Snow Leopard Expedition
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Overview
Snow leopard, Shan (called locally), grey ghost of the Himalayas are a few names of this very elusive cat species. Snow leopards are one of the challenging creatures to track given its elusive behavior, the weather condition, the rugged terrain and the vast area. These rare, beautiful leopards inhabit the entire Himalayan range and Hemis National Park in the Ladakh region of northern India is probably one of the best places to see them in wild.
The tour gives you once in a life time opportunity to see a wild snow leopard in its Himalayan abode. The Snow Leopard Expedition is a rare and unique journey into India’s Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh. Our expedition visits two of the world’s best Snow Leopard viewing destinations, Rumbak and Ulley. On this tour you will have the opportunity to stay in local village homes, giving a great in site into the local livelihood in this remote region.
The tour is led by experienced tour leaders and local trekkers who are well versed with the area making viewing opportunities very high. Every morning local trekkers and spotters spread across various ridges scanning the area for signs of leopard. Spotters are armed with high – powered scopes and binoculars while constantly connected through wireless with other the team members.
Highlights
- Opportunity for an exceptional snow leopard sighting in its native environment.
- Expertly guided expedition led by specialist leaders and local trackers.
- Experience Ladakhi culture and explore Himalayan Buddhist monasteries.
- Chance to spot high-altitude birds and a diverse array of Himalayan wildlife, including the Tibetan wolf and fox, Eurasian Lynx, and mountain sheep.
- Stay in comfortable homestays and luxury hotel.
- Awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and snow-covered mountains.
- The tour operates under sustainable tourism principles, contributing to the welfare of local communities and the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.
Location
Itinerary
Take the early morning flight to Leh from New Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel located near Leh market. Evening will be free to relax and acclimatise to the high altitude.
Please note: If your international flight timing does not allow to catch flight to Jabalpur, we can easily arrange a hotel for you to send a night or have some rest.
The day to will be spent exploring the Gya region in Ladakh valley. This area is the same altitude as Leh and therefore it is a good place to explore and it will also give you a vital opportunity to acclimatize to low oxygen environment. Here we will attempt to see blue sheep, Tibetan partridge, chukar partridge, rosefinch’s golden eagles, bearded vultures and other high altitude wildlife. We will also try for the rare ibisbill and solitary snipe. Evening back to hotel. Dinner & overnight at Leh.
In the early morning, following breakfast, we start on our journey to Ule, arriving by lunchtime. Along the way, we’ll pause at the convergence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, where we’ll take a brief 30-minute stroll on the frozen River Zanskar, just a two-hour drive from Leh. Following lunch and a brief respite, we’ll delve into the wonders of Ule, renowned for its snow leopard sightings and diverse Himalayan wildlife, including urial, agrali, Tibetan antelope, and wolves.
Over the next two days, we will further explore Ule, traversing its terrain on foot and keeping watch for the elusive snow leopard. Depending on our location during the expedition, we’ll enjoy a hearty hot lunch. Accommodation in Ule will be provided in a local villager-run homestay, equipped with heaters to ensure your comfort throughout the night.
Following breakfast, we will return to delve deeper into Ule, enhancing our prospects of encountering the snow leopard and other wildlife inhabiting the vicinity. Upon reaching the homestay for lunch, we will then commence our journey back to Leh, a scenic five-hour drive away. Spend the night at a hotel in Leh.
This is the moment we’ve been anticipating. Following breakfast, we set off for Hemis National Park. Starting from Phey bridge, we journey alongside the Indus River towards the Zingche gorge. As we ascend the gorge, the breathtaking Hemis National Park, known as the habitat of the snow leopard, unfolds before us. Stay vigilant, as these elusive creatures often mark their territory amidst the cliffs and at the base of rocks. Our first night in the stunning Hemis wilderness awaits us at Rumbak homestay. Trekking Time: 5-6 hours. Elevation: 12,400 feet. Grade: Easy.
Over the next three days, we’ll trek around Hemis National Park, diligently tracing the movements of the elusive snow leopard and its prey. Within this sanctuary lie the blue sheep and argali, alongside a myriad of mountain and migratory birds, and occasionally, the majestic Tibetan wolf, a formidable hunter in these parts. Winter brings the snow leopard down to lower elevations, offering us the chance to spot them perched high on rocks or delicately balanced on near-vertical ridges. While their natural diet consists of wild bharal (blue sheep) or ibex (mountain goats), they have been known to prey on domestic animals like local farmers’ goats and sheep. With the ability to kill and carry up to three times their body weight, they are opportunistic hunters. After each day’s adventure, we’ll return to camp for steaming servings of food and comforting tea, exchanging stories of our encounters. Our nights will be spent in the warmth of a homestay, nestled in the embrace of the wilderness.
Immediately after breakfast, we begin our trek down the valley, passing by the well-known snow leopard hunting grounds and clusters of intricately carved Tibetan prayer stones, a journey of about five hours to Zingchen. Taking our time, we carefully explore the familiar haunts of the snow leopards along the way. Upon reaching Zingchen, we bid farewell to the wilderness and return to civilization in Leh, arriving just in time for lunch. Following refreshing showers, it’s time to unwind, perhaps with a drink in hand, soaking in the serene beauty of the Himalayas one last time. We conclude our adventure with a farewell dinner and spend the night in Leh.
Today you will be transferred to the airpot to catch flight to New Delhi for your onward journey. Return back from the Himalayan kingdom with memories of a lifetime.
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