Ladakh launches India’s first high-altitude snow leopard safari

Ladakh has launched India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari, specifically focused on snow leopard sightings. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena officially flagged off the first six vehicles for the initiative.

The program is being implemented by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in partnership with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh. The safari aims to promote responsible wildlife tourism and community-based conservation while providing sustainable livelihoods for local youth.

Initial operations will focus on areas such as Rumbak, Shang, and Uley. The safari will utilize specially designed open-back vehicles, trained local drivers, and wildlife guides. Planned routes cover Hemis National Park, Changthang, and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as the Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil, and Drass districts. The initiative seeks to prevent illegal off-roading and wildlife disturbance by providing a structured, guided experience.