Hey
Mates, get ready for an awesome and offbeat experience as we at Trek Mates India organize a Snow Leopard Expedition Trek cum Wildlife Tour from 05th to 14th March 2015.
About the Tour:
Category: Wildlife
Expedition
Grade: Medium
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Grade: Medium
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Snow Leopard
(Scientific name: Panthera uncia) is the king of Snow-capped mountains in
Himalayas. It is listed as endangered by IUCN. It is one of the most solitary,
elusive, rare and endangered predator in the world and few resorts say that
only a few hundred are left in wild. This spirit of mountains has adapted
himself to survive in the harsh climate of Himalayas and hence casual sightings
are extremely rare.
Snow leopards in
heavy snowfall tends to move downwards where it can prey on local animals and
hence chances of sighting one becomes more in month of Feb to April. Later in
summers you will find them at the highest peaks in the snows, and hence
tracking becomes difficult. We at Trek Mates India will be exploring Snow
Leopard territory with the local experts who help in tracking down the snow
leopards for various video documentaries that we see on Television and
internet. The group will also be escorted by a resource person from our
wildlife division, so that sighting this solitary animal becomes easier.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SNOW LEOPARDS:
Snow leopards are
slightly smaller than the other big cats but, like them, exhibit a range of
sizes, generally weighing between 27 and 55 kg (60 and 121 lb), with an
occasional large male reaching 75 kg (165 lb) and small female of under 25 kg
(55 lb).They have a relatively short body, measuring in length from the head to
the base of the tail 75 to 130 cm (30 to 50 in). However, the tail is quite
long, at 80 to 100 cm (31 to 39 in), with only the domestic-cat-sized marbled
cat being relatively longer-tailed. They are stocky and short-legged big cats,
standing about 60 cm (24 in) at the shoulder.
Snow leopards have
long, thick fur, and their base color varies from smoky gray to yellowish tan,
with whitish underparts. They have dark grey to black open rosettes on their
bodies, with small spots of the same color on their heads and larger spots on
their legs and tails. Unusually among cats, their eyes are pale green or grey
in color.
Snow leopards show
several adaptations for living in a cold, mountainous environment. Their bodies
are stocky, their fur is thick, and their ears are small and rounded, all of
which help to minimize heat loss. Their paws are wide, which distributes their
weight better for walking on snow, and have fur on their undersides to increase
their grip on steep and unstable surfaces; it also helps to minimize heat loss.
Snow leopards’ tails are long and flexible, helping them to maintain their
balance, which is very important in the rocky terrain they inhabit. Their tails
are also very thick due to storage of fat and are very thickly covered with fur
which allows them to be used like a blanket to protect their faces when asleep.
(Info source: Wikipedia)
The Itinerary for the tour
will be as follows:
Day 1- REACHING LEH
This will be our check in & acclimatization day at Leh. We shall take the early morning flight from Delhi and reach Leh airport. On arrival, group will be transferred to a cosy hotel followed by some tasty breakfast. Ice breaking, Personal introduction session and briefing about the entire expedition plan.
Rest of the day at rest for acclimatization (without which it will be highly challenging to complete the Expedition)
Campfire and Lights off.
This will be our check in & acclimatization day at Leh. We shall take the early morning flight from Delhi and reach Leh airport. On arrival, group will be transferred to a cosy hotel followed by some tasty breakfast. Ice breaking, Personal introduction session and briefing about the entire expedition plan.
Rest of the day at rest for acclimatization (without which it will be highly challenging to complete the Expedition)
Campfire and Lights off.
Day 2- LOCAL SIGHTSEEING OF LEH
Day starts with a hot Ladakhi tea. This second day at Leh is reserved for acclimatization and exploring the local sightseeing of Leh. In winters, Ladakh has unique climate and landscapes which is a treat for any traveller and photographer. For the whole day we will be exploring some of the famous and unique places around Leh. Along with this we shall explore possibilities of street, portrait and wide-angle photography of this Himalayan jewel famous for its cultural heritage.
In the evening, we can explore the Life at Leh on our own and meet up again for the yummy dinner.
Day ends with some more fun and games with new friends.
Day starts with a hot Ladakhi tea. This second day at Leh is reserved for acclimatization and exploring the local sightseeing of Leh. In winters, Ladakh has unique climate and landscapes which is a treat for any traveller and photographer. For the whole day we will be exploring some of the famous and unique places around Leh. Along with this we shall explore possibilities of street, portrait and wide-angle photography of this Himalayan jewel famous for its cultural heritage.
In the evening, we can explore the Life at Leh on our own and meet up again for the yummy dinner.
Day ends with some more fun and games with new friends.
Day 3 - LEH TO ZINGCHEN &
FURTHER TREK TO RUMBAK
And finally it’s the day we all waited for since long. Today we shall actually start with our expedition towards Hemis National Park. On taking blessings & good luck from local deities we enter into the territory of raw & mighty Himalayas. Post breakfast we will move to Zingchen village by private vehicle and there onwards we head towards Rumbak village (4 Hrs trek). The entire trekking route leads to Hemis National Park and has snow capped hills all around. This rough mountain terrain is the perfect habitat of Snow leopards and hence one has to be very alert to track even the slightest moment in the valley. Snow leopards are extremely camouflaged in the terrain and they are very soft in making moments hence it is going to a great treasure hunt game where Snow leopards will surely see us, while we need to track them down using various marks and signs.
And finally it’s the day we all waited for since long. Today we shall actually start with our expedition towards Hemis National Park. On taking blessings & good luck from local deities we enter into the territory of raw & mighty Himalayas. Post breakfast we will move to Zingchen village by private vehicle and there onwards we head towards Rumbak village (4 Hrs trek). The entire trekking route leads to Hemis National Park and has snow capped hills all around. This rough mountain terrain is the perfect habitat of Snow leopards and hence one has to be very alert to track even the slightest moment in the valley. Snow leopards are extremely camouflaged in the terrain and they are very soft in making moments hence it is going to a great treasure hunt game where Snow leopards will surely see us, while we need to track them down using various marks and signs.
On reaching the
Rumbak valley, we shall be staying in campsite (Temporarily set up tented
campsite). Our support team will always be there to help us out for all the
basic facilities and comforts.
Overnight in
Himalayan wilderness under starry nights and freezing winds.
Day 4 to 8- SNOW LEOPARD TRACKING &
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION
For the next 3 days, out only & ultimate target is going to be tracking and photo documenting the mysterious snow leopards and other wildlife of region. We shall start very early in the morning to grab the golden hours of Snow leopard moment and favourable light conditions. The major evidences that we will use as tracking device would be pugmarks, scent marks, scratch marks and scat marks of leopards.
For the next 3 days, out only & ultimate target is going to be tracking and photo documenting the mysterious snow leopards and other wildlife of region. We shall start very early in the morning to grab the golden hours of Snow leopard moment and favourable light conditions. The major evidences that we will use as tracking device would be pugmarks, scent marks, scratch marks and scat marks of leopards.
The best news could
be if a snow leopard is spotted over a kill (where they are most likely to
return again & again) or if a mating pair of Snow leopards is sighted
(Which usually remains together in a comparatively smaller area for about 7 to
10 days)
The terrain also
shelters numerous other wildlife species like Ibex, blue sheep, Tibetan wolves,
Wild dogs, Pallas’s cat, Lynx, Himalayan mormot, Pika etc. Among the avian
fauna, we shall look out for birds like Himalayan snow cock, Chukar patrige,
spotted forktail, Dippers, Golden eagle, Lammergeier vultures and Himalayan
griffon.
Breakfast, Lunch and
Dinner will be fresh cooked and served at our base camp. At night we should
have campfires with some self entertainment followed by discussion about
today’s sightings and tomorrow’s action plans.
Day 9 – RUMBAK TO ZINGCHEN TREK AND BACK
TO LEH CITY
After our 4 days focused leopard tracking we will leave for Zingchen, which will be trek of 5hrs. After reaching Zingchen we will move towards Leh. Leisure and explore Leh market for shopping. Leh Market also gives you a great opportunity to click candids. This will be your last day to enjoy scenic views of Himalayas. Experience sharing session, campfire and special dinner to conclude the trip. Overnight at Hotel.
After our 4 days focused leopard tracking we will leave for Zingchen, which will be trek of 5hrs. After reaching Zingchen we will move towards Leh. Leisure and explore Leh market for shopping. Leh Market also gives you a great opportunity to click candids. This will be your last day to enjoy scenic views of Himalayas. Experience sharing session, campfire and special dinner to conclude the trip. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 –DEPARTURE FROM LEH
Morning post breakfast drop to airport and boarding flight back for Mumbai / your respective destination.
Morning post breakfast drop to airport and boarding flight back for Mumbai / your respective destination.
The cost for the tour will
be Rs.48,500/- per person
Inclusions:
1. Accommodation on twin sharing in room in Leh and further in Tents.
2. All meals at from day 1 Lunch till Day 10 Breakfast
3. Sleeping bags, Solar lamps, Mats & tents
4. Guide and Expertise Charges
5. Porter service for Zingchen to Rumbak trek – both ways
6. Transportation from Leh to Leh
7. Toilet Tents
1. Accommodation on twin sharing in room in Leh and further in Tents.
2. All meals at from day 1 Lunch till Day 10 Breakfast
3. Sleeping bags, Solar lamps, Mats & tents
4. Guide and Expertise Charges
5. Porter service for Zingchen to Rumbak trek – both ways
6. Transportation from Leh to Leh
7. Toilet Tents
Exclusions:
1. Airfare Charges to Leh and return
2. Extra Porter Charges (approx Rs.600/- per day) apart from included porter service
3. Personal Expenses
4. Anything other than mentioned above
1. Airfare Charges to Leh and return
2. Extra Porter Charges (approx Rs.600/- per day) apart from included porter service
3. Personal Expenses
4. Anything other than mentioned above
Payment Details:
One has to pay the amount in the following account.
ICICI Current Account No: 148805000123
Name: Trek Mates Outbound Services Pvt. Ltd.
Ifsccode: ICIC0001488
Branch: Kalwa, Thane
Once payment is done, please send an email to trekmates@gmail.com with Transaction ID , Participant Name , Email ID , Cell Number, Age, Gender, Full Address, Emergency Contact number and Food Preference.
Things to carry:
Hat / Cap, Woolen cap / Balaclava
Pair of Woolen Gloves
T-shirts, Fleece Sweatshirt / Sweater
Windproof Jacket 01 nos.
Leggings from a Track-suit, shorts,
Pair of sturdy sports shoes with rubber sole
Cotton Socks, Woolen Socks, Extra shoe laces
Raincoat / Poncho 01 nos.
Full Body Towel 01 nos.
Torch with spare batteries
Sunscreen lotion, min 30 SPF, Toiletries
Medicines as specified by doctor
Camera, Cam charger, Mobile Charger..
Hat / Cap, Woolen cap / Balaclava
Pair of Woolen Gloves
T-shirts, Fleece Sweatshirt / Sweater
Windproof Jacket 01 nos.
Leggings from a Track-suit, shorts,
Pair of sturdy sports shoes with rubber sole
Cotton Socks, Woolen Socks, Extra shoe laces
Raincoat / Poncho 01 nos.
Full Body Towel 01 nos.
Torch with spare batteries
Sunscreen lotion, min 30 SPF, Toiletries
Medicines as specified by doctor
Camera, Cam charger, Mobile Charger..
Please Note:
It is very important that you line the inside of your bags with a big polythene sheet. Doing so will ensure, that in the event of rain, even though your bag may get wet, your clothes will still remain dry!
It is very important that you line the inside of your bags with a big polythene sheet. Doing so will ensure, that in the event of rain, even though your bag may get wet, your clothes will still remain dry!
Ø Registrations are done only on phone calls
and will be confirmed only after the receipt of advance.
Ø Registrations will be on first come first
served basis.
For more details and Registration, Please feel free
to contact us on:
Please check the details of Registration Process, Payment Terms & Refund policy
Last but not the least, Any adventure activity is
a disciplined fun so please check our "Rules
and Regulation" page.
Medical Disclaimer: It is most essential to
be fit and fine before heading for any event. While planning your trip, it is
preferable to have a medical fitness check up done. If suffering from any kind
of allergy or ailment, do carry proper prescribed medicines to prevent serious
health problem including heatstroke, severe headache, cough, dehydration and
hypothermia. Participants suffering from chronic conditions like asthma,
bronchitis, blood pressure, migraine, diabetes etc should seek their
physician’s advice before coming.
To
get quick updates about the Live action and Unlimited Dhammal, Join us on
Facebook Mumbai
Facebook Pune
Twitter
TMI Website
TMI Diaries
Facebook Mumbai
Facebook Pune
TMI Website
TMI Diaries
For
any Trekking gear or travelling accessories,
Join our
Facebook page "Straub"
OR
visit
us at Trek Mates India's own office cum Sales Store @
STRAUB
106, A
wing, 1st Floor,
Rajdarshan Building,
Dada Patil Wadi,
Near Thane Station,
Rajdarshan Building,
Dada Patil Wadi,
Near Thane Station,
Thane
(w) 400602.
Regards,
Team Trek Mates India.
Team Trek Mates India.
