Snow Leopard, Eurasian Lynx & Pallas's Cat Expedition in Ladakh, India - March 2026 Highlights

11 March 2026 - 28 March 2026 Weather patterns are shifting dramatically across the globe, and the Himalayas are no exception. Typically known for heavy snowfall, the months of January and February saw little to none in parts of Ladakh this year. This lack of snow influences the movement of elusive cats like the Snow Leopard and Eurasian Lynx, often pushing them higher up the mountains in search of the remaining snow.

However, we were fortunate to experience a few days of fresh snowfall, and that made all the difference. These moments not only transformed the landscape but also significantly improved the quality of our sightings, creating the kind of conditions every wildlife photographer hopes for.


One of the true highlights of the expedition was managing to encounter all three of the region’s elusive cats. Checking off Snow Leopard, Eurasian Lynx, and Pallas’s Cat was incredibly special—an achievement that made the challenges of the conditions entirely worthwhile.

Expedition Highlights and Species List:

- Snow Leopard

2x sightings (2 individuals) - on a fresh Ibex kill, chasing birds and stalking Blue Sheep

- Eurasian Lynx

1x sightings (1 individuals) - stalking Woolly Hare

- Pallas’s Cat

5 sightings (6 individuals) - two successful Vole hunts, many unsuccessful Vole hunts, two individuals together

- Tibetan Wolf

4 sightings (13 individuals) - hunting attempt at a Woolly Hare, contact calling and playful behavior amongst the clan

Other sightings included:

- Tibetan Sand Fox

- Blue Sheep/Bharal

- Ladakh Urial

- Tibetan Gazelle

- Argali

- Kiang/Tibetan Wild Ass

- Wild Yak

- Woolly Hare

- Ladakh Pika

- Golden Eagle

- Lammergeier/Bearded Vulture

- Upland Buzzard

- Eurasian Eagle Owl

- Black Necked Crane

These moments truly define our expedition highlights for this year. While conditions were challenging at times and sightings didn’t always come easy, that’s part of what makes experiences like this so rewarding.