LEH, October 8, 2026 – Marking a historic milestone for ecotourism in the region, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena launched India’s first dedicated high-altitude wildlife snow leopard safari on Wednesday. During a special ceremony organized as part of the Wildlife Week 2026 celebrations, the LG flagged off six specially equipped safari vehicles from the Choglamsar Protected Forest in Leh.
This pioneering initiative is designed to offer visitors a rare, guided opportunity to witness the elusive snow leopard—often referred to as the ‘Ghost of the Mountains’—along with other distinctive high-altitude wildlife in their natural cold-desert habitat. Officials emphasized that the safari aims to promote responsible, regulated wildlife tourism while strengthening community-based biodiversity conservation and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents.
Highlighting the extraordinary ecological wealth of the region, authorities noted that Ladakh is the ultimate stronghold for the species in India. The Union Territory is home to the country’s largest snow leopard population, boasting 477 big cats out of an estimated national total of around 718. In addition to the snow leopard, Ladakh’s unique high-altitude ecosystem supports more than 38 diverse mammal species, over 340 bird species, and approximately 1,800 vascular plant species.
The introduction of the safari vehicles is expected to transform the wildlife tourism landscape in Ladakh, providing a structured and ecologically sensitive framework for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe.
Published by True Roots Media Network