Snow Leopards
Although found across a fairly wide area of Central Asia, snow leopards are among the most difficult wildlife to see in the wild. Estimates of their worldwide population is only about 7,000.
In recent years, the Ladakh region of the Indian Himalayas has emerged as one of the best areas in the world to see this most elusive of big cats.
In the cold winter months of Ladakh, experience the unique & rare experience of tracking the endangered Snow Leopards in one of the best high altitude wildlife habitats in the world - Hemis National Park in Ladakh.
Snow Leopards in Ladakh
In the winter months, the elusive Snow Leopard, the apex predator of the Himalayas, descends from the high peaks into the valleys to hunt for Blue Sheep or other domestic animals. This is the time when the chances of photographing the snow leopard is the best.
Travel to the Rumbak valley in the heart of the Hemis National Park, known as the Snow Leopard capital of the world in the high altitude Himalayan region of Ladakh, to see snow leopards and experience a unique adventure that also introduces you to the culture & hospitality of the people of this remote Himalayan region.
For the Adventurous
This trip takes place in winter when Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the world by road and temperatures drop well below 0° Celsius. While the hotel in Leh is comfortable, the homestay accommodation in Rumbak will be very basic with no electricity, no shower and dry pit toilet.
One has to be very adventurous in approach to be able to enjoy the difficulties of the trip.
During this tour, we may encounter temperatures as low as -20C. The only way to manage such low temperatures is to be very well equipped. We will send you a list of must-have items that will help you face the cold weather.
What is included in the tour
3 Nights accommodation in Delhi on MAP Basis
3 Nights accommodation in Leh on AP basis
7 Nights in Rumbak village homestay on AP Basis
All transfers in Delhi and Ladakh in exclusive vehicle.
Accompanying English speaking naturalist during Ladakh visit.
National park antry & camping fee, Environment maintenance fee.
Support staff entry and camping fee.
Pony for transport of luggage to Rumbak.
Porter for delivery of lunch from homestay.
What is NOT included in the tour
Flight tickets, extra bagage charges
Personal expenses - Tips/Gratuity, Laundry, Phone/internet, Beverages
Travel insurance & medical expenses
Camera fees
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
As you prepare to visit India or Sri Lanka, we hope our answers to these frequently asked questions will help you on your way. Please find the FAQ here https://www.wildinsoul.com/faq
If there’s anything else you need, just give us a call or drop us a mail.
Trip Grade / Difficulty - Level 4 (Diffilcult)
A reasonable degree of fitness (being able to walk a 4-5 km in high altitude carrying a backpack and camera tripod) is essential.
Please find the trip grade details here : https://www.wildinsoul.com/trip-grades
BestTime to visit and climate
The best (and perhaps only) season to see wild snow leopards is from November to March. Heavy winter snow falls on the mountain tops force the bharal (blue sheep), Asiatic ibex and argali (Marco Polo sheep) down the mountain side to feed. These are the snow leopards preferred prey and so the predators follow the prey down the slopes to lower areas, providing us an opportunity to track them.
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Day 1 : Arrive in Delhi
Transfer to hotel. Rest and relax.
Day 2 : Delhi-Leh
Delh-Leh by Air.
Transfer to hotel.
Rest and acclimatize to high altitude.
fternoon visit to Leh Palace & Shanti Stupa
Optional – visit to Snow Leopard Conservancy office Leh.
Day 3 : In Leh
Leh local Sightseeing / Monastery Festival.
Day 4 : LEH – SPITUK(3188Mts) – ZINCHAN(4202Mts) - RUMBAK (3900Mts)
After breakfast drive towards Rumbak Village. The first part is by road to the village of Spituk an then a 4 hrs hike to the Rumbak village througha long barren stretch before entering the lush Zinchan valley where the Rumbak River meets the Indus. After Zinchan the trail enters the Hemis National Park. A gradual climb takes you to the village of Rumbak.
The route is moderate to difficult, with some inclines, but it is the cold and rarified air that is the bigger challenge.
Day 6 - Day 12 : RUMBAK AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Six days hiking in and around the Rumbak Valley in Hemis National Park searching for Snow leopards and other mammals and birds.
The guide will go out in the early mornings to search for evidence of any animal movement.
There will be no fixed itinerary and the program for the day will be decided on by the wildlife guide – this is to maximize the chances of seeing a Snow leopard & other high altitude wildlife.
Day 13 : RUMBAK-ZINCHAN-SPITUK-LEH
After breakfast, trek to Zinchan and drive to Leh.
Day 14 : Leh - Delhi
Leh - Delhi by Air
Transfer to Hotel
Day 15 : International Departure
Transfer to New Delhi International Airport.