Snow Leopard Expedition: A Wildlife Adventure Like No Other

I’ve been on many wildlife tours, but my recent snow leopard expedition was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The chances of spotting this elusive animal are incredibly slim, making the journey even more thrilling and rewarding.

A Rocky Start

Our adventure began with a bit of chaos. We had booked a flight from Mumbai to Leh, with a two-hour layover in Delhi. The same airline operated both segments, so we thought it would be smooth sailing. However, upon reaching Mumbai Airport, we were informed that our Delhi to Leh flight was canceled, despite having boarding passes for both legs.

When we landed in Delhi, we confirmed that our Leh flight was indeed canceled and that the next available flight was five days later. This news was devastating, and the entire expedition seemed at risk of being canceled. However, after a lot of negotiation and a three-hour discussion with the airport staff, we managed to secure seats on a flight for the next day. The airline also provided us with free hotel accommodations for the night. This situation highlighted the importance of persistence and effective negotiation.

Arrival in Leh

The Expedition Begins

Just as we were getting settled, I received a call from our local guide and spotters informing us that there had been a sighting of “shan shan” (snow leopard in the Ladakh language). We quickly prepared for our first attempt to spot the snow leopard. Our guide sent a vehicle to pick us up, and within 15 minutes, we were on our way, bundled up in layers and carrying trekking sticks. Despite the -20 degree temperature outside, our excitement kept us warm.

Exploring Rumbak Village

The next day, we journeyed to Rumbak, a small village about 60 km from Leh, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters. This isolated village serves as a base camp for the Markha Valley trek during the summer. Rumbak has an interesting system where travelers stay at different houses each night, ensuring that all families receive some revenue.

We stayed in Rumbak for four nights, searching for snow leopards and other wildlife. While the first two days yielded no sightings, we did spot a golden eagle, different types of sheep like the ibex, and the footprints of a palace cat.

A Memorable Sighting

On the third day, we heard news of a snow leopard sighting near Ule Top, towards the Kargil road. Villagers had spotted a snow leopard on a kill. We left Rumbak early in the morning and arrived at the small village where the sighting had occurred. The snow leopard was still there, feasting on its kill, and we set up camp to observe it. This was an incredible sighting, as the snow leopard alternated between eating and sleeping, much like other big cats.

One of the most memorable moments was hearing a 60-plus-year-old Russian traveler exclaim that he was ready to die happy, having seen everything he came for

Reflections

Reflecting on this snow leopard expedition, it was an adventure filled with unexpected twists and incredible highs. The experience taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the joy of experiencing nature in its purest form. For those considering a similar expedition, my advice is simple: be prepared for the unexpected, stay persistent, and savor every moment of the journey. The beauty of wildlife tours lies not just in the destination but in the adventures along the way.

Overall, a Snow Leopard expedition is a lifetime experience for anyone who undertakes it. You get to see how people are living in Ladakh during such harsh winters, how remote villages manage day-to-day life, and also experience authentic Ladakhi cuisine and culture. The cuisine is not as spicy as traditional Indian food but is perfectly suited for the cold weather.

Pic Credits – Mr. Sarath Parera

For booking this tour mail us – nomadictribesinfo@gmail.com or contact@nomadictribes.in or Call – 9324106377

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