2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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

HIGHLIGHTS • Track snow leopard in the high Himalaya, experience Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes • Support a community-based wildlife conservation project • 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 mountain lodge, 6 nights jungle lodge, 5 nights hotels • All meals included

Track the “gray ghost” of the Himalaya in remote valleys of Ladakh and look for tigers at Kanha National Park. PHOTO: JAMES URBACH

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 optional 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. Ladakh is a remote enclave of Tibetan Buddhism with a spectacular setting. We’ll explore Leh’s Old Quarter and visit the Leh Palace at sunset for vistas across the valley. 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

DATES Nov 13-28, 2019 Feb 9-24, 2020 Mar 2-17 Nov 17-Dec 2 Feb 14-Mar 1, 2021 Mar 16-31

sightings. We track first by vehicle, which allows us to cover a lot of ground each day and gets us to the prime viewing spots, and then set out on foot. Keeping an eye out for ibex, wolf, and soaring griffon vultures in this spectacular landscape, we follow 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 on Day 16 via Delhi, or join our Pench National Park Extension for game viewing from an atmospheric lodge in the park’s game-rich northern reaches, haunt of leopard and wild dog. ON OUR WEBSITE JOURNEY TO LADAKH Explore “Little Tibet,” with its unique Tibetan culture and breathtaking landscapes. Jun 14-25 (Lamayuru Festival), Aug 29-Sep 9, 2020 (Leh Festival). From $5695.

TRIP COST $8395 (12-16 members) $8595 (8-11 members) $8895 (4-7 members) Single supplement: From $2875 Internal airfare: $830 (subject to change) Snow Leopard Lodge upgrade: $520 Pench National Park Extension: from $1695 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 + 5 6 Rugged road travel with occasional light hikes, altitudes between 11,000-14,000 feet, wildlife viewing by vehicle

ANDY ROUSE

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL ASIA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 97