Snow Leopard Trek 2019, Ladakh

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I prepare for Snow Leopard Trek?

   To adapt better to the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes during the trek, it is imperative to strengthen your cardiovascular endurance and stamina. Star by jogging about 5-6 km every day. If you can jog 5 km easily within 25 minutes, you’re fit for the trek. Besides that, do a minimum of 3 sets of squats with 10-15 reps regularly for knee strength. Yoga asanas and calf stretches also help in keeping muscle cramps at bay during the trek.

2. What is the difficulty level of Snow Leopard Trek?

   The Snow Leopard trek ranges from easy to moderate level of difficulty. The days involving actual spotting of snow leopards push you to quite high altitudes, which means the air gets significantly thinner. These are the days which will be physically quite demanding, though if you’re fit enough for the trek, it shouldn’t be a problem.

3. How is the weather during the Snow Leopard Trek?

   During daytime, the weather is cold but pleasant, ranging from -5 to 5 degrees, while during nighttime, the mercury drops to somewhere between -10 to -25 degrees. Since Ladakh is essentially a cold desert perched at about 3,000 meter above sea level, the winters tend to get extremely cold. Weather conditions above 12,500 ft. can change at any point of time during winters. Please carry a minimum of 4 warm layers including a down feather jacket, a fleece jacket, and two pairs of thermals.

4. What is the best time to go for Snow Leopard Trek?

   The best time to attempt the Snow Leopard trek is enjoyed best between the winter months of November to March, making it an ideal winter trek in Ladakh. Though January is the coldest month, the days are likely to be a little sunny, whereas evenings and nights get bone-chillingly cold, with temperatures dropping to about -10 to -25 degrees in the month of January and February!

5. Is Diamox advisable?

   Diamox can be avoided if initial acclimatization is done sincerely. Since the altitude gain isn’t too intense after the first few days, a merger of acclimatization with regular water intake should do the trick! Although, should you feel an onset of Acute Mountain Sickness setting in, the symptoms of which include nausea and headache, report it immediately to your trek leader. Campsites are always well equipped with extensive medical kits and quality oxygen cylinders for emergency situations.

6. Is Snow Leopard Trek is safe for female solo travellers?

   Yes, the trek is completely safe for female solo trekkers. The protection and safety of trekkers is out topmost priority. We have separate accommodations for our male and female trekkers, while our trek leaders are friendly and helpful, should anything bother you. Rest assured that our treks will always put the safety of trekkers above all, especially that of female solo trekkers.

7. Which type of shoes should I buy?

   It is important to carry good quality shoes with high ankle support and steady grip. Please do not carry regur sports shoes to this or any other Himalayan treks, as they are not meant for such terrains, and can cause fatals slips due lack of grip. Also, when buying new trekking shoes, please make sure to break them in at least 3 weeks before the trek to avoid unnecessary chafing and blisters. Carry at least 5-6 pairs of cotton socks for trekking.

8. What level of fitness is expected from trekkers?

   The Snow Leopard trek ranges from easy to moderate level of difficulty, though the chilling winters add to the challenge considerably. The days when you will actually be tracking snow leopards will take you to even higher altitudes, which means oxygen levels will be low. To be able to complete the trek successfully, you should be able to jog 5 km in a minimum of 25 minutes. This improves your cardiovascular endurance and stamina, which facilitates better adaptability to the lower oxygen levels during the trek.

9. Can I have liquor or smoke while we're on the trek?

   No, consumption of alcohol and smoking on this trek and all other treks is strictly prohibited. Alcohol and smoking initiate rapid dehydration, which is an open path for Acute Mountain Sickness. Trekkers found indulging in either activities will be asked to leave the trek immediately.