Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh

7N/8D

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Overview

Snow leopard trek with homestay will give you an opportunity to get better and closer glimpses of the village lifestyle by spending your night at the homestay. This trek is inclusive of transportation, guide and homestay charges.

Snow leopards are native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia therefore making Ladakh one of their habitation regions. Like any other state of India, UT Ladakh has chosen Snow Leopard as its state animal. They belong to the Feline family and thus lurk among the shadows during the day and during the night they are almost like a ghost. In Ladakh they are known as the “Ghost of the Himalayas”.

Since the snow leopard lives at great heights, they are mostly visible during the peak season of winter months as they descend towards lower grounds during this time.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Leh airport, you will be transferred to Sham Valley, passing through picturesque villages set along the Indus River. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to help your body acclimatize to the high altitude.

Begin your day with an excursion dedicated to tracking the elusive Snow Leopard in and around the Sham Valley.

Explore areas such as Mangu, Hemis Shukpachan, Ule, Saspotse villages, and the Rezong Valley.

Overnight stay at Shapo Lodge

Continue your wildlife tracking adventure with another full day in the Sham Valley region. Visit key habitats including Mangu, Hemis Shukpachan, Ule, Saspotse villages, and Rezong Valley, keeping a keen eye out for Snow Leopards.

Overnight stay at Shapo Lodge

Spend the day exploring the same rugged landscapes of the Sham Valley, where Snow Leopards are known to roam.

Overnight stay at Shapo Lodge

After breakfast, set off on a drive to Rumbak. On the way, if traveling during winter or early spring/fall, you may spot signs of Snow Leopards in the valley bottoms.

Reach Rumbak by evening and settle into a cozy homestay, offering an authentic glimpse into local life, livestock herding, and winter crafts such as spinning and weaving.

Dedicate the day to tracking Snow Leopards and their prey within Hemis National Park. This area is rich in wildlife, including blue sheep, argali, various bird species, and occasionally the Tibetan wolf.

Winter increases your chances of spotting a Snow Leopard at lower elevations. Return to the homestay in the evening to relax with hot tea and share your experiences.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and begin your descent through the valley. Pass by familiar Snow Leopard trails and Tibetan prayer stones on your way to Zingchen. From there, drive back to Leh and check into your hotel for the final night of the trip.

Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.

Early in the morning, you will be dropped off at Bakula Rinpoche Airport to catch your return flight to Delhi, carrying sweet memories of your time in Ladakh.

What's included

Accommodation in Homestays, Guest House, and Lodge.
All meals are included.
All transportation by private vehicle.
Nature guide services will be provided throughout the tour in Ladakh.
Spotters throughout the tour.
National Park entrance fees.
Homestay charges and village environmental fees.
LAHDC environmental fees.
Spotting Scope and walkie-talkie during the trek.

What's excluded

Flight tickets from Delhi-Leh-Delhi
Snow Leopard Foundation Fees, if applicable.
Sleeping Bags, trekking shoes, and clothing.
Any Kind of Personal Expenses, Personal binoculars, or Optional Tours/Extra Meals Ordered
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices Included”.
Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.
Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated)
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks, and/or any factors beyond control.

Good to know

Dos:

Rest for at least 24 hours upon arrival to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fluids (avoid alcohol).
Cooperate with locals, porters, guides, and drivers.
Respect the local culture and environment.
Avoid using polythene; Ladakh is a polythene-free zone.
Dispose of all waste properly.
Carry an identification card (passport, voter ID, driving license, etc.) along with a photocopy.

Don’ts:

Do not wear denim; it is not suitable for trekking.
Do not overpack with snacks, colas, alcohol, or personal food.
Do not bring any trekking equipment such as tents; it will be provided.
Do not expect guaranteed smooth transit as weather and road conditions may affect travel.

Clothing:

Heavy warm feather jacket
Warm fleece jacket
Woolen and windproof gloves
Warm hat
Woolen socks
Warm windproof trousers
Sweaters

Gear and Accessories:

Waterproof trekking shoes
UV-protected sunglasses
Torch with extra batteries
Sunscreen lotion and cold cream
Sleeping bag suitable for -25°C
Light, quick-drying towel
Lip balm or chapstick
Water bottles (insulated or regular)
Camera, memory cards, and spare batteries
Personal toiletries, tissue rolls, windcheater
Walking sticks (if available)

Documents:

Identification card (passport, voter ID, driving license, etc.)
Photocopy of the identification card

Medicines

Avomine for vomiting
D Cold or Combiflam for cold or body ache
Vicks balm
Diamox (250mg) for high altitude issues (consult your doctor)
Saridon for headaches
Glucon D or Electral powder
Camphor
Any personal prescribed medicines
Consult your doctor for additional recommendations

Preventing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

AMS can affect anyone at altitudes above 10,000 feet
Leh is situated at 11,500 feet above sea level
Common symptoms include headache, disturbed sleep, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue, and lack of appetite
Rest for the first 24 hours after arrival
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or smoking
Keep warm and avoid physical exertion on the first day
Take Diamox if recommended by a medical professional

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