Compare Tracking The Snow Leopard by Mantis Extreme vs Premium India by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi the capital of India. Our tour representative will welcome you at the airport arrival lounge with Mantis Extreme signboard. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi-Leh

Early morning transfer from hotel to airport to board flight to Leh.

Flight departs at 0630Hrs and arrives Leh at 0750hrs

Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the Day is at leisure for acclimatization to the high altitude.

Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas is one of the best areas to see the elusive snow leopard and this is where we run our snow leopard safaris. It is not only about the snow leopards as there are a host of other animals and birds to see, apart from the scenery and getting to know more about the people that live here.

Leh is situated in a very scenic part of India as it is bounded by 2 of the world’s biggest mountain ranges which are home to numerous monasteries. We will visit a few palaces and monasteries that will also be helpful for the visitors to get acclimatized with high altitude gradually before we start our snow leopard safari that involves a good amount of strenuous trekking in Husing valley in search of Snow Leopard.

Overnight At Hotel

Day 3: Leh

In general half Day of acclimatization would have been enough but considering that the group is arriving by flight on the previous Day and then they need to go for trekking on the following Days in search of elusive snow leopard, ideally we will again have the relaxed Day with few visits.

After leisurely breakfast we drive just over half an hour to Thiksay monastery, set on a hill it is one of the most impressive Gompas in Ladakh, It has several temples, one of which contains a superb statue of the Future Buddha. After visiting Thiksay we return to Leh for lunch.

Late afternoon we will drive to visit Shanti Stupa followed by visit to The Namgyal Tsemo Gompa of Ladakh which was founded by King Tashi Namgyal in the early 15th century, around the year 1430. This fort was once the royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty and is flanked by some temples built in veneration of the guardian deities, these temples are still standing toDay, unlike the fort which is almost in ruins, temples are visited everyDay by a monk who opens the doors to light the butter-filled lamps every morning and evening in adoration of the deities.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Leh-Husing

After breakfast drive from Leh to Zingchen (2 hrs drive) and from there trek starts to Husing (2 hrs trek).

Husing is one of the better areas for the snow leopard. There are 3 valleys that meet here and these are all used by the snow leopard as they move to lower altitudes following their prey species.

Snow Leopards – are some of the most elusive big cats remaining in the world because they live in such remote areas of Central Asia. There are thought to be between 3,500 and 7000 snow leopards left in the wild.

Overnight camping.

Day 5 to Day 9: Husing

Due to the rugged terrain of the Himalayas most of the herbivores are related to the agile footed sheep and goats. They can move easily through the mountainous regions of the Himalayas from one pasture to the next. During the winter months the Bharal or Blue Sheep move down to lower altitudes where there is food and they are followed by the snow leopards and other predators like the Tibetan Wolf. These ungulates form the primary snow leopards diet and it is through the movements of these ungulates and trails left by snow leopard moving across habitats that one can improve the chances of seeing the snow leopard in its natural environment.

Walk around Husing / Rumbak or Trabung in search of Snow Leopard.

Overnight camping.

Day 10: Husing-Homestay (Rumbak)

Morning we trek towards Rumbak Valley. Afternoon explore the Rumbak village and the surroundings looking for the mammals of the region. Overnight we will stay in Rumbak village in home stay.

Overnight at homestay in Rumabak.

Day 11: Rumbak (Homestay)-Leh

Morning possibility of wildlife viewing in Rumabk followed by trek to Zingchen to drive back to Leh.

Upon arrival in Leh, check into your hotel.

Rest of the Day is at leisure.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Leh-Delhi

After early breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.

Flight departs at 1115hrs and arrives Delhi at 1235hrs

Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel

Rest of the Day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Delhi-Onwards

On time transfer to the airport to board flight for onward journey.

Day 1 Delhi

Welcome to India! On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel. This evening, there will be an important welcome meeting in the hotel at around 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can use any time before the meeting to explore this excitingly chaotic capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Delhi. After your welcome meeting, join your leader and small group for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years. The iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining. Tonight your leader will introduce you to the exciting world of Indian cuisine. Perhaps start out with some classic dishes like mutton rogan josh and paneer tikka.

Day 2 Agra

Today, make the drive to Agra. Once arrived, take some time to settle in to your hotel then head out to visit India's most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour it at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene. This evening, a local expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India, and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. Pass by the incredible Jama Masjid of Agra, one of the largest mosques in India.

Day 3 Ranthambhore National Park

Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India – the magnificent Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. Explore elegant courtyards and a labyrinth of buildings while you try to take in the grand scale of this remarkable structure. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival, you may like to take a stroll around town, put your feet up and relax beside the pool, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

Day 4 Ranthambhore National Park

Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles, take game drives to search for animals, including the majestic tiger which stalks through the jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.

Day 5 Jaipur

Today you will travel to Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan region. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – look out for delectable chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a glittering swimming pool and lush gardens, you’ll enjoy a magical escape from the rush and racket of the outside world. Take some time to settle in, then join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Hear stories of the city’s culture and history as you explore crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. Dinner this evening is something a little bit special – head to the home of a local  family for a wonderful homecooked dinner. Chat to your friendly hosts about their way of life and learn their culinary secrets.

Day 6 Jaipur

Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red, sandstone and white marble with elaborate Hindu-style flourishes. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Afterwards, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', to capture your own photo. Then pay a visit to the striking City Palace, a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. Here you will meet the owner of the haveli who will give you a tour of the property and share fascinating photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.

Day 7 Varanasi

Depart your feature stay accommodation then board a flight bound for Varanasi. On arrival, make a stop off at Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Continue on to the city of Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, it is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience the city’s spirituality. Varanasi may not be known for its cleanliness, but there’s no denying it is one of India’s most inspiring places.

Day 8 Varanasi

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, join your leader for a walking tour of the Old City and uncover its secrets as you walk through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise. You will be joined by local musicians on board and watch a beautiful flower and candle ceremony take place – an experience that is sure to be etched on your memory long after your time in India is over. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as the sun sets over this sacred city.

Day 9 Delhi

Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free for further explorations, then come back together in the evening for a final dinner as a group. This last meal will take place in a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Enjoy a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a stunning historical setting – a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Day 10 Delhi

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability). Perhaps pre-book an Urban Adventure and let a local show you more of this mega city.