Snow Leopard Expedition

  • 12 Days
  • Chandigarh, Kinnaur, Spiti

Pricing : Call/Contact for Price

Snow Leopard Expedition: Track the Ghost of the Mountains in Spiti

Embark on the ultimate wildlife adventure in the high Himalayas. This exclusive 12-day Snow Leopard Expedition offers you a rare chance to track and observe one of the world’s most elusive and majestic big cats in its natural habitat—the stunning, snow-clad landscape of the Spiti Valley. Led by our expert local spotters and guides intimately familiar with the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, this journey is a profound blend of thrilling wildlife pursuit, deep cultural immersion, and exploration of one of the planet’s most breathtaking and remote regions.

Expedition at a Glance

  • Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

  • Focus: Wildlife Tracking, Photography, Cultural Exploration

  • Primary Location: Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Spiti Valley

  • Key Wildlife: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Golden Eagle

  • Best Season: Winter (Typically December to March)

Why Choose This Expedition with Nizerspiti?

  • Unparalleled Expertise: Our team includes seasoned local guides and dedicated snow leopard spotters with years of experience tracking wildlife in this specific terrain, significantly increasing your chances of a sighting.

  • Immersive Cultural Experience: Stay in authentic village homestays, interact with local communities, and understand their ancient traditions of living in harmony with this harsh yet beautiful environment.

  • Comprehensive Support: From comfortable transport and carefully selected accommodation to porter service and all necessary permits, we manage the logistics so you can focus entirely on the experience.

  • A Journey of Discovery: This is more than just a safari; it’s an opportunity to deepen your appreciation for high-altitude ecosystems and contribute to the awareness of conserving this fragile wilderness.

Click here for itinerary

Phase 1: The Scenic Journey into the Highlands (Days 1-4)

  • Day 1: Arrival in Chandigarh – Transfer to Shimla
    Meet our representative at Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station and transfer to your hotel in Shimla. Rest and recover from your journey.

  • Day 2: Shimla to Kalpa
    After breakfast, drive to the beautiful town of Kalpa in Kinnaur, enjoying views of apple orchards and mountain vistas. Overnight in Kalpa.

  • Day 3: Kalpa to Kaza
    Continue your journey along the Hindustan-Tibet Highway into the Spiti Valley. Reach Kaza, the largest town in Spiti, for an overnight homestay and acclimatization.

  • Day 4: Kaza to Kibber Village
    A short drive takes you to Kibber village (4,200m), your base for the snow leopard search. Settle into your comfortable homestay and begin acclimatizing to the high altitude.

Phase 2: The Snow Leopard Search (Days 5-10)

  • Days 5 to 10: Kibber Village – Daily Tracking Expeditions
    For six full days, venture into the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary with our expert guides and spotters. Each participant will be assisted by a porter. Spend days scanning the rugged slopes, ravines, and valleys for signs of the snow leopard and other fauna like the Himalayan Ibex and Blue Sheep. Evenings are for sharing experiences, enjoying warm meals, and relaxing at the homestay.

Phase 3: Return Journey (Days 11-12)

  • Day 11: Kibber to Rampur Bushahr
    Bid farewell to Spiti and drive to Rampur Bushahr for an overnight hotel stay.

  • Day 12: Rampur Bushahr to Chandigarh – Departure
    After breakfast, drive back to Chandigarh for your onward journey, filled with unforgettable memories.

InclusionsExclusions

  • Transport: Vehicle hire for all 12 days with dedicated driver.

  • Accommodation & Meals:

    • Hotels in Shimla, Kalpa & Rampur Bushahr (with breakfast & dinner in Shimla/Kalpa).

    • Authentic homestays in Kaza (dinner & breakfast) and Kibber (all meals: lunch, dinner, breakfast).

    • Kibber homestay includes firewood heaters, hot water, and generator backup.

  • Wildlife Expertise: Services of expert Nizerspiti snow leopard spotters/guides for all tracking days.

  • Porter Support: One porter per participant for the 6-day tracking period in Kibber.

  • Permits: All necessary Forest Department permissions for the expedition.

  • Driver: All driver allowances and fees.

  • Additional Fees: Any camera fees charged by the Forest Department, village council entry fees, or laundry services at homestays.

  • Extra Orders: Food or beverages ordered beyond the provided homestay menu.

  • Personal Beverages: Cost of mineral water or other drinks.

  • Travel to Chandigarh: Flights or trains to reach the expedition starting point.

  • Personal Expenses & Insurance: Tips, souvenirs, and personal travel/medical insurance.

Essential Information for Participants

Fitness & Preparation:

  • This expedition involves staying at high altitudes (up to 4,200m) and walking on snowy, uneven terrain during tracking. Good general health and fitness are required.

  • Adequate acclimatization days are built into the itinerary.

Packing List Essentials:

  • Clothing: Sub-zero rated thermal wear, insulated jacket, waterproof pants, woolen socks, waterproof gloves, balaclava.

  • Footwear: Sturdy, insulated, and waterproof trekking boots with excellent grip.

  • Equipment: A high-quality sleeping bag (rated for at least -10°C), backpack, headlamp with extra batteries.

  • Protection: High-UV protection sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm.

  • Hydration & Health: Insulated water bottle, personal medication, basic first-aid kit.

  • Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, personal toiletries.

Recommended Photography & Optics Gear:

  • Camera Lens: A telephoto lens in the 400mm to 600mm range is ideal. A 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter is highly recommended for extra reach.

  • Camera Body: Full-frame for superior image quality, Crop Sensor for extra reach, or Micro 4:3 for portability.

  • Binoculars: 8×42 for a great balance of field of view and stability, or 10×42/10×50 for more experienced users wanting higher magnification.

Booking Process with Nizerspiti:

  1. Check Dates: Contact us to inquire about available slots for the upcoming winter season.

  2. Confirm Booking: Secure your spot by paying a 30% advance deposit.

  3. Final Payment: Pay the remaining balance one month prior to the expedition start date.

  4. Paperwork: Complete necessary participant forms (liability waiver, medical information).

  5. Pre-Departure Briefing: Receive detailed itinerary, packing list, and final instructions.

  6. Expedition Start: Meet our team in Chandigarh on Day 1 to begin your adventure.

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