Snow Leopard Safari in India’s Spiti Valley [Best Time – Nov to April]
Tour Duration: 11 nights/12 Days
Tour Destinations: New Delhi – Chandigarh – Rampur – Tabo – Kibber – Rampur – Chandigarh – New Delhi
A True Himalayan Adventure
• Journey deep into the heart of Spiti Valley, traveling through winding mountain roads and dramatic landscapes.
• Ascend from the lower hills of Rampur to the high-altitude village of Kibber, perched at 14,500 feet.
• Experience one of the most remote and breathtaking regions of the Indian Himalayas.
Six Whole Days in Snow Leopard Country
• Spend six immersive days in prime Snow Leopard habitat, increasing your chances of a rare and unforgettable sighting.
• Each morning brings new hope and the excitement of tracking one of the world’s most elusive big cats.
• Our expert spotters and wildlife guides work tirelessly to maximize your sighting opportunities.
Wildlife at Your Doorstep
• Encounter the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan wilderness.
• Watch Blue Sheep graze along steep cliffs, Ibex scale rocky ridges, and Red Foxes dart through snowy terrain.
• Look up to spot vibrant high-altitude birdlife, adding color to the stark, snowy landscape.
Guides Who Feel Like Family
• Be accompanied by a warm, skilled team of local trackers, porters, and guides who know the terrain intimately.
• They’ll carry your gear, ensure your safety, and share tales of mountain life around the fireplace.
• Their genuine hospitality makes every step of the journey more meaningful.
Life in a Himalayan Village
• Stay in cozy Spitian homestays and experience the warmth of mountain hospitality.
• Sip traditional butter tea, warm up by a wood-fired stove, and soak in the rhythms of village life at altitude.
• Connect with the locals and enjoy the peaceful simplicity of life in the high Himalayas.
Moments of Peace and Awe
• Visit the serene, 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, a center of Buddhist art and spirituality.
• Take in mesmerizing views as the sun sets behind snow-covered peaks.
• Let the stillness and silence of the Himalayas inspire reflection and awe.
Travel With Confidence
• Every aspect of the journey is carefully managed – from oxygen cylinders and warm bedding to nutritious hot meals and reliable transportation.
• Focus fully on your Spiti Valley adventure without worry.
• Your safety, comfort, and once-in-a-lifetime experience are always our top priorities.
Day 01: Arrive in New Delhi
• On arrival at New Delhi Airport, our representative will welcome you.
• Transfer to the hotel and assistance with check-in.
• All travel-related documents will be handed over and explained.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in New Delhi.
Day 02: New Delhi – Chandigarh – Rampur (Flight + 8-Hour Drive)
• Arrive in Chandigarh before 12 PM.
• Meet at the common point (airport or railway station).
• Drive to Rampur with lunch at Timber Trail, Parwanoo.
• The journey takes approximately 8 hours with breaks.
• Rampur is situated at an altitude of 4,000 feet.
• Overnight stay at Nau Nabh Heritage Hotel on double occupancy.
Day 03: Rampur – Tabo (10–12-Hour Drive by Road)
• Depart Rampur at 7:00 AM with packed breakfast.
• Drive to Tabo at an altitude of 10,500 feet for acclimatization.
• Lunch halt en route.
• Stay at a clean, functional homestay on double occupancy basis.
• Drive duration depends on weather and road conditions.
Day 04 to Day 09: Tabo – Kibber (Snow Leopard Expedition)
• Visit Tabo Monastery early morning before proceeding to Kibber.
• Kibber is located at 14,500 feet; the drive takes about 2 hours.
• If snow leopards are sighted en route, stop for photography.
• Porter and guide assistance provided at the sighting site.
• On arrival in Kibber, check in and acclimatize at the homestay.
• Short village walk recommended to get familiar with surroundings.
• Afternoon sightings (if any) will be arranged using Gypsy vehicles.
• Some walking (100–400 yards) may be required to reach sightings.
• Yaks available for guests preferring to ride instead of walk.
Daily Routine
• Morning tea/coffee at 6:30 AM.
• Breakfast and spotter briefing at 7:15 AM.
• Guests can explore nearby areas to spot Blue Sheep, Ibex, Red Fox.
• Lunch is served at the snow leopard site or the homestay.
• Dinner is always served at the homestay.
• Snacks, tea/coffee provided at sighting site and homestay.
• Mineral water is available free of charge throughout the stay.
Homestay Amenities
• Each room includes a wood-fired stove and electric heater.
• Electric blankets, heavy quilts, and bath towels are provided.
• Backup generator available in case of power outage.
• No running water in winter; hot water provided for freshening up.
• Dry toilet with wet wipes and toilet paper is provided.
• Separate bathroom available with hot water on request.
Equipment and Support
• One porter per guest to carry camera and backpack.
• Extra spotters deployed for better chances of confirmed sightings.
• Photography gear includes walking pole, chair/stool, and tents.
• Insulated mats placed inside tents for comfort.
• Oxygen tank and oxygen saturation monitor carried on site visits.
• Escort available at all times for guest health and safety.
• Emergency evacuation to lower altitudes if needed.
• Detours up to 30 km allowed for alternate sighting sites.
• Helpers available for extra runs to carry gear or supplies.
Day 10: Kibber – Rampur
• Early departure from Kibber.
• Overnight stay at Nau Nabh Heritage Hotel in Rampur.
Day 11: Rampur – Chandigarh (425 km, 8-Hour Drive)
• Morning departure from Rampur to Chandigarh.
• Approximate drive time is 8 hours.
• Overnight stay at a hotel in Chandigarh.
Day 12: Chandigarh – New Delhi – Fly Back Home
• Enjoy a relaxed breakfast.
• Transfer to Chandigarh Airport.
• Board flight to New Delhi at 15:25 hrs, arriving at 16:30 hrs.
• Connect with your international flight back home.
Inclusions – What’s Covered in the Cost
The following features are included to ensure your Spiti Valley Snow Leopard Expedition is safe, comfortable, and memorable:
• Accommodation in New Delhi on a Bed & Breakfast basis
• Unlimited mineral water throughout the journey
• Tea, coffee, and light snacks served at the homestay and during field time
• All main meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Hot tea and water at the snow leopard sighting site, along with snacks
• Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options as per guest preference
• Electric blankets provided in each bed
• Room heating via electric heater or wood-fired hot stove
• Fresh linen, quilts, and clean towels in each room
• Daily provision of hot water for freshening up
• Toilet paper and wet wipes for hygiene in dry toilet settings
• Walking pole for trekking and field use
• Foldable stool for comfortable seating during wildlife photography
• Collapsible field tent to rest during long hours in the cold
• Oxygen support at the homestay and while on the field
• Insulated mats for use inside field tents
• BSNL phone connection to call home from remote locations
• All internal transfers in a taxi with an escort for pickups and drop-offs
Exclusions – What’s Not Included in the Cost
Please note the following are not included in the expedition cost:
• Alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic drinks beyond tea, coffee, milk, hot cocoa, and mineral water
• Medical treatment at clinics or hospitals
• Taxi services for any purpose other than designated transfers
• Stay at locations not listed in the official itinerary
• Additional drops, excursions, or detours beyond what’s scheduled
• Extra porter or guide services beyond the assigned team
• Yak rides to reach wildlife sighting points
• International or domestic airfares
• Travel insurance (must be arranged independently)
• Any personal requests or favors not mentioned in the itinerary
Important Travel Advisory – Acclimatization & Health
• To prevent acute mountain sickness, all participants must take Diamox 250 mg twice daily, starting 3 days before the trip and continuing for 3 days into the trip.
• Guests with existing medical conditions are strongly advised to consult their doctor before taking Diamox.
• The expedition involves rapid ascent to high altitude within 48 hours, making this preventive step essential for your safety.