Few animals on Earth are as hard to see as thesnow leopard. Its smoky grey coat with dark rosettes melts into the rock, it moves mostly at dawn and dusk, and it lives in some of the steepest terrain in Asia. People call it theghost of the mountains. Yet in winter, deep snow pushes snow leopards and their prey down towards the villages, and in theHushe valley of Baltistan, a family of snow leopards has been seen in every season for the last three years. Our 14 daysnow leopard expedition in February and March gives you seven full days of tracking with local spotters who grew up on these slopes, and a warm village guesthouse to return to every night.
New to the region? Read ourKarakoram Ranges guide, with an interactive map, the 20 highest peaks and the best time to visit.
This guide explains why Hushe is special, what to expect each day, the other wildlife you may see, the best time to go, what to pack, photography tips and our answers to the most common questions.
Snow leopard expedition at a glance
| Duration | 14 days, Islamabad to Islamabad |
| Tracking days | 7 days in the Hushe valley |
| Season | February and March |
| Altitude | About 3,000 m to 4,000 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate, short walks on snowy slopes |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Islamabad and Skardu, heated guesthouse in Hushe |
| Wildlife | Snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, red fox, golden eagle, lammergeier |
| Group size | Small groups, ideal for photographers |
About the snow leopard
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) lives in the high mountains of Central and South Asia, from the Himalaya and Karakoram to the Altai. It is listed as Vulnerable, and Pakistan is home to a small population spread across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Snow leopards have long, thick tails for balance and warmth, wide paws that work like snowshoes, and powerful legs for leaping across cliffs. They hunt wild goats such as the Himalayan ibex, and in hard winters they sometimes take livestock, which has made conservation and community support very important in villages like Hushe.
Why the Hushe valley?
- A known family. Over the last three years a family of snow leopards has been seen in Hushe in every season.
- Winter movement. In February and March deep snow brings ibex and snow leopards down to lower slopes, closer to the village.
- Mating season. February and March is the mating season, when snow leopards are more active and their calls can be heard at night.
- Local spotters. Our spotters grew up in Hushe. They know every ridge, every ibex herd and the paths the cats use.
- Comfortable base. You stay in a heated guesthouse in the village, not in a tent in the snow.
- Real winter life. You see how a Balti mountain village lives through the winter.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Islamabad
Airport pick up and transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing.
Day 2: Fly to Skardu (2,230 m)
A spectacular winter flight past Nanga Parbat. If the flight is cancelled we drive the Karakoram Highway instead.
Day 3: Drive from Skardu to Hushe (3,050 m)
About 6 hours along the Indus and Shyok rivers, through Khaplu and up the Hushe valley, with snowy peaks all around. We check in to the heated guesthouse and meet the spotters.
Days 4 to 10: Snow leopard tracking in the Hushe valley
Seven full days in the field. A typical day:
- Up before sunrise, hot tea and breakfast
- Spotters scan the slopes with telescopes from first light, when cats are most active
- Walks of 1 to 4 hours to viewpoints, following fresh tracks and signs in the snow
- Watching ibex herds, which often show where a snow leopard might be
- Hot lunch in the field or back at the guesthouse
- Afternoon and dusk watch from a different viewpoint
- Evenings by the stove, sharing photos and stories with the spotters
Day 11: Drive back to Skardu
Day 12: Fly to Islamabad
Day 13: Contingency day
Held in reserve for winter flight delays.
Day 14: Fly home
Other wildlife in Hushe
- Himalayan ibex: large wild goats with long curved horns, often seen in herds on the cliffs
- Red fox: often seen near the village and on snowy fields
- Golden eagle: hunting over the ridges
- Lammergeier (bearded vulture): one of the most impressive birds of the high mountains
- Snow partridges, chukar and other winter birds
Read more about Pakistan’s wild goats in our pages on theHimalayan ibex and themarkhor.
Can sightings be guaranteed?
No. Snow leopards are wild and very shy, and no honest operator can guarantee a sighting. What we can promise is the best possible chance: a valley with a known snow leopard family, the right season, seven full tracking days and experienced local spotters with telescopes. Even without a sighting, many guests see fresh tracks, scrapes and kills, hear calls at night and watch ibex herds every day.
How difficult is it?
We grade the trip asmoderate. You walk 1 to 4 hours a day on snowy paths and slopes, sometimes uphill to reach viewpoints. The altitude is about 3,000 m to 4,000 m. You should be able to walk on uneven, icy ground and stand still for long periods in the cold. No technical skills are needed.
Weather in February and March
Winter in Hushe is cold and usually clear. Daytime temperatures are often around 0 °C to 5 °C in the sun, and nights can fall to -10 °C to -20 °C. Snow cover is common. The guesthouse is heated, but you will spend long hours outside, so warm clothing is essential.
What to pack
- Insulated winter boots with good grip
- Microspikes or light crampons for icy paths
- Very warm down jacket and down trousers or insulated pants
- Thermal base layers and fleece
- Warm hat, balaclava, thick gloves and mittens
- Hand and foot warmers
- Sunglasses and sun cream (the winter sun is strong on the snow)
- Binoculars
- Camera with a long lens and spare batteries kept warm
- Small day pack and thermos flask
Photography tips
- A lens of at least 400 mm, ideally 500 mm to 600 mm, is best for snow leopards.
- Carry a light tripod or monopod for long waits.
- Keep spare batteries inside your jacket. Cold drains them fast.
- Use a fast shutter speed and expose for the snow so it does not turn grey.
- Be patient. Many of the best moments come after hours of quiet watching.
Responsible wildlife watching
We follow simple rules to protect the animals: no baiting, no chasing, no drones near wildlife and keeping a respectful distance. Part of what you pay goes directly to local spotters and families in Hushe, which gives the community a reason to protect snow leopards rather than see them as a threat to livestock.
What is included
- Airport transfers
- Hotels in Islamabad (bed and breakfast) and Skardu (full board)
- Domestic flights Islamabad to Skardu and back (road travel if cancelled)
- Jeep transport Skardu to Hushe and back
- Heated guesthouse in Hushe with all meals
- Local spotters and guide
- Spotting scopes
- Local fees
Combine with ice climbing
The snow leopard season overlaps with ice climbing in the Hushe valley. If you would like to try both, read ourice climbing guide and our article onwinter in the Hushe valley.
Snow leopard expedition FAQ
Where can I see snow leopards in Pakistan?
The Hushe valley in Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the best places. A family of snow leopards has been seen there in every season for the last three years.
When is the best time to see snow leopards in Hushe?
February and March, when deep snow brings snow leopards and ibex down to lower slopes and it is the mating season.
Is a sighting guaranteed?
No. Snow leopards are wild and shy. We give you the best chance with seven tracking days and expert local spotters, but no one can guarantee a sighting.
How long is the snow leopard expedition?
14 days from Islamabad to Islamabad, with 7 full tracking days in Hushe.
How cold is it?
Days are around 0 °C to 5 °C and nights can fall to -10 °C to -20 °C. The guesthouse is heated.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate fitness is enough. You walk 1 to 4 hours a day on snowy slopes at about 3,000 m to 4,000 m.
Where do we stay in Hushe?
In a heated local guesthouse with all meals.
What other animals can I see?
Himalayan ibex, red fox, golden eagle, lammergeier and many winter birds.
What camera lens should I bring?
A lens of at least 400 mm, ideally 500 mm to 600 mm, plus binoculars and spare batteries.
Can I combine snow leopard tracking with ice climbing?
Yes. Both happen in the Hushe valley in winter, so we can build a combined trip.
Do I need a visa and insurance?
Yes. You need a Pakistan visa and travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation.
How much does the snow leopard expedition cost?
Prices are on request and depend on group size and dates. Contact us on WhatsApp +92 355 5733499 or by email at discoverkarakoram@gmail.com for a quote.
Track snow leopards with Discover Karakoram
Discover Karakoram is based in Hushe, and our spotters are from the village. Our founderRozi Ali has worked in these mountains for about 40 years, and we are a government licensed operator (DTS No. 2369). Bookings are open for the 2027 winter season, prices on request. See thesnow leopard expedition page orcontact us for a quote.
