The snow leopard is one of the most secret animals on Earth. Its thick grey coat with black rosettes makes it almost invisible on rocky slopes, which is why people call it the ghost of the mountains. In winter, deep snow pushes snow leopards and their prey, the Himalayan ibex, down towards the villages of the Hushe valley in Gilgit Baltistan. Over the last three years a family of snow leopards has been seen in Hushe in every season, and in the mating season in February and March their calls can be heard at night. Our local spotters, who grew up in Hushe, scan the slopes with telescopes from first light, follow tracks in the snow and move with you to the best viewpoints. You stay in a heated local guesthouse and come back to a warm stove every evening. Sightings of wild animals can never be guaranteed, but Hushe gives one of the best chances in Pakistan.
Itinerary (14 days): Day 1 arrive in Islamabad. Day 2 fly to Skardu (or drive the Karakoram Highway if the flight is cancelled). Day 3 drive to Hushe (3,050 m), about 6 hours. Days 4 to 10 snow leopard tracking with local spotters and scopes, Himalayan ibex watching, nights in a heated guesthouse. Day 11 drive back to Skardu. Day 12 fly to Islamabad. Day 13 contingency day. Day 14 fly home.
Included: airport transfers, hotels in Islamabad (bed and breakfast) and Skardu (full board), domestic flights, jeeps, heated guesthouse in Hushe with all meals, local spotters and guide, spotting scopes, local fees. Not included: international flights, visa, insurance, personal gear and camera equipment, tips and personal expenses.
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