Question 1

How should I prepare for Snow Leopard Trekking tour?

Accepted Answer

To adapt better to the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes during the trek, it is imperative to strengthen your cardiovascular endurance and stamina. Star by jogging about 5-6 km every day. If you can jog 5 km easily within 25 minutes, you’re fit for the trek. Besides that, do a minimum of 3 sets of squats with 10-15 reps regularly for knee strength. Yoga asanas and calf stretches also help in keeping muscle cramps at bay during the trek.

Question 2

What is the difficulty level of Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

The Snow Leopard trek ranges from easy to moderate level of difficulty. The days involving actual spotting of snow leopards push you to quite high altitudes, which means the air gets significantly thinner. These are the days which will be physically quite demanding, though if you’re fit enough for the trek, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Question 3

What will be the weather conditions in Snow Leopard treks?

Accepted Answer

Hemis National Park and the surrounding hills and mountains are covered in snow all-around the year. Hence, the temperature here ranges between 20 -degree Celcius to -20 degree CelsiusThe season-wise weather and climate details are as follows. Summer: During the summer season, the weather in the Snow Leopard Trek is mild and cold and the average temperature ranges from 20-degree Celcius to 15-degree Celsius. Winter: The coldest time of the year in Leh and Hemis National Park is during the winter season as the weather becomes cold and frosty. The temperature can range between 5-degree Celcius to -15 degree Celsius. In the months of December and January, the temperature can drop to -20 degree Celcius in the Hemis National Park.

Question 4

What is the best time to go for Snow Leopard Trekking?

Accepted Answer

The best time to attempt the Snow Leopard trek is enjoyed best between the winter months of November to March, making it an ideal winter trek in Ladakh. Though January is the coldest month, the days are likely to be a little sunny, whereas evenings and nights get bone-chillingly cold, with temperatures dropping to about -10 to -25 degrees in the month of January and February!

Question 5

Is Diamox advisable at Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

Diamox can be avoided if initial acclimatization is done sincerely. Since the altitude gain isn’t too intense after the first few days, a merger of acclimatization with regular water intake should do the trick! Although, should you feel an onset of Acute Mountain Sickness setting in, the symptoms of which include nausea and headache, report it immediately to your trek leader. Campsites are always well equipped with extensive medical kits and quality oxygen cylinders for emergency situations.

Question 6

Is Snow Leopard Trek is safe for female solo travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Snow Leopard trek is completely safe for female solo trekkers. The protection and safety of trekkers is out topmost priority. We have separate accommodations for our male and female trekkers, while our trek leaders are friendly and helpful, should anything bother you. Rest assured that our treks will always put the safety of trekkers above all, especially that of female solo trekkers.

Question 7

Which type of shoes should I buy for Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

It is important to carry good quality shoes with high ankle support and steady grip. Please do not carry regur sports shoes to this or any other Himalayan treks, as they are not meant for such terrains, and can cause fatals slips due lack of grip. Also, when buying new trekking shoes, please make sure to break them in at least 3 weeks before the trek to avoid unnecessary chafing and blisters. Carry at least 5-6 pairs of cotton socks for trekking.

Question 8

What level of fitness is expected from trekkers for Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

The Snow Leopard trek ranges from easy to moderate level of difficulty, though the chilling winters add to the challenge considerably. The days when you will actually be tracking snow leopards will take you to even higher altitudes, which means oxygen levels will be low. To be able to complete the trek successfully, you should be able to jog 5 km in a minimum of 25 minutes. This improves your cardiovascular endurance and stamina, which facilitates better adaptability to the lower oxygen levels during the trek.

Question 9

Can I have liquor or smoke while we're on the Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

No, consumption of alcohol and smoking on this trek and all other treks is strictly prohibited. Alcohol and smoking initiate rapid dehydration, which is an open path for Acute Mountain Sickness. Trekkers found indulging in either activities will be asked to leave the trek immediately.

Question 10

Where does Snow Leopard Trek start?

Accepted Answer

The Snow Leopard Trek starts at Zingchen which is located at the foothills of the Rumbak Gorge. Zingchen is the primary basecamp for the snow leopard trek. The temperature in Zingchen compared to the other locations of the trek is not that extreme. As you move along your trek, the temperature gets extreme and cold and this adds to the fun and adventure of the trek.

Question 11

How can I reach Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh is located in the Hemis National Park. One can reach Snow Leopard trek by air and then by road. The closest airport to Snow Leopard Trek is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh City. The airport is well-connected to all the major cities and towns of India and has daily incoming and outgoing flights. After that, you can take a private cab or taxi to reach the base camp of the trek, Zingchen. The snow leopard trekking starts from Zingchen.

Question 12

How long is the Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

Snow Leopard Trek takes around 8-9 days as it is located at an elevation of 9,842 ft. The trek is of moderate level and is covered with snow all-around the year. As you trek and go at a higher elevation, you will experience more and more extreme temperatures sometimes even in the minus.

Question 13

What is the height of Snow Leopard Trek?

Accepted Answer

The height of the Snow Leopard Trek is around 9,842 ft or 3,000 metres. The trek is one of the highest and most popular treks in the Ladakh region. The base camp for the snow leopard trek starts at an elevation of 3000 to 3400 feet.

Question 14

Is Snow Leopard Trek dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not that dangerous but to some extent, it is dangerous and thrilling. As the trek is located in the Hemis National Park in the cold desert of Ladakh, it is inhabited by various snow animals like the Snow Leopard, Tibetian hare, Ibex, Snow Marmot, Antelope and many others. Due to the presence of these animals, the trek not only becomes adventurous but also a little dangerous and exciting.

Question 15

Can I do Snow Leopard Trek solo?

Accepted Answer

No, one cannot do a solo trek to Snow Leopard trek. With cold, frosty and rapid winds blowing all-around the year and the difficult terrain adding to its disadvantage, a solo Snow Leopard trek becomes impossible. 

Not only that but also the weather conditions are uncanny and unpredictable and hence it is always advisable to be in a group.

Question 16

What will be the temperature on snow leopard trek?

Accepted Answer

Due to its high elevation, the temperature of the Snow Leopard trek ranges: Day time: 8 degrees Celcius to -5 degree-Celsius. Nighttime: -5 degrees Celcius to -20 degree-Celsius.

Question 17

Will we see any snow leopard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course, you will see Snow Leopards on your trek. As you trek and reach higher and higher you will see the magnificent leopards at a distance. This charismatic animal often wanders in and near the Hemis National Park.

Question 18

Which are the other best Ladakh treks that we can book via Thrillophilia?

Accepted Answer

Here is the list of other best Ladakh treks that you can book via Thrillophilia:Chadar TrekStok Kangri TrekMarkha Valley TrekParang La TrekLamayuru To Chilling Trek