Quest for the Snow Leopard
Duration:
14 days
Next Departure:
December 2024
Airport:
Islamabad
Reference:
HB100A
Summary:
Embark on an exhilarating expedition in Pakistan, where the wilderness comes alive with unforgettable experiences. Marvel at rare avian species during winter in Skardu & Khunjerab, and venture into Kanday Hushe Valley to seek the elusive Snow Leopard, alongside sightings of Himalayan Ibex and majestic Yaks. The awe-inspiring landscapes, cozy stays in shepherd huts and rest houses, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers will create cherished memories that will inspire your return to the captivating wilds of Pakistan.
Search for the elusive Snow Leopard in Kanday Hushe Valley, along with Himalayan Ibex majestic Yaks and rare markhor. 🐆🏔️🦌
Marvel at the untamed beauty of Pakistan's landscapes, from rugged terrains to ethereal surroundings. 🏞️
Embrace the warmth of cozy accommodations in traditional shepherd huts and rest houses. 🛌
Treasure captivating bird photographs and wildlife encounters, leaving you eager for more adventures in Pakistan's captivating wilderness. 📸🌳🐾
Itinerary:
Day 01 - Arrival in Islamabad
Early arrival in Islamabad and transfer to hotel after some rest capture the modern elegance of Faisal Mosque, set against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills.Visit the scenic Pakistan Monument viewpoint and photograph the panoramic views of Islamabad and its surrounding natural beauty.If time allowed we will visit the bustling raja bazaar in the adjacent city of Rawalpindi.
Day 02 - Islamabad / Skardu
We will take a spectacular flight from Islamabad to Skardu, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking mountain vistas overlooking some of the highest mountains in the world like K2 and Nanga Parbat.We will take rest of the day exploring Skardu and and photograph the enchanting Upper Kachura Lake and Manthal Budha Rock, and visit the desert spend rest of the day meeting locals and visiting the bazaar.
Day 03 - Hushe/Kanday Valley
After we reach skardu we will drive for another 4 to 5 hours, we'll venture to Kanday Hushe valley, our base camp for the epic Snow Leopard expedition. Amidst awe-inspiring landscapes, we'll ready ourselves to encounter the elusive big cat.
Day 04 – 06 -Unveiling the Rare Gems Over the next four days
For three captivating days, we'll delve deep into the untamed wilderness, searching for the Snow Leopard's enigmatic presence. Alongside, we may be blessed with glimpses of the Himalayan Ibex and the majestic Yak and rare Markhor. Shepherd huts and local guide houses will be our cozy sanctuaries. There will be many bird friendly spots which will give us the opportunity to photograph these rare species who come to the valley only in winter
Day 07 - Journey to Khunjerab:
An Expedition to the borderlands our quest for Snow Leopard adventure knows no bounds as we journey to Khunjerab, a unique opportunity to spot high-altitude avian species in all their glory. En route, we'll stay in Gilgit, which offers its own surprises for wild life enthusiasts. The beauty of this journey lies not only in the landscapes but also in the diversity of wildlife we encounter along the way.
Day 08-11 -Sost/Khunjerab
As we venture into Khunjerab, excitement reaches its peak with yet another opportunity to spot the elusive Snow Leopard. The ethereal surroundings heighten our senses, and every moment holds the promise of an extraordinary wildlife encounter. While our main focus remains on the majestic Snow Leopard, the high-altitude wonders like the regal Golden Eagle and the charming Tibetan Snowfinch may also grace us with their presence. Our stay at the rest house ensures we remain immersed in this mystical realm, eagerly awaiting the mesmerizing sight of the elusive ghost of the mountains.
Day 12 – Gilgit
As our incredible expedition comes to a close, we bid farewell to the enchanting wilderness after capturing photographs of some of the rarest animals. Returning to the town of Gilgit, we relish in the memories, ready to embark on our flight back home the next day, forever cherishing the moments spent in the realm of elusive creatures.
Day 13- Gilgit/Islamabad
We take a morning flight back to Islamabad from Gilgit, reflecting on the incredible journey and the remarkable sights captured throughout the tour.Upon arrival at the airport we will transfer into bus and head straight to the small town of Taxila where we will explore the archaeological wonders of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that echoes with the tales of civilizations past. This ancient city, located in modern-day Pakistan, holds a treasure trove of historical sites dating back to the Gandhara and Achaemenid periods.
Day 14 - Islamabad
The tour ends today transfer to the airport will be provided
Important Information:
100 Adventures team cannot be held responsible for non-movement and non-detection of animals our team will provide the best on ground support and guidance for spotting of these animals which are mentioned in the program
The above schedule should be taken as a guide only. Inclement weather may cause delays in our journey, whether we are on foot or travelling by vehicle. Our schedule has been planned to allow for variations and where necessary, spare days will be used to compensate for these changes. Our guide reserves the right to make modifications or alterations to the trip schedule in the best interests and safety of all involved. A flexible approach will allow us to efficiently and effectively achieve trip objectives.