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Ladakh Launches India First High-Altitude Snow Leopard Safari
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News18•07-10-2026, 21:30
Ladakh Launches India First High-Altitude Snow Leopard Safari
- •Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena flagged off six specially designed vehicles for India's first high-altitude snow leopard wildlife safari in Ladakh.
- •The initiative aims to promote responsible eco-tourism, prevent illegal off-roading, and create sustainable livelihoods for local youth and communities.
- •Vehicles will initially operate in frequent snow leopard sighting areas like Rumbak, Shang, and Uley with trained local drivers and wildlife guides.
- •Ladakh houses 477 snow leopards out of India's estimated national population of around 718, making it a vital region for conservation.
- •The project actively involves local communities as partners in protecting the fragile ecosystem while boosting economic opportunities.
Key Questions Answered
The safari vehicles will initially operate in identified areas where snow leopards are frequently sighted, specifically Rumbak, Shang, and Uley.
The initiative is being conducted by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in collaboration with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh.
Ladakh is home to 477 snow leopards, which represents the country's largest population out of an estimated national total of around 718.
