Snow Leopard Expedition
Spotting World's Most Elusive Animals in Ladakh
Enchanting Ladakh in the most northern part of India in the foothills of is Snow Leopard country where this most elusive animal roams in the high valleys and across mountain cliffs in Himalayas.
This snow leopard expedition is set out in search of rare and endangered Himalayan wild animals in the picturesque settings of snow capped peaks of Himalayas. High altitude region of Rumbak Valley with-in the Hemis National Park in Ladakh is a perfect site where snow leopards survives on a prey base of bharal (Blue sheep), Ibex and marmots. During this expedition, wildlife enthusiasts can also expect to encounter not only snow leopard but also other Himalayan wildlife like Tibetan antelope, Shapo, Tibetan hare and exceptional Himalayan birds.
This expedition is set out at a very high altitude of 4000-4200 meters above sea level in Rumbak valley where often temperature can go down to -25°C in the months of February and March and involves lot of trek in mountains. Expedition is advisable only for fully physically and mentally fit travellers. You shall be staying in temporary tents pitched on snow and do not expect to have shower during the expedition. Our expert and knowledgeable wild life naturalist shall always be accompanying you while your chef shall be glad to serve hot meals specially and exclusively cooked for you. Listen to the stories of locals in Rumbak valley and and be ready to find one - The White Ghost or The Snow Cat.
ITINERARY
Day-1 : Arrive Leh airport ( 3500 meters) and transfer to your pre-booked hotel. Rest of the day is to acclimatize at hotel due to high altitude. In the evening, your naturalist and our colleagues shall meet you at hotel to you a brief about the expedition. Overnight at hotel in Leh.
Day-2 : Get your self acquainted with Ladakh culture and local people when you visit Thiksey and Hemis monastery. Walk around the Leh market. Overnight at hotel in Leh.
Day-3 : Post your breakfast at hotel, you will drive for about 45 minutes to Zingchen where our porters and support staff shall meet you. While you start your trek up to Rumbak valley in Hemis National Park, support staff will carry your baggage, tents, food supplies, Oxygen etc on Himalayan pony. While you trek for around 4 hours to reach to Rumbak valley, your naturalist will keep scanning high cliffs. Your chef upon your arrival shall be glad to serve you hot coffee and rest of the day shall be free. Overnight in Tent.
Day-4 to day-6 : Next three days you will walk around the region to Stack-La pass and other valleys in search of snow leopard and other wildlife hopefully with good luck. Your naturalist also gather information from locals to plan the expedition. Overnight shall be in your tent.
Day-7 : After your breakfast at your tent, you will trek down to Zingchen, your porter shall carry back your baggage, followed by a short drive of around 45 minutes to your hotel in Leh. Post hot shower, walk around the city. Overnight at hotel in Leh.
Day-8 : In-time transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight.
Important to know before you go for Snow Leopard Expedition
Best time to go for snow leopard expedition in Ladakh is between 7th February to 10th March.
This is a high difficulty level trek dur to high altitude and temperature can be as low as -25°C during winters.
Your accommodation shall be in A shape tents pitched by the side of frozen Zanskar river with mattress and blankets. Please carry your sleeping bag. Electricity shall be available for 2-3 hours during morning and evening to charge batteries of your cameras.
Please carry appropriate heavy jackets , thermals, sun screen and most imprtantly your approriate cameras.
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