Quest for Gray Ghost
Trekking into the high Himalayas of northern India for a rare glimpse of mysterious, elusive snow leopards in the wild.
Good accompaniments for any trip to Ladakh, especially to see snow leopards, these books provide a deeper look at the region and animal that’s such an iconic part of Ladakh. “Ladakh: Crossroads of High Asia” by Janet Rizvi (Oxford University Press, 290 pages). A thorough introduction to Ladakh, known as Little Tibet — one of the last outposts of Tibetan civilization — that covers nature, geology, history, literature, artifacts and local traditions. “Snow Leopard: Stories From the Roof of the World” edited by Don Hunter (University Press of Colorado, 216 pages). This collection of first-person accounts from an impressive cadre of scientist-adventurers gives readers a rare glimpse of the elusive cat and the lives of those personally connected to its future. “Snow Leopards: Biodiversity of the World, Conservation From Genes to Landscapes” edited by Thomas McCarthy and David Mallon (Academic Press, 644 pages). For seriously studying up on the snow leopard, this academic book covers recent research from all 12 range states, covering biology, behavior, threats and conservation activities. “The Snow Leopard” by Peter Matthiessen (Penguin Classics, 336 pages). Though this classic about the author’s trek into the wilds of the Dolpo region of Nepal in the company of naturalist and adventurer George Schaller isn’t about Ladakh, his story of tracking the snow leopard at a time of personal crisis is a beautiful illustration of the quest.