# Ladakh Approves India’s First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari 2026-08-06T14:30:07+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved guided jeep safaris on snow leopard and birdwatching trails, in what officials describe as India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari. The plan covers possible routes in Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, along with Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass. Specially designed open-back vehicles will be operated by trained local drivers and guides. The initiative aims to curb illegal off-roading and reduce disturbance to wildlife. Officials said Ladakh has 477 of India’s estimated 718 snow leopards, along with more than 38 mammal species, 340 bird species and 1,800 vascular plant species. Twenty local youths will receive birdwatching training, while 10 birdwatching hides are planned. The SHAN Conservation Society also approved waste bins, plastic-free tourism measures and wildlife clubs in 50 government schools. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: eco-tourism, Ladakh, snow leopard, sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/ladakh-approves-indias-first-high-altitude-wildlife-safari/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/ladakh-approves-indias-first-high-altitude-wildlife-safari/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.