Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh
The Snow Leopard Trek is a very good trip for people who love animals and big mountains. If you want to see the “Ghost of the Mountain,” you must come with us. This animal is very hard to find, but we take you to Hemis National Park in Ladakh where they live. The Snow Leopard Trek happens in winter time, from January to March. We go this time because the leopards come down from the high peaks to find food. When there is too much snow on top, they move closer to the valleys.
During this journey, you stay in local homestays. You eat hot food with a Ladakhi family and see how they live in the cold. Our guides are experts. They find tracks in the snow and use big telescopes so you see the leopard from far away.
You also see Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolves, and many birds. It is cold, maybe -20 degrees, but very beautiful and quiet. If you want a real adventure, the Snow Leopard Trek is the best choice for you.
Why Choose Our Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh?
When you book a Snow Leopard Trek, you need the best spotters. Our team knows every rock in Hemis National Park. We use high-quality gear to track the cats. We also make sure your trip helps the local people through eco-tourism. You can check more about the park on the official Wildlife Department site to see their conservation work.
This hike is not just about the cat. It is about the silence of the Himalayas. Many photographers come here to take pictures of the white landscape. You should also look at our Phyang to Hunder Trek if you like summer trekking in Ladakh. The walking is not too fast, but the air is thin. Every day on the trek, we look for pugmarks. We wait patiently near the river beds. You will see the Blue Sheep (Bharal) jumping on cliffs. They are the main food for the leopard.
You should bring very warm clothes. A good down jacket and heavy boots are a must. The trek is a test of patience, but when you see that grey coat moving in the snow, it is a dream come true. To book your spot, you can contact us directly. We keep group sizes small so everyone gets a clear view through the telescope.
To Book your adventure:
- Contact us via our website form or WhatsApp.
- Select your preferred winter dates (February to Mid April).
- Receive a customised Snow Leopard Jeep Safari quote.
Don’t wait too long—we keep our groups small to protect the wildlife and give you the best view. Book the Snow Leopard Trek now to secure your spot in Hemis National Park!
Trip Itinerary
You arrive Leh airport. Air is very thin here. This day very important, you must sleep and drink plenty water. Do not walk fast. Your body need time to get used to high height. If you rush, you get headache. Just stay in hotel, look at mountain from window. You see beautiful blue sky.
Today we walk small bit to Shanti Stupa and market. It is about 3 km walk. We check your oxygen and make sure you feel okay. You see old palace and monks. This help your lungs get strong for the big trek. Night stay in Leh hotel with heater.
We drive 1 hour to Zingchen. Then we start walking 5 km to Rumbak village. The path is rocky but not too steep. You see first sign of wildlife here. Maybe Blue Sheep (Bharal) standing on big rocks. We stay in stone house with local family. Very cozy.
These days we wake up early. We walk 6-8 km every day to different valleys like Husing and Tarbung. Elevation goes up to 4,200m. Spotters use binoculars to check every cliff. You might see Snow Leopard hunting or resting. Also see Golden Eagle and Red Fox. It is very quiet, only sound of wind.
We say goodbye to Rumbak friends. Walk back 1 km to the road. Our car wait for us at Zingchen. Drive back to Leh for hot shower and big dinner. You feel very proud because you survived the cold and saw the Ghost of the Mountain.
Early morning we drop you to airport. You fly over big Himalayan peaks. The trek finish but you have many photos and stories of the leopard. Safe journey back to your home!
What's Included
- Places to Stay: You will stay in cozy local family homes (homestays) or warm tents during the trek. You will share the room with a trekking partner.
- All Food: We give you breakfast, a packed lunch for the trail, and a hot dinner every day while you are trekking.
- Transport: We pick you up from the Leh airport and drive you to the start of the trek and back in a private car.
- Expert Team: You get very skilled local guides and special "leopard trackers" who know exactly where the animals are hiding.
- Entry Permits: We pay for all your park tickets and government permissions needed to enter Hemis National Park.
- Camping Gear: We provide the tents and sleeping mats. You don’t need to bring your own heavy camping equipment.
- Porters: We have helpers to carry the heavy kitchen food and big tents. (You only carry your own small backpack).
- Safety Kit: We carry a medical kit for basic help. If there is an emergency, we help you get back to the city safely.
What's Not Included
- Your Flights: We do not pay for your plane tickets or train tickets to get to Leh.
- Your Own Gear: You must bring your own warm clothes and trekking shoes. If you need a sleeping bag or walking sticks, you can rent them from us (just ask!).
- Travel Insurance: We do not provide insurance. We highly recommend you buy insurance that covers mountain emergencies and helicopter rescue.
- Tips: If you like the hard work of our guides, drivers, and porters, it is nice to give them a small tip as a "thank you."
- Personal Spending: You pay for your own laundry, extra snacks (like chocolate or soda), phone calls, or alcohol.
- Hot Showers: In some small villages, locals charge a small extra fee for hot water to bathe.
- Hospital Bills: If you get sick and need to go to a doctor or hospital, those costs are not included in the trip price.
NEED HELP?
Our expedition experts are available to answer your questions and help you prepare.