In Search Of The Snow Leopard

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

• 

  richard arnold

  IN SEARCH OF THE SNOW LEOPARD

  

  Written February 2012

  Very hard, very demanding, very cold, VERY REWARDING. The first view of a snow leopard, like my first encounter with a tiger, was highly emotional and, unashamedly, induced tears !   

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  That first sighting of one of natures most elusive animals. The terrain is difficult, the camouflage is one of the best in nature, the sighting call from the guide and resultant "fast" hike is heart attack provoking at that altitude but you have to do it and when you see the leopard no city fat cats bonus could buy it ! 

  The homestay was really humbling, why do people live at this level of subsistence ?  Why are they so friendly and accommodating when the temperature range is -5 to -20C, the world is white, the only transport available is pony, everything is frozen solid and you have to wear 5 layers of thick woollens to keep warm ? I would have liked another day at the homestay as we didn't have enough time with our host/hostess to get to know them.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Valerie was excellent. Very experienced and a great judge of individuals and group interactions. With her knowledge of Delhi she was a brilliant guide to one who would have stayed in the hotel for dinner ! Her trekking and climbing experiences showed in the pace she set for acclimatising us in Leh and the practical advice she administered on how to stay warm or recover after a long spell looking for that elusive snow leopard.  Many of us suffered during the "holiday" in one way or another and Valerie knew how to cope with each case,  how much advice to offer and when to just let us get on with it.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It is a hard "moderate" and you need to know your own capability and/or listen to advice given by the leader. I hadn't been to altitude before and was lucky in only suffering a little breathlessness and lack of appetite.  I'm 63 and only of average fitness but managed to get to all the sitings and viewings but in my own time.  There are spare porters/helpers for those like me who needed time or assistance so don't be afraid to ask.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Would I go again ? To my surprise the answer is not an immediate emphatic no. At my age experiencing this level of hardship came as a bit of a shock to the system but with a good leader and the support of other party members I am beginning to recognise that I survived and, I do believe, actually enjoyed it !

  The homestay was inspirational in a different way and I would have liked to see more and get a fuller flavour of village life in the freezer !

  So many people have said "I couldn't do that" and 6 months ago I wondered if I had over judged my capability, BUT, with Exodus behind you and the leadership of someone like Valerie, believe me - YOU CAN.

  As one of lifes 100 things to do before you die I would put this in the top 10.

   
• 

  Linda Farrant

  IN SEARCH OF THE SNOW LEOPARD

  

  Written February 2012

  This was a trip into a remote area in the winter to search for what we all thought was unattainable. We expected cold,  camping at altitude and rough walking. We got all of that but we did not expect hot water bottles every night!! 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Surrounded by steep sided snow covered mountains it seemed impossible that anything could live in this terrain , until we saw tracks and scrape marks of a snow leopard.  Expectantly scanning the mountainside and intently watching for any unusual movement of blue sheep (snow leopard fodder!), added to the excitement. We all hoped, but no one really expected to see a snow leopard, after all, we all knew that film crews had staked out areas for months before getting footage of them. Then after hot footing it up a steep snowy mountain track, there it was high on the mountainside but visible through binoculars. When it decided to move, the full length of its powerful sleek body and equally long tail was fully shown. We were so priveledged!

  It was not all about snow leopards though as this area is stunningly beautiful with other plenty of other wildlife and prolific birdlife. However when the second snow leopard was sighted 2 days later, late in the afternoon, with it snowing gently, it just could not get any better!

  None of this would have been acheived without the experience and knowledge of our superb wildlife guide - Khenrab -he was inspirational! 

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Valerie Parkinson was the best!. She had such knowledge of this area and it was obvious she loved being there. The local team and the organisation was brilliant which is why all went so smoothly.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take the very warmest sleeping bag, lots of layers and a good pair of binoculars.. The altitude is something to consider as its immediate when you fly into Leh, though this trip gave good opportunity to aclimatise by spending a few days around Leh before moving higher.

   This is not a holiday with mod cons so don't expect them. Just enjoy the shower when back in Delhi.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  will remember this as one of the most priveledged experiences I have had.

   
• 

  Robert Webster

  IN SEARCH OF THE SNOW LEOPARD

  

  Written February 2011

  My overall rating would have been a 5 'starrer', if we had seen a snow leopard. However, despite recent signs (pug marks, scrape areas and scats) all round our camp, we did not see one of these secretive cats. Anyway I had a great time.  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I enjoy seeing wild life and going to the diminishing pool of wild places. There were two of us on this tour who felt the same way about wild life. We both understood that the best chance of spotting a snow leopard or ounce was to be as unobtrusive as possible. On one day, we climbed to one of the recommended viewing peaks and sat in almost complete silence for nearly two hours. It was a joy to listen to the snow cocks, the yellow-billed choughs and the Chukkar partridges calling to one another. We saw golden eagles and lammergiers wheeling and circling in the bright blue sky. We heard the blue sheep whistling to each other as they came down to drink at a nearby stream. We were surrounded by snow peaked mountains and it was very beautiful. No ounces but a magical experience for both of us.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader Sohan was very good. He was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. I favour using local guides because it helps the local economy and I feel that they get the best out of the local people. It also puts more attention in the conservation of local wild life. However, if there is 'the one' on the tour who demands more attention than the rest of the group, the poor old local guide has to put more effort into satisfying them rather than with the rest of the group. Sohan and all the other guides we had, were excellent but we did have 'that one'.  

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This tour is a very interesting one. However, it was very cold. Certainly our night temperatures were possibly nudging -20. You must have the right equipment. Good warm, waterproof boots, a good 5 season sleeping bag with mattress, warm clothing, thermal underwear, gloves, hats and a stick. I normally think walking sticks are a bind because I like to have my hands free for binoculars etc. However, on this tour a stick was essential. Gaiters are useful but I never used my yak-trax. Crossing icy rivers was hazardous and we did fall but putting on and then taking off the yak-trax took up too much effort. Remember the altitudes are high - up to 4200 meters. All exercise was exacting. Remember to take slipper socks for the monastery visits. Those floors and the floors of the hotel in Leh are freezing cold.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  There is a lot to see on this trip. It is exacting with the altitude and extreme cold. I would like to mention that one of the factors I think that we did not see an ounce, was human chatter, laughter and unbelievably, at one point, shouting. One of the cats we were following left the track, possibly because of a local man traveling down the track on his mule from his village. Now these cats are used to that but they are not used to excited, noisy human chatter. There should be more emphasis on silence. I was rather dreading our stay in Delhi having been before. However, we decided to use the metro to get about. The Delhi metro is clean, cheap and very efficient. However, it is very crowded particularly at rush hour. If you use it, make sure that you are not boxed in at your exit station. Move up to the doors well in advance. Do not be afraid to push your way through. Everyone does. Ladies use the 'Ladies Only' carriage at the front of the train to avoid being 'groped'! Take a good map and travel to your site by 'tuk tuk' from the metro station. Good luck.