SNOW LEOPARD PHOTOGRAPHY TREKKING - Big Animals Expeditions
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BigAnimals Expeditions | snow lEopArd Feb. 24 - March 8, 2019
SNOW LEOPARD
PHOTOGRAPHY TREKKING
A rare opportunity to spend time in one of the world’s last truly wild places,
in search of a majestic, reclusive animal that only the most adventurous
and intrepid will ever have the privilege of seeing in the wild.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950 | phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAChouM photoGrAphy
BigAnimals Expeditions | snow lEopArd Feb. 24 - March 8, 2019
years of research determined that the best
opportunity to observe snow leopards
would be during their winter mating season.
Based on a few previous sightings, the best
destination would prove to be hemis
national park located about 12 miles (20
“ Phantom of the Himalayas
”
Atop a himalayan summit in ladakh located between the states of Jammu and Kashmir
in northern India, our journey to photograph snow leopards, a wilderness scene
rarely observed much less photographed, was soon to be rewarded.
km) between rumbak and Zinchen villages.
the frozen rumbak stream was chosen as
our base of operation because it was
located between three observation peaks:
tablung, husing, and Khalung. It took us
three hours trekking on the solid ice stream
After patiently waiting for hours, this Instantly, she tucked her chin under his
before we began the climb to husing
unimaginable encounter, nature's ultimate strong neck. nuzzling him, she maternally
observation peak.
gift, occurred at the end of a long, strenuous closed her eyes while he curiously gazed
Credit to our six excellent guides is well
climb to 12,500 feet (3,810 m) and up to into the distance.
deserved. while Gyalson shangku and
14,000 feet (4,267meter) we were experiencing a moment
tsering Gurment found the snow leopards
not only were we physically challenged frozen in time, the perfect image of love
we photographed, a pair of guides
by high elevation; we endured bitter cold observed between a mother and her cub.
searched each of the three peaks. daily at
and harsh terrain. snow with gale force the only sound on himalaya’s rugged
daybreak, they departed camp to scout the
winds brought daytime temperatures as mountain peaks was the rapid-fire of
mountain ranges for telltale leopard signs:
low as 14F (-10C) with bone chilling camera shutters clicking.
resting places or paw tracks left from hunting
nights dropping to -13 F (-25C). sunny Emotional warmth exhibited by these
or traveling. the guides communicated with
days brought warmer temperatures of snow leopards, descendants of the
one another using radio transmitters. By
40 F. For twelve days, we trekked trails pre-historic saber tooth cat or tiger, stands
6:00 AM, they will wake you up to get ready
covered with packed ice crisscrossing in stark contrast to their winter environment.
for the day scouting – we will not be waiting
frozen rivers. these conditions required the snow leopard’s rarity and beauty
for the other teams out there to tell us where
immense endurance and physical attracts a hard-core adventurer capable of
or if they spot the “ghost cat” – we are
conditioning. experiencing the frigid conditions of the
aiming to be the first to locate them, that is
the first sighting of a leopard mother himalayas.
the adventure and the one for wildlife
tenderly loving her two-year-old cub photographer aspiration. we also receive
transfixed us. this was not behavior we all the report arriving from the other guides
expected to observe from such a notorious sighting, and they would call us to join them.
predator. later in the day, viewing the like most predators, snow leopards are
female morph into what appeared to be active early in the morning and around
a protective mode further amazed us. dusk into the night. we experienced our
our wildlife guide quietly motioned unique sighting as darkness began to creep
toward an adjacent peak. Emerging from over the peak. the air, cold and thin, made
his den, a juvenile male stealthily, but it painful to breathe. someone whispered,
with great agility, climbed the steep “leopards!” we all jumped behind our
terrain toward the female. As the cub camera lenses. Fortunately, to accommodate
approached, the female rose. Emitting a the dimming light, I had changed my Iso
deep guttural sound, the call was one of from 800 to 6,400. A moment like this is a
familiarity and acceptance. the young reminder of how precious and inspiring the
male was her separated cub. wilderness can be. If we respect Mother
nature, the dividends are enormous.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950 | phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAChouM photoGrAphy
BigAnimals Expeditions | snow lEopArd Feb. 24 - March 8, 2019
The Endangered Snow Leopard snow leopards show several adaptations
for living in a cold, mountainous environment.
snow leopards live solitary lives spent regularly patrolling their territory, which often their bodies are stocky, their fur is thick,
covers hundreds of square miles. territorial, they leave markings throughout these and their ears are small and rounded, all
vast areas: scraping the ground with their paws or spraying urine on rocks. of which help to minimize heat loss. their
paws are wide, which distributes their
occasionally, they rub against rocks snow leopards are slightly smaller than
weight better for walking on snow, and
leaving clumps of hair. the snow leopard’s the other big cats but, like them, exhibit a
have fur on their undersides to increase
breeding season occurs between range of sizes, generally weighing be-
their grip on steep and unstable surfaces;
december and March. the only large tween 27 and 55 kg (60 and 121 lb.), with
it also helps to minimize heat loss.
cat that cannot roar, snow leopard an occasional large male reaching 75 kg
snow leopards’ tails are long and flexible,
vocalizations include hisses, chuffing, (165 lb.) and small female of under 25 kg
helping them to maintain their balance,
mews, growls, and wailing. during (55 lb.). they have a relatively short body,
which is very important in the rocky terrain
mating season a pair will call back and measuring in length from the head to the
they inhabit. their tails are also very thick
forth to one other by snarling. base of the tail 75 to 130 cm (30 to 50 in).
due to storage of fat and are very thickly
however, the tail is quite long, at 80 to
covered with fur, which allows them to be
100 cm (31 to 39 in), with only the domes-
used like a blanket to protect their faces
tic-cat-sized marbled cat being relatively
when asleep.
longer-tailed. they are stocky and short-
legged big cats, standing about 60 cm
(24 in) at the shoulder.
snow leopards have long, thick fur, and
their base color varies from smoky gray to
yellowish tan, with whitish underparts.
they have dark grey to black open
rosettes on their bodies, with small spots
the snow leopard is a large cat native of the same color on their heads and
to the mountain ranges of Central and larger spots on their legs and tails. unusu-
south Asia. It is listed as endangered on ally among cats, their eyes are pale green
the IuCn red list of threatened species or grey in color.
perhaps the snow leopard is only observed
because as of 2003, the size of the global
when it feels so inclined. during our
population was estimated at 4,080–
encounters, these incredible animals
6,590 adults, of which fewer than 2,500
seemed well aware of our presence before
individuals may reproduce in the wild.
we ever located them, and they disap-
today their number is estimated ay
peared without a trace whenever they
3,000 only.
chose to. perhaps, that is why they are
snow leopards inhabit alpine and
called the phantom of the himalayas.
subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000
to 4,500 m (9,800 to 14,800 ft.). In the
northern range countries, they also
occur at lower elevations.
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950 | phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAChouM photoGrAphy
BigAnimals Expeditions | snow lEopArd Feb. 24-March 8, 2019
snow leopard trek,
Feb. 24 - March 8, 2019
nature at its Best. Feel
your heart pound.
ExpErIEnCE: 3 years
whErE: ladakh, India
Enhance your dAtEs: February 24-March 8, 2019
photographic skills durAtIon: 14days
with nathaniel. MAx no. oF GuEsts: 6
the Experience is AvAIlABIlIty: open
nAthAnIEl sMAllEy
priceless! prICInG: $9,800 per person, based on
double occupancy
Expedition leader
rEGIstrAtIon: deposit of $3,300
For nathaniel, becoming established BigAnimals’ unique services –
as a full time, professional nature pho- raising the bar of services in every ACtIvItIEs: photography, hiking,
tographer has been the realization of a adventure we operate around the
Climbing, and Exploring
lifelong dream. world is our policy.
nathaniel was awarded ‘honorable we lead by example with immaculate tEMpErAturE: 40F(4C)/sunny to
Mention’ in the national wildlife Federa- safety record. Each wildlife expedition is 14F(-10C)/ snow & wind
tion’s nature photography competition carefully scouted before offered to the night: 0F (-18C) to -13F(-25C)/extreme
for his image titled ‘peek-A-Boo’ of a public and we schedule departures cold & snow
sandhill Crane. Also in 2012 his image only during peak animal presence and
‘levitation’ of an Anna’s hummingbird behavior displays, led by nathaniel trIp prICE InCludEs:
was a ‘Finalist’ at the stanford Birding smalley and based on Amos nachoum’s • 2 nights hotel in new delhi, single
photographic Competition in Capetown, 35 years of exploring and photographing • 12 nights of mixed accommodation –
south Africa. around the world. hotels leh are based on single
he was recognized as the ‘Featured our snow leopard trek is strictly accommodation. Camping, private
photographer’ for Audubon Arizona in limited to only 6 privileged guests. tent for each person
2013 and joined their Central leadership this is with consideration of the • 10 days of trekking
Council that same year. he also served as animals’ welfare and behavior, your • All transfers, in accordance with group
the Field trip Chairman for Maricopa safety, and to photograph and film with
activities
Audubon from 2013 – 2014. personalized attention and advice.
• photography seminar/photo coaching
In 2014 he became sponsored by by nathaniel smally
naneu Camera Bags, was accepted into
the community of nikon pro services trIp prICE ExCludEs:
photographers and was invited to join • All International flights
the Ethics Committee for the north • Airfare to and from delhi
American nature photographers Associ- • overweight luggage or excess
ation. baggage
snathaniel never feels alone explor-
• Meals that aren’t specified above
ing the vast wilderness in search of his
• personal charges such as laundry, bar,
photographs. For him it is a sanctuary
and telecommunication charges
where he captures images of the living
• Insurance – it is mandatory you buy
world and shares them with those who
your own travel, health insurance,
love and appreciate nature as he does.
including evacuation
• Gratuities
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950 | phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAChouM photoGrAphy
BigAnimals Expeditions | snow lEopArd Feb. 24 - March 8, 2019
SNOW LEOPARD TRIP ITINERARY >Feb.24-March 8,'19 we may move camp, trekking a few
hours to the very remote village of
rumbak, where snow leopards are known
to prey on livestock. Again this will depend
Itinerary on messages coming through passing
while this itinerary can change, the DAY 1 villagers that may make us aware about
snow leopard expedition begins in new ArrIvE in delhi, clear customs, and check sightings. we’ll camp near village, but
delhi. this Indian city can be described into hotel. usually flights in India arrive late at spend the evening enjoying tibetan
as a smorgasbord for the senses: vibrant night, hence we will give you time to rest this hospitality with the locals. there is a
colors, intoxicating smells, baffling traffic, evening. possibility we may stay in a homestay.
and overwhelming sounds. Before trekking At camp we have one heated social
to the 14,000-foot (4,267 meters) thin-air
elevation of hemis national park, we
DAY 2 tent for eating, meeting and generator to
charge your camera batteries. At camp
wake up at leisure. It is important to adjust you will have limited supply of fresh water
acclimated by spending several days in
to the time change before heading to leh. A for basic hygiene.
the tibetan-influenced city of leh,
short sightseeing tour will be arranged. If any A team of sherpa that carry you
considered the capital of the ancient
items need to be bought, this would be the camera and tripod will support you. other
himalayan kingdom of ladakh.
day. dinner at a local restaurant with briefing. team is dedicated to bring lunch and hot
these days are spent visiting local
drink during the day no matter how far
markets and a number of the region's
Buddhist (hems, thickset and shay)
DAY 3 we are in search of the leopard.
DAY 13
monasteries dating back to the 15th Fly to leh, the ancient capital of the former
and 16th centuries. on the third himalayan kingdom of ladakh. our local
morning, after departing leh by car for guides will take us to hotel omasilla. spend we pack up early morning, load our gear
the tiny village of Zingchen, we crossed the day relaxing and acclimating to the altitude on the mule convoy and set out back by foot
the Indus river before reaching our (11,500 feet!). omasilla is a family run hotel. for Zinchen 2 – 3 hours hike. At Zinchen you
destination in hemis national park. heating is provided in the room through meet your van and driven back to leh. rest
only two families call Zingchen home. heaters and hot water bottles. It is essential to and take hot bath.
For the next ten days your guides start getting used to the cold.
Gyalson shangku and tsering Gurmet we spend the day continuing to get used to
the altitude, visiting the local sights such as
DAY 14
then lead our trek into the himalayas.
the ancient Buddhist monasteries and the we take you to the airport for morning
Each member of the group had an
bustling markets around leh. return to the flight to delhi. All day at leisure in delhi. A day
assistant, sherpa helping you to carry
omasilla. room has been booked for you. Evening
your camera with the big lens and tri-
transfer to airport for international flight.
pod. during early mornings we searched
for the leopards along ridgelines, hoping DAY 4
to observe them returning to their drive to Zinchen, and begin our trek pAyMEnt polICy And dEposIt:
daytime resting place. unsuccessful, we through snow leopard country. packhorses
when we receive your deposit, you will re-
viewed a flock of chukar partridge or carry the bulk of our gear, you’ll carry a small
ceive confirmation. All flights and trip
herds of blue sheep. As the leopard’s day- pack, your binoculars and camera. we’ll
costs are subject to change without prior
primary source of food, locating blue spend 2 – 3 hours hiking to our first campsite,
notice until your reservation is
sheep in the valley is a good omen. a distance of about 5 kilometers (a little over
confirmed. A non-refundable deposit of
there are about five key observation 3 miles). spend the night in the sleeping bag
one third of the expedition price is re-
points along the river stretch. the guide you brought (it needs to be rated to at least –
quired to secure a place on the trip.
will choose each morning where to go 25 degrees C). we supply the 2-person private
tent to each person. this is hemis national Full payment is due no later than 90 days
and the camp team is prepared in
park and we will be in the husing valley. before departure. we reserve the right to
sending lunch and hot drinks, much
sell any space that is not paid in full 60
DAY 5 - 12
needed energy and warmth during the
days before departure. A refund will be
day to our location that some days can
made if the space can be filled in time,
10-15 miles away from camp. we’re now at around 12,500 feet, and we less unrecoverable costs of sales, adminis-
should all feel pretty comfortable hiking tration, or special promotion.
around at this height. we’ll trek to nearby Cancellation must be made in writing.
valleys and rock formations looking for blue deposits are non-refundable if cancellation
sheep, because the snow leopards are looking is made 180 days or less before departure.
for blue sheep, too. the program everyday is no refunds for unused part of the itinerary.
not fixed. Everything will depend on weather For payment, please mail your check to:
conditions and snow leopard movements. Big Animals Expeditions
the idea is to have the best possibility to track 189 Evans Avenue, suite A
the” ghost cat” (snow leopard). pacific Grove, CA 93950
BigAnimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 Evans Ave #A, pacific Grove, CA 93950 | phone 831.241.6657 | © AMos nAChouM photoGrAphy
Biganimals expeditions | snoW leoParD february 24-march 8, 2019
ApplicAtion Form
expedition snow leopard| expeditions Dates: Feb.24-march 8, '19
Personal InformatIon
first name last name
Date of Birth Gender: female male
address
City state Zip
Work Phone Home Phone
email
Citizen of Passport # Place Issued & Date
trip price $9,800 per person. Deposit of 1/3 of trip price is required to secure space = $3,300 non-refundable.
final payment due 90 days before departure. $
Please make your check payment to Biganimals expeditions, 189 evans ave #a, Pacific Grove, Ca 93950.
overseas payment can be done via bank wire, instructions will be sent to you upon receipt of this application.
Promotional code
travel insurance: Yes no Provider Policy #
travel insurance is prerequisite and mandatory on Biganimals adventures. We need to have your policy number..
Biganimals.com | info@biganimals.com | 189 evans ave #a, Pacific Grove, Ca 93950 | Phone 831.241.6657 | © amos naCHoum PHotoGraPHY
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