Under the expert guidance of world renowned photographer & Kensington Explorer In Residence Amos Nachoum, learn the secrets to nature & marine photography, as well as have the chance to interact with one of the rarest animals on earth - the exotic and elusive snow leopard.

Amos’ photos & films have been showcased in National Geographic, Discovery, BBC Wildlife, Time, Life, The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler & more.

Trek across one of the world's last truly wild places in search of an animal nobody you know has ever seen: the magnificently elusive snow leopard. There are an estimated 3,500 snow leopards left on the planet. They are spread out across the most remote areas of Central Asia, where they persist, but just barely, hunting ibex, marmots, deer, hare and wild sheep. They are shy and solitary, the least aggresive of the big cats. On this trip you'll have to be fit enough to climb in high altitudes, grounded enough to endure extremes of cold and effort, and patient enough to stalk a phantom. As many like to say, but this expedition will demonstrate- when seeking the snow leopard, the journey really is the reward. Go nearly 15,000 feet above sea level into the Himalayan provinces of northern India, where Tibetans and Indians mix on the venerable trading routes of antiquity. Here, the world you know falls away, waiting for your return with the stories and images you'll bring back; one of which may hold the rarest big cat on earth.

Highlights: mountain goats, Tibetan mountain sheep, lynx, wolves, snow leopards, hiking, camping, Delhi, Leh, Zinchen, Housing Valley, Yuruche, mountain vistas.

Together with Kensington Tours, world renowned photographer Amos Nachoum’s expeditions take him and a small group of exclusive travelers throughout the world to observe, photograph, and revere the most magnificent creatures on the planet. He has led multiple many high-profile National Geographic expedition teams, including National Geographic’s Red Sea, Great White Shark, and Killer Whale photo expeditions. Amos’s photos and essays have appeared in hundreds of publications around the globe, including National Geographic, Time, Life, The New York Times, and many more.

Under the expert guidance of Amos, learn the secrets to spellbinding wildlife photography, as well as have the chance to interact with some of the most exciting animals on the planet — great white sharks, polar bears, blue whales, sailfish, snow leopards, the sardine run and more — Amos will help you capture their true essence in the most spectacular wildlife photographs you’ll ever take.

Today a tour representative will meet you for a transfer to the Imperial Hotel. You will be briefed on the expedition, and the remainder of your day can be spent relaxing or walking around Delhi. In the evening, your small expedition team will gather for dinner together.

Recognized as one of Asia’s finest hotels, The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India’s history. It remains New Delhi’s landmark hotel, steps away from the renowned shopping district and major city attractions and a half-hour drive from the international airport. With high ceilings, impeccable decor and equipped with all the facilities and modern conveniences, the 232 rooms and suites, overlooking verdant gardens, bespeak discreet luxury and offer total privacy and serenity. The award winning restaurants feature cuisine from southeast Asia, French, and India. The swimming pool, dotted by the royal palms and nestled in the shaded grounds of the hotel, offers a tranquil, refreshing experience.

Overnight at The Imperial (City Center).

Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, now the Leh District in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The town is still dominated by the now ruined Leh Palace, former home of the royal family of Ladakh, which resembles a mini-Potala Palace. Leh lies at an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,483ft), and is surrounded by the Indian Himalaya mountain range. The majority of Leh's population is Buddhist.

Today, you and your expedition team will fly to Leh, the ancient capital of the former Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Your local guides will take you to the Grand Dragon Hotel, for a day of relaxation and altitude acclimatization (11,500 feet).

Welcome to The Grand Dragon Ladakh, the newest member of the Dragon Group of Hotels.  The Grand Dragon Ladakh is the Star hotel of Ladakh, a cold desert land of scenic and cultural beauty on the rooftop of the world.  The hotel blends traditional architecture with luxurious accommodations to create a unique experience in northern India.  This property also boasts a "green" Philosophy as the 95 solar panels provide power to heat water for central heating, and use in the bathrooms.  All of the windows are double-glazed to help insulate and conserve energy, making your stay comfortable and luxurious, even during the winter months. 

Overnight at The Grand Dragon.

Today is another day spent getting used to the extremely high altitude, as you visit local sights such as the ancient Buddhist monasteries and the bustling markets around Leh with your expedition team.

Overnight at The Grand Dragon.

Today you will depart Leh with the group and drive to Zinchen, where you will begin your trek into legendary terrains of both ancient and modern myth, through snow leopard country. Pack horses carry the bulk of the gear, while you'll carry a small daypack, your binoculars and camera. You will spend 2-3 hours hiking to the first campsite. Here you will spend the night in the sleeping bag you brought (it needs to be rated to at least -25 degrees C). Tents and mattresses are supplied.

Today you will depart Leh with the group and drive to Zinchen, where you will begin your trek into legendary terrains of both ancient and modern myth, through snow leopard country. Pack horses carry the bulk of the gear, while you'll carry a small daypack, your binoculars and camera. You will spend 2-3 hours hiking to the first campsite. Here you will spend the night in the sleeping bag you brought (it needs to be rated to at least -25 degrees C). Tents and mattresses are supplied.

Your stay up in the mountains will be in a 2-person tent, with a personal mattress. This is certainly rugged accommodation, yet the rugged terrain makes this your best option in these remote areas.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

At 12,500 feet in altitude, this is a physically challenging journey from here on in, so you should be prepared for high-altitude hiking, prolonged exertion, and some pretty cold weather. The people you'll meet along the way will cause you to fall in love with the region; the snow leopard and your search for it will fill you with profound respect.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

This morning, you will trek inward to your new campsite in Housing Valley, an area known for snow leopard sightings. The hike takes about 5 hours and covers 6km.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

Today you'll stay near camp, taking short hikes to nearby streams and trails where snow leopards travel. Total trekking time today is around 5 hours, covering anywhere from 3-6 km throughout the day.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

Camp will move again today, as you trek six hours to the very remote village of Rumbak, where snow leopards are known to prey on livestock. You'll camp near town, but spend the evening enjoying Tibetan hospitality with the locals.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

This big cat you've come in search of is extremely elusive. You'll often find signs of the snow leopard's presence, but it takes a serious dose of luck to be one of the few who are actually able to see this animal in the flesh. That's what makes the hunt so exhilarating.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

Continue trekking around Rumbak, with your eyes peeled. Amos will be offering a seminar / photo coaching to ensure that the photographs you'll be bringing home are as strong as they can be.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

Today you set out for Yuruche, your longest trek, about 7 km. The terrain changes to rolling slopes with great vistas, but it's also exposed and you can expect a lot of cold wind on the hike. You'll look for snow leopards, wolves, lynx, and the argali, or great Tibetan sheep, one of the most endangered wild sheep in the world.

Overnight at Standard Tent (B,L,D).

Depending on weather and trail conditions, you'll return to Housing Valley today via one of several route options. You'll go through some very scenic areas as you return to Zinchen, where you'll rejoin the vehicles for a drive back to Leh, and the Grand Dragon Hotel. This time around it will seem even more luxurious than when you first saw it.

Overnight at The Grand Dragon.

Today you'll board a flight back to Delhi with your expedition group where you will then head to the Trident Guragon Hotel for check-in. You'll spend the day readjusting to the habits of a (really) big city.

The Taj Mahal (City Centre) is nestled in six acres of lush greenery in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of the city, Taj Palace Hotel is a true luxury hotel near Gurgaon. Ready to provide you the best in comfort, the hotel hosts 422 guestrooms and 40 suites that are elegantly decorated and come with a host of in-room amenities. From casual, all-day eateries to formal, fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide selection of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks at the onsite restaurant. Equipped with wireless broadband Internet access, the hotel offers conference services that include simultaneous translation in five languages.

Overnight at Taj Mahal (City Center).

As you say goodbye to your expedition team, you'll receive a transfer in Delhi today, carrying with you a new portfolio of spectacular images and memories of warm faces, high peaks, and long spotted tails. What a journey!

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).