Track one of the world’s most elusive big cats in the wild — the snow leopard — in the high-altitude landscapes of Hemis National Park.
This is not a traditional trekking route, but a wildlife search experience based in a remote Himalayan village. You’ll stay in a local homestay in Rumbak, heading out each day with expert guides to scan ridgelines and valleys for signs of snow leopards and other wildlife.
Unlike fixed itineraries, this experience is adaptive and real-time, shaped by recent sightings, animal movement, and local tracking knowledge — making every day different.
It’s a rare opportunity to combine wildlife tracking, winter trekking, and immersive Ladakhi culture in one of the best snow leopard habitats in the world.
Unlike standard treks with fixed routes, this experience is location-based and flexible:
• Local Ladakhi homestays
• Basic facilities (no running water, compost toilets)
• 3 home-cooked meals per day (with packed lunches)
Explore the different routes available within this region. Each route offers a unique experience — from gentle introductions to challenging high-altitude crossings.
A flexible, wildlife-focused itinerary with daily exploration from a fixed base. Ideal for maximizing snow leopard sighting chances while allowing proper acclimatisation. Requires 4+ days acclimatisation in Leh 6 nights / 7 days (extendable) Jan to Mar Moderate to Challenging
Drive to Jingchen (~1.5 hours), short walk or direct transfer to Rumbak village. Settle into homestay.
Acclimatisation day. Short hikes (2–3 hours) into nearby valleys. Begin scanning for wildlife signs.
Day hikes into surrounding valleys based on latest sightings. Look for snow leopard tracks, blue sheep, and other wildlife. Flexible duration.
Explore different valleys depending on guide inputs and recent activity. Long observation periods with spotting scope.
Early morning and late afternoon excursions (best wildlife activity time). Midday rest at homestay
Continue search efforts. Possibility to trek higher for better vantage points.
Drive back to Leh. End of trek.
A longer version of the trek to significantly improve chances of sightings. Recommended for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts. Requires 4+ days acclimatisation in Leh 7–9+ nights / 8–10+ days Jan to Mar Moderate to Challenging
Drive and transfer to homestay in Rumbak.
Acclimatisation + short hikes.
Daily guided hikes into different valleys depending on sightings and local intelligence. • Flexible routes and timings • Focus on early morning + evening tracking • Observation with spotting scope • Possibility to follow fresh tracks across ridgelines
Drive back to Leh.
A shorter version for those with limited time. Lower probability of sightings but still offers a strong wildlife experience. Requires 4+ days acclimatisation in Leh 4 nights / 5 days Jan to Mar Moderate
Drive to Rumbak. Settle into homestay.
Short hikes and wildlife spotting.
Explore nearby valleys with guide.
Full day tracking and observation.
Return drive to Leh.
Wildlife search with day hikes (base camp: village homestay)
Moderate to Difficult (due to altitude, terrain, and winter conditions)
January to March (snow leopard breeding season)
• Snow leopard (primary focus) • Blue sheep (key prey species) • Himalayan birds and other high-altitude fauna
Minimum 4 days in Leh before starting the trek
Recommended minimum — longer increases chances of sightings
What to Bring
The key to staying comfortable on a trek is layering. Suggested items:
• Boots — comfortable, sturdy hiking boots (the single most important item)
• Backpack or daypack; sandals for stream crossings
• Quick-dry trekking trousers (plus a spare pair) and layering tops
• Thermal underclothes (a necessity off-season, Sep–Jun)
• Warm lightweight fleece; lightweight wind-/rain-proof jacket
• Down jacket (recommended for treks via Nimaling tented camp)
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick; off-season add wool hat, gloves, scarf
• Cotton scarf for wind/dust protection
• Trekking poles (if you use them); gaiters if snow on high passes
• Quick-dry towel, soap, moisture cream, toilet paper
• Flashlight, first aid kit, camera and spare batteries
• Water bottles — 2–3 litres capacity, aluminium or Nalgene (homestays provide hot water)
• Water purification tablets or a good filter (not readily available in Leh)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional — useful as no top sheet at homestays)
• Socks — 2 pairs outer, 1 pair liner
• Snacks such as dried fruit and nuts
Sleeping bags are generally not necessary — homestays provide bedding. The exception is treks via Nimaling tented camp: bring a light sleeping bag for Jul/Aug, or a good one for other months.
Plastic bottle ban in Leh. Use reusable bottles only. Many items above can be purchased or hired in Leh. LWTC has fleece sleeping bag liners, trekking poles and water bottles for hire.
Green note: Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. If you must use disposable batteries, please take used ones home to dispose of safely.
Water — Help the Environment
Don't buy mineral water in plastic bottles. Some guesthouses in Leh provide filtered water; you can also fill up at the Dzomsa Laundry for a small charge. Homestays provide filtered or boiled water. Purification tablets or a good filter will save you money and reduce plastic waste.
Altitude Sickness
Leh sits at 3,500m. Rest on arrival day and drink lots of water. Do not start a trek until at least day four.
Suggested acclimatisation:
Day 1 — Rest at your guesthouse.
Day 2 — Explore Leh on foot, take it easy.
Day 3 — Walk around Leh or do a monastery day-tour.
Day 4+ — Begin your trek.
Prevention:
Go slowly, drink lots of water, listen to your body. Mild symptoms (headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness) usually resolve with rest at the same altitude.
Severe symptoms may indicate HACE or HAPE — descend immediately. These are life-threatening conditions.
Rabies
We strongly recommend being vaccinated against rabies before visiting Ladakh. There are many stray dogs — be particularly careful in the evenings in Leh.
Cultural Considerations
Respect the rights and beliefs of local people and minimise your cultural and environmental impact.
• Dress modestly — cover shoulders and legs (both men and women). T-shirts and trousers or long skirts are recommended.
• Don't encourage begging — rather than giving pens, money or sweets directly to children, consider donating to a local organisation.
• Leave nothing but footprints — avoid plastic bottles; refill your own with boiled, filtered or treated water.
• Visiting a Ladakhi home — remove your shoes before entering; do not sit on the low-level tables.
Deposit & Balance
A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to confirm any booking. All deposits include 5% GST.
Booking in advance: Deposit must be paid directly to our bank account (no PayPal). Any bank charges incurred by us will be added to the cost.
Booking in Leh:
Deposit must be paid in cash (INR) at our office.
For international transfers we recommend Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Western Union for fast, affordable payments.
If transferring within 3 weeks of the start date, do not use a bank-to-bank transfer — it takes too long. Use an online transfer service instead.
Balance: The remainder must be paid in cash (INR) at our Leh office by 2pm the day before trek start. For Snow Leopard treks, payment is required 3 days before. We do not accept foreign currency, cards, or travellers cheques. ATMs and money exchanges are close to our office.
Cancellation
Day before start: 50% of total cost required (less any deposit already paid). Also applies when required ILP documents are not provided in time.
Day of start: No refund, apart from any unused accommodation/food (if not pre-booked) and unused end-of-trek taxi cost. No taxi refund for tours or one-day treks.
Delayed Start & Early Return
Delayed start: We will try to accommodate you, but if we have another booking (especially Jul–Aug) the end date may not change. The trek will be shorter with no refund apart from unused accommodation/food.
Early return: Unused accommodation/food expenses refunded (if not pre-booked), but you are responsible for any extra costs involved.
Insurance
We strongly recommend personal travel, medical and cancellation insurance. Bring any special medicines you need.
Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking up to the maximum height on your trek. Adequate cover is your own responsibility.
What's Included — Homestay Treks
1 guide; 3 meals per day (packed lunch first & last day)
Homestay accommodation (tented camp at Nimaling)
Food & accommodation for staff; wildlife & trekking fees
Monastery entry fees as per itinerary
Transport to/from Leh on agreed dates; 5% GST
Not included: mineral water, soft/alcoholic drinks, snacks, air tickets, travel insurance, items not listed above.
Porter: Quoted separately. Includes porter's food, accommodation, and 5% GST.
Note: Prices are per person, not per room. You may need to share during busy periods.
What's Included — Day Tours
1 guide; lunch; monastery entry fees as per itinerary
Taxi for the duration; 5% GST
Not included: all drinks and snacks, air tickets, transport/detours not in itinerary, travel insurance.
What's Included — Overnight Tours
1 guide; 3 meals per day (lunch to lunch); filtered/boiled water and tea with breakfast
Homestay or guesthouse accommodation as specified
Food & accommodation for staff; entry fees as per itinerary
Taxi for duration (inc. Leh pickup & drop-off)
Environment fees; Inner Line Permit*; 5% GST
Not included: hot drinks (except breakfast tea), mineral water, soft/alcoholic drinks, snacks, air tickets, transport not in itinerary, travel insurance.
*Inner Line Permit: Non-Indian nationals need a passport. Indian nationals need one of: Passport, Driving Licence, Service ID (Central/State/PSU), PAN Card, Aadhar Card, NPR Smart Card, or Election ID Card. Bring appropriate ID — it is your responsibility.
Other Costs Not Included
Camera/video fees; tips
Extra costs from unavoidable circumstances (evacuation, weather delays, illness)
Expenses not in the itinerary (pony hire, taxi detours, extra entrance fees)
Staff dismissal en route — clients pay return costs for dismissed staff
We reserve the right to pass on any increase in costs (accommodation, taxis, fees).
Let's design your perfect Ladakh journey together.
