Snow Leopard Tracking Trek

Snow Leopard Tracking Trek

Witness the Ghost of the Mountains, the Snow Leopard, in all its glory in the remote land of Dolpo.

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Destination Nepal
Region Dolpo
Duration 28 Days
Accommodation Hotel / Tent
Group Size Minimum 2 People
Meals As Mentioned
activity Tracking
start/end point On Private
max altitude 5368 m

Trip Overview

Imagine being surrounded by pristine nature with towering peaks and a piercing blue sky as you walk the trails that God’s pet, the Snow Leopard, has walked in order to try catching a glimpse of the magnificent creature. Walking amongst the cold land with the crisp mountain air filling your lungs, a vigilante with the thrill and hope of seeing the wild cats in their natural habitat. If that sounds like something that you want to do, then this Snow Leopard Tacking Trek is an ideal trek for you.

Apart from being the birthplace of the Light of Asia, Gautam Buddha, and the home to the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, Nepal is a country rich in natural resources, culture, and history. From the towering mountains to the vibrant terai, valuable plants, and endangered animals, Nepal is a sanctuary for them. This is also a country rich in natural resources, culture, and history. From the towering mountains to valuable plants and endangered animals, Nepal is a sanctuary for them. Amongst various endangered animals like the Red Panda, Bengal Tiger, One horned Rhino, Himalayan Musk deer, and Pangolin, which are found in Nepal, Snow Leopards are also one of them. Snow Leopards are wild big cats with white-gray coats with spotted large black spots that provide perfect camouflage in the rocky and steep mountains of Asia. These big cats are loner and extremely elusive in nature. Nepal is one of the 12 countries across Asia where Snow Leopards are found. Amongst the various places where this elusive creature is found, this trek takes you to the Shey Phoksundo National Park area of the Dolpo district, where there is a high probability of actually seeing these shy cats by tracking their trails.

Snow Leopards Tracking Trek Facts

Here are some facts about the Snow Leopard Tracking Trek:

Trek Name 

Snow Leopard Tracking Trek

Location 

Dolpo, Nepal

Trek Type

Camping Trek

Starting Point

Kathmandu

Ending Point

Kathmandu

Maximum Altitude 

5,368 m 

Average Altitude 

3,000 m 

Villages for Sighting 

Bhijer

Musigaon

Nisalgaon

Best Season 

Late December to Early March

The Snow Leopard Tracking Trek is one of the unique experiences that Nepal has to offer. You will be walking in the less crowded but stunning landscapes of the Dolpo region while staying in some of the highest settlements in the most remote region of Nepal. One of the reasons to go on this trek is to witness the isolated land of Dolpo, experience the lifestyle of people in Dolpo, and know about the flora and fauna of this place but the main reason for this trek is to witness the majestic cat living in the highlands of Dolpo. This 28-day trip is for the actual animal lovers and also for those who want to know more about the Snow Leopard. As you go on this trek, you will be tracking the trails of the Snow Leopard, which means staying in the villages that they are seen frequently, tracking their pug marks, and strands of their fur and feces. Given that they are an endangered animal, trying to catch them in their natural habitat is more ethical than watching them in captivity. But the trek involves more than just Snow Leopard tracking, while you are at it, you might be able to spot some other animals like Blue Sheep, marmots, wild yak, and valuable plants like Yarsagumba, Himalayan Blue Poppy while experiencing pristine culture, nature, and a simple lifestyle that you find nowhere else but here.

What to expect from this trek?

In the Snow Leopard Tracking Trek, you will be walking in the most isolated part of the hidden lands of Dolpo, camping in the wilderness, and hearing the tales of these Snow Leopards from the locals who have encountered them. This trek tests both your physical and mental resilience. As you walk the rugged trails for 28 days through the last of the villages of Dolpo bordering the Tibetan plateau, you will have to be patient. These elusive creatures avoid being seen by the humans and when encountered, they quickly disappear thanks to their perfect camouflage, gaining the nickname Ghosts of the Mountains. This trip is one big adventure that one can take in their lifetime.

Wildlife anywhere in the world is unpredictable, you can imagine the rarest of moments but only get to experience a fraction of them.

On this trek package you will not just only take you to the remote lands of Dolpo for snow leopard tracking but also get to experience the ancient culture of Kathmandu City. You will get to experience the charm of Kathmandu City before moving to the peaceful Dolpo. There are various UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu, among which you will visit on the very next day of your arrival. First of all, you will visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur and Hanuman Dhoka. There are various famous temples in the vicinity of Durbar Square, due to which it has also gained the nickname ‘the Museum of Temple’. The intricate woodwork and exquisite idols will leave you awestruck. Another UNESCO World Heritage site that you will be visiting is the Swayambhunath Stupa, which sits on top of the small hill and you have to climb hundreds of stairs to reach. It is also called the Monkey Temple because of the various monkeys that inhabit the territory of the temple. There are temples of Hindu Gods in the complex along with a Buddhist Stupa. Apart from being a perfect site for the representation of religious tolerance in Nepal, it is also a popular place among travelers for the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley that can be seen from here.

After that, you will be visiting the Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three primary gods in Hinduism. This temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, which you can assume by seeing the huge number of pilgrims from Nepal and India. The various temples where rituals are being performed, the cremation ceremony, the Sadhus in their peculiar appearance, and the numerous monkeys are a sight to see. You get to see the vibrancy in the peaceful temple. Lastly, you will be visiting the Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the largest stupas in the world. It is also an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists outside of Tibet. Despite the huge crowd of tourists circumambulating around the stupa, there is a sense of peace that you can feel while you’re here. Later you can stroll the streets of Thamel if you want to and also stock some goods for the trek.

After you are done with all the site visits in Kathmandu, the very next day you will board a chartered helicopter to reach the trade center of Upper Dolpo, Dho Village. You will meet your trekking team here and proceed with the trip. You will be camping throughout the trek and your team will make sure that you get a comfortable stay and nutritious food for the tough journey. You will be walking in difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions to witness the Snow Leopard. This trek, as it is said, is ‘no walk in the park’ as you have to cross high mountain passes such as Jyanta La (5,220 m), Muri La (5,030 m), Nang La (4,375 m) and Neng La (5,368 m) passes. Walking through the mountain passes is a tedious task as the energy quickly drains because of the high altitude. One needs to hydrate themselves well while trekking to prevent the possibility of altitude sickness. You will be walking along the trails that the wild cats have walked, wishing to catch a glimpse of them. You will walk together with the guides tracking the marks of the mystical cats, finding their pug marks, strands of hair, and feces. This will be an exciting as well as nerve-wracking journey, as you have no idea what the next moment has to offer for you.

The Snow Leopard Tracking Trek will be perfect for those who absolutely love nature, as it is a combination of trekking in the most remote and rugged regions of Nepal and tracking the most elusive animals of the Himalayas in their natural habitat. One needs to have a good level of physical fitness for this trek, as one has to camp and cross several high passes in this challenging trek. This trip requires the enthusiasts to be as resilient as the animals living in the harsh conditions of the Himalayas but one glimpse of the mystical cat can make the whole journey quite rewarding.

Highlights

  • A private and customizable trek in Dolpo.
  • Explore the raw and authentic trekking experience in Dolpo.
  • Get a chance to witness the majestic cats in their natural habitat.
  • Witness the ancient Bon Culture of Dolpo Pa (Peoples).
  • A journey towards the hidden gem where wilderness meets the ancient traditions.
  • Comfortable helicopter flight to the heart of Dolpo - Dho Tarap.

Outline Itinerary

DAY 1: Kathmandu Arrival, Welcome to Nepal. [1,400m/4,593 ft]

DAY 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing, Trek Preparation.

DAY 3: Heli to Dho Tarap. [3,945 m/12,942 ft]

DAY 4: Trek to Tokyu. [4,240 m/13,911 ft]

DAY 5: Trek to High Camp. [4,916 m/16,130 ft]

DAY 6: Trek to Kharka Camp. [4,585 m/15,045 ft]

DAY 7: Trek to Rakyo. [4,155 m/13,635 ft]

DAY 8: Trek to Namdo Gaon. [3,860 m/12,665 ft]

DAY 9: Trek to Nisalgaon. [3,860m/12,665 ft]

DAY 10: Trek to Musigaon. [4,230 m/13,880 ft]

DAY 11: Day One of Snow Leopard Tracking in Musigaon.

DAY 12: Day Two of Snow Leopard Tracking in Musigaon.

DAY 13: Final Day in Musigaon.

DAY 14: Trek to Shimen Gaon. [3,885 m/12,745 ft]

DAY 15: Trek to Khomas. [4,060 m/13,320 ft]

DAY 16: Trek to Saldang. [3,770 m/12,369 ft]

DAY 17: Trek to High Camp. [4,995 m/16,388 ft]

DAY 18: Trek to Bhijer. [3,850 m/12,631 ft]

DAY 19: Snow Leopard tracking in Bhijer.

DAY 20: Trek to Kharka camp. [4,810 m/15,780 ft]

DAY 21: Trek to Shey Gompa. [4,343 m/14,250 ft]

DAY 22: Trek to Crystal Camp. [4,000 m/13,125 ft]

DAY 23: Rest Day at Crystal Camp.

DAY 24: Trek to Phulbari. [3,800 m/12,467 ft]

DAY 25: Trek to Khola Camp. [3,750 m/12,303 ft]

DAY 26: Trek to Ringmo. [3,641 m/11,946 ft]

DAY 27: Heli Return to Kathmandu.

DAY 28: Departure, Farewell!

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Kathmandu Arrival, Welcome to Nepal. [1,400m/4,593 ft]

Your Arrival Time (?): Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

At. 06:00 PM: We will meet in the evening for a coffee and brief you on your trek program. You will get all the essential information about the trekking region. You will also receive all the necessary paperwork and permits, which you should let our guide keep. If your arrival is late, after 5 PM or so, we will meet the next morning during breakfast.

Optional Activity: If you're interested in additional activities during your tour in Kathmandu, please let us know your preferences in advance. This will allow us to schedule and book the programs accordingly.

Optional Activities in Kathmandu

  • Everest Mountain Flight (It is a 1-hour flight (scheduled at 6:30 AM) with a breathtaking view of the mountain range.) (USD 250 PP)

  • Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu. (USD 500 PP)

  • Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu with Kala Patthar Landing. (USD 1200 PP)

Meal: Not Included.

DAY 2

Kathmandu Sightseeing, Trek Preparation.

At. 10:00 AM: Start your fully guided sightseeing from the closest place, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The former royal palace will fascinate you with its intricate architectural designs and exciting myths and histories related to it. In front of the court, you will see numerous vendors selling handcrafted items like jewelry, decoration pieces, and many other things. Next, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. It is dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist religions, which creates religious harmony. One must climb hundreds of stairs to reach the top of the hill where the monument is situated. The environment is peaceful, so if you want to practice meditation, you can do so.

Afterward, visit the renowned Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its remarkable pagoda architecture. It is Nepal's highly revered Hindu temple, where you can see numerous culturally significant monuments. The final stop is Boudhanath Stupa, where you will be greeted warmly by the divine scent of incense and the gentle sounds of pigeons. It is one of the biggest stupas in the world, which people find significantly spiritually important.

After completing your sightseeing program, visit Thamel for trek preparation shopping. You can find all the necessary gear here. We recommend purchasing the product from your home country due to higher prices and potential quality differences. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner at a restaurant. The dinner will feature traditional Thakali cuisine, followed by a cultural program with traditional songs and performances.

Note: You can go for a warm-up trek to the nearest viewpoint in Kathmandu to Jamacho Gumba (Monastery) instead of sightseeing if you wish to. The hike can be completed in around 4-5 hours; it helps to stretch your legs before the trek and will be beneficial; however, it is optional.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Included.

DAY 3

Heli to Dho Tarap. [3,945 m/12,942 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have breakfast at your hotel and get ready for your journey to the Dolpo to see the majestic Snow Leopard and the rich culture of this mystical place. Once you are ready for the trip, your transportation will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight to Dho Tarap, Dolpo, by Helicopter. During your flight, you will see the slow transition of the landscape from lush green valleys and plains to snow-capped mountains along the Himalayan region.

Note: There are no direct flights to Dolpo from Kathmandu so you will commute by one of the most comfortable and fastest modes, which is helicopter, which will take around 3 to 4 hours to reach your destination.

Once you reach the destination, you will see a vastly different landscape compared to Kathmandu as you will encounter arid land surrounded by high, dry mountains. As you will be traveling from around 1400 m to above 3000 m, the chances of getting altitude sickness are high, so drink plenty of water, keep calm, and slowly acclimatize to the environment. In case you feel uneasy, immediately inform the guide. As this is a complete camping trek, you will meet your other trekking team, including the local guide/kitchen team and the required number of mules. In the evening, have dinner at the campsite and overnight at tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 4

Trek to Tokyu. [4,240 m/13,911 ft]

At. 09:00 AM: Today is the first day of your trek in the Dolpo region; start your day with a light breakfast at the campsite and slowly begin your trek. Today's destination is Tokyu, which is located 6 km away from Dho inside the Tarap valley. The walk will take around 6-7 hours, as most of the trail follows an uphill trek.

Once you reach the campsite, rest your bags and relax for a while. Once you have settled your bags at the campsite, you can visit the village area and explore the settlement, as there are a few ancient Gompas where you can get insight into Dolpo’s beautiful culture. In the evening, have dinner at the campsite and rest well at the tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 5

Trek to High Camp. [4,916 m/16,130 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Start your day with a light breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek towards High Camp, which is located around 9 km away from Tokyu and will take around 8-10 hours to reach. The trails are mostly uphill treks so take it slow and maintain a constant walking pace to avoid getting altitude sickness.

Once you finish the trek and reach the destination, rest your bags and stroll around the area while your dinner gets ready. Have dinner at the campsite and rest at comfortable tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 6

Trek to Kharka Camp. [4,585 m/15,045 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have breakfast at the campsite and get ready for the trek to another high camp, Kharka Camp. The total distance from Highcamp to Kharka Camp is around 7 km and the trail is as well simply ascending and descending through a high trekking pass called Jyanla Pass (5,123 m). The walk will take around 5-6 hours and along the way you will get the opportunity to witness the panoramic view of the surroundings.

Once you reach the destination, rest your bags at the campsite, have some tea and snacks while your dinner gets ready, and explore the area if you wish to. Overnight at tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 7

Trek to Rakyo. [4,155 m/13,635 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Start your day with a warm breakfast at the campsite and slowly start your trek towards Rakyo. The distance between Kharka Camp and Rakyo is around 11 km, which will take around 7-8 hours to walk, as the trail is mostly downhill and easy. On the way, you may encounter some wildlife such as antelopes/blue sheep, birds, and many more.

Once you reach your campsite, rest your bags and stroll around while your dinner gets ready. Overnight at comfortable tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 8

Trek to Namdo Gaon. [3,860 m/12,665 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Enjoy your breakfast at the campsite and get ready for the trek to Namdo Gaon (Village). Today you are going to cover a total distance of 8 km, which will take around 6-7 hours to reach. The trail is simple, with the first half of the trail being uphill and the next half being the downhill trail. You will walk beside Nagon Khola all along up to Namdo and also you will come across places such as Sugugaon and Chasip, which are small settlements where you can rest on the way.

Once you reach the spot, rest your bags at the campsite and have some tea and snacks, explore the area, and see the native animals and vegetation as your dinner gets ready. Overnight at the tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 9

Trek to Nisalgaon. [3,860m/12,665 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have your breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to Nisalgon. The total distance from Namdo to Nisalgaon is around 20 km, which can be covered in a 10-hour trek. The trail is a bit complicated, as there are both ascents and descents throughout the trail, and you will walk past some of the major villages, such as Saldang, and other smaller villages and campsites. Although 20 km sounds like a lot, you will reach the campsite by evening. As you walk upwards, you will get to see tall mountain deserts surrounding you with majestic panoramic views along with some native animals here and there.

Once you reach your campsite, rest your bags and have some tea and snacks while our dinner gets ready. You can also explore the area and stroll around. Overnight at the tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 10

Trek to Musigaon. [4,230 m/13,880 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have breakfast at your campsite and get ready for your trek to Musigaon, which is your first place to explore the wild cat. The total distance from Nisalgaon to Musigaon is around 10 km, which will take around 9-10 hours of walking as the trail follows a gradual ascent. On the first half of the trek, you will walk beside a river called Panjyan Khola and then after a few kilometers of hiking, you will follow Musi Khola up until your destination.

Once you reach the destination, rest your bags at the campsite and explore the area, as there is a village where you can see the ancient architecture and agricultural areas. In the evening, have dinner and call it a day at the campsite with needed rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 11

Day One of Snow Leopard Tracking in Musigaon.

At. 05:00 AM: Have your quick breakfast at the campsite and get ready for a short walk to the Snow Leopard tracking spot, where you will explore the area and look for the marks left behind by the cat and try to track its location. The chances of seeing these cats are high in these regions as it is more isolated with few human settlements and the availability of blue sheep and other wild animals, which are the natural prey of these cats.

Note: Snow leopards are mostly active during the dawn and dusk, which means there are very few opportunities to see them hunt live; however, they do eat their prey during the daytime and you might get to witness the majestic cat feeding on their prey.

Spend your day sightseeing, and in the evening hike down towards your camping spot, have dinner, and rest well for the next day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 12

Day Two of Snow Leopard Tracking in Musigaon.

At. 06:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your short hike to the sightseeing spot. Get your cameras and binoculars ready to see the Snow Leopard in its natural habitat. The local guide will scan the area and then as soon as they see any movement, they will inform you and you will witness the majestic cats. After an entire day dedicated to snow leopard sightings, head back to your campsite, rest well, and have dinner before calling it a day.

Note: The weather is unpredictable up in the mountains, as it can be sunny in the moment and after a few minutes, it may get gloomy and windy so prepare for unpredictable weather by wearing layered clothes to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 13

Final Day in Musigaon.

At. 06:00 AM: Have an early morning breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your hike towards the sighting spot. Carry all the necessary items that can be used during the day, such as binoculars, glasses, and other essential items. Once you reach the spot, the waiting game begins. As mentioned, these majestic creatures are shy in nature, so it may take a while to spot them. However, once you spot these magnificent cats, the wait will be worthwhile.

In the evening, return back to the campsite and end your day with a warm meal and comfortable rest at the tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 14

Trek to Shimen Gaon. [3,885 m/12,745 ft]

At. 06:00 AM: Have breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to Shimen Gaon, which is located about 12 km away from Musigaon and will take around 9-10 hours to walk. Today you will start early, as you will need to cross one of the high trekking passes called Musi La Pass (5,030 m), and the trail is relatively easy as the trail follows an uphill climb at the first half of the trek and then comes the easy downhill walk up until Shimen Gaon.

Once you reach your campsite, rest for a while, then explore the village a bit, as it is one of the popular villages of the Upper Dolpo region. You can interact with the locals and learn about the snow leopards, as the locals here often encounter the majestic from a distance. You can get to know about where and when the snow leopards roam. In the evening, have dinner at the campsite and rest for the next day at tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 15

Trek to Khomas. [4,060 m/13,320 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have breakfast at the caps site and slowly start your trek towards Komas/Khoma, which is around 9 km away from Shimen Gaon and will take around 6-7 hours to walk. During this trek, there are numerous high passes that you need to cross and today you will cross yet another high trekking pass on the way called Nang La or Shimen La Pass (4,375 m). The trail follows a gradual ascent in the first half of the trek up until you reach the top of the pass and from there there is flat land and a downhill walk up until Khomas.

Once you reach your destination, rest your bags at the campsite and rest while your dinner gets ready. Have dinner and rest at comfortable tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 16

Trek to Saldang. [3,770 m/12,369 ft]

At. 08:30 AM: Have a warm meal at the campsite along with some tea and get ready for today's short hike to Saldang village. It is located around 9 km away from Khomas, which will take around 6-7 hours on foot. Today's hike is short compared to other trek days; however, on the way, you need to cross a high trekking pass called Rigan Pass (4,608 m). Once you cross the pass, the trail becomes easy, with most of the trail being downhill.

Once you reach the destination, rest your bags at the campsite and explore the village, as you will reach Saldang early, giving you enough time to stroll around the village. In the evening, have dinner at the campsite and call it a day at tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 17

Trek to High Camp. [4,995 m/16,388 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to today's destination, High Camp, which is the base of the Nang La Pass that you will cross tomorrow. This High Camp is located around 9 km away from Saldang, which will take around an 8-10 hour trek. The trail is mostly uphill so trek slowly, maintaining a consistent pace while gradually acclimatizing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 18

Trek to Bhijer. [3,850 m/12,631 ft]

At. 06:00 AM: Have a quick breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to Bhijer village, which is located west of the high camp. The total distance of today's trek is around 11 km, including the Neng La pass (5,368 m), which will take around 8-9 hours. As you will be crossing the high trekking pass, you will have to start early to avoid the strong wind at the top of the pass. The trail follows an uphill walk up until the pass and once you cross the pass, the trail follows a downhill trail. Once you reach your destination, rest your bags and roam around the village while your tents get set up.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 19

Snow Leopard tracking in Bhijer.

At. 06:00 AM: Start your day early with a quick breakfast and a short hike to the nearby viewpoint from where you will get a panoramic view of these animals without disturbing their territory. Your guide and trekking guide will take you to the spot where you will spend this day looking for the majestic cat, the Snow Leopard. The chances of spotting these animals are rare but as the population has increased, the probability is high so keep your eyes open and keep your attention on any kind of movement.

After sightseeing, return to your campsite in the evening, have some tea, rest well, and enjoy your dinner surrounded by dry, arid land.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 20

Trek to Kharka camp. [4,810 m/15,780 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to Kharka Camp, which is located around 8 km south of Bhijer. To cover the total distance, it will take around 7-8 hours following an uphill trail gaining elevation. This trail leads towards a holy ground for the locals, Shey Gompa.

Once you complete the walk and reach the destination, rest your bags at the campsite and stroll around the area while your meal gets ready. Have dinner at the campsite and overnight at the tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 21

Trek to Shey Gompa. [4,343 m/14,250 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Start your day with a light breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to Shey Gompa. Today you will be covering the total distance of 11 km, which will take around 8-9 hours on foot. The trail follows both uphill and downhill walks, the first half being the downhill journey, then an uphill walk across a small pass, then downhill again up until you reach your destination.

Once you reach your destination, rest your bags and relax for a while. Your campsite will be near the popular Bon Monastery, Shey Gompa, which you can visit while your tents get set up and dinner gets ready. Overnight at comfortable tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 22

Trek to Crystal Camp. [4,000 m/13,125 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Today you will make your way towards Crystal Camp, also known as Kora Camp. This trail is mostly used during Shey festivals by the people to circumambulate the mountain, meaning you may get a glimpse of the Crystal Mountain, also known as the small Kailash Mountain. The walk will take around 6-8 hours and once you reach the area, rest your bags at the campsite and call it a day. In the evening, have dinner and overnight at tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 23

Rest Day at Crystal Camp.

Start your day with breakfast at the campsite and a well-deserved rest. As today is your rest day at Crystal Camp, you can use it for rest and surrounding exploration. Spend your day as you wish and in the evening have dinner at the campsite and call it a day. Overnight at comfortable tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 24

Trek to Phulbari. [3,800 m/12,467 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Begin your day with a light breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to Phulbari. Phulbari in Nepali means ’flower garden’; however, there are neither flowers nor gardens here; it is just a local name. The approximate walking hours today is around 6-8 hours. As you descend towards the lower region, you may encounter light patches of vegetation and more comfortable altitude.

Once you reach your destination, rest well while having some tea and snacks while your tents are being set up. In the evening, have dinner at the campsite and call it a day at comfortable tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 25

Trek to Khola Camp. [3,750 m/12,303 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at the campsite and then begin your journey towards Khola Camp. Today you will be following the trail that leads to Phoksundo Lake, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. You will need to walk approximately 5 km, which will take around 5-6 reach.

Once you reach the destination, rest your bags and stroll around the area and observe the beautiful alpine vegetation while your dinner gets ready, and in the evening have dinner at the campsite and call it a day at tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 26

Trek to Ringmo. [3,641 m/11,946 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Have a light breakfast at the campsite and get ready for your trek to Ringmo from Khola Camp, which is located south of Khola Camp. The total distance between Khola Camp and Ringmo is around 15 km, which will take around 9-10 hours of walking. The trail follows flat land with few parts being steep uphill and downhill. Once you get closer to your destination, you will see beautiful turquoise-colored Phoksundo Lake. At the final stretch of the trail, you will walk beside Phoksundo Lake, which will be one of the most memorable walks of the trek.

Once you reach Ringmo, rest your bags and stroll around and explore the beautiful Phoksundo Lake/Shey Phoksundo Lake and Bon Monastery called Thasung Tholing/Tshowa Gompa. After exploring the place, return to the campsite and enjoy your dinner before calling it a day. Overnight at tented accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

DAY 27

Heli Return to Kathmandu.

At. 08:00 AM: Have your breakfast at the campsite and explore the area while your chartered Helicopter arrives, which will fly you back to the starting point of the journey in Kathmandu. Soak in the beauty of Phoksundo Lake a little more and stroll around as you return to the city area, leaving the raw nature behind. After the heli arrives, hop into it and enjoy the 2.5-hour flight. During your flight, you will get an amazing view of the surrounding area with a few snow-capped mountains and a panoramic view of the lake and the landscape.

Once you reach Kathmandu Airport, your transportation will pick you up and drop you off at your respective hotel. Once you are at the hotel, the day is yours to spend. You can rest from a tiring trek or visit the spa for relaxation. If you are feeling like exploring, then you can visit the Thamel area and collect handmade goods and souvenirs to take back home. Explore the local foods or comfort food in the evening and end your day with much-needed rest at the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

DAY 28

Departure, Farewell!

You will have breakfast at the hotel and then have free time. Our office representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours before your flight time. Carry loads of souvenirs, memories, and lifetime experiences back home, and Have a safe home return! We hope you enjoyed the trip! If you plan to extend your stay, we (Dolpo Trekking) are happy to make your visit memorable and enjoyable.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

Package Includes

  • All airport transfers and sightseeing on a private basis.
  • An authentic Thakali welcome dinner and a cultural performance featuring traditional folk songs.
  • Charter Helicopter flight transfer (Kathmandu to Dho Tarp and Ringmo to Kathmandu) is mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All 27-night accommodations in hotels, local lodges, and comfortable tents throughout the trip in the respective places.
  • 24 nights at comfortable tented accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary during the trek.
  • Daily breakfast throughout the trip.
  • Lunch and dinner from the trek starting day to the trek ending day.
  • All necessary paperwork. (Upper Dolpo restricted area permit, National park permits, and TIMS card)
  • An English-speaking, experienced, and government-licensed trekking guide.
  • Required number of porters, kitchen staff, and mules during the trek.
  • A well-equipped medical kit with necessary medications throughout the trek. (carried by the guide)
  • One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.
  • Guide and Porter, cook’s salary, food, and accommodation during the trek.
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid for by your traveler’s insurance company.
  • Sleeping bags, duffle bags, and trekking route maps – if necessary.
  • All government and local taxes.

Package Excludes

  • International flight ticket.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee. (Approx. USD 40 Per Person)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport-size photos and 40 USD for a 30-day Nepal tourist visa; visa forms can be filled out online in advance)
  • Travel health insurance. (highly recommended)
  • Tips for the guide, porter, and driver. (Recommended)
  • Hot shower and mineral water during the trek.
  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the included section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book this trip?

You can book this trek by connecting with us through our website, email, or WhatsApp. We require a certain amount of advance to start your booking process. After receiving the advance payment, we will begin all the arrangements for your trip. Booking in advance can be paid in numerous ways, pay how it is most feasible for you. After receiving the amount, we will send you the hotel booking vouchers, flight tickets, and other invoices. The clients will be responsible for the unavailability of hotels and flights due to late confirmation and delays in booking payment.

Which is the best season to see Snow Leopard?

The best months to see the Snow Leopards are from Late December to Early March. These beautiful cats are quite shy and solitary, staying especially far from the sight of humans. Also, due to their perfect camouflage, it is hard to spot them but there are high chances of seeing this beautiful creature in those 4 months.

At what elevation are Snow Leopards are found?

Snow Leopards are found at high elevations above 3000m and during your trek you will visit some of the most thrilling villages in the Dolpo region, situated at high elevations, making them perfect spots for snow leopard sightseeing.

Why are the Snow Leopards called the Ghost of the Mountains?

The Snow Leopard is called the Ghosts of the Mountains because of their elusive nature, rarity, and mystery surrounding these spectacular creatures. Snow Leopards are so rare to find and while the stories of them are quite popular, even if someone manages to find the Snow Leopard, it would be for a short moment before they disappear right before one’s eye with their perfect camouflage.

How will we track down the Snow Leopard?

Snow leopards are territorial animals,  meaning they patrol their area frequently and leave marks to show their dominance by peeing, leaving fur marks, and leaving stools. Besides that, your local guide will  look for pugmarks, recently hunted prey, as they feed on them during the daytime. Also, as these creatures seamlessly blend with the area,  tracking them needs sharp eyes that can spot them in their habitat so a local guide who is familiar with the terrain is an important element of this trip.

Do Snow Leopards attack humans?

No, there haven't been any records of these elusive cats attacking humans. The Snow Leopards are the cats that are said to be the least aggressive against humans. Even in those cases where humans have found the Snow Leopard feeding, these shy cats seem to run away from the site instead of guarding their kill and attacking the humans. Although the Snow Leopards haven’t seemed to harm humans, it is still advisable to stay away from them and not disturb them.

What happens if I don’t see Snow Leopard as a whole?

This trek is tailored to keep the elusive nature of the Snow Leopards in mind so we have made it so that you will stay in the villages that the big cats frequent the most. You will also be camping in sites from where there is a high probability of seeing the Snow Leopard so there is no need to panic if you don’t see the mystical cats on your first day. We will be staying in various villages with the probability of making sure we will get a glimpse of one of the wild cats. Although the chance of seeing a Snow Leopard is a matter of patience and luck.

Media

Cute Snow Leopard Cubs.
Khola Camp.
Komas Village.
Temporary hotels along the trek.

Package Cost

$ 11000.00 / Per Person
Download PDF Book Now
$ 11000.00 / Per Person
Download PDF Book Now
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