a great
privilege, such is the elusiveness of these creatures. They are wild and by necessity elusive creatures,
with no fixed routine and finding them requires not only the skill and patience of the trackers/guides
but also considerable luck!
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS | Tel: +27-(0)21-783-4380 | www.bellinghamsafaris.comYou can also read
