overview
Set against the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh’s Changthang plateau, the Pallas’s Cat Expedition is a rare high-altitude wildlife journey designed for those seeking one of the Himalayas’ most elusive predators. Beginning in Leh and moving deep into the remote wilderness of Hanle and Kalak Tar Tar, the expedition combines expert-led wildlife tracking with immersive stays amidst stark mountain deserts, sweeping valleys, and untouched ecosystems. Over seven days, guests explore one of India’s most remote wildlife habitats in search of the elusive Pallas’s Cat, while also encountering rare Trans-Himalayan mammals such as Tibetan Wolves and Tibetan Gazelles.
accommodation amidst action
The expedition balances rugged exploration with thoughtfully curated stays that place guests close to the wildlife action without compromising on comfort. In Leh, guests stay at the luxurious Grand Dragon Ladakh, allowing time for acclimatization before entering the high-altitude wilderness. In Hanle, accommodations are strategically positioned within the heart of the Changthang landscape, ensuring immediate access to prime tracking terrain and uninterrupted wildlife experiences. Full-board stays, expert field support, and seamless logistics create a comfortable yet immersive expedition atmosphere where every day begins and ends amidst some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
itinerary
2027Upon arrival at Leh airport, transfer to The Grand Dragon Ladakh. Spend the day resting to acclimatize to the high altitude. Enjoy a sophisticated dinner and overnight stay at the hotel on a half-board basis.
After an early breakfast, depart for Hanle, a journey of 253 kilometers through breathtaking landscapes. Keep a keen eye out for wildlife along the way. Your stay in Hanle is provided on a full-board basis.
Devote your first full day in Hanle to tracking the elusive Pallas’s Cat. Guided by local experts, explore the rocky outcrops of the Changthang plateau. All meals today are included on a fullboard basis.
Continue your wildlife exploration in the Hanle region. Search for the Pallas’s Cat and other rare species like the Tibetan Wolf or Gazelle. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a full-board basis at your guesthouse.
Set out for the Kalak Tar Tar area, known for its incredible vistas and wildlife density. Scan the terrain for cats and mammals before returning to Hanle. This day is also on a full-board basis.
Retrace your route back to Leh, enjoying final views of the Indus Valley. Check back into The Grand Dragon Ladakh for a comfortable evening on a half-board basis, reflecting on your successful highaltitude wildlife sightings.
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before your scheduled transfer to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Board your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of the rare wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan desert.
Expedition on a map
Gallery
Premium Transportation: Private transport for the entire circuit using 02 Toyota Crysta vehicles (inclusive of the projected 15% tariff revision by the Taxi Union).
Leh Accommodation: 02 nights at Hotel Tsokar Retreat on a Half-Board basis (includes comfortable rooms, breakfast, and dinner).
Hanle Accommodation: 04 nights in Hanle with Ful-Board service (al meals included, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options).
Room Configuration: Accommodation is arranged in 02 Double rooms and 01 Single room at each location.
Expert Wildlife Team: Services of one professional Tour Guide/Spotter accompanied by an additional Field Spotter for specialized tracking.
Expert Wildlife Team: Services of one professional Tour Guide/Spotter accompanied by an additional Field Spotter for specialized tracking.
Permits & Documentation: Al necessary Inner Line Permits and Wildlife Department permits are processed and included.
Field Comforts: Daily refreshments and snacks provided during field excursions to keep you energized.
Safety Measures: Portable oxygen cylinders carried throughout the journey for high-altitude safety.
Taxes: All applicable costs including a 2% TDS surcharge.
Airfare: International or domestic flights to and from Leh.
Leh Lunches: Mid-day meals while in Leh city (only Breakfast and Dinner are included).
Insurance: Personal travel insurance, medical emergency costs, or evacuation charges.
Discretionary Costs: Gratuities and tips for guides, drivers, or hotel staff.
Cancelations: Fees arising from personal trip cance lations or unforeseen itinerary changes.
Erwin D’rose
Expedition Leader
Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Erwin has been lucky to have started his journey as a kid! Jabalpur being the epicenter of all tiger reserves of MP, Erwin would travel to them frequently. He has always loved the jungles therefore he paved his path straight to Kanha tiger reserve. "Jungles are never scary”, says Erwin, it is but a work of your conditioning as a child. Over the years he's only grown to love the peace and tranquility for which he's grateful to his parents. Currently working as a lodge manager and naturalist at an eco-friendly resort in Satpura, Erwins experiences are best told around a born fire. His days are packed with his work and when he's not in the jungles, he's either with his horses that he calls his kids, or he's out on a walk looking for tracks of animal near the little waterhole in his resort. Erwin is also an expedition leader who leads trips to wildlife destination across the country, and those who travel with him swears by his company for all their travel trips. His interpretive guiding style and his hosting skills makes him a brilliant and an award-winning naturalist.
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