Exploring Ladakh

Ladakh, a land of rugged mountains and icy cold weather holds a fascination

bordering on elusive and mystical. Surrounded by Kunlun mountain ranges in the

north and the Himalayas to the south, Ladakh is the highest plateau in the state of

Jammu & Kashmir. The stark magnificence of the mountains is evidence of the fact

that this region is sparsely populated. Habitation is restricted to strips of greenery

found along the rivers that trickle down from mountain glaciers. Leh was the capital

city of the kingdom of Ladakh and this place is a fascinating paradox of an old

crumbling city that is slowly making way for a new and modern town.

History of Ladakh

Numerous rock cavings found in Ladakh provide ample evidence of the area being

inhabited even during the Neolithic times. Buddhist pilgrims were the first ones to

establish permanent settlement along Indus, as they traveled from India to Mt. Kailash

in Tibet. Hence, even today Buddhism is the predominant religion. By the 9th century,

the kings of Ladakh founded a kingdom that extended from Kashmir to Tibet. The

landscape was dotted with innumerable Buddhist monasteries and even though

different sects fought for prominence, it was the order introduced by Tibetan pilgrim

Tsongkhapa in 14th century that gained supremacy over others. Ever since then it

became the major philosophy that is being followed even today.

Besides, Buddhists, there is also a small segment of Muslims that reside in Ladakh.

Invasions by Muslim armies into Ladakh began in 16th century as a result of which,

there was a partial conversion of people into Noorbakshi Islam. Under the rule of

Singge Namgyal, a new capital at Leh was founded. However, the kingdom of the

Dogra Rajas finally annexed Ladakh in 1846. Ever since then Ladakh is the sub-

district of Jammu & Kashmir.

Culture of Ladakh

The Buddhists and Tibetan influences have largely shaped the culture of Ladakh. For

instance, the monastic architecture is a reflection of deeply rooted Buddhism beliefs.

The two dragons along with the Buddhist wheel is one of the most common features

that adorn every gimp. Food is also heavily influenced by the Tibetan culture evident

through the various foods and dishes such as skyu, a pasta dish with vegetables. Some

other dishes include tsampa – roasted barley flour and thukpa – noodle soup.

Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Ladakh, which is played on natural ice

between December and mid-February. However, the traditional sport is archery and

quite a few archery festivals are held that are also about enjoy and merry-making.

Polo is yet another popular traditional sport that was introduced in the 17th century by

the son of a Balti princess and therefore even today Polo is a favorite among the

Baltis.

Ancient trade silk route

Leh played an important role in the ancient trade silk route. Ladakh was a stopover

on the famous silk route that linked two great civilizations of China and Rome. The

exchange of goods and ideas took place through this trade route. It was silk route, as

the name implies silk was sent from China to Rome while gold, silver and wool were

sent from west to east. Extending 4,000 miles, trade on the silk route began during the

Han dynasty. The trade was through this route had an incredible impact even in the

development of the civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, China, Persia, Arabia and

Europe.

Weather Conditions

Situated on a high altitude with Greater Himalaya Range one one side, it is not

surprising that Ladakh experiences extreme climatic conditions. The winters are harsh

especially the months of December and January when the temperatures are below

minus degrees. Being a mountainous desert area, the barren regions of Ladakh can

also be quite dry and hot between the months of April and October. The temperatures

during summer can go up to 35C, which is quite a contrast to the extreme winters.

Ladakh receives scanty rainfall and therefore there are no definite season and it can

occur anytime.

Tribes of Ladakh

Ladakh is home to a number of indigenous tribes that retain their own cultures,

traditions and customs. Some of the tribes include Balti, Beda, Champa, Brokhpa,

Mon and Purig-Pa. Balti tribe belong to an ethnic Tibetan group that are based in

Ladakh and Baltistan area of Pakistan. They are supposed to be the descendants of the

Celtic communities. This nomadic tribe rear sheep and goats for wool, milk and meat.

Beda tribe tends to be partially nomadic as well as sedentary. They ideally inhabit

desert regions at high altitude that receive heavy snowfall. Champa or Changpa are

also nomadic and get their name from the region they inhabit. Chang means north

while plains are referred to as thang. Hence, these people belong to the northern

plains of Ladakh.

Brokpa or also known as Drokpa are supposed to be the descendants of the Dards and

they are based out of four villages on the banks of River Indus – Hanu, Da, Garkun

and Darchik. This tribe is distinctively different from others due to their culture and

almost European like features.

The tribe of Mon is people who are primarily flute players and musicians and they can

be found mainly in Kargil and Ladakh. Purig-Pa tribe also belongs to Kargil as in

ancient history Kargil was called by this name. Hence, this tribe has been named so

more due to territorial influence rather than an ethnic one.

Festivals of Ladakh

Festivals are integral to Ladakh’s culture and traditions and quite a few festivals are

celebrated to mark various occasions such as harvesting, New Year, commemorating

the head lamas of monasteries etc.

Hemis Festival: One of the most popular monastic festivals is the Hemis Festival.

This 3-day festival celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who founded the

Tantric Buddhism. People wear colorful brocade robes and facial masks and perform

in the sacred dance.

Dosmochey: This festival is celebrated in three monasteries – Leh Palace in Leh,

Deskit in Nubra Valley and Liker in Lower Ladakh. Among the three the most

famous is Leh Dosmochey, where the festival is celebrated for two days in the

courtyard of the palace. This festival is held at the onset of Tibetan New Year.

Matho Nagrang: This festival is celebrated at the Matho Monastery, which is the

only monastery that belongs to the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. Celebrated on

the 15th day of first month of Tibetan calendar, this festival sees monks performing

mask dances.

Losar Festival: This festival is celebrated two months ahead of the Tibetan New

Year. It is the New Year celebration but celebrated in the 11th month of the Tibetan

calendar. The festival is spread across a month when gods, deities and even animals

are fed everyday without fail. Walls of kitchen are dotted so that prosperity comes in

the new year.

Ladakh Festival: This festival takes place in the first week of September in the

capital city as well as in many villages. The opening ceremony is held in Leh where a

procession of different cultural groups is carried out. The festival is held for 15 days

and during these 15 days one gets to see traditional dances, mask dances, archery

competitions and polo matches.

Flora and Fauna

The fauna of Ladakh is quite similar to that of Cental Asia and especially the Tibetan

Plateau. The one exception happens to be the diverse variety of birds that one can find

at Ladakh. A large number of bird speices migrate from other parts of India to Ladakh

during the summer season. Even though Ladakh is an arid area, it still is home to

diverse bird species and a total of 225 species have been recorded. Different species

of redstarts, finches, robins and hoopoe can be found during the summer months.

Some of the water birds include the Ruddy Sheldrake, Brahminy duck and the bar-

headed goose. Bird watchers will definitely savor the experience of spotting a

fascinating array of all kinds of birds.

However, the one animal that is the star attraction of Ladakh is definitely the snow

leopard. Shy and elusive, it is definitely an experience to spot the magnificent

leopard. Winters are the best time to spot these elusive creatures, as it happens to be

their mating season. The other animals that can be found include wolf, brown bear,

mountain weasel, Eurasian otter, red fox, lynx, bharal, Ladakh urial, Tibetan antelope

etc.

Since Ladakh is a desert situated at a high-altitude therefore there is scarce vegetation

over most areas. Natural vegetation can be found near rivers or other water bodies or

areas that get more snow.

Brief description of the tour

If you possess a streak of adventure and have been a wildlife enthusiast all your life

then this specially designed Snow Leopard tour is just for you. Discover an awesome

experience that will be etched in your memory for the rest of your lifetime with this

amazing tour. A tour that allows you to explore one of the best Snow Leopard habitats

at the Hemis National Park. Watch this elusive and magnificent creature of the wild

from close quarters under the guidance of professional Snow Leopard naturalist.

Amid Ladakh’s natural wilderness, you will also get to spot some of the most

amazing species of birds such as Golden Eagle, Lammergeyer, Eurasian Eagle Owl,

Himalayan Griffon and Himalayan Snow cock, Tibetan Partridge, Chukar Partridge,

White Winged Redstart, Robin Accentor, White Breasted Dipper, Brown Dipper etc.

This tour is all about understanding and respecting the magnificence of nature and

humbling yourselfs to gracefully blend in with the natural surroundings. Get first hand

experience of staying the way the locals do through Home Stays and in tents. Rough it

out to explore the magnificence of the wildnerness that surrounds you all the time, as

if nature is the one directing every movement and urging you to surrender to its

splendid timing. Besides, the unpredictable surprises that nature throws up, here is an

overview of the basic features of your tour:

• Trekking in the mountains of Ladakh and Rumbak known as the Snow

Leopard capital of the world

• Guided by experienced naturalists and Snow Leopard experts

• Opportunity to stay in Home stays and get a local lifestyle experience of

Ladakh

• ‘A’ Class accommodation in Leh and comfortable tents while on the trek

• Insight into local Snow Leopard conservation and village home stay initiatives

Description: The rare quest for the Snow Leopard in the Rumbak Region of Hemis

National Park

Tour Outline:

• 07 March 2014 DELHI ARRIVAL

• 08 March 2014 DELHI / LEH

• 09 March 2014 AROUND LEH

• 10 March 2014 LEH – ZINCHEN - RUMBAK

• 11 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 12 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 13 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 14 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 15 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 16 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 17 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 18 March 2014 RUMBAK

• 19 March 2014 RUMBAK – ZINCHEN - LEH

• 20 March 2014 LEH

• 21 March 2014 LEH - DELHI

• 22 March 2014 DELHI DEPARTURE

07 March 14 Arrival Delhi

Arrive in Delhi where you are met and transferred to the hotel. An overnight stay at

the hotel.

08 March 14 Delhi to Leh (Flight)

The next morning get ready to board the flight for Leh and on reaching the

destination, you’ll be assisted and transferred to the hotel.

Situated on the altitude of 3500mts, Leh the capital of the ancient Himalayan

kingdom and an important stopover on the trade routes remains a fascinating city even

today. Check into the hotel and enjoy a hot cup of tea while being briefed about the

trek. The first day is spent at the hotel because it is important to get acclimatized to

the weather, as the body needs to adjust to the low oxygen levels.

09 March 14 Around Leh

The next morning start your day with a scrumptuous breakfast followed by a guided

tour to Thiksey monastery to get an insight into Tibetan Buddhism, which is the

predominant religion in Ladakh. What is quite distinctive about Thiskey monastery is

that tourists are invited to participate in their morning rituals. During the morning

rituas, you will find 50 monks chanting Buddhist sutras to a single drumbeat. The

room is filled with thangka paintings and colorful wall murals. Towards the end of the

ceremony, you get to see young monks fulfilling their puja duties. The young monks

are not more than 7 or 8 years old that serve barley flour and tea to their seniors while

the senior monks are focused on chanting. It is truly a unquie experience where

travelers are warmly welcomed into this mystical world.

After the visit of the monastery, drive along the Indus River to marvel at the

magnifcent natural surroundings of this fascinating city. Birds of diverse species have

also made Leh their home, which implies it is not unusual to spot the Solitary Snipe,

Ibisbill or even few species of the ducks.

10 March 14 Leh/Jinchen (Drive-02 Hours) – Rumbak (Trek-05 Hours)

On your third day in Ladakh, adventure and thrill awaits you, as you drive down to

the Hemis High National Park – the venue for sighting the magnificent Snow

Leopard. The drive is upto Jinchen Village from where you will commence a trek

further into the gorge towards Rumbak Village. The trek literally takes about 4 to 5

hours and on reaching Rumbak, an overnight stay at Home Stay or Tented Camp is

arranged.

11 March 14 Rumbak

Please Note: From this day forward, the itinerary depends on the movement of the

Snow Leopard and thus the itinerary is absolutely flexible, as trekking and camping is

dependent on the movement of the cat.

Embark on an early morning trek from Jinsen to the junction Husing Nala and

Tarbung Nala, which is an important snow leopard corridor for a possible sighting.

After breakfast, get ready for another thrilling hike up the main Lato Nala upto the

vantage point at Rumbak Sumdo. Spend the day exploring Kharlung and the adjoinig

areas and later enjoy an overnight stay at Husing.

12 March 14 Rumbak

Situated at an high altitude of 4050m, this tiny little hamlet is surrounded by green

valleys and rolling mountains within the Hemis National Park. Rumbak is also fondly

referred to as the ‘Snow Leopard’ capital of the world and is one of the most sought

out sights for spotting snow leopard between December and March. Surrounded by

stunning peaks, this beautiful and remote village makes your aware of nature’s

magnificence and supremacy. Enjoy an early morning exploration of Rumbak and

you might just get lucky enough to spot the elusive snow leopard.

13 March14 Rumbak

The mountains surrounding Rumbak is known for its unique biodiversity, as four

different species of wild sheeps and goats are found – Blue Sheep, Ibex, Tibetan

Argali and Ladakh Urial. However, the major prey for Snow Leopard, the blue sheep

is found in large numbers.

After breakfast, take a trek to Rumbak Village to explore and learn more about this

tiny hamlet. Along the way, you will find prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, which

are an evidence of the village’s deeply rooted beliefs in Buddhism. Besides, exploring

the mountains of Rumbak, you will aslo enjoy a trek towards Yurutse pasture to look

for the Tibetan Argali.

14 March 14 Rumbak

Cut off completely from civilization and perched on an high altitude, Rumbak gives

you the opportunity to simply revel in the natural surroundings and surrender to

nature’s majestic glory. After breakfast, get ready for a hike to Husing Pass and spend

the day exploring the surrounding areas for wildlife. Being surrounded by nature, it is

imperative that we realize it is us who are intruding into the natural habitat of the

creatures of the wild and thereby we need to respect our surroundings.

15 March 14 Rumbak

Wake up to crisp cool mountain winds and after a hearty breakfast get ready for

another day of exploration. Embark on a hike of 3 to 4 hours towards Ganda la Base

to spot Tibetan Argali and other wild animals. Other inhabitants of this area include

Eurasian Lynx and Tibetan Wolf.

16 March 14 Rumbak

Spend the morning exploring the area around Stok La Base and return to camp for

lunch. Surrounded with barren mountains this place is truly magnificent in this natural

beauty and splendor. You can also enjoy a visit to Mt. Stok Kangari, which is one of

the most popular peaks among the trekkers in Leh. On your way you get to pass by

beautiful villages and scenic valleys that capture the essence of this pristine

destination.

17 March 14 Rumbak

After breakfast enjoy a hike up to the Kharlung Valley to spot snow leopards and blue

sheep. An interesting fact about snow leopards is that they are solitary by nature and

they usually scratch, rub, urinate or defecate to mark their trail. Marking becomes all

the more important when the cats are interested in finding each other during the

mating season. Blue sheep is their main prey and therefore are present in large

numbers and it is easy to sight them.

18 March 14 Rumbak

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and then you are free to explore Rumbak. Revel in the

experience of being surrounded by nature and let the explorer in you discover lesser

known facts of this remote place completely cut off from civilization. Literally, being

enconsed in nature’s lap, it makes us realize how important it is to surrender to nature

and be guided every moment by an authority that is much more higher than us.

19 March 14 Rumbak-Zinchen-Leh

After breakfast trek down to Zinchen and then from there drive down to Leh.

20 March 14 Leh to Delhi

Enjoy your day at Leh exploring this amazing city, shopping for souvenirs and simply

relaxing the whole day.

21 March 14 Leh to Delhi

An early morning transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival Delhi transfer

to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

22 March 14 Delhi Depart

In time departure transfer to airport to board the flight for onward journey.

Hotels usage for the tour -

Date City Hotel No of Nights

07/08 March Delhi The Royal Plaza 01 Night

08/10 March Leh Mahey Retreat/ Hotel Omasila 02 Nights

10/19 March Rumbak Tent / Home stay 09 Nights

19/20 March Leh Mahey Retreat/ Hotel Omasila 02 Nights

20/21 March Delhi The Royal Plaza 01 Night

Tented camps in Ladakh consist of a row of “two persons” crawl - in - tents with comfortable

mattresses and hot water bottles. The camp has a basic toilet tent as well as a dining tent

(with table and chairs). All meals are cooked fresh in the kitchen tent and cuisine varies from

basic Chinese, Ladakhi and Continental. The camp is manned by an experienced cook and

support staff.

TRAVEL NOTES

WEATHER: Usually sunny days but with dry chilly winds, the temperature can drop to minus

Centigrade at nights but will warm up as the sun comes out during the day. December

maximum temperature averages 7°C which can fall to -15°C.

EQUIPMENT (to be brought by the individual): High quality trekking gear is difficult, if not

impossible; to buy in India, so check the equipment list before leaving home. Please sort out

and divide your trekking equipment into three categories:

1. To wear on the trail

2. To carry in the day pack

3. To pack in the duffel bag

You will not have access to your duffel bag once you leave camp in the morning, as it will be

carried by pack ponies or porters. Therefore, you must anticipate all your daytime needs and

carry these items in your day pack. Your day pack should be large enough to accommodate

your water bottle. Personal first aid kit, sun cream, sweater or down jacket and lunch box

Clothing and equipment: A list of suggested clothing and equipment for the snow leopard

trek has been mentioned below. This is a comprehensive list and experienced trekkers will

often take

only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past- it is worth pointing out

that you will need a 4 season sleeping bag for this trip. Trekkers should bring all their gear in

one large duffel bag and a small backpack (30 to 50 litres). Each day you will carry the small

pack containing items that you might need while trekking such as warm clothes, jacket,

camera, water bottle and some snacks. The rest of your personal equipment, contained in

your duffel bag, will be carried by ponies.

Footwear:

• Warm boots with preferably Vibram soles for that extra grip

• Running shoes or sandals. To be used in camp in the evenings or for lighter

walking days

• Gaiters. A pair used to keep boots dry if walking through deep snow or on wet

ground

• Heavyweight wool socks.

Clothing:

• Goretex shell pants and jacket with hood

• Heavy weight down jacket with hood

• Light trekking trousers for warmer days

• Mid to heavyweight fleece jacket

• Light to mid weight fleece pants

• Fleece gloves

• Warm wool or fleecy hat

• Sun hat

• Light weight climbers’ headlamp for use at night around the camp. Bring extra

batteries

• High quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection

• High quality Binoculars / Telescope

Personal Equipment

• 4 season sleeping bag with hood to withstand Negative 30 Degrees

• 30 to 50 litre backpack large enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing

• 1 litre water bottles with a wide mouth.

• Sunscreen and lipsalve with an SPF 30 or better.

• Camera and spare batteries and large size memory cards

• Pocket knife swiss army style (optional)

• Personal Alcohol (optional)

Travelling

• 1 large duffle bag for transporting your personal gear on the trek and during flights.

Bring small

• Combination padlocks.

• 4 large plastic bin bags for keeping gear dry in the duffel and backpack.

• Travel clothes. You will need street/casual clothing for air travel days and time spent

in Delhi and Leh.

Personal First Aid Kits

• Any personal medications

• Antibiotics for gastrointestinal problems- eg. Ciproflaxin

• Blister treatment

Notes:

• In case of medical emergencies or high altitude sickness both Zinchen and Saspoche

are within a day’s reach to the government hospitals.

• Zinchen to Leh is 1hrs drive and Ulley to Leh is about 3hrs drive

• First 2days is recommended for complete rest and acclimatization to ensure rest of the trip carries off smoothly

• The homestays are basic & simple rooms with dry compost toilets and do not have

shower

• facilities

• Hot water will be provided in buckets if needed

Medical/ safety Information: We carry a small Medical Box with basic first aid requirements:

First Aid Dressing:

• Bandage rolls (sterile)3-6 inches size

• Sterile Guaze

• Savlon Liquid – for wound washing

• Bedtadine ointment or Soframycin Quit for wound application

• Adhesive Plasters for sealing bandage

Pain Killers – for fever, headache, body aches, injuries

• Tab paracetamol (Crocin)

• Tab Diciofencac Na + K+

• Tab Tbuprofen

Antispasmodics-

• Tab Dicyclonuine + Tab. Paracetamol

Anti Diarrhoreals (IMODIUM)

• Tab LOPERAMIDE HCL

• Tab NORFLOXACIN 400 mg (Tab Norflox)

• ORS (Electral Power)

• Cap/ Tab. Furazolidone (FURAXONE)

Anti Cold Anti Allergy

• Cetrizine 10mg

• Tab LORATADINE (Tab Lorfast –D, Lorfast – AM)

• Tab AVIL

Medical Tips:

1. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Symptoms: Headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, anorexia, dizziness, sleep disturbance.

Prevention: Ascend an average of 300 to 500 mts a day. Take a rest every 1000 mts ascent or

after three days of trekking.

Treatment: Stop further ascent, and descend, preferably on horseback with assistance from

the staff. Descend immediately if there are symptoms of pulmonary oedema or cerebral

oedema and get medical help. (Cerebral oedema: causes confusion, disorientation, irritation,

unsteady feet and hallucination.

Pulmonary oedema: Cough, dry and annoying at first, becomes bubbly and wet with sputum

that may be blood stained. However, dry cough is common in high altitudes and is often no

because of of Pulmonary oedema.)

2. Diarrhea:

Treatment: Frequent rehydration, take boiled water with a pinch of salt and half spoon sugar

frequently, especially every time after you go to the toilet. Ask your staff for plain boiled rice

(Dus- thuk) and boiled water with ORS

3. Sprains:

Treatment: Rest the injured part of the body. (Treat as a fracture if there is any doubt that is

is not a sprain.) Apply cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time every few hours to prevent

swelling. Tie a bandage around the injured part to reduce swelling and keep the injured part

elevated above the level of the heart. Seek medical assistance from the staff if the injury

worsens or does not improve.

In case of severe injury or sickness – the clients will be first put on a local horse and assisted

till the point where the road starts and from there on – they will be driven to the Govt Hospital.

From Zinchen it is about 1.5hrs and from Ulley it is about 4hrs drive to leh.

Camp Type / Movement:

We will provide 02 men DOM or A lpine tents during the trek, Daily we trek about minimum

2-3hrs and maximum 7-8 hrs and on an average 4-5hrs.

Typical Day:

• Bed tea around 6.30 am

• Scan the ridge lines from Camp till about 7.30 am

• Breakfast around 7.30 am

• Around 8 am- Head out into either Tarbung, Husing Nala, or Rumbak Doh depending upon the movement of the cat and scouting information.

• Around 12.30 pm – Packed lunch will be bought to wherever we are scanning with

Hot Soup, Lunch & Black Tea with Dessert

• Post lunch we still carry on scanning and scoping with little movement depending on

the cats information.

• Around 5pm – we start to head back to Husing camp and have a hot cup of tea/coffee

• Continue Scanning till it gets dark as there is a good chance the cat may finally move

from a day s rest on some vantage point on the ridge line.

• Around 6.30 pm – Soup will be served followed by dinner and desserts.

• At Dinner time the guide will usually sit with the group for some time and discuss the next day’s plan of action along with clarifying any doubts from the clients.