Chasing Shadows: An 11-day Expedition To Spot The Snow Leopard

Take an early morning flight from Delhi to Leh. Upon Arrival at Leh airport get transferred to your hotel. There will be no activity on your first day of arrival as it is recommended to relax and undergo minimal exertion to get acclimatized to the rarefied oxygen level in this high-altitude region in the Himalayan plateau. Overnight stay in Leh.

Today morning after a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Hemis Monastery situated 45 kilometres west of Leh, after passing through the Chortens and Mani walls to enter the complex through the East Gate. Hemis is the largest and the wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. From Hemis, you are driven back taking the same route to visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hillock with formidable views of the Indus valley. Thiksey is especially noteworthy for its gigantic, seated statue of the Maitreya and is also known for its (Dukhang) assembly hall which houses hundreds of rectangular prayer books, stacked between wooden covers and bound in silk. After that we continue to drive through series of chortens to visit Shey Palace the former summer palace of the King of Ladakh. Return to the hotel in Evening. Overnight stay in Leh.

Early morning, transfer to Rumbak Village, which is well-known for numerous sightings of the snow leopard. We drive past Zingchan Village containing 2-3 houses, then drive further off the road crossing a wild stream, as the terrain starts getting more rugged. We pass an abandoned office after which we cross a small bridge and Buddhist prayer flags, we finally reach our base camp just below Rumbak village. The cottages are situated on a plateau overlooking 360-degree view of the snow-capped glacial mountains. Later in the afternoon, we ascend to the spotting ground where we get a 360 view of the surrounding mountains in an attempt to spot the snow leopard through hi-end scopes assisted by experienced spotters. Overnight stay in Rumbak Village.

For next few nights the Rumbak Wildlife Lodge is going to be your home as you experience the thrill of spotting the Snow Leopard in its natural habitat. Each day will be a new uncharted adventure, with the help of our local guides and spotters getting information on the Snow Leopard movements in real-time. Accordingly, the plan for the day will arrive and prepared for and briefed by the Naturalist. The cottages have been designed to blend in with the local surroundings but has been equipped with amenities and facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Starting from floor heating and insulated roofs to traditional wood stoves and double-glazed windows provide sufficient insulation and heat to keep the cold out. Heating blankets, hot and cold water in the bathrooms ensure that you can freshen up comfortably after long eventful days. Diverse cuisines - both local and international along with beverages of choice are served in the common dining and lounge area, heated using a traditional wood stove to enable a comfortable dining experience. Overnight stay in Rumbak Village.

After breakfast at hotel, embark on a trek/drive towards Yurutse which has only a remote house. The trail then continues along the frozen stream crossing a bridge and arriving at Yurutse village. It’s a scenic two hours trek/drive which has a good chance to encounter the lynx, wooly hare, golden eagle, blue sheep and wolves. Return to Rumbak. Overnight stay in Rumbak Village.

After breakfast we visit the viewpoint & attempt to spot the snow leopard and after lunch, we return to Leh. Check in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Leh.

After waking up early in the morning with a hot cup of tea/coffee you will be driven to the airport to board your flight to your onwards destination.