The Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh is a winter trek offering a rare opportunity to spot the elusive snow leopard in its natural habitat. It takes place in Hemis National Park, at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 meters. The trek is typically done in winter (January to March), when snow leopards descend to lower altitudes in search of food. This is a physically challenging trek, involving harsh winter conditions and rough terrain.
Trekkers usually begin at Leh, acclimatize for a day or two, then venture into the park with expert guides. Along with snow leopards, sightings may include blue sheep, Tibetan wolves, and other high-altitude wildlife. The experience combines adventure, wildlife tracking, and the stunning, stark beauty of Ladakh in winter.
Day 1: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)
- Activities: Arrive in Leh and rest to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Highlights: Explore the local Leh market, if time and energy permit.
- Note: Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Leh
- Activities: Visit nearby monasteries like Shey, Thiksey, or Hemis for cultural immersion.
- Highlights: Discover Ladakhi culture and monasteries, essential for adjusting to the altitude.
Day 3: Leh to Zingchen (3,600 m) – Start of the Trek
- Drive: Leh to Zingchen (1-2 hours)
- Trek: Begin trekking from Zingchen to Rumbak village (4 hours)
- Highlights: Initial sightings of wildlife like blue sheep and birds.
Day 4: Rumbak (3,900 m) – Wildlife Tracking
- Activities: Full day of tracking with trained guides in Rumbak Valley, a hotspot for snow leopards.
- Highlights: Snow leopard spotting (if lucky), Tibetan wolves, and diverse bird species.
Day 5: Rumbak to Yurutse and Surrounding Areas
- Trek: Explore trails toward Yurutse village (5 hours)
- Activities: More wildlife spotting and tracking with guides.
- Highlights: Stunning landscape views of Hemis National Park and possible snow leopard tracks.
Day 6: Wildlife Tracking in Yurutse and Rumbak Valley
- Activities: Full day dedicated to snow leopard tracking in areas known for frequent sightings.
- Highlights: Enjoy the quiet beauty of Ladakh in winter, with a focus on finding fresh tracks.
Day 7: Rumbak to Zingchen and Return to Leh
- Trek: Trek from Rumbak back to Zingchen (4 hours).
- Drive: Zingchen to Leh (1-2 hours).
- Highlights: Last chance for spotting wildlife on the way out.
Day 8: Departure from Leh
- Activities: Depart from Leh, taking memories and photos from the journey.
