- Tours
- South India Tours
Snow Leopard Expedition - Spiti
- 12 Days / 11 Nights
Snow Leopard Expedition - Spiti
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the rugged landscapes of the Indian Himalayas,
where ancient culture, breathtaking scenery, and elusive wildlife converge. This meticulously
crafted itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene valleys of Spiti, a remote
high-altitude desert where the majestic Snow Leopard roams. Over the course of 13 days, you'll
traverse winding mountain roads, explore ancient monasteries, and immerse yourself in the
pristine wilderness of the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. This adventure is not just a quest for the
elusive "Ghost of the Mountains," but also an exploration of a land steeped in history, where every
turn reveals the beauty and mystery of one of the world's most remote regions. Whether it's
spotting the rare Snow Leopard, marvelling at the towering peaks, or experiencing the rich
Buddhist heritage, this journey promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
Search for the Elusive Snow Leopard
Venture into the rugged Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places in the world to spot the rare and elusive Snow Leopard, also known as the "Ghost of the Mountains." Guided by expert trackers, you'll trek through breathtaking landscapes in pursuit of this magnificent predator in its natural habitat.
Explore Spiti’s Ancient Monasteries and Culture
Immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist heritage of the remote Spiti Valley. Visit iconic monasteries like Key and Tabo, which are over a thousand years old, and witness the traditional way of life in isolated high-altitude villages. The spiritual essence of the region will add a cultural depth to your wildlife adventure.
Experience the Pristine Beauty of the Himalayas
Traverse through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Indian Himalayas, with snow-capped peaks, barren desert mountains, and serene valleys. The high-altitude desert of Spiti, dotted with monasteries and remote villages, offers dramatic scenery at every turn, making this expedition as visually captivating as it is adventurous.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Delhi, a city with a rich history spanning thousands of
years. Once the capital of several empires, including the Mughals, Delhi offers a blend of ancient
and modern. After landing, you’ll transfer to a comfortable hotel, where you can rest and prepare
for the journey ahead.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Early in the morning, you’ll catch a flight from Delhi to Chandigarh, departing at 5:55 AM and
arriving at 7:00 AM. Chandigarh, India’s first planned city, was designed by the famous Swiss-
French architect Le Corbusier. From Chandigarh, the journey continues with a scenic 250 km
drive (approximately 8 hours) to Rampur Bushahr. This drive takes you through winding mountain
roads with stunning views of the Sutlej River, a lifeline for the region since ancient times. Rampur,
a historic town that once served as the winter capital of the princely state of Bushahr, offers a
comfortable night’s stay.
Overnight stay in Rampur Bushahr.
After breakfast, the real adventure begins as you embark on a 280 km drive (around 10 hours) to
Kaza village, situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The drive takes you through the
Kinnaur and Spiti valleys, known for their dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and towering peaks. En
route, you may spot the Bharal, or Blue Sheep, grazing on the steep slopes. Kaza, the largest
settlement in Spiti Valley, will be your base for the next seven days.
Overnight stay in Kaza.
The first day in Kaza is reserved for acclimatization. At this altitude, adjusting to the thinner air is
essential. You can explore ancient monasteries like the Key Monastery, which dates back over a
thousand years. Later in the day, you’ll meet with your team for updates on recent Snow Leopard
sightings. If there’s an opportunity, a short drive will take you to the sighting location for a possible
early glimpse of these elusive predators, often referred to as “Ghosts of the Mountains.”
Overnight stay in Kaza.
Your trackers will be out in the field from early morning, searching for signs of the Snow Leopard.
After breakfast, you’ll join them in the search. Each guest is accompanied by a personal
helper/porter, ensuring comfort during the trek. While the trackers focus on the Snow Leopard,
you can also watch for other wildlife like the Red Fox, Himalayan Wolf, and a variety of birds,
including the Golden Eagle. Field time typically ends around 5:00 PM, though it may extend
slightly depending on the day’s sightings.
Overnight stay in Kaza.
Another full day is dedicated to tracking the Snow Leopard in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. The
sanctuary, known for its high-altitude fauna, offers excellent chances to see Himalayan Ibex, Blue
Sheep, and possibly the rare Tibetan Wolf. The rugged landscape and crisp mountain air make
the search for these animals an exhilarating experience.
Overnight stay in Kaza.
As you continue your quest for the Snow Leopard, the area reveals more of its natural wonders.
Birds like the Chukar Partridge, Himalayan Snowcock, and Great Rosefinch are commonly
spotted, adding to the day’s sightings. The high-altitude environment, with its stark beauty and
diverse wildlife, provides a unique and unforgettable experience.
Overnight stay in Kaza.
Another day in the field brings more opportunities to track the Snow Leopard. The patience
required is often rewarded with sightings of these majestic cats as they traverse the rocky terrain.
The surrounding landscape, dotted with ancient monasteries and remote villages, adds a cultural
dimension to the wildlife experience.
Overnight stay in Kaza.
The search for the Snow Leopard continues, with trackers working tirelessly to locate these
elusive creatures. The area’s rich biodiversity means you might also encounter smaller mammals
like the Weasel, Stone Marten, and Woolly Hare. The day is a blend of intense wildlife tracking and
peaceful moments in one of the most remote parts of India.
Overnight stay in Kaza.
Your final day in the field offers one last chance to spot the Snow Leopard. The anticipation builds
as you explore the Kibber Sanctuary’s vast expanses. Even if the Snow Leopard remains elusive,
the journey through Spiti’s rugged landscapes, combined with the sightings of other wildlife,
makes for an incredible adventure.
Overnight stay in Kaza.
The return journey begins with an early morning start for the 450 km drive (approximately 12
hours) back to Rampur Bushahr. The long drive takes you back through the stunning landscapes
of Spiti and Kinnaur, offering final glimpses of the region’s dramatic scenery. Upon arrival in
Rampur, you’ll stay overnight at a comfortable hotel, reflecting on the incredible experiences of
the past week.
Overnight stay in Rampur Bushahr.
An early morning drive from Rampur Bushahr back to Chandigarh covers 250 km (about 8 hours).
The journey through the hilly terrain is a fitting end to your Himalayan adventure. Arriving in
Chandigarh, you’ll catch a flight back to Delhi, departing at 6:50 PM. Upon arrival in Delhi, you’ll
transfer to a hotel for a restful night.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Your journey concludes as you fly home, carrying with you memories of Spiti’s towering peaks,
elusive Snow Leopards, and the serene beauty of the high-altitude desert. The region’s history,
wildlife, and culture intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Other Tours
This 8-day monsoon birding tour in North-Western India focuses on spotting rare species like the Lesser Florican and Indian Pitta amidst lush green landscapes in the Sonkhaliya grasslands and Aravalli forests.
Journey through the diverse ecosystems of Northeast India. This itinerary takes you from the streets of Delhi to the tranquil bird sanctuaries of Sultanpur & the untamed wilderness of Assam & Arunachal Pradesh.
This adventure offers an immersive experience in India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries.
Let our experts do the best for you!
Let us take care of all the details so you can focus on creating memories. Book your dream tour with us now!
Explore
Important Link
- Privacy Policy
- Career
- Blog
- Term & Condition
Contact Us
A-245 Phase II, New Palam Vihar, Gurugram, Haryana-122017
Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved