Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek
Deo Tibba peak at 6001m is one of the higher peaks in the Pir Panjal Range of the Indian Himalayas. Starting from Jammu and Kashmir, the Pir Panjal range extends all the way into Himachal. Mt. Deo Tibba and Indrasan mark the eastern end of this range. The Deo Tibba Valley trek takes you to the base camp of this big mountain through dense conifer forests, lush green meadows, high altitude lakes and snow-capped mountains. Starting from the beautiful hill town of Manali, we make a small circuit over 5 days starting at Shuru village and ending at Jobri, where there is a small dam. Shuru is the first and last village on the trail. Post that, the only people we get to meet on this Himalayan trail would be the Gaddi Shepherds and Gujjar cattle herders. Gaddis camp in the mountains with their huge flocks of sheep and goat throughout the Summer and Monsoons. Gujjars are few and are normally found at Tilgan and Jobri with theirs herds of buffaloes.
The trek is of moderate difficulty with a couple of tough days which includes steep ascents. Starting at 2000m, we ascend to the highest altitude of 3700m at Rourikholi, the enchanting grazing grounds for all horses of Prini and Shuru Villages in Manali. You can count about a hundred horses and mules in this sprawling meadow with views of Deo-Tibba and Indrasan on one side and Dhauladhar range on the other. Each campsite on the trail is picturesque, enhancing the joy of camping in the mountains. For first time trekkers and visitors into the Himalaya, this trek works as a classic introduction to the beauty and rigour of trekking in the Indian Himalaya. For the seasoned trekker, this is a relaxed walking holiday with a lot of #metime that will leave you totally des-stressed and rejuvenated by the end of it all.
Deo Tibba Base Camp trek is the perfect active Himalayan getaway for over stressed souls.
₹50,000
Overview
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek – Overview
Deo Tibba peak at 6001m is one of the higher peaks in the Pir Panjal Range of the Indian Himalayas. Starting from Jammu and Kashmir, the Pir Panjal range extends all the way into Himachal. Mt. Deo Tibba and Indrasan mark the eastern end of this range. The Deo Tibba Valley trek takes you to the base camp of this big mountain through dense conifer forests, lush green meadows, high altitude lakes and snow-capped mountains. Starting from the beautiful hill town of Manali, we make a small circuit over 5 days starting at Shuru village and ending at Jobri, where there is a small dam. Shuru is the first and last village on the trail. Post that, the only people we get to meet on this Himalayan trail would be the Gaddi Shepherds and Gujjar cattle herders. Gaddis camp in the mountains with their huge flocks of sheep and goat throughout the Summer and Monsoons. Gujjars are few and are normally found at Tilgan and Jobri with theirs herds of buffaloes.
The trek is of moderate difficulty with a couple of tough days which includes steep ascents. Starting at 2000m, we ascend to the highest altitude of 3700m at Rourikholi, the enchanting grazing grounds for all horses of Prini and Shuru Villages in Manali. You can count about a hundred horses and mules in this sprawling meadow with views of Deo-Tibba and Indrasan on one side and Dhauladhar range on the other. Each campsite on the trail is picturesque, enhancing the joy of camping in the mountains. For first time trekkers and visitors into the Himalaya, this trek works as a classic introduction to the beauty and rigour of trekking in the Indian Himalaya. For the seasoned trekker, this is a relaxed walking holiday with a lot of #metime that will leave you totally des-stressed and rejuvenated by the end of it all.
Deo Tibba Base Camp trek is the perfect active Himalayan getaway for over stressed souls.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Enchanting Forests and Sprawling meadows of Deo Tibba Valley
- Picturesque campsites throughout the trek with fabulous Valley views
- Unmatched views of DeoTibba and Indrasan from close range
- Dhauladhar range forming the backdrop throughout the trek
- Salubrious Manali and delectable food
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek- 9 Days – Moderate
Day 1: Volvo from Delhi to Manali
Day 2: Arrive Manali(2000m). Rest
Day 3: Trek to Sarotu Thach(2950m)
Day 4: Trek to Lamadug(3250m)
Day 5: Trek to Rourikholi(3700m)
Day 6: Trek to Pyangneru(3500m)
Day 7: Trek to Jobri. Drive to Manali
Day 8: Evening Volvo to New Delhi
Day 9: Arrive Delhi
DeoTibba Valley Walks – 7 Days – Easy
Day 1: Volvo from Delhi to Manali
Day 2: Arrive Manali(2000m). Rest
Day 3: Trek to Bogi Thach(2400m)
Day 4: Trek to Sarotu Thach(2950m)
Day 5: Trek to Jogidug(28500m)
Day 6: Trek to Shamaphu meadows(2400m)
Day 7: Trek to Tsetan.Drive to Manali. Evening Depart
Cost Inclusions
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek – Cost Details
COST:
9 Days version : INR 58500/USD 790 + 5% GST per person
7 Days version : INR 39500/USD 590 + 5% GST per person
COST INCLUDES
- Entire Accommodation during the trek
- 2 nights at hotel in Manali
- 4 nights camping on trek
- Experienced Trek Crew: Qualified Trip Leader, Local Guide, Cook, Kitchen Helpers and Horsemen
- Food:
- All Meals on the trip except lunches at Manali
- 3 meals per day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and beverages
- Porterage – 15 Kg/person
- Road Transportation: All Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary from Delhi to Delhi
- Permits and Taxes: Includes service tax
.
COST EXCLUDES
- Personal equipment and sleeping bags
- Airfares
- Any additional transport or activities apart from the trip itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses rising through unforeseen conditions like bad weather, natural calamities, flight cancellations, etc
- Rescue and evacuation services
- Expenses of any personal nature like phone calls, drinks, cigarettes, souvenirs, laundry, etc
- Tips
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the Cost inclusions
- 5% GST
Itinerary
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek – Itinerary
Day 01:Volvo from Delhi to Manali
Board the Himachal Tourism Volvo bus from outside Himachal Bhavan in Mandi House in the evening. There are multiple Volvo buses that depart between 5:30pm and 7:00pm. The bus stops for dinner on the way. Most of the trekking group if not all would be booked on the same bus.
Driving Time: 16 hrs; Overnight Volvo Bus
Day 02:Arrive Manali(2000m). Rest
The bus journey takes all night and you should be in Manali town before 10am in the morning. Our representative will pick you up from the bus stand and transfer you to our hotel near Prini. The drive takes hardly 15 mins. After breakfast, you can rest till afternoon after the long bus journey. Post-lunch, there will be a gear check and comprehensive briefing about the trek. You have the evening free to do some last minute shopping or checkout some Manali attractions. It is important to hit the bed early and rest well for the impending trek.
Meals: BLD, Overnight Hotel.
Day 03:Trek to Sarotu Thach(2950m)
We start our trek from a little ahead of Prini called Shuru. Its a small village with one main street and a big temple. We stop by the temple before proceeding. The path passes through apple orchards and has lovely views of the entire Kullu Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. Soon, we start climbing steeply through the village to reach a well carved wooden temple of the Snake Goddess, the highest point of the village. From here, we are in the forest filled with massive trees of pine and deodhar. In some time, we reach a beautiful clearing with more apple plantations called Bogi Thach. We take left from here and continue on to the next clearing where the Gujjars reside called Tilgan. The Gujjars are a cattle rearing community and camp in this clearing every summer. We normally stop for lunch here. Post -lunch we climb gradually to a high point and traverse across to reach the wide, grassy platform at Sarotu Thach. In the spring this place is strewn with flowers forming a flower carpet. From the edge of the platform, Kullu Valley is visible.
Trekking Time: 6-7 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 04:Trek to Lamadug(3250m)
We climb higher and traverse the mountain and descend to a stream cascading into Kullu Valley. We need to take off our boots to cross this stream that cascades into Kullu Valley. From here, we ascend a little and descend back into a thick forest of oak and rhododendron and walk to reach a clearing called Jogidug. This place is highly revered by the locals as the residing place of the snake goddess, and a big pooja is held annually at this location where the entire village gathers. In the summers, this is also the camping ground for a few Gaddi shepherds. We have our lunch here and then walk through the jungle to the slopes that lead to Lamadug, our camping site above the treeline. There are a few lakes here and we camp close to one. There are more Gaddis camping at this location with their massive flocks of sheep and goat.
Trekking Time: 5-6 hrs , Overnight Camp.
Day 05:Trek to Rourikholi(3700m)
Now we are above the treeline with clear views of the Dhauladhar range right ahead. Hanuman Tibba, Makar Beh and Shikhar Beh dot the skyline. We gradually climb higher over sprawling meadows and traverse the mountain towards Rourikholi. The mountains of the Pir Panjal range slowly start appearing. Rourikholi are the massive grazing grounds for the horses and mules of Kullu Valley. When not in use they are left free to roam around these lush meadows for much needed nutrition. A small stream flows right through this meadow and we camp just beside this. This is a wonderful place for star gazing and ones interested in photographing the milky way in the night sky.
Trekking Time: 3-4 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 06:Trek to Pyangneru(3500m)
After a leisurely breakfast, we descend gradually through a narrow path towards Pyangheru, the base camp of Mt. Deo Tibba(6001m). Amazing views of the highest peaks of Pir Panjal range as we descend. Clearly seen like a cauliflower is Deo Tibba. On its right is Indrasan. We descend to the left bank of the river flowing down from the glacier. Walk a little ahead upto a natural rock bridge and cross the river. We then make our way downstream to the camp beside a huge rock and a stream coming down from the mountain which serves as drinking water. Post Lunch, the active ones could make a small excursion to the snout of the Deo Tibba glacier and return. It is believed to be a place where a lot of natural crystals are found and for a long time there were explorers who stayed in the valley just for this purpose.
Trekking Time: 3-4 hrs
Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 07: Trek to Jobri. Drive to Manali
Today, we walk out of Deo Tibba Valley to the roadhead at Jobri. We walk on the true right of the Jobri Nallah. The hike has a few ascents and descents mainly through open grasslands. Some picturesque campsites appear in between and we also walk through small patches covered by silver birch trees. There are multiple Gaddi shepherds camping in this part of the Valley and some medicinal herb hunters. The Gaddis stay for the whole summer, while the natives who search for medicinal herbs and roots stay for shorter stints. They have a wealth of knowledge about these Valleys and and do let out a few secrets when we happen to engage them in conversations. Its also a good hike to spot black bears which normally reside on the slopes across the river where the vegetation is thick. We have had some chance spotting here on our previous treks.
Our taxis, will be waiting at Jobri to drive us back to Manali. We bid adieu to our crew and drive for about 40 mins to reach the hotel at Manali, where a hot shower awaits. Evening free to roam around the markets.
Trekking Time: 4-5 hrs , Meals: BLD, Overnight Camp.
Day 08: Evening Volvo to Delhi
A leisure day to rest or spend time checking out more of Manali. You could experience the hot springs at Vashist, the Hadimba and Manu temples or the charming markets, restaurants and chilled out atmosphere at Old Manali. Late Afternoon, departure to the bus stand for the overnight Volvo to Delhi.
Meals: BL, Overnight Volvo
Day 09: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi by 9 am. Trip Ends!
Gallery
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek – Images
Extended Gallery on Facebook
Deo Tibba Family Trek – May 2018
Deo Tibba Valley Walks – Oct 2017
Inquiry
Talk to an Expert : Call +91-9886022521
Be the first to review “Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek”
Related Treks
Parang La Trek
An ethereal walk traversing countries and geographies, from Indian desert mounds-of-sand like mountains of Spiti Valley to the vast expansive high altitude plateau, Changthang - the home of the nomadic Changpa’s in Tibet, is the Parang la trek. The trek reaches it crescendo, not just on one day – the day we cross the Parang la across the ragged mountains, but another – the day we soak in the serenity of the Tso Moriri. The trek is an endless walk along through green meadows where the Kiangs (Tibetan wild horses) run wild, through little bushes of green in the arid brown of the Spiti that are the rhododendrons, along the cobalt blue stillness of the Tso Moriri and then on to the vast expansive ill-populated wetlands of the Changthang plateau. This trek embodies the art of mindfulness – Vipaasana Meditation – One is truly mindful of their surrounding, their breath and the breathtaking visages.
The trip starts with a drive across the stunning landscapes and the lush green meadows of the Kullu valley to the arid mountain scapes of Lahaul and Spiti. To get acclimatised to the high altitude, the next couple of days is well spent understanding the ways of the monks and the people of Spiti in the millennial old, favourites of Dalai Lama -Toba and Kye/Key monasteries, soaking up some good energy and history. Taking the traditional trade route between Ladakh and Spiti, we cross Parang la (5580m), source of the Pare Chu River that flows from India to Tibet and final circles back to India to join the Spiti River. Then we descends to the almost never-ending plateau of Changthang and walk to the Tso Moriri (Lake Moriri) we get to sight some exotic migratory birds like the rare Great crested grebe, endangered Black-necked cranes, the lake is also the lone breeding home for the Bar-headed geese. Camping at the green grounds of Chumik Shilte and Kiangdam, we get to sleep under the stars and uninhabited lands of the Changthang, is a surreal experience of living, even if for few days, amongst the magnificent glacier peaks and still blue lakes. The trip ends with another scenic drive across Changthang to Leh, the main city of Ladakh, for a leisure day in Leh to relax the aching muscles after the challenging yet exciting walk.
This trek is recommended for experienced trekkers who have had some high-altitude trekking experience or maintain an active lifestyle.
- High altitude crossing from surreal Spiti into Changthang, the
Tibetan plateau
- Turquoise Tsomoriri Lake between Kiangdam and Korzok
- Wild Tibetan wild Asses and rare birds at Tsomoriri
- Witness lifestyle and interaction with Changpa Nomads of
Ladakh
- Millennium old monasteries of Spiti
- 2 splendid high altitude drives through awe-inspiring scenery
Markha Winter Walk
During the middle of winter, in the high altitude arid mountains, when the peaks and valleys are covered in snow, and the trees stand all bare, it feels like the Himalaya is in deep meditative state! A state which exudes an aura of peace and serenity so profound that it pervades into the being of every traveller who cares to visit.
We discovered this trip accidentally in the winter of 2017, when our scheduled trip to Chadar got cancelled due to excessive snowfall and we had to think of alternatives and zeroed on Markha Valley. Markha Valley is generally a summer favourite and has few takers in winter with its illustrious cousin the Chadar trek drawing all the attention of trekkers. To our good fortune, what we chanced upon to our delight when we walked the Markha Valley was a ‘winter wonderland’ with exquisite scenery. Imagine a sprawling valley with huge swathes of snow, occasionally interspersed with charming villages, shepherd settlements and buddhist chortens, an ancient monastery perched high on a hill, lengthy prayer walls and colourful prayer wheels, mountain gateways erected of poplar with icy prayer flags fluttering in the cold wind. The place is at once is both elevating and calming.
Starting from Leh, the main town of Ladakh, we spend a couple of days acclimatizing before embarking on the 6 day trek which takes us to the heart of Markha Valley and back. We spend the nights at clean Himalayan homestays interacting with the locals and enjoying Ladakhi hospitality and great food prepared by our very own kitchen team. In the day time we walk from one village to the other enjoying the snow and some awe-inspiring landscapes.
The Markha Winter Walk is a classic trans-Himalayan winter trekking experience. An experience so deep it will convert you into a believer.
Singalila Ridge Trek
₹50,000
The Singalila Ridge Trek is one of the finest ridge walks in the Indian Himalaya affording amazing views of some big mountain ranges including Khangchendzonga and Everest. The highlight is the Khangchendzonga and surrounding mountains including Janoo and Pandim which from this distance, resembles a man sleeping and is famously referred to as “The Sleeping Buddha”.
The Singalila ridge comes off one of the ridges from Khangchendzonga in Sikkim. Sandakphu at 3636m, the highest point on this trek is a classic vantage point to view the Himalayan ranges from. Right ahead is the Khangchendzonga range, to the left is Everest range and to the right are the mountains of Bhutan. Trekkers and tourists flock to Sandakphu all year round, to get a glimpse of the magnificent Sleeping Buddha and to rejoice in its cool climes. This short getaway of 7 days is sure to leave you completely energized and feeling light.
#ChristmaswithChai
Manali Winter Experience
₹50,000
Manali! The name itself excites one and all for a variety of reasons :) But most of all for its chill climes and pristine Himalayan ranges. Nestled between the Pir Panjal Range and the Dhauladhar range is Kullu Valley, the gateway to Ladakh and the Karakoram. Manali, the most famous tourist hill town in Kullu Valley is at an altitude of 2000m and enjoys salubrious weather and a steady inflow of tourists and trekkers through the year. The side valleys around Manali offer some amazing trekking options from relaxed day hikes for amateurs to tough trails for the seasoned trekker. The only time the valley sort of goes into slumber would be during the winter when the inflow of travellers thins down.
Here’s a chance to experience Manali and around in the quiet winters and have a fab Christmas and New year. Sign off 2017 and welcome 2018 with an exhilarating experience in the mountains. Lovely pine-scented forests, sprawling meadows, snow-capped mountains, and a billion stars to gaze at in the dead of the nights.
After our arrival in Manali, we set up base at the Buddhist village of Tsethan(2650m), an hour’s drive into the mountains above Manali. This is the last inhabited village after which we are totally in the mountains. This was the village which was proposed to become a ski village. A lot of heli skiing and ski touring happens around here in the peak of winters. At Tsethan, we stay at a lovely lodge and take day hikes everyday into a different valley ranging from 3-4 hrs. Have picnic lunches soaking in the Himalayan bliss or come back early for a hot lunch at base camp. Evenings are spent around the bonfire chatting away and star gazing. Its also a chance to interact with the very hospitable locals and learn a little of their simple yet rugged lifestyles. All in all a great way to say bye to this year and move on into the next with renewed hopes and dreams.
Hampta Pass Trek
₹50,000
Hampta Pass trek is the epic crossing from the lush green Kullu Valley into the arid, semi-desert like valley of Lahaul. For generations, this pass has been used by locals and Gaddi Shepherds in the summer months for crossing over into Lahaul with their herds of sheep and goat. The other pass that takes us across is the Rohtang La(3985m) which is a motorable road.
Standing on Hampta pass(4270m), it is amazing to notice the stark contrasts in scenery between the 2 valleys. We begin our adventure with a beautiful 4 day acclimatization trek through Deo Tibba Valley reaching the base camp of Mt. Deo Tibba(6001m) at Pyangneru. Deo Tibba(6001m) and Indrasan(6221m) are the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal range and this trek gives us some of the best views of both these peaks and the adjacent ones. The snout of the Deo Tibba glacier is just 2 hrs away from the basecamp.
We then enter Hampta Valley through Jobri Nallah and ascend to the pass at 4270m. It is a common sight to meet Gaddi shepherds all along the route with their big flocks. Sometimes our campsites are just next to theirs and it is great to get insights of the mountains and wildlife from these wise, hardened men. Each campsite on this trek is an absolute beauty, with the campsite at Rourikholi taking the cake.
Trekking in Himachal is definitely an uplifting experience and this trek in particular, with its variety, pacing and beautiful landscape will leave you completely rejuvenated.
Garhwal Trek & Raft
₹39,600
A trekking trail steeped with links to the Pandavas from the Hindu Epic Mahabharat, an ancient temple of Lord Shiva considered the highest Shiva temple in the World, a vantage point at 3700m with 360 degree views of both Garhwal and Kumaon mountains, and a rafting trip down the classic Ganges section from Devprayag to Rishikesh. Garhwal trek packs in a solid punch in the short span of a week! This adventure is for anybody who does not have the time but still wants to experience a big slice of the Himalayan pie.
Stok Kangri Climb
₹69,500
Stok Kangri at 6153m is a superb introduction to high altitude mountaineering in the Himalayas. It is considered a trekking peak that can be attempted without being bogged down by the technicalities and skill of mountaineering. On the other hand, Stok Kangri can prove to be a serious challenge depending on the snow and weather conditions on summit night.
In recent times this mountain has garnered so much popularity among amateurs and novice climbers, that it could easily be considered as the “common man’s Everest”! The most important aspect to consider while attempting Stok Kangri would be the acclimatization to high altitude. At 6153m, the peak is very high while the Base Camp itself is at a height of 4900m, as high as some passes one would encounter on a trekking trail in Ladakh, earning itself the name “The Land of High Passes” Hence, it is paramount to be completely acclimatized before the summit night increasing the chances for a successful attempt. For aiding acclimatization, Adventure Sindbad guides you through the sun-scorched slopes of Matho La and through the arid vast lands Gangpoche, before reaching the base camp on Day 6 of the trip.
The trek up Stok Kangri is scenic, to say the least. The vivid colours and hues of the Stok range changes as the curves that adorn the mountains. These steep slopes are home to some unique buckthorn shrubbery and other patched vegetation. The 'Bharaal' is a sight to behold in the mountains of the Stok Range. Also, the trek is layered with a stint of local essence, the shepherds living in the Doksas give a new perception to a 'hard life and a happy life', one gets to imbibe a little through their stories and generous offering of the local dairy products.
It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea to climb Stok Kangri, as there are no high camps allowed above Stok Base Camp, this stretches the summit night and increases exhaustion levels by the time we complete the attempt. The view of jagged mountain ranges, snow-clad peaks from the summit of Stok Kangri gratifies the journey through the night. As the trekkers’ descent, the panorama is much more enjoyed and absorbed with the jubilation of summiting Stok Kangri. The climb is definitely a test of endurance and promises to push your limits in a controlled setting. After high altitude trekking, this mountain would be the first step in your path towards serious mountaineering and reaching higher summits in the Himalayan range.
Just the trek minus the climb is in itself an extremely rewarding experience!
Highlights of Ladakh
₹50,000
This is an itinerary which covers most of the highlights of Ladakh in an action-packed 14-day package. We start our trip from New Delhi with an overnight Volvo to Manali, a lush Himalayan Hill station famous for its apple orchards. After a day of relaxing and local sightseeing in Manali, we embark on an epic 2-day trans-Himalayan road trip to Leh rated as one of the finest road trips in the World crossing 5 high passes with stunning scenery.
We have a day’s rest to recoup from the driving when we checkout the famous monasteries and palaces in Leh. The next 2 days we visit the northernmost tip of India - Nubra Valley which used to be a major stopover for traders during the silk route days. Enjoy rides on the double-humped camels there and visit Diskit monastery with the 32 mtr statue of the Maitreya Buddha. On the way back to Leh, we enjoy mountain biking from the highest motorable pass - Khardung La(5359m).
We then hike for 3 days through the picturesque Sham Valley interspersed with villages with green farm fields. One of the best ways to feel the essence of Ladakh. We also get an opportunity to stay in Homestays and view first hand the lifestyle of people in Ladakh. We end the trek at Tingmosgang and to Lamayuru, one of the most popular monasteries of Ladakh. Lamayuru is situated in mud spires in a moonlike surroundings which will leave you in total awe. The next day at Leh is reserved for rest and leisure. Checkout sunrise over Tsemo Castle or sunset over Shanti Stupa. A heart warming experience just seeing the sun light up the Valley and turn it crimson during sunset. Visit the charming and bustling market in Leh and shop for your loved ones.
The next 2 days are reserved for a visit to Pangong Lake and a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on the Zanskar.
This is one trip that will leave you with vivid images and special experiences that you will be talking about for a long time.
Ladakh – Bike, Hike, Raft
₹79,600
This adventure is specifically designed for the active traveller, somebody who relishes a destination while being on the move. For anybody who wants to get a good feel of Ladakh up and close, and in action mode.
We spend the first 2 days acclimatizing to high altitude, something mandatory after arriving in Leh. The next 2 days are for mountain biking down the highest motorable road to Leh and then on to Likir, the start point of our trek. 2 days of trekking to follow, through Ladakhi villages with green cultivated fields and staying in homestays for the night. A great way of getting to know the local lifestyle and interact with the natives of Sham Valley.
Before going on to our last adventure, we take a long and beautiful drive through Suru and Zanskar to reach Padum, the main town of Zanskar. The next 3 days is reserved for high octane white water adventure on the Zanskar river over a class 4+ section through Zanskar canyon, famously referred to as “The Grand Canyon of Asia”. The penultimate day for visiting the famous turquoise Pangong lake at the Tibetan border and the final day to just sit and vegetate!
For energetic ones visiting Ladakh for the first time, there is no better way of soaking in the Ladakh feel in 2 weeks.
In Quest Of The Snow Leopard
In the dead of the night, in peak winter, when the mountains are covered by a snow quilt and are in deep slumber, ‘the grey ghost’ descends from the high inhospitable Himalayan heights to the lower reaches in the valley…in search of a mate and its prey - the wild mountain goats!
Snow Leopard (Ladakhi: Shan) - An enigmatic mammal capable of surviving in some of the most brutal terrains and in extreme environmental conditions, is the undisputed King of the snowcapped regions. Easily the most magnificent of all the wild cats, this nocturnal cat moves like the phantom in the high mountains of Central Asia in about 12 countries including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. In India, it is most prevalent in parts of Ladakh and Spiti. Due to its highly camouflaged coat and secretive habits, it is almost impossible to spot it in the summers. But in winters, when the mountains are under snow it becomes relatively easier to spot them by following their walking trails in the snow. There’s an estimated 250-350 that survive today and is marked as an endangered species.
For wildlife enthusiasts, spotting a snow leopard is akin to coming face to face with God. It takes penance and patience and luck to actually spot it in its natural habitat. For some of them, it's a yearly pilgrimage they need to make to hopefully catch this charming creature at close quarters. Mid-Feb and end-March being the mating season, the probability of spotting them is high. It is normal for a male and female leopard to stay put in the same place for 2-3 days once they meet.
Our itinerary spanning 10 days is spread out across 2 locations where snow leopards have been sighted most frequently in the winters - Sham Valley and Rumbak Valley. The trip also builds in a good mix of trekking, homestay experiences and a chance of spotting the other wildlife of Ladakh. We start our itinerary with 2 days of acclimatization and sightseeing in Leh before venturing into the Sham Valley for a small trek combined with wildlife spotting. We will spend a couple of days scanning the slopes of Yangthang, Ulley and Hemisshukpachen. The next half of the itinerary is around Rumbak Valley divided between Husing Do and Yurutse.
Scanning for wildlife involves a lot of patience and long hours in the outdoors is not so favourable conditions. It is almost meditative in its approach and can be exhausting but the reward is most satisfactory. Few can explain the jubilation of spotting rarely seen wildlife in all their glory. And if it happens to be the King itself, the joy just quadruples!!.
Wildlife spotting expected: Himalayan Blue Sheep, Tibetan Argali, Asiatic Ibex, Lynx, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Snow Leopard.
We do not promise sure shot spotting in these locations, but the probability is high. What we definitely promise is to give you a great and safe time as you enjoy an active winter in Ladakh hiking, camping and spotting some of its splendid wildlife.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.