SNOW LEOPARD ‘A Ghost of Himalayas’
Without a doubt, the snow leopard is one of the world's most mysterious cats. Few people have ever seen one in the wild, even after days or months of searching. Why is that? For one thing, snow leopards are very rare. For another, they live high up in faraway and rugged mountains of Central Asia. They also live alone (except for mothers with cubs.) And they blend in with their background, move around mostly between dusk and dawn, and are shy around people. No wonder they seem so ghost like! It is one of the most solitary, elusive, rare and endangered predator in the world. Especially adapted to survive in some of the harshest and most difficult environmental conditions. Only an estimated 3500-‐7000 snow leopards are left in the wild; and in India the figure is estimated to be a dismal 500.
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Abode for Snow Leopards in India
Hemis National Park Situated in the eastern part of Ladakh with a general elevation over 3000 meters. It covers an area of 600sq.kms in the valleys of Markha and Rumbak. This high altitude protected area was created in 1981 for the conservation and protection of its unique flora and fauna. The terrain surrounding the Park is generally rocky with thin soil cover supporting a poor vegetation growth. Streams and Rivers have laid a thick deposit of sand along their banks. The climate of the area is sub-‐arctic to arctic with less rainfall during summers and heavy snowfall during winters and temperature dropping much below freezing point. Summers are short and mild. There are many rare and endangered animal species found in this cold desert, amongst these are the elusive Snow Leopard, Ibex, Tibetan Antelope, Blue Sheep, Shapo, Marmot, Tibetan Hare etc.
RUMBAK VALLEY The path less walked… Explore the Rumbak valley in search of the Snow Leopard on foot. In the process there will also be plenty of opportunity for you to get enthralling insights into local folklore, spot a variety of animals as well as learn about Ladakhi customs and traditions. The trail traverses through some of the most fascinating villages, landscape and Gompas. The highlight is the experience in the unique village of Rumbak, home to the elusive Snow Leopard. Admire the region’s wild flora and fauna, apart from the changing high-‐altitude landscape.
LADAKH “Land of Ancient Gods” The most awesome places on the planet. This semi-‐autonomous kingdom is India's most remote and least populated region, a mixture of snow-‐capped peaks, green valleys, glassy lakes and Buddhist monasteries. It is a mountainous region in North-‐West India totally isolated from the modern world. An authentic land, it is faithful to ancestral customs where life is characterized by intense spirituality. It is so pure even an Indian traveller will probably find no similarities in the land and people between the ones he leaves behind and those he encounters in Ladakh. Rich traditions of Mahayana Buddhism still flourish in the purest form in this region, which has often been referred to as Little Tibet. Leh district comprises of Leh town and 112 inhabited villages and one un-‐inhabited village. The total population of Leh district is 1.17 lacs.
Your Trip A suggested program is given below:
DAY 1
: Arrive Leh & transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for acclimatization. Overnight at Grand Dragon or Similar.
DAY 2 : Visit the monasteries of Spituk & Phyang. Afternoon trip to Sankar monastery, Shanti Stupa, situated atop a hill. End the day with a visit to Leh Palace. Overnight DAY 3 : Today visit the Thiksey, Satkna, Matho, Stok Palace & Shey. Overnight DAY 4 : Morning drive to Zinchen village where your trek begins. Trek to Husing (1h30 – 3700 m). After lunch, proceed in search of Snow Leopard. Overnight in Camp.
DAY 5 : In Husing – Program of the day will depend on the movements of Snow Leopard. Early morning you will leave in search of traces. Overnight
DAY 6 : Husing – In Search of Snow Leopard.
DAY 7 : After breakfast, climb up to Rumbak village (2-‐3 hours). Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Homestay.
DAY 8 : Explore Rumbak Village. DAY 9 : Trek to Zinchen Village and then drive to Leh.
DAY 10 : After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
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