Ladakh has flagged off India's first high-altitude wildlife safari, opening a new chapter for regulated wildlife tourism in the Union Territory. The safari was launched this week during the Wildlife Week 2026 celebrations at the Choglamsar Protected Forest in Leh by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Six open-back vehicles, three routes to start
Six specially designed open-back safari vehicles will initially operate across Rumbak, Shang and Uley — areas known for frequent snow leopard sightings. The initiative is being run by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in collaboration with the Union Territory's Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment. Trained local drivers and wildlife guides will accompany visitors on strictly designated routes inside sensitive wildlife zones.
The project was announced on August 5 and rolled out within two months. Officials plan to identify additional approved routes across Hemis National Park, the Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, and the Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass regions.
Why it matters
Ladakh holds 477 of India's estimated 718 snow leopards, as recorded in the country's first official snow leopard assessment — nearly two-thirds of the national count. The region is also home to more than 38 mammal species, over 340 bird species and around 1,800 vascular plant species, including the Himalayan brown bear, wolves and the black-necked crane.
According to the administration, the objective is not to chase higher tourist numbers but to build a model that balances economic activity with environmental protection. The safari is expected to create sustainable livelihoods for local youth, discourage illegal off-roading and make local communities active custodians of the fragile high-altitude ecosystem. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated an AI-based human-wildlife conflict mitigation device developed by the Wildlife Division in Kargil in technical collaboration with the University of Ladakh.
Sources:
Snow Leopard Safaris In Ladakh To Boost Wildlife Conservation Efforts, Provide Employment To Youth — NDTV Profit
Snow Leopard Safari: Inside India's First High-Altitude Wildlife Tour In Ladakh — Asianet Newsable
Six open-back vehicles, three routes to start
Six specially designed open-back safari vehicles will initially operate across Rumbak, Shang and Uley — areas known for frequent snow leopard sightings. The initiative is being run by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in collaboration with the Union Territory's Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment. Trained local drivers and wildlife guides will accompany visitors on strictly designated routes inside sensitive wildlife zones.
The project was announced on August 5 and rolled out within two months. Officials plan to identify additional approved routes across Hemis National Park, the Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, and the Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass regions.
Why it matters
Ladakh holds 477 of India's estimated 718 snow leopards, as recorded in the country's first official snow leopard assessment — nearly two-thirds of the national count. The region is also home to more than 38 mammal species, over 340 bird species and around 1,800 vascular plant species, including the Himalayan brown bear, wolves and the black-necked crane.
According to the administration, the objective is not to chase higher tourist numbers but to build a model that balances economic activity with environmental protection. The safari is expected to create sustainable livelihoods for local youth, discourage illegal off-roading and make local communities active custodians of the fragile high-altitude ecosystem. The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated an AI-based human-wildlife conflict mitigation device developed by the Wildlife Division in Kargil in technical collaboration with the University of Ladakh.
Sources:
Snow Leopard Safaris In Ladakh To Boost Wildlife Conservation Efforts, Provide Employment To Youth — NDTV Profit
Snow Leopard Safari: Inside India's First High-Altitude Wildlife Tour In Ladakh — Asianet Newsable
