Ghost of the Himalayas - Snow Leopard Expedition
- Leh
- Rumbak
- Hemis National park
08 Nights/09 Days Rs 85,000 + 5% GST + AirFare
Tour Overview
Jungle Lore proudly presents one of its most thrilling travel experiences-tracking the legendary Ghost of the Himalayas, the elusive Snow Leopard. During the winter months, as snow blankets the high peaks, these magnificent creatures descend to lower, more accessible altitudes around Hemis National Park. While spotting a snow leopard is undoubtedly the highlight of this adventure, Hemis offers a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Himalayan Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, and a stunning array of bird species.
About the Snow Leopard Expedition 2025
Join us on an 8 nights & 9 days Snow Leopard Expedition in February 2025, as we journey deep into Ladakh's winter wilderness. Spend 3 nights in Leh and 5 nights in cozy Ladakhi homestays, braving extreme temperatures of -20°C. Experience guided treks through rugged terrains in search of the elusive Snow Leopard and rare high-altitude wildlife like the Tibetan Wolf and Lynx. Along the way, immerse yourself in local culture, staying with Ladakhi families and exploring the tranquil beauty of winter Ladakh. This expedition promises an adventure like no other, combining wildlife, culture, and winter exploration.
- Snow Leopard Tracking: Experience the thrill of spotting the elusive snow leopard in the wild, with expert guides leading you through Ladakh's rugged landscapes.
- High-Altitude Wildlife: Witness other rare Himalayan wildlife, such as ibex, Tibetan wolves, and blue sheep, in their natural habitats.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit iconic monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis, gaining insight into Ladakh's rich Buddhist heritage.
- Stunning Himalayan Views: Trek through breathtaking mountain landscapes, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and remote valleys.
- Local Village Experience: Engage with Ladakhi communities, learning about their unique way of life and sustainable practices in this high-altitude region.
- Walking on the frozen Zanskar River, an extraordinary experience that offers a rare glimpse into the beauty of Ladakh's winter.
Daywise Itinerary
Take the early morning flight to Leh. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel located near Leh market.
Complete rest for the day is highly recommended as it eases the process of acclimatisation. Also sipping hot tea while stretching your legs in the lap of the Himalayas is definitely not a bad way to start your trip, alternatively you can also choose to visit the local market in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
Today, we will be exploring the Shang - Shumdho villages & landscape around Sidhu river, which is known for its Leopard sightings as well. Dinner & overnight stay at Leh.
Early in the morning we depart for Hemis shukpachan and stop at the confluence to experience the walk on the frozen Zanskar river. Reach homestay by lunch time.
Evening looking for wildlife sightings around Village .Dinner and overnight stay in Homestay.
Today, we will be exploring the Ule landscape, which is known for its Leopard sightings as well. Apart from that keep a look out for Urial, Agrali and Tibetan Antelope here.
This is the part that we have been building up to. Post breakfast we head to the Hemis National Park. From Phey Bridge onwards we start driving alongside Indus towards the Zingchen Gorge. We continue up the gorge and soon enough lay our eyes on the high altitude Hemis national park, the home of the Snow Leopard. Keep your senses sharp and look out amidst the cliffs and at the base of rocks where they mark their turf. We spend the night in Rumbak Homestays and it is our first night in the stunning Hemis wilderness.
Drive time: 4 hrs. Elevation: 12,400 ft
Over the next 3 days we trek around Hemis National Park tracking the Snow Leopard and its wildlife prey. Hemis National Park is home to blue sheep, argali (a large horned sheep), numerous mountain and migratory birds, as well as an occasional Tibetan wolf, one of the most prolific hunters of the region. You are likely to see signs of Snow Leopard, as winter is the time when they descend to lower elevations. If lucky, you’ll actually see one perched high in the rocks or balanced on a near vertical ridge. Return to camp for some hot servings and warming tea and share tales of the day.
Snow Leopards naturally prey on wild bharal (blue sheep) or ibex (mountain goat) however they have been known to kill domestic animals such as local farmers’ goat and sheep. They are able to kill and carry up to 3 times their body weight and are generally opportunist hunters. Overnight in camp/home stay.
Today, we will explore Yurutse (13,500 ft) and Gandala Pass base which is known for its Ibex sightings.
Overnight home stay at Rumbak.
Drive down-valley past familiar Snow Leopard haunts and piles of carved Tibetan prayer stones to Zingchen. We take it slow exploring the familiar haunts of the Leopards with packed Lunch so that we make it to Zingchen by early afternoon. Post our arrival in Zingchen, we head back to civilization - Leh. After a much needed and deserved shower it is time to relax, grab a drink and enjoy the last of the gorgeous and peaceful Himalayan scenery. Farewell dinner and overnight in Leh.
Early morning depart back home with memories for a lifetime.
Trip Cost
Rs 85,000 + 5% GST + AirFare
Accommodation
Resort Links
- Tsokar Retreat (Leh) - Visit Website
- Homestay in Hemis shukpachan
- Homestay in Rumbak
- 3 nights accommodation in deluxe property in Leh on twin sharing basis (Heater facility)
- 2 NIGHTS near Hemis shukpachan & 3 Nights in Rumbak (Homestay)
- All meals during the trip
- Service of an expert naturalist (1 Guide + 1 Spotter)
- 1 Jungle Lore skipper
- Surface transfers as per plan by tempo traveler
- Inner Liner permits
- Wildlife permit fees
- Oxygen cylinder, Walky Talky, Spotting scopes & binoculars
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Bank Account Detail
| Bank Name | : | ICICI Bank |
| Payee Name | : | JUNGLE LORE TRAVEL LLP |
| A/c No | : | 6412 0505 1087 |
| A/c Type | : | Current Account |
| Branch | : | Dadar, Gokhale Road Branch |
| RTGS / NEFT IFSC Code | : | ICIC0006412 |
| MIRC Code | : | 400229068 |
