Snow Leopard Trail

Quick Facts

06-19 Feb, 2022 | 14 Days

INR 95,300 + 5% GST

Highest Altitude: 4270 M

Difficulty:

Group Size: 8-16 persons

Snow Leopards are one of the rarest species that exist on our planet. They exist only in 12 countries in the world. Such is the majesty of this animal that very few people have been lucky to see this spotted cat in the wild. They rule the cliffs of Trans-Himalayan landscape in Spiti and Ladakh, in India and are highly revered by the locals. Due to this, snow leopards in these mountains are highly protected from poachers. With a stable population of Snow Leopards, it is also one of the best places to see this rare cat. It is so rare to see a Snow Leopard that people here call it the ‘The Grey Ghost’.

Winters in Spiti are the best time to spot rare Himalayan wildlife like – Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Red fox, Lammergeyer, Golden Eagle, Tibetan Snowcock, etc. As the temperatures plummet these animals descend down from altitude above 5000m to around 4000m in search of food and is the best time to spot them.

Using local home stays, wildlife spotters and guides, the tour also gives you an insight into the hard lives of these mountain people along with breathtaking landscapes. Overall this tour will be an experience of a lifetime for those who brave the winter cold and visit Spiti.

DAYS 1-4

Day 1: Delhi – Shimla – Kalpa (2960 M)

Take the 7:30 am flight to Shimla from New Delhi. Transfer to your boarding vehicles and drive on the Indo Tibet Highway till Powari and climb up the service road to Reckong Peo and Kalpa. Situated opposite to the majestic Kinner Kailash range, the hamlet of Kalpa offers you breathtaking view of these snow-clad mountains. Every year during the month of July and August people from all over India come here to climb up to Kinner Kailash Shivling (5500m).

Day 2: Kalpa – Maney (3600 M)

We leave from Kalpa in morning and continue upstream of Sutlej river alternating between its left and right bank till Khab where Sutlej enters from Tibet and meets Spiti River. The road climbs up from the river bank to Nako and Mulling Nala. The road descends down to the banks of Spiti river and continues to meander till we reach the village of Maney. It is a great stopover for acclimatization.

Day 3: Maney (3600 M)

This is also a great place for spotting Tibetan Wolves. After breakfast we head out of our Homestay in search of Tibetan wolves. We return back before dusk and rest for the night.

Day 4: Maney – Kibber (4270 M)

We drive to the hotspot of wildlife in Spiti – Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Our home for the next one week is Kibber. It was once the highest village with a motorable road. For several years people have spotted Snow Leopards up close near the village of Kibber. It is also a hotspot for seeing Blue Sheep and Siberian Ibex.

DAYS 5-14

Day 5-11: Kibber (4270 M)

We head out for our mission for spotting Snow Leopards. After breakfast we carry our packed lunches and head out in search of wildlife. Our routine for the next one week is to spend our days in search of wildlife with our excellent team of spotters and evenings engaging in cultural exchange with the families of Spiti.

Day 12: Kibber – Kalpa (2960 M)

After experiencing the life in Spiti in winters for more than a week. We start our journey back towards our cities and towns with great memories and fantastic photographs of rare Himalayan wildlife. Overnight stay at Kalpa. Another opportunity to enjoy the views of the great Kinner Kailash – The winter abode of Lord Shiva.

Day 13: Kalpa – Shimla (2100 M)

The journey takes you back to the City of Shimla from where we check into our hotel for the night. Last minute shopping.

Day 14: Shimla Airport (2100 M)

Early morning transfer to Airport for Shimla – Delhi flight. Trip Ends!

Inclusions:

All transfers as per the itinerary (Shimla Airport to Shimla Airport)
All arrangements for staying and camping while on trip
Accommodation on twin sharing basis in tents / hotel
All meals as mentioned in itinerary & safe drinking water
All trekking arrangements with India’s most experienced guiding team, camp staff and cooks
Peak fee/sanctuary fee/royalty/permits where applicable
Wildlife Team – Guide/Spotters and Porters (to carry camera equipment)

Exclusions:

Sleeping bag
Flights not included in the above-mentioned cost
Any transfers or meals outside of itinerary
Bottled water
Items of personal clothing
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry / phone calls / alcohol / cigarettes / insurance / camera fee / etc.)
Any expense incurred due to force of nature such as landslides, bad weather or reasons beyond our control
Tips & gratuities (we recommend 5-10% of your trip cost- to be distributed among the team) – personal choice
Travel & cancellation insurance

FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS

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