Hemis to Tso Moriri
Snow Leopard trek
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: level 2
Distance: 29 km
Max elevation: 3956m
Elevation gain / loss: +931m / -716m
Hemis National Park is a perfect place for animal lovers. The Rumbak valley is situated within the national park at an altitude of 4000m. It is home to a rich diversity of wildlife such as snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, blue sheep, Asiatic ibex, Ladakh urials and more. Several species of birds like golden eagles, vultures and migratory birds can also be seen.
The Snow Leopard trek is one of the few treks in Ladakh which can be done during winter, the best months are February and March. Snow leopards are very elusive felines and there is a higher chance of spotting them during winter when they descend to the valleys in search of food. Hemis National Park is the favourite area for snow leopards due to easy availability of prey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Spituk - Zingchen
Time: 5 hrs
Distance: 15.7 km
Elevation gain / loss: +375m / -161m
| - | visit Spituk monastery before embarking on the trek |
| - | follow the south bank of the Indus river until the Zingchen gorge |
| - | possibility to drive from Spituk to Zingchen by Jeep |
Day 2: Zingchen - Rumbak
Time: 2-3 hrs
Distance: 6.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: +555m / 0m
| - | enter the Hemis National Park as you walk through a narrow gorge leading to Rumbak village |
| - | homestay possibility in Rumbak |
Days 3 to 7: Rumbak valley
| - | search for snow leopard as well as various other mammals and birds in the valley |
| - | each day our expert guide will take you to the best places to increase your chances of spotting wildlife |
Day 8: Rumbak - Zingchen - Leh
Time: 2-3 hrs
Distance: 6.5 km
Elevation gain / loss: 0m / -555m
| - | walk down to Zingchen and drive to Leh |
All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities. Please contact us for more information.
