Mention the word Snow Leopard and most people will have an image of a ghost like cat in rough, snow covered mountains. And this image isn’t far from the truth. The Snow Leopard is arguably the most enchanting threatened species in the world of wildlife. It is native to the mountain ranges of the Indian subcontinent and can hold a territory of up to 160 km2. The length of its tail is usually longer than its body (nose to base of tail) and they are exceptional stealth hunters.
TfT Travel invites you into the stunning world of the Snow Leopard, vast mountain ranges up in the remote parts of Nepal and India, which offer you the chance to glimpse (!) and get an understanding of these magnificent cats. Trips to see the Snow Leopard are challenging and at high altitude, but hugely enthralling.
Arrive in the capital of India, Delhi. A TfT Travel representative will meet you and transfer you across to the Hotel Radisson Blu where you will be staying on a B/B basis..
Early morning transfer from your hotel to the airport to board a flight to Leh. The flight will be departing at 06:30 and arrives in Leh at 07:50. The rest of the day is free for you to wonder the majestic place of Leh, to marvel at the many monks that make up the vast population of the town and to acclimatise to the altitude in preparation for tomorrow (Leh is at 3,500 meters and during the course of the trek you will climb up to 4,000 meters). The coming two nights you will be staying at the Omasila Hotel on a full board basis.
After leisurely breakfast we drive just over half an hour to Thiksay monastery, set on a hill. This monsary is one of the most impressive Gompas in Ladakh, It has several temples, one of which contains a superb statue of the Future Buddha. After visiting Thiksay we will return to Leh for lunch.
Late afternoon we will drive you to visit Shanti Stupa followed by visit to The Namgyal Tsemo, Gompa of Ladakh which was founded by King Tashi Namgyal around the year 1430. This fort was once the royal residence of the Namgyal dynasty and is flanked by some temples built in veneration of the guardian deities. These temples are still standing today, unlike the fort which is almost in ruins. Temples are visited everyday by a monk who opens the doors to light the butter-filled lamps every morning and evening in adoration of the deities.
After breakfast we will drive you from Leh to Zingchen (2 hrs drive) and from there trek starts to Husing (2 hrs trek). Husing is one of the better areas for the snow leopard. There are 3 valleys that meet here and these are all used by the snow leopard as they move to lower altitudes following their prey species.
The coming six nights you will be staying at the Overnight Tented Camp on a full board basis.
Due to the rugged terrain of the high Himalayas most of the herbivores are related to the agile footed sheep and goats. They can move easily through the mountainous regions of the Himalayas from one pasture to the next. During the winter months the Bharal or Blue Sheep move down to lower altitudes where there is food and they are followed by the snow leopards and other predators like the Tibetan Wolf. These ungulates form the primary snow leopards diet and it is through the movements of these ungulates and trails left by snow leopard moving across habitats that one can improve the chances of seeing the snow leopard in its natural environment.
A morning tracking in and around Husing in search of the Snow Leopard followed by a trek Zingchen and then drive onto Leh. You will be spending the night at the Omasila Hotel in Leh on a full board basis.
Morning drive to Ulley to photograph Ibex & other wildlife. The coming two night you will spend at the Home stay in Ulley on a full board basis.
Spend full day to photograph Ibex and other wildlife available in the area.
Return back to Le and stay at the Omasila Hotel on a full board basis.
Domestic departures from Leh back to Delhi and connect onto your international flight.
January, February, March
October, November, December
October, November, December