8 years of seeing the Snow leopards some tips for the first timers

Have been going to the mountains to trek and photograph the Snow Leopards for the past 8 years. Have learnt a lot from the locals and my friends who are also my guides and trackers. I had to reinvent myself for these trips. Right from how I walk and what I eat. I am sharing a few things I have learnt on what to do to enjoy these harsh and inhospitable conditions. It is for those who are planning to do this trip for the first time. As  people tend to over pack and under prepare.

I did my first trip to Ladakh in Aug 2008. That trip I learnt about the importance of acclimatisation. Started my first Snow leopard trip in the jan 2013.

Lot of attention has to be paid towards

• Health

• Clothing

• Fitness

Clothing

Most people whom I have seen coming to these extreme weather conditions tend to over pack. Layering is am amazing concept for the cold. In my experience 5 layers on the top is more than enough. You can carry a sixth layer just in case you think you may need it but I am sure one would not need the sixth layer. The 5 layers I wear are

• Thermal inner

• Sleeveless woollen sweater

• Full sleeve Fleece tee shirt

• Fleece jacket

• Down Jacket

For the lower body 2 layers are enough. As this part of the body does the maximum work so the blood flow is good and it stays warm

• Thermal inners

• Wind resistant fleece lined pants

For the head

1) Good quality beanie cap

For the hands.

1. A good pair of inner gloves

2. A warm pair of synthetic water proof outer gloves

The neck

1)neck warmer

For the  Feet

The trickiest part is the feet. Till date I have not been able to find a way to keep my toes warm. The best thing I have learnt is to use three layers of socks which make it a bit comfortable.

• Thin Cotton socks

• Thermal warm socks

• Local half socks

You need a good pair of snow walking shoes with good ankle support. These shoes have to be a size bigger than your actual size so that your feet are comfortable even after wearing the three layers of socks.

Shoes

The shoes have to be broken in so please buy them a month before the trip and walk in them so that you get used to them and this would make walking comfortable.

Other accessories that would be needed are

• Good pair of UV protected sunglasses. If it is not tight under the eye it will tend to fog. To avoid fogging buy those skiing glasses but there is one trick slide the glasses over your cap and not on to the ears

• Gaiters

• Sun Screen (50 SPF)

Preparations

One need not be a superman to undertake this trip but one needs to reasonably fit. Going to the gym for 2 months would be the best thing but if one cannot then the alternative is to go for an hours brisk walk every day.

All through the trip keep hydrating. This also helps keep away head aches.

Medication.

Diamox is the medicine to be taken.one tablet a day and it is to be started 2 days before reaching and also on the day of reaching. This should be enough but some people continue taking it till the end of the trip. In my 9 years of going for these trips I never had to take medicines. one should consult the doctor for all medication and also take a go head from the doctor if there are some pre existing ailments

Acclimation

This is the most important thing. Something that each of us should pay attention to and should not be ignored. The first day after reaching one should avoid any activity and take complete rest. But remember not to sleep during the day. Keep drinking small amounts of water throughout the day.

Everyone gets the dull aching in the sides of the head and vomiting sensation but these are common and one will get over it in a couple of days.

While on the trek remember you are not in a race where you win a prize for reaching first. Take your time listen to your body and walk accordingly. But do keep the others in sight as that would give you a target also if one falls back a lot he/she will tend to try and catch up and in this process will over exert.

I have been going to the Himalayas for the snow leopards for 8 years now. I have not got a close up photo of these shy cats. But I have had some close encounters with them. Sharing photos from each year. for me it was the journey that i have enjoyed. don’t get me wrong i still wish to get that close and tight shot of the snow leopard . hopefully will get it before my legs give up on me.

2013- Ladakh

this was my first sighting of the Snow Leopard. even though it is not a good  Image but is still a cherished one .the only one that i have watermarked.

2014- Ladakh

2015- Ladakh

2016-Ladakh

i did not see the Snow Leopards on the actual trip but ended up seeing them on my way back from Khardung La. I only had my 24-70 with me. these Images are shot on the smallest lens i possess.

2017- Ladakh

2018 -Spitti

2019-Spitti

2020- Spitti