Cat Scan

Trailing the Snow Leopard in Ladakh

Few of you will have missed Steve Winter’s image of a Snow Leopard making its way through a mountain pass at night,which won the 2008 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. In this week’s column,we’ve packed our bags and wandered out,in search of this extraordinary animal,into the heart of the mountainous region where we experienced a fascinating blend of rare,high-altitude wildlife. In the depths of winter,the Bharal (Himalyan blue sheep) of Ladakh in north-west India descend from the high peaks into Ladakh valley. They are pursued by hungry Snow Leopards,one of the world’s most charismatic and elusive mammals. This beautiful cat inhabits some of the most remote and mountainous regions of Central Asia where both,the temperature and terrain are at extreme ends. A pretty adventurous tour,this trek should not be undertaken lightly,and hence,absolute flexibility is the key. Snuggling down into a four-season sleeping bag in such a setting is an unforgettable and magical experience. Patience and an acceptance of flexibility are individual qualities that are essential for snow trekkers. However inaccessible the Snow Leopard’s habitat may appear at first glance,the predator is tied to its prey. It is equally important to know that Snow Leopards can be spotted in winter months,i.e. November to March. In searching for this mysterious animal you will be exploring its environment and all that live in it in some detail. Not only will you encounter diverse flora and fauna but you will also meet the amazingly hardy mountain people and,by visiting some of their monasteries and villages,understand a little of the Buddhism that they practice.