21st Feb. 4th March 2018
€ 2.010.- 6 people party
€ 1.810.- 12 people party
All meals and accommodation, transport, internal flight, guiding and taxes
Insurance, flight ticket and things of personal nature
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel while in Leh. We’ll stay in tented camps while searching for the Snow Leopard. Food: Good food while in Leh, As most of our days will be spent away from our campsite in order to maximize our time looking for the snow leopard, our lunch will be brought to the field, which will include a hot casserole, with a warm flask with soups and a stove for heating. Weather: As we are going to be in the Himalayas in winter, very low temperatures and snow are expected. Difficulty: Medium-high. We might have to hike for hours, sometimes in harsh terrain and cold weather
Perhaps one of the most elusive of the wild felines, the snow leopard is a secretive, solitary creature that inhabits expansive, rugged terrain in one of the harshest environments on the planet. Very few people have the chance to observe this animal in the wild – the lucky ones might merely catch glimpses of its shadowy figure as it passes swiftly by on silent feet.
A journey in search of this species requires patience, perseverance, a sense of adventure, and acceptance of what the wilderness has to offer. The shy nature of the snow leopard, its perfect camouflage, and the unforgiving terrain, coupled with the relative rarity of these cats, makes the chances of actually seeing a snow leopard, especially in a relatively short period of time, very slim. However, the search in itself and spending time in the harsh beauty of the landscape is an opportunity few people are afforded. The journey alone is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the intrepid will be rewarded with chances to see a variety of interesting and rare wildlife while surrounded by breath-taking scenery. Additionally, just by participating in the trip, you will be contributing directly to Snow Leopard conservation. Whitehawk donates 25% of its profits from this trip to Snow Leopard Trust, one of the leading organizations dedicated to the conservation of this endangered cat.
Other local land predators that may be seen include wolves, wild dogs and foxes. Aerial predators such as golden eagles, sparrowhawks and kestrels may be observed, along with important scavenger species such as bearded and Himalayan vultures. Other local fauna include the blue sheep or Bharal - an important component of the snow leopard’s diet - ibex, kiang or wild ass, long-tailed and Himalayan marmots, Tibetan hare, and pika or mouse hare. Tibetan and Himalayan snow cocks and Chukar Partridge can be seen feeding on sun-drenched hills.
Though we will try to follow the itinerary as closely as possible, some flexibility is necessary. We may need to alter our trekking destinations and/or the location of some overnight stays, since we will be following the snow leopards’ movements. Our itinerary may change depending on the most up-to-date sightings or news from our trackers.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the evening. You will be met and transferred to Hotel Shanti Palace for overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi - Leh (3,500 m)
Transfer to Domestic terminal to connect flight to Leh at 0840 hrs and check-in time for this flight will be 0640 hrs. This must be one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. You would take some time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! Overnight in the hotel inLeh.
Day 03: Rest in Leh
Full day rest in Leh for acclimatization. We can arrange short birding excursion around Leh in second half of the day. Overnight in the hotel in Leh.
Day 04: Leh - Zingchan - By Surface / Approx. 1.5 hr - Hemis
Morning drive to Zingchan. This is the entry point to Rumbak Valley - the home of the Snow Leopard. You will have the opportunity to be interacting with the locals of the area and gain a good insight into their culture. Overnight in a fully serviced tented camp.
Day 05 - 09: Rumbak Valley
Explore the area on foot with your guide to try and spot the Snow Leopard and other fauna. In the process there will also be plenty of opportunity for you to get enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learn about their customs and traditions.
Day 10: Rumbak - Zingchan - Trek / - Leh
Morning explore the area on foot with your guide to try and spot the Snow Leopard and other fauna. Later you trek back to Zingchan and drive back to Leh. Arrive Leh in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 11: Leh – Delhi
Today you will be transferred to Leh airport to fly back to Delhi in the morning at 1030 hrs. Arrive Delhi at 1155 hrs. Transfer to Hotel Shanti Palace. Afternoon visit to Sultanpur Bird sanctuary. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Shanti Palace.
Day 12: Delhi – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport to connect flight back to home. Tour ends.
