This epic adventure takes you into the spectacular high-altitude wilderness of Ladakh in search of the elusive snow leopard and other remarkable Himalayan wildlife. With expert naturalists and trackers on hand to trace scents, trails and markings, journey through remote valleys, mountain passes and rocky landscapes as you follow signs of the legendary ‘grey ghost’.
Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk and show a strong preference for cliffy habitats with broken terrain, rocky outcrops and ravines. They are opportunistic predators and are known to take prey up to three times their weight, though a large part of their diet comprises smaller prey including marmots, pika, hares and birds. This journey also takes you beyond traditional snow leopard tracking, exploring a variety of habitats in search of lynx, Tibetan sand fox, Himalayan wolf, ibex, blue sheep and an impressive array of Himalayan birdlife. Along the way, discover Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage, explore ancient monasteries and experience the region’s dramatic landscapes on foot and horseback.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Namaste and welcome to India. On arrival in Delhi this morning, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel in Aerocity. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the city this afternoon, taking in a selection of its key historical and cultural landmarks.
Later, meet with our local expert at the hotel for a briefing on the journey ahead, including the wildlife experiences, conditions in Ladakh and what to expect over the coming days.
Overnight – Roseate House or similar
Following an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Leh in Ladakh.
Framed by the jagged, snow-capped Himalayas, the city itself sits on the historic Silk Road. Dotted with monasteries, stupas and traditional mud-brick houses, Leh provides your introduction to the fascinating culture and landscapes of Ladakh. Prayer flags flutter brightly in the wind, while long Mani walls covered in exquisitely carved prayer stones, stupas, chortens and Buddhist monasteries known as gompas are found throughout the region.
Leh is located at just over 3,500 metres above sea level, so it is important to allow your body time to adjust to the altitude. Take things slowly, remain well hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise while acclimatising.
Later this afternoon, conditions permitting, enjoy a short acclimatisation walk by the Indus marshes. This gentle introduction to Ladakh also provides an opportunity for some early birding, looking for waterfowl, waders and the distinctive Ibisbill. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Bilupa Mountain Lodge or similar
We have allowed another day in Leh to acclimatise before venturing deeper into the mountains.
Early this morning, attend morning prayers at Thiksey Monastery, followed by a gentle monastery heritage walk. Return to the lodge for a traditional Ladakhi breakfast.
This afternoon, experience Ladakh from a different perspective as you embark on a horseback safari along the river plains and banks of the Indus.
Depending on weather conditions and available time, there may also be an opportunity to visit Leh’s Old Town or Stok Heritage House. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Bilupa Mountain Lodge or similar
Today, your dedicated wildlife exploration begins as you travel into the high-altitude landscapes of the Warila region.
Characterised by marshlands, rocky outcrops and vast alpine terrain, this area offers the opportunity to search for some of Ladakh’s more elusive wildlife. Accompanied by expert naturalists and wildlife spotters, spend the day exploring the region and looking for signs of movement across the surrounding slopes and valleys.
One of the most exciting possibilities here is the rarely encountered lynx. You will also be searching for Tibetan sand fox and Himalayan wolf, while migratory birds may be present depending on the season.
Wildlife tracking is always unpredictable, and your team will use their local knowledge, recent sightings and signs in the landscape to maximise your chances of encountering the region’s wildlife.
A packed lunch will be enjoyed in the field, surrounded by the stark beauty of Ladakh’s alpine desert, before continuing your search during the afternoon. (B, L, D)
Return to the lodge this evening.
Overnight – Bilupa Mountain Lodge or similar
Return to the Warila region today for a second full day of wildlife tracking.
Having two days to explore this landscape gives your naturalists and spotters greater flexibility to respond to recent sightings and wildlife movements. Your route and the amount of time spent in each area will therefore be determined by conditions on the day.
Continue your search for lynx, Tibetan sand fox and Himalayan wolf while also keeping watch for the birdlife found throughout this high-altitude environment.
As with all wildlife encounters, patience is essential. Time may be spent scanning distant ridges and rocky outcrops or following signs identified by your tracking team.
Enjoy another packed lunch in the field before returning to the lodge later this afternoon. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Bilupa Mountain Lodge or similar
Rise early this morning for another exciting day in the high-altitude wilderness, this time exploring Matho Phu, one of Ladakh’s promising areas for spotting the elusive snow leopard.
After an early breakfast you will check out of your hotel in Leh before setting out with your experienced wildlife guide and local trackers, travelling deeper into the rugged mountain landscape in search of signs of this magnificent predator.
Snow leopard sightings are a game of patience. Your trackers will search for signs such as tracks and markings while gathering information on recent movements to determine the most promising areas to explore. At times, you may spend extended periods scanning the surrounding cliffs and ridgelines through spotting scopes.
While searching for snow leopard, keep an eye out for the other wildlife that inhabits this remote Himalayan ecosystem. Depending on the season and conditions, you may encounter Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, red fox, Tibetan wolf and a variety of high-altitude birds.
The dramatic landscape itself is an important part of today’s experience, with vast valleys, rugged cliffs and snow-covered peaks creating a spectacular setting for wildlife viewing and photography.
Lunch arrangements will be determined by wildlife activity. Usually, you will return to the lodge for lunch; however, if sightings warrant remaining in the field, your local guide may arrange for lunch to be brought to the group. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Mangyu Lodge/ Snow Leopard lodge or similar
Today, continue deeper into snow leopard country as you make your way towards Mangyu, located near the wildlife corridor encompassing Ulley, Timti and Hemis Shukpachan.
This is a spectacular part of Ladakh and the journey itself provides plenty of opportunity for wildlife watching and photography. Keep watch across the surrounding slopes and rocky terrain as you travel, as wildlife can be encountered at any point.
The wider region is home not only to snow leopard but also Tibetan wolf, Himalayan fox, ibex, Ladakh urial, golden eagle and lammergeier.
On arrival, check in at Mangyu Lodge, constructed using traditional local mud-brick architecture and set amongst this remote Himalayan landscape.
Towards sunset, enjoy a walk around the 11th-century Mangyu Monastery. Largely removed from the region’s busier tourist trail, the monastery offers a peaceful introduction to the cultural heritage of this isolated valley. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Mangyu Lodge/ Snow Leopard lodge or similar
Today begins three full days of dedicated wildlife exploration through the valleys and mountains surrounding Ulley and Mangyu.
Accompanied by expert trackers from the local community, set out in search of the snow leopard and the other wildlife inhabiting these mountains. This is not about covering large distances or hard-core trekking; rather, the focus is on searching for wildlife at a comfortable pace and responding to the movements and sightings of the day.
Winter and the colder months can bring snow leopards to lower elevations in search of prey. Your trackers will use their extensive knowledge of the landscape, information from recent sightings and signs left by the animals to determine where you explore.
You may trek into nearby valleys or spend time quietly watching rocky slopes and ridgelines through spotting scopes.
Alongside snow leopard, key wildlife targets include blue sheep or bharal, Himalayan wolf and red fox. Look skywards too, as lammergeier or bearded vultures, golden eagles and Himalayan griffons may be seen soaring above the valleys.
Meals will be arranged around the day’s wildlife activity, with packed lunches and refreshments available when you remain in the field. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Mangyu Lodge/ Snow Leopard lodge or similar
Continue exploring the mountains and valleys today in search of wildlife.
Snow leopard tracking requires flexibility. Your schedule will be influenced by previous sightings, weather conditions and information gathered by your guides and trackers. You may follow on from the previous day’s route or explore a completely different area depending on where wildlife is thought to be moving.
Distances covered and the level of activity will therefore vary. The emphasis is not on trekking a particular route, but on giving you the best opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
There may be long periods of waiting and watching, scanning the seemingly empty mountains through a scope. If fortune is on your side, the shape of a snow leopard may eventually emerge from the rocky landscape, perfectly camouflaged against its surroundings.
In the evening, return to the lodge, where time can be spent sharing stories and learning more about the wildlife and conservation of this extraordinary region. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Mangyu Lodge/ Snow Leopard lodge or similar
Enjoy a final full day dedicated to exploring this spectacular wilderness.
Once again, the movements of the day will be determined by wildlife sightings and the advice of your expert tracking team. You may return to an area where snow leopard activity has recently been recorded or venture into another nearby valley to search for fresh signs.
The moment you witness one of these remarkable cats in its natural habitat is difficult to forget. Perfectly adapted to this harsh mountain environment, snow leopards can disappear almost completely amongst the snow-covered rocks and cliffs, making every sighting particularly special.
Meals will be arranged according to the day’s activities, with packed meals and refreshments available should you remain in the field.
Subject to guest preference and suitable weather conditions, there is also the option of spending a night camping beneath the Himalayan stars. (B, L, D)
Overnight – Mangyu Lodge/ Snow Leopard lodge or similar
Following an early breakfast, make your way to the airport for your flight back to Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel.
No activities are planned for the remainder of the day, giving you time to unwind following your time in the mountains before your flight home or onward journey. (B)
Overnight – Roseate House or similar
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Contact our team to learn more or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about our upcoming tours.
Enquire about travelling on a private departure that suits you.
Enquire About a Private Option**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures for travel between January and March.
* Pricing is subject to change at any time until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
**Snow Leopard sightings cannot be guaranteed.
A non-refundable deposit of 40% AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Back to India Tours
