Snow Leopard Trail: Himalayan Catwalk or Himalayan Saunter
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by One Globe Travel & Tourism Pvt. Ltd
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Encounter The Ghost of the Mountains: For big-cat enthusiasts, sighting a wild snow leopard in its native habitat makes for an unforgettable achievement. Such occasions usually transpire from a combination of luck, timing, and a host of conditions that need to come together. This exquisite feline—with its creamy-grey coat speckled with dark rosettes and spots, all of which allow it to blend in with the surrounding outcrops and snowy slopes—was designed by nature to evade detection. If you are interested in not just observing a wild snow leopard from close quarters but also fully understanding its place in Nepal’s mountain ecosystem and its relationship with the mountain folk of Manang, join us on our snow leopard trail. Your best months for sighting snow leopards would be between December and March, with peak season between February to March, during the cats’ mating period. As you set on the trail with our knowledgeable, experienced guides, they will bring alive for you the myths and magical elements of the Edenic mountain valleys and tracks you will be traversing as you seek the ‘Ghost of the Mountains’. The wild snow leopard population is estimated at 3,500 to 7,000, and they are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. These cats prefer to prey on blue sheep and other wild animals such as the Himalayan tahr, but today, owing to habitat loss and climate-induced treeline movement, the leopards often resort to preying on villagers’ livestock. Many villagers thus regard the snow leopard as both a divine animal and a scourge on their livelihood. In the past, there have been many reports of villagers’ retaliating in response to the leopards’ making off with their sheep and other livestock. Today, however, owing to the growth in demand for snow-leopard sighting tours, the villagers are finding ways to both ensure their livestocks’ safety while also being involved in the tours revolving around the leopards. EXPERTS Embark on The Snow Leopard Trail, a collaboration between California's top snow leopard experts and Nepalese wildlife professionals, including renowned observer Tashi R. Ghale from Manang. Featured in National Geographic and Disney documentaries, Tashi & team founded the Third Pole Conservancy. Join us in unveiling the legendary world of the Snow Leopard and actively participating in its conservation through a unique life and travel experience, guided by experts like Tashi.
Journey at a glance
Day Day: 01: Arrival — Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Day Day:02: Sightseeing Kathmandu Valley — Sightseeing at major historical places in Kathmandu Valley and preparation day. Day Day: 03: Kathmandu to Besi Shahar — Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar-830m. Day Day : 04: Besisahar to Bhratang — Drive from Besisahar to Bhratang. Day Day: 05: Bhratang to Hunde Camp — Hike from Bhratang to Hunde camp. Day Day: 06: Trek and track Snow leopard — Visit shepherds from Nawal and hike back to Bhraka Village. Day Day: 07: Trek to Manang — Trek to Manang and stay at Tashi Ghale’s lodge Day Day : 08: Rest Day — Rest day, with Tashi’s slideshow about snow leopard habitat. Day Day: 09-Day: 14: Track Snow Leopard — Track snow leopard and observe it up-close. Day Day: 15: Trek to Phedi — Trek to Phedi. Day Day: 16: Pokhara from Muktinath — Cross Thorang La and drive to Pokhara from Muktinath. Day Day: 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu — Enjoy full day in Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu. Day Day: 18: Departure — Free day in Kathmandu and transfer to International Airport.
Essential trip information
Before you go
THE PROGRAM AND ITS HIGHLIGHTS Embarking on the Snow Leopard Trail promises an extraordinary wildlife trekking adventure, whether navigating the ancient mountainous terrain adorned with timeless Tibetan-influenced villages, exploring the imposing north walls of Annapurna Himal in Manang, or marveling at the breathtaking panorama from the Annapurna range. The experience is elevated to unparalleled heights with program highlights guided by experts such as Tashi R. Ghale. Tashi leads participants to exclusive Snow Leopard observation sites, including well-visited marking points along territorial borders and camera traps from the monitoring project, where promptly examined new image material awaits. Witnessing a recent Snow Leopard capture in the photo trap is always a moment of extraordinary significance. Each day of trekking sharpens your senses, transforming you into a proficient observer and tracker, following in Tashi's footsteps. With a stroke of luck, you might cross paths with other captivating species like blue sheep, bearded vultures, or jackals and wolves. During visits to project areas, engaging conversations with farmers and Yak herders unfold, providing insights into their encounters and experiences with snow leopards. The program highlights of the Snow Leopard Trails Experience at a glance: Entry via the majestic Marsyangdi Gorge Annapurna Himal's icy realm Spotting wildlife with Tashi R. Ghale Tashi's Manang wildlife slideshow Visit Camera trap site Exploring Manang villages and the school.
Fitness & eligibility
2
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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