Ladakh is about to give the word ‘safari’ a serious altitude adjustment.
India’s northernmost union territory is preparing to launch the country’s first high-altitude wildlife safari, sending specially designed open-back vehicles into some of the Himalayas’ wildest corners in search of snow leopards, rare birds and other creatures perfectly happy living where oxygen is scarce.
The newly approved eco-tourism initiative will introduce guided jeep safaris along designated snow leopard and birdwatching routes, with potential trails being identified across Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, as well as Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass.
Ladakh is home to 477 of India’s estimated 718 snow leopards, alongside more than 38 mammal species and around 340 species of birds.
And there’s plenty hiding up there. Ladakh is home to 477 of India’s estimated 718 snow leopards, alongside more than 38 mammal species and around 340 species of birds. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary alone sits around 4,500 metres above sea level and provides habitat for snow leopards, kiang and black-necked cranes. Crucially, this isn’t intended to become a Himalayan free-for-all.
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The safari program has been designed partly to tackle illegal off-roading and reduce disturbance to wildlife by funnelling visitors onto regulated routes. Local communities will also play a significant role, with trained local drivers and guides behind the safaris and 20 young Ladakhis receiving specialist birdwatching training. Ten birdwatching hides are planned for key wildlife hotspots.
The wider conservation push includes plastic-free tourism measures, wildlife programs in local schools, photography fellowships and training for women to produce wildlife-themed handicrafts.
Preparations are expected to be completed before Ladakh’s coming winter snow leopard season. So, our binoculars are packed. Puffer jackets are packed. Functioning lungs? We’ll get back to you that one.
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Forget lions and watering holes. India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari is heading into the Himalayas, where the headline act is considerably harder to find.
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