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The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh has announced the launch of India’s first-ever Altitude Wildlife Safari in Ladakh. The initiative aims to promote responsible wildlife tourism while reducing off-roading and disturbance to wildlife habitats.
Guided Wildlife Safaris
The initiative will introduce guided Jeep safaris along selected routes known for snow leopard sightings and birdwatching.
The proposed safari landscapes include: Hemis National Park, Changthang Valley, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Drass, Nubra, Sham.
The Snow Leopard and High Altitude Nature (SHAN) Conservation Society is working on identifying suitable safari routes.
India is home to an estimated 718 snow leopards, with the largest population concentrated in the Himalayan region. Ladakh: 477; Uttarakhand: 124; Himachal Pradesh: 51.
This makes Ladakh particularly important for snow leopard conservation and high-altitude wildlife tourism.
The proposed safari will follow a community-led conservation approach, linking tourism with local livelihoods and wildlife protection.
The initiative will:
- Involve local youth as specialised wildlife guides.
- Create livelihood opportunities for women artisans.
- Promote plastic-free tourism campaigns.
- Encourage responsible behaviour among tourists.
- Reduce unregulated vehicle movement and off-roading in sensitive habitats.
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