Jul 27, 2026 – 5.00amWinter in Ladakh is not for the fainthearted. In this high-altitude corner of India, where even the valley floors sit at 3500 metres and many peaks soar beyond 6000, daytime temperatures during winter often sit below zero, plunging as low as minus 20 degrees at night.This bitter season is when one of the world’s most endangered big cats comes out to play. The snow leopard moves silently on wide paws, its pale coat perfectly camouflaged with its surroundings. Increasing numbers of people are willing to brave the temperatures and the low oxygen levels for the chance, however small, of a sighting.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles