1. Snow leopards are highly illusive and a vulnerable species and are mostly found in India in the Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
2. Uttarakhand which is home to some 90 snow leopards, will soon launch a ‘Snow Leopard Tour’ in the state, with an aim to encourage sustainable tourism and protect the species.
3. In Uttarakhand, snow leopards are found in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gangotri National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and some other places.
4. The government plans to launch a pilot project in the Uttarkashi district, known for its population of snow leopards as early as next month.
5. According to the state’s Tourism Department, the first-ever tour will be held in Harsil, also known as the “mini Switzerland of India”.