Snow Leopard Expedition India 2013 (25/08/2013 – 10/09/2013) Trip leader David ‘Billy’ Herman
The idea seems almost surreal: observing Snow Leopard in the wild! It used to be a species one could only dream of. Even today there are still very few people who have caught a glimpse of this mythical animal. But now, thanks to keen and experienced guides, chances have become much better. This trip is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys nature and the outdoors. Imagine species like Ibisbill, Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), Wolves, Tibetan Snowcock/Sandgrouse and Partridge, White-browed Tit-warbler, and the threatened Black-necked Crane, let alone the peace and quiet, the desolate landscapes, and local people’s respect for nature.
The trip is a balanced mix of the following legs. Upon arrival in Leh, at an altitude of 3,500m, the first two days will be spent getting used to the climate, which in essence means resting and intermittent birding from minibuses. This should produce some interesting species and will set the right tone. With a little luck we will encounter Solitary Snipe, Ibisbill and Tibetan Partridge in addition to commoner species like White-winged Redstart, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier and Robin Accentor.
These two days will prepare us for the trip to Hemis National Park. There, all our efforts will be put into finding Snow Leopard. From a comfortable base camp we will be on the lookout and make daily outings to look for any suspicious movements from the best viewpoints. If we succeed in time, we will move on towards Rumbak, which will produce a few more gems like Brown Dipper, Red-fronted Serin and Royle’s Pika. The latter is a kind of short-eared rabbit.
During a brief interlude we will try for Eurasian Lynx near Changla. In Europe, this feline is extremely hard to find, but here it is seen occasionally and therefore definitely worth a try. Being on the lookout may also bring surprises like Urial (a kind of sheep), Mongolian Finch and Greater Rosefinch.
The next leg is entirely relaxed. The scenery and atmosphere around the Tsokar salt lake are not just breathtaking, they also guarantee excellent observations and are always one of the highlights. Kiangs are common, and all kinds of behaviour can be seen: solitary, in herds, galloping, dust bathing – the views are just beyond belief. The lake also attracts a lot of wildfowl and other specialties. Eastern Sakers (ssp. milvipes) are usually present and there is always a chance of Bar-headed Goose, Ladakh Pika, Wooly Hare, Tibetan Marmot, Argali (another kind of sheep), Tibetan Wolves, Hume’s Ground-jay, Tibetan Snowcock and Tibetan Sandgrouse.
The final leg of the trip will take us to the small village of Ulley. Here, Tibetan Ibex are virtually guaranteed, and we are also likely to come across Himalayan Snowcock and Snow Pigeon. We may even conclude our trip with Snow Leopard, hopefully, again.
Our focus is on nature study and photography. We have many years of experience in travelling. Our close contacts, thorough preparation and sound knowledge of nature ensure an experience of the highest quality for our participants. Accommodation and transport Several nights will be spent in hotels with modern amenities. During the journey to Hemis National Park, Changla and Tsokar we will sleep in comfortable tents equipped with mats, blankets and sleeping bags. A few nights we will also stay with local people to support ecotourism and contribute to the conservation of Snow Leopard. Travel will be by minibus and the roads are in good condition. Hiking and observing Hiking in Hemis National Park is moderately difficult to hard. In particular, the high altitude (+3,700m) should not be underestimated. The hikes at Tsokar, Changla and Ulley are moderately difficult. A telescope and small stool will be highly useful. Patience is indispensable.. Climate The timing of our visit coincides with usually dry, nice and sunny weather. However, cloudy and rainy conditions are always a possibility. At dusk and during the night, temperatures may drop considerably. Suitable warm clothing for various conditions is therefore recommended.
Photography There will be plenty of photographic opportunities. The guide is well-versed in digital photography. Price €1975/$2630 Leh/Leh. Price includes: all transport, alle accommodation, all meals and drinks, all excursions, selection of professional pictures made during the trip, all entrance fees, all ‘tips’ for local helpers/guides (hotel/restaurant/ect.). Group size: min. 6, max. 8 Flight cost as indication Brussels-Leh-Brussels: €900/$1200 Single room/tent supplement: €300/$400 Note: we can assist you with the required visum and the domestic flight Delhi-Leh-Delhi. Not included: personal purchases during the trip, such as souvenirs Booking for the trip or more information: davidmcmherman@gmail.com
Itinerary 25/08 Arrival Leh - acclimatization - Indus river (Leh - hotel) 26/08 Indus rivier - Rumtse (Leh - hotel) 27/08 Leh - Hemis National park 28/08 Hemis National park 29/08 Hemis National park 30/08 Hemis National park 31/08 Hemis National park 01/09 Hemis National park - Rumbak 02/09 Rumbak - Leh (hotel) 03/09 Changla 04/09 Changla 05/09 Changla - Tsokar 06/09 Tsokar 07/09 Tsokar - Leh (hotel) 08/09 Leh - Ulley 09/09 Ulley 10/09 Ulley - Leh (hotel) The trip schedule is flexible and depends on our observations. Snow Leopard is our priority. We can accommodate personal requests. If you wish to arrive in advance and spend the night in a hotel in order to be well-rested for the trip, we can arrange the logistics. If you wish to leave the trip early, we are equally at your service. Pictures Jigmet Dadul (Snow Leopard cover), Geert Beckers (Tsokar lake), Maarten Jacobs (Tibetan Sandgrouse, Snow Leopard, White-browed Tit-Warbler) en David ‘Billy’ Herman (other pictures)