$4,690
/person
In 2023 Jan/Feb, we will give our clients the opportunity to accompany Tashi Ghale, a field biologist with THIRD POLE CONSERVANCY (TPC), on a camera trap survey expedition aimed at calculating the population density of snow leopards in Nepal in the Manang Valley of Annapurna District.
Over the course of the journey, participants will visit up to six of Tashi’s camera trap sites to recover memory cards and subsequently download image and video data. Photos and video obtained from the camera traps enable TPC to estimate the number of snow leopards inhabiting specific mountain tracks, in addition to the felines’ travel routes and the movement of their prey. Scientists rely on the animals’ spot patterns to identify individual snow leopards when conducting such research. Tashi Ghale’s snow leopard camera trap research is recognized as being amongst the most prolific in its field today.
Each of the expeditions – from arrival in Kathmandu to final departure – will last ten days, five of which will be spent in the company of our field biologist. Our trekking itineraries will range in altitude from 3,500 to 4,500 meters. These unique journeys have been conceived with two objectives: to allow participants to witness, first-hand, compelling wildlife conservation field research against a spectacular Himalayan setting and to provide funding support for TPC’s ongoing mission to protect the future of snow leopards in Annapurna through scientific research and community outreach programs. Participants on the journey will see the tangible application of the funding provided by the expedition to TPC to support its snow leopard conservation efforts.
Third Pole Conservancy (TPC), formerly known as Global Primate Network (GPN)-Nepal, is a non-governmental, and non-profit organization established by a team of young wildlife researchers and conservationists from Nepal with the aim of promoting science-based conservation of wildlife and its habitat in Nepal Himalaya.
Founded in 2008 by a team of young wildlife researchers (Ganga Ram Regmi, MSc MSc PhD Scholar (Small Wild Cats), Rinzin Phunjok Lama, MSc Conservation Biologist / Conservation Program Director, to promote the science-based conservation of wildlife and its habitat in Nepal, endeavors to protect wildlife through ‘people participation by developing and promoting local ‘citizen scientists’ through training and skill development programs. TPC works to engage communities – including migratory yak and goat herders – in field research through credible scientific data collection as well as by promoting awareness of snow leopard and alpine ecosystems.
Tashi Ghale today manages 30 different camera traps in the Manang area, across a dozen sites located along mountain ridges, at elevations ranging from 3,800 to 5,500 meters. Tashi started his snow leopard camera trap research in 2006, working with a self-customized analog camera. Today his digital cameras are capable of capturing photo and video data, day and night. He estimates that there are currently 25-30 snow leopards living in the area around Manang and 300-500 throughout the mountains of Nepal.
With so many cultures in Nepal, Manang DIstrict has its own people and their culture that is unique in every way. Get emerged with the locals as you travel through the villages of Manang, Khangsar and the Gompa.
Along with the trek to Langtang, we will explore few of the glamorous landmarks in the Kathmandu valley. Even though it is the capital city, Kathmandu is still filled with historical locations and old buildings. Walk through these roads as you experience the history of Kathmandu.
With many years of experience and the knowledge of the location, our guides also our local citizen scientist Mr. Tashi will provide you with the best experience to this amazing location.
With many of the tallest mountains in the northern part of Nepal. Get a panoramic view of Himalayan mountains, the Annapurnas, Tilicho Lake, and so much more.
Third Pole Conservancy (TPC), formerly known as Global Primate Network (GPN)-Nepal, is a non-governmental, and non-profit organization established by a team of young wildlife researchers and conservationists from Nepal with the aim of promoting science-based conservation of wildlife and its habitat in Nepal Himalaya.
Feel free to reach out and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Explore the culture and landscape
As you drive from the lower part of the Manang, you’ll pass through rich forests, with birds and the occasional monkey. The trip passes through pinewoods and on to the high valley with yak pastures, open skies and glaciers, and the homes of the Manang people. Explore the history, culture and heritage of the Manang region.
Support the local economy
Manang Valley is a well-trekked region where the famous Annapurna Circuit trek goes through. But on this trek, we will be supporting the local citizen scientist and their work to conserve the mountain big cat.
Easy access trek
This trek starts from the rugged road from Besisahar to Manang. A 4WD on a speed less than 5km per hour, we drive about 10 hours from Besisahar to Manang. A road that has a high cliff, one vehicle road access in most of the places, an adventurous drive, we have to take to reach our destination.
Note on Itinerary
Although we generally stick to the schedule date, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, lodging availability, and the group’s general timing.
Air Travel
Please check with your travel agent for a better route to fly into the arriving to Kathmandu. We advise you to check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
Weather
The two best seasons for the Manang trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec). But for this trip, we will be heading to Manang during the winter months, because of the possibility of capturing more images of the snow leopard.
Qualifications
This trek is considered moderate, but due to the rough long drive, it can also be considered strenuous. This trip takes you as high as 4500 meters in elevation and symptoms of high altitude sickness can happen.
Distance of the Trek
The drive from Besisahar to Manang is approximately 90 kilometres. The hiking will be approximately 5 – 6km per day, depending on where we go.
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