2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

GUENTER GUNI JESSE ROCKWELL

HASHMAT SINGH

Our unique adventure combines tracking the “gray ghost” of the Himalaya and searching for tigers in India’s sal forests.

Snow Leopards &Tigers of India ON THE TRAIL OF THE GREAT CATS

Track the near-mythical snow leopard of the Himalaya and spot Royal Bengal tiger in legendary Kanha National Park—all on one adventure! Ladakh is the best place on the planet to see snow leopard in the wild, and we’ve timed our visit for the months when they come down from the snowy heights to find ibex and blue sheep. Our expert local trackers know the haunts of the “gray ghost,” and our mountain lodge keeps us comfortable (no camping!). A dramatic change of scene finds us game viewing in the teak forests of Kanha, India’s great tiger reserve, with an extension to an acclaimed lodge with exclusive access to a game-rich sector of Pench National Park. This is the ultimate experience of the great cats of India! Days 1-3 Delhi / Leh Fly to Leh (11,500'), Ladakh’s capital, once a stop for trading caravans on the Silk Road across Central Asia. An immersion into another era, Leh’s Old Quarter is little changed from the 16th century. Like Tibet, Ladakh is a remote enclave of Tibetan Buddhism with a spectacular setting.

Days 4-10 Ulley / Snow Leopard Tracking In the remote village of Ulley (13,000'), with its prayer flags and yak corrals, our community- owned lodge puts us in the perfect place to track snow leopard in three valleys renowned for sightings. We set out by vehicle each day to get right to the prime viewing spots. Keeping an eye out for ibex, wolf, and soaring griffon vultures in this spectacular landscape, we hike with our trackers to high points for the best viewing opportunities. Our trip directly supports local community and conservation efforts that are critical for the survival of the magnificent snow leopard. Overnight in Leh on Day 10. Days 11-16 Kanha National Park / In Search of Tigers Kanha National Park’s lush meadows and sal forests are ideal habitat for tigers and their prey. We explore by 4WD vehicle, enjoy village visits, and have a cooking demonstration at our award-winning lodge. Depart via Delhi on Day 16, or join our Pench National Park Extension for incredible game viewing from a luxurious and atmospheric lodge that puts us in the park’s game-rich northern reaches. ON OUR WEBSITE JOURNEY TO LADAKH Explore “Little Tibet,” with its unique Tibetan culture and breathtaking landscapes. Jun 25-Jul 6, Lamayuru Festival, Sep 17-28, 2019 Leh Festival. From $5595.

HIGHLIGHTS • Track snow leopard in the high Himalaya with expert guides • Experience Ladakh’s breathtaking winter landscape and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture • Search for Royal Bengal tigers in renowned Kanha National Park • Extend your adventure with exclusive access to Pench National Park, known for tiger, leopard, and dhole (Indian wild dog) DETAILS • 16-day trip begins and ends in Delhi • 4 nights jungle lodge, 6 nights lodge, 5 nights hotels • All meals included DATES Mar 7-22, 2019 Holi Festival Feb 9-24, 2020 Nov 13-28 Mar 2-17 Nov 21-Dec 6 Nov 17-Dec 2 TRIP COST $7995 (8-16 members) $8495 (4-7 members) Single supplement: from $2825 Internal airfare: $755 (subject to change) Snow Leopard Lodge upgrade: $490 Pench N. P. Extension: from $1595

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 + 5 6 7 Rugged road travel with occasional light hikes, altitudes between 11,000-14,000 feet, wildlife viewing by vehicle from a jungle lodge

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL ASIA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 93