Tracking the Ghost of the Mountains: A Snow Leopard Trekking Adventure

Unleash the Snow Leopard Trek Ladakh

We know you are determined to spot snow leopards, but here are a few reasons you might want to know to get the full experience. Most of the people also look for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh.

• Since the Hemis National Park (where you will sight the snow leopards) is a protected area, the trek to witness rare animals will be thrilling.
• Other than snow leopards, Shapo, Marmot, Tibetan Hare, Antelope, Ibex, and more along with birds like Snow Cock, Horned Lark, and Red-Billed Chough can be spotted in the national park.
• The stories of locals in Rumbak Village will leave you fascinated.
• Food offered by homestays here is incredible.
• You get to experience the local culture and a different way of life.
• The winter wonderland Ladakh is an experience you will cherish for the rest of your life.
• Visit the old Buddhist monasteries and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture.
• Walk on the frozen Zanskar River.

Best Time to See Snow Leopards in Ladakh

You can call them whatever you want to like -“White Ghosts” “Mountain Cats” “Ghost Cat”, or the “snow leopards”, they can be best spotted during the winter of Ladakh, from the start of the month of November to March. This is the time when mountain goats like Bharal descend to the valley in search of food, leaving trails for snowcats to follow.

From January to March the days are quietly sunny but there will be chill in the air. January is the coldest month in Ladakh. Early mornings, evenings and nighttimes stay extremely cold. If you are planning to visit Leh in summers, then you can check some places to visit in Ladakh in summer.

The average daytime temperatures in Leh, and on trek, will be between –25°C to +6°C. Night-time temperature can drop to -10°C to – 25°C. There is usually snow around January to March. 

How to Reach Snow Leopard Trek ?

By Air

For Snow Leopard Trek in Hemis National Park Take a flight to Leh, where you are going to spend the next 2-3 days. Hemis National Park is just a 1.5 – 2 hours drive away from Leh. Further, a 4-hour trek and you will reach the Rumbak Village. 

Remember the route is a bit difficult with harsh winter weather and ice cold air, you will have to be extremely careful and well prepared for it. You can carry your bag or hire a mule for your luggage. 

What Clothing & Trek Equipment Should be Packed ?

• Synthetic Trek pants 
• Windcheater 
• Warm pants
• Body Thermals (upper & lower) 
• Full sleeves collar T-shirts
• Down jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Raincoat or poncho
• Merino Trekking Socks
• Undergarments 
• Hat with neck cover
• Woolen Gloves and dual layer Synthetic Waterproof gloves
• Woolen Cap that covers the ears
• Woolen Socks for sleeping in the night
• Woolen stole or balaclava to wrap around the neck
• UV Protection Sunglasses to protect you from snow blindness
• Rucksack
• High ankle trekking shoes
• Insulated water bottle or thermos flask

Other than this, you must have the necessary medicines and medicines for Acute Motion Sickness.

Attractions at Snow Leopard Trek Ladakh 

The 3 famous spots of this trek are Tarbung valley, Hussing point, and Rumbak village. These three locations hold several pathways where snow leopards cross territories and settle down for mating and hunting. There are many other places to visit in Ladakh, you can check that as well.

Snow Leopard Trek Itinerary

Take a look at the detailed itinerary of Snow Leopard trekking in Ladakh –

• Day 1: Arrival in Leh
• Day 2: Local Sightseeing of Leh
• Day 3: Leh- Zingchen – Rumbak Valley
• Day 4: Rumbak Valley – Stok La – Rumbak Valley
• Day 5: Rumbak Valley
• Day 6: Rumbak Valley
• Day 7: Rumbak Valley – Zingchen – Leh
• Day 8: Departure from Leh

Spend at least a week exploring and tracking the elusive snow leopards. There are so many things to do in Snow Leopard Trek  while discovering Hemis National Park. The trek is challenging, so it is crucial for you to be physically and mentally fit.