High up in the mountains of Central Asia prowls a predator so rare, so elusive it is known as the Ghost of the Himalayas. Uncia uncia or Snow Leopard as it is more commonly known as, is a creature of such beauty and uniqueness that it has been classified in its own Genus. Living in such harsh terrain and with its perfectly adapted camouflage the Snow Leopard is probably the most difficult of the large cat species to see in the wild, making it the Holy Grail of wildlife sightings.
Although the Snow Leopard has a large distribution spanning into 12 Countries there are only between 3,400-7000 individuals left in the wild, placing it as endangered on the IUCN Red Data List, and one of the best places to look for them is the Rumbak Valley (Hemis National Park) in the Ladakh Region of Northern India. Hemis is one of the most visually stunning National Parks in India, a large park of over 3000sqkm it is a high altitude park and as a result most of species found here are habitat specific and not found anywhere else. Other wildlife that we may encounter here are Tibetan Wolf, Black Bear, Urial and Eurasian Lynx.
A pioneering 17-day tour it is quite simply a trip not to be missed. Liaising with the Snow Leopard Trust you’ll not only be embarking on a Snow Leopard Tour, you will be embarking on and adventure into the mysterious realm of the Snow Leopard. You’ll be involved in camera trapping, logging of other Snow Leopard Signs and talking to villagers regarding their encounters. When you leave you will hopefully not only have the privilege of sighting the Snow Leopard in its natural environment you will also have a unique insight into the harsh realities facing Snow Leopard Conservation.
Under the guidance of the Snow Leopard Trust we have decided to undertake this tour in the summer to take full benefit of the easier weather and viewing conditions. As a consequence we will be exploring at a higher altitude than most other tours. Therefore, you will need to be of at least average fitness and will need to have a good period of acclimatisation.
It is also worth nothing that as our chief aim is to see a Snow Leopard and absolute flexibility is the key. Therefore, we reserve the right to adjust the suggested itinerary to coincide with recent sightings and news. This may result in staying in places where the accommodation is extremely basic or even camping in the open. We may also revise and adjust our itinerary at short notice as a result of snow conditions, flight delays (which are routine in this mountainous region) or any other adverse local conditions which would dictate that it is wise to do so.
Itinerary:
Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Day 02 Fly to Leh and rest in hotel for acclimatising (3500 mtrs.).
Day 03 After breakfast drive to Thiksey monastery and Hemis monastery.
Day 04 Drive to Nemo plains to look for Ladakh Urial (a wild sheep indemic to Ladakh).
Day 05 Drive 1 hr. To Zingchen. Trek 3 hrs. to Rumbak Sumdo (4000 mtrs.).
Day 06 Trek up to Husing pass (4400 mtrs.). O/N in tents,
Day 07 After breakfast visit Rumbak village to talk to the villagers about their conservation initiatives. O/N in tents.
Day 08 Trek up to Khaspang to conduct a count of Blue Sheep and possible sighting of predators. O/N in tents at Tibles.
Day 09 Trek to Maskyong camp (3 to 4 hrs. trek.) look for Tibetian Argali (Area is also good habitat for Lynx .) O/N tents (4350 mtrs.).
Day 10 Spend the day looking for the Tibetan Argali in the community reserve for the sheep. The area is also good habitat for the Eurasian Lynx and the Tibetan Wolf. O/N in Maskyong Camp.
Day 11 Trek to Spangting camp (5 hrs.) over the Gandala pass (4900 mtrs.). O/N in tents (4500 mtrs.).
Day 12 Spend the day exploring the high pastures in search of Snow leopard and other wildlife. O/N in Spangting Camp.
Day 13 Trek over Lamik pass (100 mtrs) down to Rimchung Phu (4300 mtrs.) 6hrs trek.
Day 14 Spend the day counting Blue Sheep and exploring other wildlife in the pasture. Area is also good for Ibex(wild mountain goat) O/N Rumchung phu.
Day 15 Trek to Rumchung village (3500 mtrs.). Drive back to Leh. O/N in hotel in Leh.
Day 16 Fly Leh to Delhi.
Day 17 Fly back home.
Price per person £2,125 (Twin Share)
Includes:
All our tours are fully inclusive of all park and guide fees, English Speaking Tour Guide, applicable taxes, transport around India, accommodation and meals.
Excludes:
International Flights, Professional Camera Fees, Visas, travel insurance, aerated drinks, alcohol, personal items, local tips (Non compulsory), personal laundry.
Please note that all prices are based on minimum of 2 people on Twin Share. For bookings of 4 or more people please contact us for group discounts.
These prices are not valid between 22/12/2010 and 06/01/2011
