GHT Snow Leopard Trail
Great Himalayan Trail — Western Section, through Nepal's snow leopard country
GHT Snow Leopard Trail overview
The Snow Leopard Trail covers the Western Section of the Great Himalayan Trail, crossing the remotest and driest part of the country — the trans-Himalayan territory of Mustang, Dolpo, and Humla that forms the core snow leopard range described in Peter Matthiessen's 'The Snow Leopard'. Starting from Jomsom, the route crosses into Upper Mustang's walled kingdom before turning south into Dolpo, visiting Phoksundo Lake and the high passes of the Kagmara and Jang La ranges, then continues far west through some of Nepal's least-populated districts to finish at Simikot in Humla, gateway to Mount Kailash. Over 38 days, trekkers pass through a landscape of wind-scoured plateaus, ancient Bon-po and Tibetan Buddhist villages, and genuinely wild high-altitude terrain where snow leopard, blue sheep, and Himalayan wolf still roam largely undisturbed by human presence.
Country
Nepal
Duration
38 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,360 m (Jang La)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Final briefing and permit processing in Kathmandu, followed by flights to Pokhara and on to Jomsom, the trek's starting point in the Mustang region.
Price includes
- Pokhara–Jomsom flight and Simikot–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu flights
- Experienced English-speaking GHT-licensed lead guide and assistant guide
- Full camping and porter/mule crew for the extended sections without teahouse coverage
- Tea house accommodation where available, camping elsewhere
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, and Humla region permits
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Emergency high-altitude rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel and rescue insurance with high-altitude coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking and camping gear for extended remote-area travel
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Wi-Fi and communication costs (unavailable across almost the entire route)
- Tips for guide, crew, and porters (customary, significant given trek length and remoteness)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
Starting from