Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh, Rumbak Valley features ice-covered streams of the Indus River nestled between towering peaks and rocky terrain. The trek highlights three key spots: Tarbung Valley, Hussing Point, and Rumbak Village, where snow leopards roam and mate. Each location offers unique viewpoints for trekkers to enjoy the stunning scenery. This breathtaking spectacle is best seen during Ladakh’s peak winters, from late December to March, when temperatures plunge below zero and conditions can change rapidly with snowfall and strong winds.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh, Rumbak Valley is renowned as the snow leopard capital of the world, attracting experts, animal enthusiasts, and nature lovers eager to catch a glimpse of these elusive high-mountain cats. This region houses a diverse ecology, including rare animals like the pica, blue sheep, Tibetan wolf, golden eagle, and brown fox, thriving amidst the stunning landscape of ice-covered streams and towering rocky peaks.

The valley offers unique trekking experiences, notably the Snow Leopard trek, which emphasizes wildlife observation rather than traditional hiking. Participants will focus on studying animal behavior and tracking rather than covering long distances, using telescopes and binoculars instead of standard trekking equipment. With expert guides leading the way, trekkers will spend time at strategic viewing points during the peak winter months from December to March, when the chances of spotting the snow leopard are greatest.

However, this trek is not without its challenges. Travelers should be prepared for slippery terrain and need to layer their clothing appropriately. The expedition promises a unique adventure as participants learn to analyze pug marks and other signs of wildlife movements, making it a truly immersive experience in the heart of Hemis National Park.

Day 01 :

Arrive at Leh

Upon arrival at the Airport in Leh, travelers can head directly to the designated hotel. Alternatively, transport can be arranged for pickup and drop-off. The first day is dedicated to rest, allowing visitors to acclimatize and rejuvenate before embarking on their trekking adventures.

Day 02 :

Acclimatization Day

Low oxygen levels can lead to headaches and fatigue at high altitudes like Leh. To help acclimate, it's essential to stay hydrated and explore the local market. Strolling through the charming lanes of Leh, you'll encounter the friendly greeting "Juley," which means hello. For sightseeing, don’t miss the iconic Leh Palace and the nearby monasteries, which showcase the region's rich culture. The local market is a great place to discover unique cafes and authentic flea markets. It's also an excellent spot for purchasing souvenirs and trekking gear.

Day 03 :

Leh to Rumbak Valley base camp

On this day, we set off from our hotel around 10 AM, embarking on a scenic drive to Rumbak Valley, which is approximately 20 kilometers away and typically takes around 45 minutes to traverse. As we leave Leh, the stunning Stok Range appears on our left, while rugged military camps line the right side of the highway for the first 10 kilometers. Soon, we cross a vast metal bridge where the ancient Spituk monastery comes into view, alongside the olive green waters of the Indus River. The road then leads us past the charming Phey village before arriving at the entrance to Hemis National Park. Since vehicles are not permitted inside the park, we complete the last 2 kilometers on foot, making our way to the campsite.

Day 04 :

Tracking and spotting at Tarbung Valley

Our adventure begins with an early scouting session led by our expert spotter, taking us to the first viewing point in Tarbung Valley, located about 1 km from our campsite. Here, we plan to spend the day observing wildlife. If we discover fresh tracks, we will climb a steep 50-degree slope to set up a vantage point. However, if no tracks are found, we will remain at a flatter area beneath the viewpoint, monitoring the ridges for any signs of movement. Our team will stay connected through walkie-talkies for regular updates. Additionally, lunch and refreshments will be delivered directly to our location, allowing us to focus on our observations throughout the day.

Day 05 :

Tracking and spotting at Husing Point

On this day of our trek, we will concentrate on the second point, Husing, which lies about 500 meters away. It features a steep ascent with a 60-degree gradient, making it one of the most challenging parts of the trail. However, with the assistance of our local guide, the climb should not pose any significant difficulties. Once we reach the summit, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the majestic, snow-capped mountains. After taking some time to explore the area for signs of the elusive gray ghost, we will return to our campsite by early evening.

Day 06 :

Tracking and spotting at Rumbak

The Rumbak viewpoint is approximately 3 kilometers from our campsite, requiring about two hours to reach. The journey offers the chance to spot stunning Himalayan birds such as the golden eagle and Eurasian magpie, common sights in the area.

Once at the viewpoint, we can enjoy a small detour into Rumbak village, where the vibrant colors and lively daily life of the local villagers are captivating. From the viewpoint, we are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Stok range and the towering mountains of Ladakh, with the additional possibility of seeing herds of blue sheep gracefully navigating the steep slopes.

After a full day of exploration and appreciating the scenery, we head back to our campsite in the early evening.

Day 07, 8 & 9 :

Tracking and spotting

The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and the tracks we encounter. Our guide will conduct an early tracking and scouting session to determine the best course of action, providing us with updates on the plan after assessing the situation. Depending on what he finds, we may switch between valleys or remain at a single viewpoint for an extended period. On Day 9, we plan to wait for the evening views before heading back to our hotel in Leh.

Day 10 :

Departure

Check out of the hotel by 10 AM to begin your return journey. However, those intending to extend their stay and explore the beauty of Ladakh further may refer to the article "Best things to do and see in Ladakh" for recommendations on must-see attractions.