Snow Leopard Photography Tour India, Snow Leopard ToursWildlife Explorer India

23rd Feb to 06th March 2019

(11 Nights / 12 Days)
Delhi – Leh – Zingchen – Rumbak – Ulley – Leh – Delhi

Introduction

This trip is focused in searching world’s most elusive & least seen big cat, Snow Leopard, also known as the Ghost of Himalayas. This beautiful big cat mainly inhabits in the region of Hemis National Park in Ladakh.

It’s a challenge to track and photograph this magnificent beast because of its elusive behavior, weather conditions, and the vast rugged terrain they inhabit. To maximize our chances of spotting them, we use experienced local guides and spotters along with good quality Spotting scopes and go out each morning looking for signs, which help us to track them. We usually watch and scan the nearby surroundings looking for any herds of Baral (Blue Sheep), Asiatic Ibex or Ladakhi Urial which greatly improves our chances, as they are the Snow Leopards’ primary prey on their descent down from 5000m to the lower slopes at 3500m. The trip is also very popular in the name of Snow Leopard photography Tour in India and relish the wildlife photographers at its best.

To increase the chances of encounter with Snow Leopard we spread our search over two different snow leopard habitats: The Hemis National Park and the Ulley Valley. Hemis National Park is India’s largest conservation area with over 1,700 square miles of territory. The area is situated in the eastern part of Ladakh with an altitude between 3000 to 5000 metres above the sea level. Most recent reports indicate that the park is home to a large breeding population of snow leopards mainly in the Rumbak region. The climate is arctic to sub-arctic, with less rainfall during summers, and heavy snowfall in the winters, with temperatures dropping well below freezing point.

Besides the Snow Leopard it’s also home to Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear (endangered in India), and the red fox. Small mammals include the Himalayan marmot, mountain weasel, Marmot, Tibetan Hare and the Himalayan mouse. The Park also offers a very good opportunity for birding such as, brown accentor, robin accentor, Tickell’s leaf warbler, streaked rosefinch, Tibetan snowfinch, chukar, fork-tailed swift, red-billed chough, Himalayan snowcock, and the fire-fronted serin. And the Birds of prey includes golden eagle, the lammergeier vulture, and the Himalayan griffon vulture.

Tour Highlights

Opportunity to spot the elusive Snow Leopard in their natural environment.
Chances to sight other species such as Baral (Himalayan blue sheep), Ladakhi Urial, Ibex, Tibetan wolf, Red fox and various Himalayan birds.
Opportunity to visit Ladakhi Villages and witness their traditional & religious life style. .
Visit the famous & ancient monasteries of Ladakh – Thiksay, Matho, Stok palace, & Local market of Leh.
Amazing landscape, which resembles to the Tibetan Plateau.

Best Season

From January & February

YOUR GUIDE & LEADER – BALVINDER SINGH ( BALI )

Balvinder Singh (Bali), founder of Wildlife Explorer India, is an experienced wildlife enthusia

st & photographer, accompanying wildlife focused trips for the last 15 years.

He travels extensively in his quest to discover the wonders and wilderness of Indian wildlife across India, and follows his passion for nature and photography. He loves being in the nature and shares his experience and knowledge with his clients.

DAY WISE ITINERARY

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI & TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
Arrive Delhi any time during the day and you will be met by one of our representatives at Arrival who will be providing arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel Park Inn by Radisson. Rest of the day is free to relax from Jetlag. Overnight in Delhi Hotel.

DAY 02: FLY TO LEH (11,200 feet / 3400 mtrs) EXPLORE LEH AND ACCLIMATIZE
Early morning transfer from hotel to airport to catch flight to Leh over the Himalayan range, witnessing stunning views of snow capped peaks. Leh is the capital town of Ladakh at an altitude of 3400 mts. On arrival transfer to your hotel and advised to take enough rest and fluids in the form of water & tea, which helps the body to acclimatize. In the evening we will give you briefing about the tour and may take you for a short walk in to the Leh local market. Overnight in Leh Hotel with Central Heating.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 03: LEH, VISIT THE FAMOUS MONASTERIES OF THIKSEY, MATHO & STOK.
After breakfast we leave for half-day sightseeing of some of the popular Buddhist Monasteries around Leh and visit Thiksey monestary, stock place & Matho monestary. We reach back to Leh for lunch. Afternoon is free to walk around the town. Overnight in Leh Hotel with Central Heating. .
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 04: LEH, DRIVE TO ZINCHEN (01 HOUR) & TREK TO RUMBAK (13850 FEET / 4150 MTRS) 4 HRS TREK
After breakfast at the hotel we leave Leh and set of towards Zinchen (01 hrs drive) & start trek to reach at Homestay at Rumbak village in the Hemis National Park, the home of snow leopard. Keep your senses sharp and look out amidst the cliffs and at the base of rocks where they mark their turf. We reach Rumbak village late in the afternoon and settled in the local homestays. These homestays are the base for our next 04 nights stay. These homestays are more cozy comparative to staying in the tents. We will be having our own Cook and his assistant in our team who will be feeding us hot Indian cuisine each day. Overnight in Rumbak village Homestay.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 05: EXPLORE RUMBAK VALLEY IN SEARCH OF SNOW LEOPARD
Over the next 3 days we trek around Hemis National Park tracking the Snow Leopard and its wildlife prey. Besides the Snow Leopard Hemis National Park is also home to blue sheep, Tibetan Argali (a large horned sheep), Red Fox, Ibex, Wooly Hare as well as an occasional Tibetan wolf, one of the most prolific hunters of the region. We 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 / home stay for some hot servings and warming tea and share tales of the day. Overnight in Rumbak village Home stay.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 06: RUMBAK – TOWARDS YURUTSE – RUMBAK (5 KMS TREK) (14000 FEET)
The Mountains around Rumbak provide a unique bio diversity as you find four different species of wild sheep and goats namely – Ibex, Blue Sheep, Ladakh Urial and the Tibetan Argali. However it is predominantly the Blue sheep that accounts for the major prey base for the Snow Leopard population in the area.)

The trek starts with gradual ascend along the frozen stream. There is a short patch of steep uphill towards Yurutse Junction. We again scan the surroundings in search of Snow Leopard and later in the afternoon walk down to Rumbak village. Overnight in Rumbak village Home Stay. Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 07: RUMBAK, FULL DAY TO EXPLORE RUMBAK VALLEY IN SEARCH OF SNOW LEOPARD
The plan for today is very much the same as we search for the Snow Leopard and where our guide and trackers come into their own. Overnight in Rumbak village Home Stay. Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 08: RUMBAK, TREK TO ZINCHEN (03 HRS) AND DRIVE TO ULLEY 02 HRS (APPROX 13000 FEET)
This morning we leave Hemis National park and trek down to Zinchen, from where we are transferred to Ulley. This road journey takes approximately two hours on mainly well maintained, tar road, driving west on the road to Kargil and Srinagar, generally following the Indus River & one of the most important spot in Ladakh where the Zanskar river meets the Indus. This is all snow leopard country. The landscape here is big, expansive and open until you turn off onto a dirt road winding up a narrow valley, Following a stream called the Ulley Chhu. Ulley village, west of Leh is an area that is only recently being developed for Snow Leopard watching but is in the centre of three interlocking valleys that support approximately 12 snow leopards according to the last census. On arrival at your homestay, meet your hosts, settle in and take time to acclimatize to the higher altitude of Ulley (3,850 mts). At evening time, take evening walk around village. Overnight in Ulley village Home Stay. Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 09: FULL DAY EXPLORE ULLEY VILLAGE FOR TRACKING SNOW LEOPARD
Explore the area by walking with your guides tracking for snow leopard, wolf, Urial, Ibex, fox and the array of birds that surprisingly still survive in this harsh winter landscape, late evening back to homestay & overnight stay Homestay in Ulley .

Snow Leopards naturally predate 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 Ulley village Home Stay. Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 10: ULLEY – DRIVE BACK TO LEH (03 Hrs)
Morning after breakfast we once again take our last chance to scan the surroundings and later in the afternoon drive back to Leh. After a much needed and deserved Hot 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. Overnight in Leh Hotel with Central Heating. Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 11: Departure to Delhi
Morning after an early breakfast transfer to Leh airport to catch flight back to Delhi with great memories of Ladakh. On arrival in Delhi transfer to our hotel for overnight stay. Overnight in Delhi Hotel. Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Departure transfer to Delhi airport to catch flight back home.
Today, you will again be met by one of our representative who will be providing departure transfer to your from Hotel to Airport. Meals: Breakfast

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Based on the sightings we keep our schedule / plan flexible so as to maximize chance of seeing the Snow Leopard or other wildlife that participants are expecting to see.
Please note that due to the climatic / altitudinal conditions in Ladakh the schedule and itinerary can be changed at a short notice.
WEATHER: Usually sunny during the days but with dry chilly winds the temperature can drop to minus Centigrade. The maximum temperature during the day averages 5 to 10°C which can fall to -15°C to -20°C during the night.
Acute Mountain Sickness is a common in Ladakh and therefore it is recommend that you visit your general physician before coming on this trip. Medicines like Diamox can be taken for pre-relief from this condition but only after consultation with your physician.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation at hotel Park Inn by Radisson in Delhi for 02 nights with breakfast and 03 nights at hotel Mahey Retreat in Leh with all meals on twin-sharing. (Single extra.)
04 nights stay in a home stay at Rumbak village and 02 nights at Ulley on full board.
Two local expert Snow Leopard Spotters and an experienced Cook along with his 02 assistants.
Experienced Tour leader / photographer Balvinder Singh (Bali)
English speaking guide during monastery sightseeing.
All road transfers by SUV Cars.
Domestic flights between Delhi – Leh – Delhi in economy class.
Ponies to transfer luggage to / from Rumbak village.
Food, accommodation and transport for local staff / team.
Wildlife department entry / permit fee.
Ladakh Hill counsel entry fee.

EXCLUSIONS

International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, beverages, gifts, calls, laundry, hot showers, battery charging etc.
Gratuities / Tips for Local Staff, drivers, guides, hotel staff.
Personal porter during trek.
Sleeping bag (04 season)

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Please note that the weight limit on the flights to and from Leh is 15kg checked luggage plus 7kg hand luggage.
4/5 season sleeping bag, 4/5 season jacket, Sturdy warm waterproof walking boots or Breathable snow boots, Warm gloves, Warm socks, Fleece jacket, Thermal tops and bottoms, Warm trousers, Warm insulated shoes/boots for the evenings in camp, Daypack, Water bottle, Personal first aid kit, Head torch, Waterproof jacket and trousers, Gaiters, Sunhat, Sunglasses
Suncream, Warm hat, Wash kit, Trekking poles, Toilet paper, Plastic bags to line daypack and kitbag.

ACCOMODATION

1. Delhi: Hotel Park Inn By Radisson

Conveniently located off NH-48, just 20 minutes from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), the upscale Park Inn by Radisson New Delhi Lajpat Nagar places you in the heart of one of Delhi’s most popular neighborhood outside the bustle of the city centre. This hotel is used in the start of our trip when you arrive in Delhi and at the end when you go back home.

2. Leh: Mahey Retreat

Mahey Retreat is owned and operated by well known Ladakhi family respected for their contributions and work in society. It is known for Ladakhi hospitality and warmth. It is situated in a quite neighborhood, you are ensured of a peaceful stay. Far from the tourist hustle, bustle and noise and yet never more than a short leisurely walk away from the sights and sounds of the city. The hotel has all the Central heated rooms to make your stay comfortable. This hotel is used on your arrival in Leh for 02 nights and 01 night at the end.

DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI & TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
Arrive Delhi any time during the day and you will be met by one of our representatives at Arrival who will be providing arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel Park Inn by Radisson. Rest of the day is free to relax from Jetlag. Overnight in Delhi Hotel.

DAY 02: FLY TO LEH (11,200 feet / 3400 mtrs) EXPLORE LEH AND ACCLIMATIZE
Early morning transfer from hotel to airport to catch flight to Leh over the Himalayan range, witnessing stunning views of snow capped peaks. Leh is the capital town of Ladakh at an altitude of 3400 mts. On arrival transfer to your hotel and advised to take enough rest and fluids in the form of water & tea, which helps the body to acclimatize. In the evening we will give you briefing about the tour and may take you for a short walk in to the Leh local market. Overnight in Leh Hotel with Central Heating.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 03: LEH, VISIT THE FAMOUS MONASTERIES OF THIKSEY, MATHO & STOK.
After breakfast we leave for half-day sightseeing of some of the popular Buddhist Monasteries around Leh and visit Thiksey monestary, stock place & Matho monestary. We reach back to Leh for lunch. Afternoon is free to walk around the town. Overnight in Leh Hotel with Central Heating. .
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

DAY 04: LEH, DRIVE TO ZINCHEN (01 HOUR) & TREK TO RUMBAK (13850 FEET / 4150 MTRS) 4 HRS TREK
After breakfast at the hotel we leave Leh and set of towards Zinchen (01 hrs drive) & start trek to reach at Homestay at Rumbak village in the Hemis National Park, the home of snow leopard. Keep your senses sharp and look out amidst the cliffs and at the base of rocks where they mark their turf. We reach Rumbak village late in the afternoon and settled in the local homestay. These homestays are the base for our next 04 nights stay. These homestay are more cozy comparative to staying in the tents. We will be having our own Cook and his assistant in our team who will be feeding us hot Indian cuisine each day. Overnight in Rumbak village homestays.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)