Ladakh has launched India’s first high-altitude snow leopard safari. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena flagged off six safari vehicles on 7 October 2026. Notably, the launch took place during Wildlife Week celebrations at Choglamsar in Leh. Moreover, the safari aims to promote responsible wildlife tourism.
Routes of the Snow Leopard Safari
At first, the vehicles will run in Rumbak, Shang and Uley. These areas are known for frequent snow leopard sightings. Later, routes may cover Hemis National Park, Changthang and the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, areas in Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass may join the network.
How the Safari Works
The safari uses specially designed open-back vehicles. Also, trained local drivers and wildlife guides run it. Furthermore, visitor numbers and routes will stay regulated. Thus, the safari aims to stop illegal off-roading and disturbance to wildlife.
Who Runs It
The Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society runs the safari. It works with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment of UT Ladakh. Notably, the administration announced the idea on 5 August 2026. Then, it launched the safari within about two months.
Community Benefits
The model treats local communities as partners in conservation. For example, local youth will earn as drivers and guides. Similarly, 20 local youth are being trained as bird guides. Also, 50 women from border villages joined a wild animal felting programme. Hence, conservation and livelihoods go together.
Ladakh: Home of the Snow Leopard
Ladakh has about 477 snow leopards. This is the largest population in India, out of about 718 in total. Earlier, snow leopard tracking in Ladakh ranked fourth in the global Wildlife Experience Index. So, the new safari builds on Ladakh’s global appeal.
Why the Snow Leopard Safari Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, wildlife tourism and species data are common prelims topics. So, remember the launch place, the first routes and the population figures. Also, note that Uttarakhand wants to develop snow leopard tourism too. For official updates, also visit the Ladakh administration website. Next, for a related story, read about the Wildlife Experience Index and Ladakh.
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