Snow Leopard Trek in Dolpo

A snow leopard trek takes you to the remote area of Dolpo, located in the western region of Nepal. In 1978, travel writer Peter Matthiessen published the book ‘The Snow Leopard’ after travelling to one of the remotest and least accessible districts of Dolpa in 1973. This snow leopard trek in Nepal is based on the writer's experience of seeing the snow leopard in Nepal.

Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), a giant cat native to the mountainous parts of South Asia, is a very rare leopard species on the verge of extinction and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

These leopards are mostly found in the Himalayan region of central Asia. They are protected in 8 conservation areas: Annapurna Conservation Area, Shey Phuksundo National Park, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Sagarmatha National Park, and Langtang National Park.

Dolpo, which is located in western Nepal, provides an opportunity to travel to the ancient village of Dho Tarap, locals of this area still follow traditions and cultures that are being practiced for 100s of years now. The path that we trek through to reach Dho Tarap inhabits endangered animals like Himalayan musk deer, snow leopard, and blue sheep.

Snow leopard treks in Nepal take you to a place far from modern facilities and development: Dolpo. Dolpa is geographically the largest and remotest district in mid-western Nepal. It consists of an unexploited diversity of flora and fauna. 

Before, foreigners were restricted from entering the upper region of this district, but that has changed now. You can get a special permit to explore nature. The snow leopard is a beautiful endangered animal found in the Himalayan region. It is considered the most dangerous and aggressive animal, but it is actually very shy.

Furthermore, the snow leopard trek in Nepal is designed to fulfil the desire to observe snow leopards in their natural habitat. Through this trek, you will learn more about the importance of this endangered animal for the ecosystem and the need for its conservation.

Tipping Recommendation

We recommend allocating 10-15% of your total tour cost to tipping guides, drivers, and other hardworking staff who ensure your experience is unforgettable. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to support the seasonal workers who dedicate themselves to making your trip extraordinary.

By booking with us and participating in the tipping culture, you are directly contributing to Nepal’s local economy and helping sustain the tourism workforce. This support is crucial in retaining talent within the country and addressing challenges like brain drain.

Your generosity makes a lasting impact—thank you!