Tracking the Ghost of the Mountains: A Snow Leopard Trekking Adventure
To spot snow leopards in the wild, Ladakh is the best choice. But it is not easy to spot a snow leopard on a traditional safari. Snow Leopard trek at an altitude in the Ladakh region in winters is freezing and harsh and often inaccessible. Must read trekking in Ladakh to explore more with our Ladakh tour package and plan your journey to witness the beauty of “White Ghosts”.For Snow Leopard Adventures in Ladakh you have to be determined and mentally ready to face the challenges on the Snow Leopard Trek Ladakh because in the end when you will finally spot one, it will all be worth it. Right? Most of the people also look for family trips to Ladakh.
Unleash the Snow Leopard Trek Ladakh
We know you are determined to spot snow leopards, but here are a few reasons you might want to know to get the full experience. Most of the people also look for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh.
- Since the Hemis National Park (where you will sight the snow leopards) is a protected area, the trek to witness rare animals will be thrilling.
- Other than snow leopards, Shapo, Marmot, Tibetan Hare, Antelope, Ibex, and more along with birds like Snow Cock, Horned Lark, and Red-Billed Chough can be spotted in the national park.
- The stories of locals in Rumbak Village will leave you fascinated.
- Food offered by homestays here is incredible.
- You get to experience the local culture and a different way of life.
- The winter wonderland Ladakh is an experience you will cherish for the rest of your life.
- Visit the old Buddhist monasteries and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture.
- Walk on the frozen Zanskar River.
Best Time to See Snow Leopards in Ladakh
You can call them whatever you want to like -“White Ghosts” “Mountain Cats” “Ghost Cat”, or the “snow leopards”, they can be best spotted during the winter of Ladakh, from the start of the month of November to March. This is the time when mountain goats like Bharal descend to the valley in search of food, leaving trails for snowcats to follow.
From January to March the days are quietly sunny but there will be chill in the air. January is the coldest month in Ladakh. Early mornings, evenings and nighttimes stay extremely cold. If you are planning to visit Leh in summers, then you can check some places to visit in Ladakh in summer.
The average daytime temperatures in Leh, and on trek, will be between –25°C to +6°C. Night-time temperature can drop to -10°C to – 25°C. There is usually snow around January to March.
How to Reach Snow Leopard Trek ?
By Air
For Snow Leopard Trek in Hemis National Park Take a flight to Leh, where you are going to spend the next 2-3 days. Hemis National Park is just a 1.5 – 2 hours drive away from Leh. Further, a 4-hour trek and you will reach the Rumbak Village.
Remember the route is a bit difficult with harsh winter weather and ice cold air, you will have to be extremely careful and well prepared for it. You can carry your bag or hire a mule for your luggage.
What Clothing & Trek Equipment Should be Packed ?
- Synthetic Trek pants
- Windcheater
- Warm pants
- Body Thermals (upper & lower)
- Full sleeves collar T-shirts
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Raincoat or poncho
- Merino Trekking Socks
- Undergarments
- Hat with neck cover
- Woolen Gloves and dual layer Synthetic Waterproof gloves
- Woolen Cap that covers the ears
- Woolen Socks for sleeping in the night
- Woolen stole or balaclava to wrap around the neck
- UV Protection Sunglasses to protect you from snow blindness
- Rucksack
- High ankle trekking shoes
- Insulated water bottle or thermos flask
Other than this, you must have the necessary medicines and medicines for Acute Motion Sickness.
Attractions at Snow Leopard Trek Ladakh
The 3 famous spots of this trek are Tarbung valley, Hussing point, and Rumbak village. These three locations hold several pathways where snow leopards cross territories and settle down for mating and hunting. There are many other places to visit in Ladakh, you can check that as well.
Snow Leopard Trek Itinerary
Take a look at the detailed itinerary of Snow Leopard trekking in Ladakh –
- Day 1: Arrival in Leh
- Day 2: Local Sightseeing of Leh
- Day 3: Leh- Zingchen – Rumbak Valley
- Day 4: Rumbak Valley – Stok La – Rumbak Valley
- Day 5: Rumbak Valley
- Day 6: Rumbak Valley
- Day 7: Rumbak Valley – Zingchen – Leh
- Day 8: Departure from Leh
Spend at least a week exploring and tracking the elusive snow leopards. There are so many things to do in Snow Leopard Trek while discovering Hemis National Park. The trek is challenging, so it is crucial for you to be physically and mentally fit.
How much does it cost to go on the snow leopard trek?
The cost of a snow leopard expedition in Ladakh will cost you around INR 25,000 to INR 4.5 lakh per person. This is inclusive of accommodation, transfers, meals, permits, and others. For more details, contact Tourism of India executives.
What is the height of the snow leopard trek?
The Ladakh Snow Leopard trek is meant for anyone who is a photographer, an animal enthusiast, a nature lover or simply anyone who admires the cold in the cold regions of the Himalayas in their peak winter season. Taking you to an altitude of 4,400M, the subzero temperatures make it a moderate level adventure.
Where is the Snow Leopard Trek?
Snow Leopard Trek (Hemis National Park) is situated in the eastern part of Ladakh with an average elevation of 3000 metres. It covers an area of 600 sq. kms in the valleys of Markha and Rumbak.
What is the best time to visit Snow Leopard Trek?
Several species of birds like golden eagles, vultures and migratory birds can also be seen. The Snow Leopard trek is one of the few treks in Ladakh which can be done during winter. The best time to visit Snow Leopard trek is between November and March, when the winters in Ladakh are chilly and snow is everywhere. January is the coldest month in this region. During this period days are sunny with frozen winds flowing all around the valley, but at night.
