Ridakh Adventures Presents
Snow LeopardExpedition
Photography Expedition 2026 – 2027 · Karakoram, Pakistan
Photo by Asif Ashoor
About This Expedition
Chase the Ghost of the Mountains
Venture into the breathtaking wilderness of Baltistan on a rare 15-day Snow Leopard Photography Expedition. Set against the dramatic backdrops of Khaplu, Basho Valley, and Hushe — this experience blends high-altitude adventure, ethical wildlife photography, and deep cultural immersion. Operating during peak snow leopard activity season, guided by seasoned local trackers and supported by conservation experts from BWCDO.
Base Areas
Khaplu · Basho Valley · Hushe · Khunjerab NP
Best Season
Mid-winter to early spring (January – April)
Elevation Range
2,600 – 4,500 meters above sea level
Focus
Snow leopard tracking · Wildlife photography · Camera traps · Cultural immersion
Conservation Partner
BWCDO — Baltistan Wildlife Conservation & Development Organization
Duration
15 Days
14 Nights
Max Altitude
4,500 m
Khunjerab / Hushe high zones
Expedition Highlights
Snow leopard tracking with expert guides
Camera trap installation & monitoring
Ibex, alpine fox & eagle photography
Night sky & mountain photography
Community conservation collaboration
Khaplu · Basho · Hushe valleys
Expedition Cost
USD 3,500
per person · all services included
Why This Expedition
An Experience Unlike Any Other
01
The Ghost of the Mountains
One of the rarest wildlife encounters on earth — track and photograph the elusive snow leopard in its natural Karakoram habitat.
02
Expert Local Trackers
Guided by seasoned community rangers trained in snow leopard ecology, with decades of knowledge of these high-altitude valleys.
03
Ethical Conservation
In collaboration with BWCDO, your participation directly supports local conservation efforts and community livelihoods.
04
Multi-Zone Coverage
Four prime snow leopard zones — Khaplu, Basho, Hushe, and Khunjerab — maximizing your chances of a sighting.
Day by Day
Full 15-Day Itinerary
From Islamabad to the high ridges of the Karakoram — every day is crafted for maximum wildlife encounter and photography opportunity.
DAY 1Arrival in Islamabad
- Arrive in Islamabad
- Gear check & meet the team
- Overnight in guesthouse
DAY 2Islamabad → Skardu
- Flight to Skardu (weather permitting)
- Scenic views of K2 & Nanga Parbat
- Coordinate with local wildlife team
DAY 3Drive to Khaplu
- Drive to Khaplu (3–4 hours)
- Meet local guides & wildlife office
- Briefing on snow leopard tracking zones
DAY 4Scout Khaplu Surroundings
- Begin tracking with local guides
- Set up 1–2 camera traps on known trails
- Scout valley ridges and cliffs
DAY 5Move to Basho Valley Base Camp
- Drive to Basho Valley, then hike to base
- Orientation with community rangers
- Sunset landscape photography
DAY 6–8Full Tracking in Basho Valley
- Early hikes to vantage points
- Long-lens photography of ibex & foxes
- Monitor & reposition camera traps
- Evening footage review & journaling
DAY 9Wildlife & Night Photography
- Focus on ibex, eagles & tracks
- Star trails & mountain night shots
- Optional second hide/blind setup
DAY 10Move to Hushe Valley
- Drive / hike to Hushe Valley
- Camera stations with community
- Photograph Hushe Glacier & herder life
DAY 11–12Hushe Valley Tracking Days
- High-altitude scouting above Hushe
- Portraits of wildlife guardians & herders
- Snow leopard habitat context shots
DAY 13Return to Khaplu / Skardu
- Collect camera traps & interview locals
- Backup data & transfer footage
- Relaxed evening in Khaplu or Skardu
DAY 14Skardu → Islamabad
- Flight back (weather dependent)
- Rest & recovery in Islamabad
- Begin image curation
DAY 15Departure / Image Review
- Final debrief & team wrap-up
- Image review session
- Depart Islamabad
Flexibility Note: Snow leopard sightings are rare and unpredictable. If a sighting occurs anywhere during the expedition, the itinerary will be adjusted to maximize photography opportunities.
What’s Covered
Services Included
Included in Package
- Air tickets (domestic flights)
- All meals throughout the expedition
- Ground transport & 4×4 vehicles
- Accommodation (guesthouses & camps)
- Wildlife entry & park fees
- Local community collaboration fee
- Professional tour guide & trackers
Photography Tips
Carry 400mm–600mm lens + wide for landscapes
Lightweight camera traps with solar backup
Fast memory cards + multiple backups
ND filters & weather protection
Insulated gear for sub-zero conditions
Community Partner
Work alongside BWCDO — Baltistan Wildlife Conservation & Development Organization. Local rangers trained in snow leopard ecology will guide and support the expedition.
Expedition Cost
One Comprehensive Package
All services, guides, permits, accommodation, and transport are fully covered in a single price — so you focus entirely on the photography.
Snow Leopard Photography Expedition
$3,500
per person · 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Domestic air tickets
- All accommodation
- All meals included
- Ground transport & 4×4
- Professional guide & trackers
- Wildlife & park fees
- Camera trap equipment
- Community fees
Limited spots available. A 30% non-refundable deposit confirms your place. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.