Ladakh opens India’s first high-altitude safari for snow leopard spotting

Wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers get ready for a rendezvous with the snow leopard in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh.

Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the introduction of wildlife safaris on popular snow-leopard and bird-watching trails in Ladakh’s high-altitude regions, adding a new dimension to the Union Territory’s vibrant eco-tourism.

This will be India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari, offering visitors a rare guided opportunity to experience Ladakh’s distinctive flora and fauna.

Ladakh is home to India’s largest snow leopard population — 477 of the country’s estimated 718 snow leopards. Ladakh also supports over 38 mammal species, 340 bird species and 1,800 vascular plant species that have drawn substantial tourist attraction over the years.

The LG has directed the Forest Department to introduce guided jeep safari on the lines of popular National Parks like Kaziranga, Ranthambore and others, using specially designed open-back vehicles, to be operated by trained local drivers and guides.

The objective behind introducing guided safaris is to prevent incidents of illegal off-roading and disturbing wildlife, besides strengthening sustainable and responsible eco-friendly tourism and enhancing visitor experience.

The decision was taken in the first governing body meeting of the newly constituted Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature (SHAN) Conservation Society, chaired by LG Saxena.

The Lieutenant Governor has directed the Forest Department to explore the possible safari routes across Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries, apart from areas like Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass, that are known to have a sizable presence of elusive snow leopards and vivid avian diversity.

It has further been decided that 20 local youth will be selected, trained in birdwatching, bird identification and bird-spotting skills and will be provided with equipment like binoculars. Besides, 10 bird-watching hides will be created at major hot-spots.

According to a spokesman of the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, “The SHAN Society, constituted by the Lieutenant Governor on June 16 this year, seeks to formulate a comprehensive roadmap for community-led wildlife conservation, waste management and promoting plastic-free tourism, sustainable livelihood generation and responsible tourism across Ladakh”.

SHAN Society envisages a unique model of environment conservation in Ladakh, wherein the Government alone will not be responsible for environment protection, but local communities will be made active partners in protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and wildlife.

This will instil a sense of custodianship among the people, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for them.