Inhabiting the high mountain ranges of Central Asia, snow leopard is one of the most challenging wild cat species to track. Snow leopards flourish in some of the most magnificent landscapes in India. The Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary of Spiti Valley, which is nested in the Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, is an excellent location for snow leopard excursions, locally called ‘SHEN’. Its remote and pristine environment offers numerous opportunities to observe these elusive animals in the most affordable way. You will stay in a local homestay to experience all of the local customs and will be entertained by numerous local stories and folklore.
We also operate a Snow Leopard Tour in Hemis National Park of Ladakh in a more luxurious setting.
This is our best Snow Leopard Tour in India, and the most budget itinerary to see the Snow Leopard (For a luxury Snow Leopard Expedition, click here). The present trip starts from the capital city of New Delhi and organized in the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary of the Spiti Valley. A Private tour with only 4 guests in a SUV. With the best trackers and guide who are scanning the terrain throughout the year tracking the elusive Snow Leopard and other animals, we have a very high success rate in the winter when the guests arrive to photograph the willdlife.
USD 2399 Ex-Delhi per pax for 4 pax sharing the vehicle, and twin sharing room.
Kids less than 12 years of age are not allowed.
Day 1: We will pick you up from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi or adjacent area and transfer to Shimla. Journey time: 7-9 hours. Overnight at the hotel in Shimla.
Day 2: We go from Shimla to Kalpa today. Travel time is 5-6 hours. We will arrange your Inner Line Permit. Overnight at the hotel and try less than usual movement to acclimatise to the high altitude weather.
Day 3: After a leisurely breakfast in Kalpa, we’ll depart for Kaza. Travel time is around 6-7 hours. Kaza is the administrative centre of Spiti Valley. ATMs, petrol pumps and shops may be found here. However, it is advised to bring all essential funds from Shimla/Delhi.
We’ll spend the night at Kaza Homestay after seeing Kaza Market. Get used to the high altitude weather further today.
Day 4: We make the last ascent to Kibber today for an hour or so. The accommodation will be assigned after you arrive at Kibber. It will be your home for the next few days.
Our Snow Leopard expedition also begins today.
Day 5 – 10: Spotters depart camp early morning. One of our 4WDs drops them off in various valleys. They report wildlife sightings to camp. Guests wake up at 7 AM and have tea/warm breakfast. If a snow leopard is spotted, guests hurry to the nearest vantage point, either on foot or using 4WDs. Our other spotters gather at the sighting location. They utilise their combined skills to organise the day to track the snow leopard as long as feasible.
If no snow leopard is observed, trackers meet in camp to plan the day. The prior day’s sightings and morning intelligence impact this.
You will probably also visit some nearby houses and communities. These trips help us understand living in this beautiful region and how crucial communities are to conservation.
Day 11: We leave Kibber early in the morning for Shimla / Rampur. Spend the remainder of the night at the hotel resting and eating wonderful meals. With a backpack full of memories and stories. Journey time: 10-13 hours.
Day 12: From Shimla to New Delhi, we complete the final leg of our journey. Drop by Delhi in the evening. It is recommended to schedule a late-night or next-day flight from New Delhi.
Package includes:
Package excludes:
Seeing a Snow Leopard in the wild is a rare and special experience. While there are no guarantees, joining our Snow Leopard Tour will significantly increase your chances of encountering these majestic creatures. But that’s not all, you may also find Himalayan Ibex, Red Fox, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Tibetan Wolves, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon and lots of other wildlife sharing the same habitat.
This is an Army protected sensitive area, Any satellite devices, Drones are not Allowed here.
