This 10-day Snow Leopard Photography Adventure with Travan Pakistan takes you into the frozen majesty of Hunza and Khunjerab National Park, one of the world’s highest wildlife habitats. The tour combines wildlife tracking in the upper Hunza valleys with cultural exploration of ancient forts, mountain communities, and historic Buddhist sites.
The elusive Himalayan snow leopard, known locally as Shan, roams the steep cliffs and snowy ridges of Khunjerab during the winter months. Accompanied by experienced trackers and wildlife experts, you’ll spend several days in the field searching for signs, photographing the snow-covered Karakoram peaks, and immersing yourself in the rhythms of the high mountains.
Between field days, enjoy warm local hospitality in traditional homestays, taste organic Hunza cuisine, and visit centuries-old heritage sites. This journey is ideal for wildlife photographers and explorers who seek both adventure and connection with Pakistan’s remote northern landscapes.
Take a scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, offering spectacular views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram peaks. Upon arrival, begin your journey along the dramatic mountain roads towards Hunza Valley. Arrive by evening and check into a comfortable resort surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in Hunza.
After breakfast, depart for the upper Hunza region. En route, stop at the turquoise Attabad Lake, formed by a landslide in 2010, and enjoy tea at a lakeside viewpoint. Continue to Gulmit, where you’ll have a traditional organic lunch at a community-run homestay. Then travel north through Passu and Khyber, admiring the towering Passu Cones before reaching Ghalapan Village, your base for snow leopard exploration. Settle into a cosy traditional homestay and enjoy a local dinner by the fire.
Begin your first day of wildlife tracking in Khunjerab National Park, one of the highest protected regions in the world. Situated at elevations above 4,000 meters, this vast plateau is home to snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, foxes, and golden eagles. Guided by expert trackers, spend the day scanning the ridgelines and snowy slopes for signs of the elusive predator. Return to Ghalapan in the evening for rest.
Venture deeper into the park, exploring different vantage points and valleys favored by snow leopards during winter. Capture the grandeur of the frozen landscapes and local wildlife. Your guides will share tracking techniques and ecological insights about the species’ behavior and habitat. Return to Ghalapan for dinner and overnight stay.
Another day in the high-altitude wilderness, alternating between observation posts and scenic viewpoints. Depending on conditions, you may visit a local village near the park’s edge to learn about community-led conservation efforts protecting snow leopards. Evening return to Ghalapan.
Full day of wildlife tracking and photography in the Khunjerab region. The combination of soft winter light and dramatic terrain offers ideal conditions for capturing wildlife portraits and landscapes. Return to your homestay in the evening to warm up and review the day’s images with your guide.
Spend your last day in Khunjerab National Park, maximizing your chances for rare sightings. In the afternoon, enjoy a farewell gathering with your hosts in Ghalapan, sharing stories of the mountains and wildlife. Overnight stay at the homestay.
After breakfast, drive back to Central Hunza. Visit the ancient Ganish Fort, one of the region’s oldest settlements and a UNESCO-recognized heritage site. Later, explore the Kado Centre, an initiative supporting local artisans and craft preservation. Dinner and overnight stay in Hunza.
Depart Hunza and drive back toward Skardu, stopping at the Korgah Buddha, a 7th-century rock carving representing the Buddhist heritage of Baltistan. Continue along the scenic Indus River valley to reach Skardu by evening. Check into your resort and rest after the long journey.
Transfer to Skardu Airport for your return flight to Islamabad. Reflect on your unforgettable journey through the high mountains of Hunza and Khunjerab, where ancient culture and wild nature coexist in perfect harmony.
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