Snow Leopard Trek
Duration: 10 Days 11 Nights
Inclusions
Accommodation
Transfer
Meals
Sightseeing
Short Description
- Loaction: Ladakh
- Grade: Moderate
- Duration: 10 days
- Altitude: 3800 mts
The Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh. It’s an 8-day adventure where you explore the beautiful Rumbak Valley, famous for its snow leopards. The trek is a mix of exciting trails, cultural experiences, and a chance to spot these elusive creatures in their natural home. You’ll also get to soak in Ladakh’s unique culture, visit monasteries, and enjoy stunning landscapes. The trek is moderately challenging, offering a perfect blend of wildlife, scenic views, and a taste of local Ladakhi life. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter expedition you won’t forget!
Highlights
- Enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalaya
- Explore the ancient kingdoms of Ladakh, architecturally rich Buddhist monasteries and mud palaces
- Witness the lovely blend of unique flora and fauna or the Trans-Himalayan region
- Relish the traditional Ladakhi culture and hospitality
- Spot the rare exotic species of Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Wild Horse, Yak and birds
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Leh
Day 2 - Leh Local Sightseeing
Leh Local Sightseeing including Chilling 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.
Day 3 - Leh- Zingchen - Rumbak Valley
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.
Day 4 - Rumbak Valley - Stok La - Rumbak Valley
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.
Day 5 - Rumbak Valley
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 - Rumbak Valley
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.
Day 7 - Rumbak Valley - Zingchen - Leh
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 - Leh to onwards journey
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.
What's Included
- Camping or Homestay accommodation during the trek
- Meals from lunch on Day 3 to breakfast on Day 9
- Necessary trekking equipment: Gaiters, Micro-spikes, Helmet
- First aid medical kit, including an oxygen cylinder
- Experienced guide and support staff
- Transportation from Leh to Roadhead and return
- Hotel or Guest House stays in Leh on Day 1, 2, and 9
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
- Experienced on-site scanners
What's Not Included
- National Park and Wildlife Department Permit Fees (approximately INR 1500/day)
- Meals during road journeys
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions