India’s First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari Launches in Ladakh

On a Wednesday in late 2026, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena flagged off six open-back vehicles to start the Ladakh Snow Leopard Safari. The inaugural routes run through Rumbak, Shang and Uley, areas known for snow-leopard activity. The vehicles are operated by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh. Trained local drivers and wildlife guides accompany each safari, and the vehicles must stay on approved tracks.

India's 1st High-Altitude Wildlife Safari Begins In Ladakh. Here's How To Experience It

Ladakh hosts the nation’s largest snow-leopard population, estimated at 477 individuals of a national total of 718. Previously, tourism relied on small-group treks and limited vehicle use. Conservationists warned that unchecked traffic could pressure the fragile ecosystem, prompting a regulated, community-based model.

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• Vinai Kumar Saxena – Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.

Ladakh launches India's first high-altitude wildlife safari focused on snow leopards

• SHAN Society – NGO coordinating operations and training.

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• Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh – Government overseer.

Ladakh launches India's first high-altitude wildlife safari focused on snow leopards

• Local youth – Twenty residents trained in bird identification and wildlife monitoring.

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• Women artisans – Fifty women from villages such as Turtuk and Chushul participating in a wildlife-themed felting programme.

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• August 5 (2025) – Safari concept approved.

India's 1st High-Altitude Wildlife Safari Begins In Ladakh. Here's How To Experience It

• Two months later – Vehicles deployed and inaugural safari launched.

India's 1st High-Altitude Wildlife Safari Begins In Ladakh. Here's How To Experience It

• Snow leopards: 477 in Ladakh, 718 nationwide.

Ladakh launches India's first high-altitude wildlife safari focused on snow leopards

• Other wildlife: Over 38 mammal species, 340 bird species, and 1,800 vascular plant species recorded.

Ladakh launches India's first high-altitude wildlife safari focused on snow leopards

• Vehicles: Six open-back jeeps, each with a driver and guide.

India's 1st High-Altitude Wildlife Safari Begins In Ladakh. Here's How To Experience It

• Community involvement: 20 youths trained; 50 women in felting programme; bird-watching hides planned.

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Saxena said the safari links conservation with livelihoods, noting that regulated visitor numbers, approved routes and trained personnel will minimize disturbance while providing economic opportunities. A Leh spokesperson added that the open-back design and guided format ensure safety and reduce habitat impact.

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The initiative seeks a “conservation economy” where wildlife protection and community prosperity reinforce each other. By involving drivers, guides, youth and women’s craft collectives, the model gives residents a direct stake in safeguarding habitats.

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Planned expansions include routes across Hemis National Park, Changthang, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass. The administration also aims to install bird-watching hides, roll out an AI-based human-wildlife conflict mitigation device developed with the University of Ladakh, and promote women-led handicraft enterprises through better design, branding and market access.

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