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Trip Location: Ladakh
Starting and ending point: Leh Airport
About the Snow Leopard Trek:
You are invited to take part in a Snow Leopard Trekking package that offers eight days of complete adventure and excitement. It starts once you arrive the wonderland of Leh. Begin the expedition with an exploration of the glistening town when the Himalayas are forming the best background every time. Zingchen is the gateway to the entrance of the most awaited Rumbak Gorge. You will be climbing up to an impressive altitude of 3050 meters and come at the narrow gorge.
Then you are invited to unfold the wild paths of mystical land of Husing by understanding the mountainous slopes. In extreme winter, the Snow Leopard and other animals are forced to come down from the high altitudes they live usually and that is why Hemis National Park is a perfect winter trek. You will have chances widened to spot them easily.
Explore Husing and walk around the Rumbak Valley and watch the Argali Sheep roaming around. Come back to Leh after capturing the manipulative sights of Husing and wind up your Snow Leopard trek.
About the Destination:
Snow Leopard Trek is one of the most sought after treks in Ladakh. It is situated in the eastern part of Ladakh, at an altitude of 3000 meters. Being a dominant part of the famous Hemis National Park, it spreads an area of 600 sq.kilometers in the valleys of Markha and Rumbak. Since it is a protected area, the trek to spot the rare animals here would be a thrilling experience. Not just about animals, birds and other species of insects will make the bio diversity an attractive one here.
On this trek, you may get chances to spot the rare and endangered species live only in the cold desert among which the snow leopard, Ibex, Shapo, Marmot, Tibetan Hare, Antelope etc are the very unique ones to have a look. Birds like Snow Patridge, Snow Cock, Horned Lark, Red Billed Chuff etc. And these animals are one of the major attractions in Ladakh and it is a favourite spot for many adventure lovers as well as animal lovers.
Snow Leopard Trek is a popular winter trek which let each of the trekkers would come to see the end of human interference and just the world of wild. The rugged mountains, the wild stretches of greenery and the points where those rare species of animals and birds can be spotted make this trek amusing. At each turn of the trail, you may get surprises that can be cherished a lifetime. It enables you to know the stories behind Rumbak Valley too.
Snow Leopard Trek Highlights:
- This offers you the exotic sights of snow-clad Himalayas from everywhere and never miss the chance to negotiate with the frozen pathways in your expedition to spot the rare Snow Leopards.
- Enjoy walking around the beautiful kingdom of Ladakh where you can find architecture and nature are blended in a perfect proportion.
- Revel in the soothing ambience created by the unique flora and fauna of the cold deserted land.
- Marvel at the particular Buddhist culture and preserved traditions of the town.
- Get excited to click pictures of the very rare Snow Leopards, blue sheep, yaks and unique birds.
- Walk on frozen river
Quick Facts:
Altitude: 9,842 ft
Temperature: Daytime; –25°C to +6°C, Nighttime; -10°C to - 25°C
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Starting and ending point: Leh Airport
Base Camp: Zingchen
Upon your arrival at Leh Airport, you will be greeted by our representatives. They will conduct you to your hotel where you will have a chance to rest and refresh yourselves. Warm beverages, snacks and lunch will be served at the hotel.
As the afternoon draws to a close, you will have a chance to visit the magnificent Shanti Stupa. After watching the sunset over Leh, you will head over to the Leh Palace for a quick tour. Later, you can explore the local markets of Leh.
After these expeditions, you will return to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
After an early breakfast, you will begin a drive towards the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers. There are many important Ladakhi landmarks on the way and stops will be made at each of them.
Spituk Gompa, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Ladakh Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill will be among the places we will stop at on the way to the Zanskar-Indus confluence.
Take the road opposite of confluence towards Zanskar river and travel to Chilling. You can actually walk over Zanskar River on this route as some part of the famous Chadar Trek where people walk over Zanskar River as it freezes in winters from Padum in Zanskar Valley to travel to Leh.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Today, we begin the Snow Leopard Trek. After an early breakfast, it will be time to check out of the hotel. Once this is done, we will drive over to Zingchen, which is the starting point of our trek.
The trek trail will stretch from Zingchen to Rumbak valley. The route is one of gradual ascent, so your endurance will be put to test today.
Rumbak Valley is the place where Snow Leopards can be sighted, so once here keep an eye out for those majestic creatures.
Overnight stay at the camps/homestay.
The Snow leopard trek continues today. The day will be spent trekking from Rumbak Valley to Stok La and back. This stretch of the route has the most sightings of snow leopards, so definitely be on the alert. We will also climb up to the Stok La pass and gaze out at the magnificent landscape spreading out below.
Overnight stay at the camps/homestay.
The whole of this day is dedicated to exploring the Rumbak Valley and its neighbouring areas like Husing Valley, Tsarbung Valley, Kharlung Valley, and Tarbung Valley.
All these places are known for sheltering the Snow leopard and the chances of sighting them here are high.
The day will be spent in following known snow leopard trails as well as their footprints.
Overnight stay at the camps/homestay.
Day 6 is a day free from all formal itinerary plans. You have the chance to explore the entire Rumbak valley upon your own initiative and enjoy yourselves as you like.
There is also the option of visiting nearby villages to experience traditional village life in Ladakh.
Overnight stay at the camps/homestay.
On Day 7, you will return to Zingchen from Rumbak valley.
There will be many interesting sites on the way and we will make sure to stop at these places.
On the drive back, a stop will also be made at the famous Spituk monastery.
Before night, we will arrive back in Leh.
Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 8 sees your Snow Leopard Trek come to a conclusion.
After an early breakfast, our representatives will drop you off at the Leh Airport from where you will catch a flight back home.
Write Your Story
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.
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.
Hemis National Park and the surrounding hills and mountains are covered in snow all-around the year. Hence, the temperature here ranges between 20 -degree Celcius to -20 degree Celsius
The season-wise weather and climate details are as follows.
Summer: During the summer season, the weather in the Snow Leopard Trek is mild and cold and the average temperature ranges from 20-degree Celcius to 15-degree Celsius.
Winter: The coldest time of the year in Leh and Hemis National Park is during the winter season as the weather becomes cold and frosty. The temperature can range between 5-degree Celcius to -15 degree Celsius. In the months of December and January, the temperature can drop to -20 degree Celcius in the Hemis National Park.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Snow Leopard Trek starts at Zingchen which is located at the foothills of the Rumbak Gorge. Zingchen is the primary basecamp for the snow leopard trek. The temperature in Zingchen compared to the other locations of the trek is not that extreme. As you move along your trek, the temperature gets extreme and cold and this adds to the fun and adventure of the trek.
Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh is located in the Hemis National Park. One can reach Snow Leopard trek by air and then by road. The closest airport to Snow Leopard Trek is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh City. The airport is well-connected to all the major cities and towns of India and has daily incoming and outgoing flights.
After that, you can take a private cab or taxi to reach the base camp of the trek, Zingchen. The snow leopard trekking starts from Zingchen.
Snow Leopard Trek takes around 8-9 days as it is located at an elevation of 9,842 ft. The trek is of moderate level and is covered with snow all-around the year. As you trek and go at a higher elevation, you will experience more and more extreme temperatures sometimes even in the minus.
The height of the Snow Leopard Trek is around 9,842 ft or 3,000 metres. The trek is one of the highest and most popular treks in the Ladakh region. The base camp for the snow leopard trek starts at an elevation of 3000 to 3400 feet.
No, it is not that dangerous but to some extent, it is dangerous and thrilling. As the trek is located in the Hemis National Park in the cold desert of Ladakh, it is inhabited by various snow animals like the Snow Leopard, Tibetian hare, Ibex, Snow Marmot, Antelope and many others.
Due to the presence of these animals, the trek not only becomes adventurous but also a little dangerous and exciting.
No, one cannot do a solo trek to Snow Leopard trek. With cold, frosty and rapid winds blowing all-around the year and the difficult terrain adding to its disadvantage, a solo Snow Leopard trek becomes impossible. Not only that but also the weather conditions are uncanny and unpredictable and hence it is always advisable to be in a group.
The average cost for the Snow Leopard is around Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 55,000. This includes your pick up from Leh, local sightseeing and many other things. Talking of the trek, the cost covers your expertise fees, food and stay costs and other travel costs. We at Thrillophilia, offer you the Snow Leopard Trek at the best price of Rs. 48,600.
Yes, of course, you will see Snow Leopards on your trek. As you trek and reach higher and higher you will see the magnificent leopards at a distance. This charismatic animal often wanders in and near the Hemis National Park.
Due to its high elevation, the temperature of the Snow Leopard trek ranges:
Day time:
8 degrees Celcius to -5 degree-Celsius.
Nighttime:
-5 degrees Celcius to -20 degree-Celsius.
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