Snow Leopards are one of the most endangered species in the world. They are often called ghosts of the mountains due to their solitary and elusive nature. They are native to the Himalayas and are scattered across China, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar. Snow Leopards hunt blue sheep in the mountains, as well as deer, but they also come to local settlements to hunt domesticated goats. Snow Leopards are not aggressive to humans.
Being an endangered species, it’s essential to save these wild animals from possible extinction. Due to climate change, almost 30% of the Snow Leopards habitat has been lost creating an acute shortage of food and space. The extinction of Snow Leopards means a big loss to highland ecosystems in the Himalayas, leading to problems in the food chain. It’s necessary to conserve this threatened species.
The unspoiled region of Dolpa is worth experiencing due to its richness in culture, biodiversity and above all the people living at this high altitude. The Upper Dolpo Region has been visited by scholars and zoologists in order to study and learn more about these animals. The region was restricted to visitors until 1990 but now it is possible to visit through organized tours. Himalayan Circuit is responsible for the issuance of permits and also any necessary travel arrangements.
Himalayan Circuit is concerned about the mountain and the lives of those on the mountain. We organize the trekking tours around the Snow Leopard trails as a research trip to aid in the conservation of this endangered species of wild cat. Our commitment to sustainability and responsible travel remains the main goal of the Snow Leopard trails
Snow Leopard Trails have two benefits for the adventure seekers. On the one hand, you will be exploring the hidden trails of the Tibetan Plateau and on the other hand, you will be supporting the conservation of trails. Having identified the trails, Himalayan Circuit is able to facilitate a collaborative effort across multiple stakeholders to identify, protect and conserve this habitat so that the magnificent Snow Leopard – the Queen of the Himalayas, can be appreciated by generations to come.
You can observe the trails as you walk and find the footprints of leopards. Maybe if you are lucky enough, you can encounter them while you are in your overnight camp. Get ready to meet the ghosts of the mountains.
Our airport representative will receive you with a warm welcome and lead you to the hotel. Pretty much as soon as you touch down in this magical land at the top of the world, you’ll be eagerly greeted, and then whisked off to your comfy HOTEL IN THE middle of the city.
Evening awaits you the dinner where you can speak with the expert what is in the bag for next day.
WELCOME TO KATHMANDU, NEPAL
A briefing by a Snow Leopard specialist will be organized, You can also interact with specialist. You will be also briefed about your schedules for the following days.
Its also time for shopping for your big adventure, walk around to the local market get used to with Culture.
We take a flight on any domestic carrier that takes 55 minutes to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a town in the western Terai, very close to the Indian border. It is a major trade hub for western regions of Nepal. Overnight stay will be at three-star hotels.
The flight takes 35 minutes to Juphal airport of Dolpa. Our trekking starts from Juphal descending through local villages of Juphal. Following the path along the riverside, we reach the district headquarters of Dolpa, a small village called Dunai (2150m).
We stay overnight in Dunai either at Pala Guest House or Blue sheep Trekkers Inn.
Here you can also have an evening walk to the Bon Stupa, Buddhist Central Gompa and the first public school “Dunai Boarding School” just across the river Bheri.
We enter the Shey Phoksundo National Park and its headquarters at Suligard while trekking towards Chhepka, which has a few houses and lodges in the surroundings of wood.
The trail goes up and down along the forested riverbed and several streams on the way which soothes your heart. The trail continues along the valley to the camping site. We will camp for a night or stay in a lodge at Chhepka.
Trek to Chhepka to Polam
We start up the dusty trail to a ridge at 3780 metres viewing the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 m). Our route then continues into Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of Mani walls. We camp at the national park camping grounds to the west of the lake.
We take a day to explore the area around the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Many beautiful glaciers can be viewed above the lake.
There are many monasteries (Gompas ) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we will visit some of the very old and important monasteries. We will explore natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
Moreover, if we are lucky enough and make a way around the lake we may catch a glimpse of the very precious and endangered species the Snow leopard.
Trek from Phoksundo to Sallaghari
From Sallaghari, we trek up to Nangdalo base camp. We will go through the pine forest along with several brooks flowing through where the tunes of different chirps of birds make our walk pleasant.
Nangdalo Base camp Rest Day
Our trek begins towards Shey from the base camp crossing the Nangdalo Pass (5350M). Shey Gompa is one of the famous and oldest gompas of Dolpa, which is located near the holy mountain, called ‘Crystal Mountain’. The famous Shey Festival occurs here once in every 12 years, “The Dragon Year”. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey, where we camp for the night.
Shey Gompa Rest Day
Shey Gompa Rest Day
Today Trek from Shey to Tata
Today Trek from Shey to Tata
WWF Nepal has assisted the locals to encourage them in the conservation programs by providing technical knowledge and financial support. They have formed the Snow Leopard conservation groups to guide the locals. We highly recommend you donate something to WWF Nepal to support the local efforts to save the magnificent Snow Leopard. (no donation is too small)
Vijer to Nengla High Camp
WWF Nepal has also supported the locals to form the Snow Leopard conservation groups in Saldang.
The group is active in conservation so the numbers of snow leopards are increasing gradually in this area. Thinly Lundup the leading actor of Caravan movie who has been awarded the Abraham Conservation Award also resides in this village.
Trek from Saldang to Rakyo (Chhore Gaon)
Trek from Rakyo to Jyanta La Pass Camp
Trek from Jyantala pass camp to Dho Tarap
The settlement of humans at the highest elevation is in Dho VDC the village is known as Khangar (4440m). You can gather more knowledge and legends from the villagers about the big cat. Sometimes people encounter the Snow Leopard in the village itself.
It is a pleasant and widespread valley where you can enjoy other natural and cultural heritage. After taking a glance at the glorious heritage we start the trek from Dho and enter a highly potential habitat of Snow Leopard, Lang valley and Mirbhu, the pasture lands, where the local people make the shades for their cattle.
Trek from Lang village to Thajam
Trek from Lang village to Thajam
Trek from Thajam to Tarakot
Spend the last night in Dolpa. You can enjoy and share experiences with all your companions. The porters will depart for their homes after days of trekking.
You will reach Nepalgunj by an early flight. From Nepalgunj, you will fly back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the meals around Thamel.
Its your day for fully rest, picking up the laundry, get freshed and chilled. Evening you will be treated with the traditional Nepalese banquet with cultural dance and music to end your Nepal journey until next time because travelers revisit Nepal not because of the places in fact its because of People.
Transfer to the Airport for the flight back to your home with sweet memory of Nepal, Kathmandu, different temples, mountains, nature, peoples and smile.
| 2 travellers | 4 travellers | 8 travellers | |
|
Standard
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$ 4469 | $ 4419 | $ 4269 |
|
Deluxe
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$ 5969 | $5900 | $5769 |
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