Snow Leopard Trek
A winter wildlife expedition in the remote Hemis National Park — the best place on Earth to spot the elusive snow leopard. This is not a typical trek but a wildlife tracking expedition through frozen valleys at -20C, following pugmarks in snow with expert trackers. Sightings are never guaranteed (success rate ~70% over 8 days) but the experience of tracking one of the world's rarest cats in its frozen kingdom is unmatched.
Warnings
⚠Extreme winter cold — temperatures drop to -25C at night
⚠High altitude winter trekking — AMS risk compounded by cold
⚠Remote valleys — no rescue for 2-3 days
⚠Snow leopard sighting NOT guaranteed despite best efforts
⚠Physical fitness needed for walking in snow at altitude
⚠Frostbite risk on exposed skin — cover everything
⚠This is an expensive expedition — Rs 80000+ per person
⚠Minimum group size usually 4 for operators to run
Campsites
Rumbak Homestay
4,000mTraditional Ladakhi homestay. Basic room with mattress and blankets. Kitchen with bukhari (stove). Squat toilet. Solar lighting.
Yurutse Homestay
4,200mRemote homestay. Basic room. Bukhari heating. Kitchen with Ladakhi meals. Squat toilet.
Cost Estimate
This is a specialized wildlife expedition. Operators: Rs 80000-120000/person (8 days) including Leh stay, all homestays, tracking team, food, park permits, transport. International operators charge $1500-2500. Budget option not feasible — trackers and permits mandatory.