Why in News?
The Ladakh Administration has approved India's first guided high-altitude wildlife safari, which is expected to begin in the winter season of 2026.
About
- The safari will cover Hemis National Park, Changthang, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass.
- It will use specially designed open-back safari jeeps, operated by trained local drivers and wildlife guides.
- The initiative aims to promote responsible wildlife tourism while supporting conservation and creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
- Ladakh is home to about 477 snow leopards, nearly two-thirds of India's estimated snow leopard population.
- The administration will also train 20 local youth in wildlife interpretation and develop 10 bird-watching hides at important ecological sites.
