Most Inspirational Moment
On our first full day in the high mountains, we saw a female snow leopard with her two cubs, which were about 18 months old. The terrain they were crossing was insanely steep and yet the cubs started to play fight - what a privilege to see a window into their world. The golden eagles were numerous too, and some kind enough to do low level flybys.
Thoughts on Group Leader
In one word - inspiring, but equally I could say passionate, fun, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, experienced, calm, helpful, kind, compassionate, interesting, engaging, interactive, inclusive Val’s ‘bedtime stories’ were truly inspiring - what an amazing woman reaching the summit of an 8000+ meter peak without oxygen and being within a whisker of the summit of Everest, yet knowing when to call time to save lives. Val’s knowledge of the region is encyclopaedic so if history and culture lights you up, you’ll enjoy hours of chat
Advice for Potential Travellers
Three bits of advice: 1) This trip takes you to the realm of the snow leopard. We saw 6 snow leopards and 2 wolves across 4 days, at a distance of between 500 and 1200 meters. Do not expect a zoo or petting farm, but do bring good binoculars or powerful camera lenses (1000mm equivalent or more). The spotters have superb scopes and will happily take smartphone pictures down the eye piece - they are good at this..! 2) The wildlife is truly wild. Depending on where sightings are made may mean short or long / challenging treks at altitude (3800 to 4500 meters) are needed. This is very different to African safaris where spotting is easy and close… so bring realism and adventure into your expectations 3) Camping for 5 nights at 3900 meters in temperatures of down to -25oC is hard unless you have the right kit - such as merino thermals, multiple layers, down jacket and expedition sleeping bag (which can be hired). I often wore 7 layers in the evening and early morning.
