Well done! You have reached the highest point in the trail. You can also head to third trail route leading upto the Tilicho Lake from this point. Further ahead the current trail, you will lose the elevation and you can see the local wildlife in this area. If you keep you eyes high, you can sight blue sheep, the Nayaur, the Himalayan Thar, and Tibetan Antelope up on nearby hills and ridges of this area. Further ahead in the distance, you can see mountain baseline that is very famous for snow leopard’s sightings. Keep your eyes low, you can also find the leopard’s paw prints, blue sheep’s prints, excrement, their fur in this area. Some locals check for these signs to protect their livestock and maintain a safe distance.
The current path upto Hyakarghang is classified as Rough Terrain with steep slope. So, you need to extra careful up ahead. From this point to Plangti Ghang, you must proceed with extra caution as it is landsliding prone area. So, you need to keep your eyes and legs busy during this part of the trek.
Short Information on Snow Leopard and its Myth
Snow Leopard is also known as Hechen[He: Large Rock, Chen: Leopard]. Locals have given this name to the Snow Leopard due to its camouflaging ability. It is able to hide itself in plain sight and normally uses rocks for attacks and its defense. Locals believe that snow leopard is relatively laid back(lazy) and creative when attacking. They believe, it has started to hunt using a new strategy. First, it identifies its prey and follows it to a possible hunting ground. From above, it pushes small rocks and stones towards the herd. If its prey is able to move away or responds to it quick enough, it does not attack. If the prey is unable to notice it, or does not respond, then the leopard attacks that significant prey.
Most of the cases of its recent attacks has been linked with the increasing temperatures and lack of prey at their natural habitat. It has started to hunt local livestocks and it has resulted in indirect conflict of locals with this illusive predator. Even these high mountains and this 0mountain ecosystem has been affected by the global warming and rising temperatures.
