GUWAHATI: Ladakh is set to launch India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari, with guided jeep safaris planned across snow leopard and birdwatching trails in Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, as well as Drass, Nubra and Sham.
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Approved by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena during the first Governing Body meeting of the Snow Leopard & High-Altitude Nature (SHAN) Conservation Society, the initiative aims to curb illegal off-roading and minimise disturbance to wildlife while promoting sustainable and responsible eco-tourism.
The safaris will be modelled on those operated in national parks such as Kaziranga and Ranthambore, using specially designed open-back vehicles driven by trained local drivers and guides.
The initiative will also focus on community-led conservation by training local youth as specialised guides, empowering women artisans and promoting plastic-free campaigns, with the aim of ensuring local communities benefit economically from wildlife tourism.