Kanishka expeditions jeep safari rugged land of mountain desert of ladakh and Zanskar valley

Snow Leopard spotting in Zanskar Valley

No of Days

13 Days

Highest Point

3,850 Mts

Grade

Challenging

Attraction

Zanskar River, Nerak Ice Fall, Zangla Fort

This expedition takes you deep into the winter wonderland of the Zanskar Valley. Combining the thrill of the frozen Zanskar River (Chadar) trek with expert-led snow leopard tracking, this journey offers a rare glimpse into the most remote corners of the Himalayas where the "Ghost of the Mountains" roams free.

Zanskar Snow Leopard Expedition - Trip Detail

01
Day
Arrival in Leh (3,500 m / 11,480 ft)
- Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh. Transfer to hotel and rest for proper acclimatization to the high altitude. Evening: Leisure walk to explore Leh Market and nearby Leh Palace & Shanti Stupa (optional). Overnight: Hotel in Leh.
02
Day
Leh – Monastic Circuit for Acclimatization
- Drive 4–5 hrs exploring the Indus Valley monasteries: Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, and Matho Monastery. This day is crucial for acclimatizing your body to 3,700m. Return to Leh by late afternoon. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.
03
Day
Leh – Nerak Village (3,600 m / 11,800 ft)
- Drive 6–7 hrs / 210 km via the new Nimoo–Padum–Darcha road. On arrival, take a short hike to visit the stunning Nerak Ice Fall, a natural frozen waterfall, then walk to the village for camp setup. Overnight: Camping near Nerak Village.
04
Day
Trek Nerak – Tib Gongma (3,400 m)
- Begin your first day trekking along the frozen Zanskar River (Chadar route). Experience the unique “duck walk” technique on the ice sheet. Trek distance: ~12 km. Overnight: Expedition camp at Tib Gongma.
05
Day
Trek Tib Gongma – Kilima (3,450 m)
- Continue walking on the glacial surface of the Zanskar River. The valley widens and temperatures can reach –20°C to –25°C. Enjoy serene icy formations and dramatic cliffs. Trek duration: 6–7 hrs. Overnight: Camp near Kilima.
06
Day
Kilima – Zangla Village (3,850 m)
- After breakfast, transfer by local vehicle from Kilima to Zangla Village, the ancient seat of Zanskar royalty. Visit the Zangla Fort and Zangla Nunnery, and interact with local families. Overnight: Authentic homestay in Zangla Village.
07
Day
Snow Leopard Spotting – Zangla Valley
- Early morning venture into the slopes behind Zangla Fort. Your spotters will check for fresh pugmarks or kills. Spend the day in the field observing wildlife like snow leopards and blue sheep. Overnight: Homestay in Zangla.
08
Day
Zangla – Ichar Village (3,700 m)
- Drive to Ichar Village (70 km), stopping at Padum Town to visit local markets and Bardan Monastery. Experience traditional Ladakhi hospitality in a family homestay. Overnight: Homestay in Ichar Village.
09-10
Day
Wildlife Tracking (Ichar / Dorzong / Anmu)
- Two full days dedicated to tracking in remote valleys. Look for snow leopard trails, blue sheep, Himalayan fox, and golden eagles with expert local trackers. Overnight: Homestay in Ichar Village.
11
Day
Ichar – Padum (3,520 m)
- Return to Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar. Evening at leisure to explore the local bazaar or interact with monks. Overnight: Hotel / Guesthouse in Padum.
12
Day
Sightseeing – Padum Region
- Visit prominent monasteries including Sani Monastery (the oldest in Ladakh), Karsha Monastery (largest in Zanskar), and Chuchikjal Nunnery. Overnight: Hotel / Guesthouse in Padum.
13
Day
Padum – Leh (3,500 m)
- Early departure for Leh (270 km) via the Nimoo–Padum–Darcha Road. Arrive Leh by evening and check into the hotel for a hot shower and rest. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Snow Leopard Tour in Zanskar - Photo Gallery

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