Snow Leopard Safari

Snow Leopards are one of the rarest species that exist on our planet. They exist only in 12 countries in the world. Even in these places they are seldom seen. Such is the majesty of this animal that very few people have been lucky to see this spotted cat in the wild. India is one of those countries where Snow Leopards exist; they rule the cliffs of Trans-Himalayan landscape in Spiti and Ladakh and are highly revered by the people who live here. Due to this respect from people to wildlife, 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.

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

Being Pioneers of wildlife safaris in Spiti Valley, we have made sure that our program is designed and organized to provide seamless and comfortable experience in the harsh Himalayan winters. Accommodation is carefully crafted with traditional heating facilities used by locals since ancient times. Spotters chosen from the local community are equipped with State of the art binoculars and guests will be provided with Spotting scope. Our spotters are in constant communication through two way radios to maximize the chances of wildlife sightings.

Day 1 : Chandigarh to Narkanda

We pick you up from Chandigarh Airport and drive you to the hillstation of Narkanda.Today will be a leisurely drive over the hills of lower Himalayas.Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 2 : Narkandato Kalpa

Continuing on the windy roads, we descend to the Sutlej Valley near Rampur. The road meanders on the rock carved picturesque landscape of Kinnaur along the river bankover Indo-Tibet highway.At Powari we take the road climbing above through Pine forests to reach Kalpa. Kalpa is a beautiful Himalayan village which offers one the best views of Snow Peaks right across the valley looming large in front of you. Kinner Kailash peak is one of the abodes of Lord Shiva.Itis situated at an altitude of 3000m which helps in acclimatizing to the high altitude and journey ahead. Overnight accommodationatHotel.

Day 3 : Kalpa to Maney/Tabo

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. As you look backwards, the valley beneath and the surrounding snow peaks makes an impression on you. The road descends down to the banks of Spiti river and continues to meander tillwe reach the village of Maney. Situated at an altitude of 3600m Maney village is a greatstopover for acclimatization. Overnight accommodation at Homestay.

Day 4 : Maney/Taboto Kibber

We drive to the hotspot of wildlife in Spiti –Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Our home away from home for the next one week is the village of Kibber. Situated at an altitude of 4400m 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. Other than Leopards it is also the hotspot for sighting other Himalayan Mammals. Overnight accommodation at Homestays.

Day 5 - 11 : Kibber

The most important part of our this journey. The day you have been dreming about. The day starts by our team of Spotters heading out in wild in search of Snow Leopards. Depending on the previous sightings and based on experience,we send our spotters to multiple locations with radiosto look for Snow Leopards. Once we get information from them we head out for our mission for spotting Snow Leopards. After breakfast we carry our packed lunches and head outin search of wildlife. Our routine for the next one week is to spend our days in search of wildlifewith our excellent team of spottersand evenings engaging in cultural exchange with the familiesof Spiti.

Day 12 : Kibber to Kalpa

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 The Grand Shambhala. Another opportunity to enjoy the views of the great Kinner Kailash -The winter abode of Lord Shiva.

Day 13 : Kalpa to Chandigarh

he journey takes you back to the City of Chandigarhfrom where our tour ends and we say goodbye until we see you again down the road.