In the lofty Himalayan heights resides an enigmatic feline, known for its stealth, strength, and rarity. Meet the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), often called the grey ghost, a powerful yet endangered species. Our journey leads you to the hidden treasure of the Himalayas in winter - Spiti. Here, temperatures plummet well below freezing, veiling this ancient terrain in a pristine, snow-white cloak. As herbivores descend from the mountain peaks in search of sustenance, the Snow Leopard, too, pursues its prey through this wintry landscape.

For whom is the photo expedition Snow Leopards to Spiti suitable ?

Embark on an exhilarating odyssey into the heart of the Himalayas, where the elusive snow leopards reign supreme. Our photo expedition to Spiti is a thrilling escapade, tailor-made for intrepid wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts. This is no ordinary journey; it's a rugged adventure through a pristine wilderness.

Nestled in the cradle of the mountains, you'll call Spiti home, sleeping in rustic homestays. These are no luxury resorts, but authentic havens where local families warmly embrace you, offering a glimpse into their rich culture.

But, be prepared! The rugged terrain demands a good level of fitness as you trek 3-4 kilometres daily, scaling high altitudes of 3,800-4,200 metres. Don't worry about your gear; the locals have your back. With 7-8 hours daily spent in the untamed wilderness, patience becomes your closest companion. It's a quest for the "perfect" shot, an adventure for those who seek not just a photo, but an unforgettable expedition into the wild.

You will be able to other wildlife animlas like Tibetean wolf , Blue sheep, Agrali, Marmot, Eurasian Brown bear, Mountain weasel, etc.

Venture into the mystical realm of the Himalayas and become a part of the quest for the enigmatic Grey Ghost – the Snow Leopard. Join us on an extraordinary odyssey, a photo-expedition like no other, a dream etched on every wildlife photographer's bucket list.

We invite you to be a part of a journey that transcends ordinary tours, a sojourn that will weave the threads of your memories into a tapestry of a lifetime. Seize the opportunity to capture the elusive beauty of the snow leopard in its natural habitat, a story only your lens can tell. Reach out to us, and let this adventure etch indelible memories in your heart. Don't just dream it, live it!

Maximum Altitude:- 4300meter.

Note : 

Embarking on our Procedure Photo Tour is a thrilling expedition to an isolated winter wonderland. This journey to the Spiti Valley winds through the majestic Himalayan Mountains, but be prepared for road closures, snowfall, and capricious weather conditions along the way. Flexibility is a vital prerequisite for those joining this adventurous photo tour in India, as the daily schedule may undergo last-minute adjustments to adapt to the ever-changing weather and lighting conditions.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the Spiti Valley is renowned for its snow leopard sightings. However, it's important to note that there are no guarantees when it comes to observing these wild animals, as they roam freely.

March in Spiti generally brings a mix of sunny and overcast days, but snowfall can be unexpected. Temperatures fluctuate from cool to downright cold, with nighttime lows dropping to -10 to -20°C. The region's dry air makes low temperatures more tolerable than in humid climates. This expedition takes place in winter precisely because snow leopards thrive in the cold and are most active during this season. February and March are their breeding months, offering the best chances of witnessing their activities.

Traveling at high altitudes may trigger altitude sickness symptoms, unrelated to personal fitness or age but influenced by the speed of ascent and individual behavior. Our itinerary is thoughtfully designed for gradual acclimatization. If you've experienced severe altitude issues before, consult with an altitude specialist before confirming your participation.

Moderate physical fitness is advisable for this photo tour. Although you'll be walking an average of 3-4 kilometers daily in hilly Himalayan terrain, the altitude can make it feel more strenuous. Patience is key when searching for snow leopards, as sightings can last for hours.

As for clothing, we recommend warm, breathable, and functional attire that follows the layering principle to manage sweat and retain heat efficiently. Ensure you have well-broken-in winter hiking boots with appropriate soles for your comfort and safety.

Solo travelers have the option to share a room with another participant to avoid a single supplement charge if a roommate isn't available.

A valid visa for India is a must.

Basic medical care is available in Northern India, so it's wise to secure cancellation and return travel insurance covering emergency evacuation and local hospital stays.

Itinerary:-

Day 1 

Arrival in Delhi airport. Pick up at Delhi airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport ) and drop to your hotel.

Day 2 

Take  a morning flight to Chandigarh Airport and drive to Narkanda (5 hours).

Day 3 

After breakfast drive to Kalpa (5 hours) and reach by evening taking photo stops in between.

Day 4 

Next morning after breakfast we leave for our next destination, Kibber village in  Kaza. It's 208 km and 6-8 hrs drive. Stay in a hotel.

 Day 5 Exploration Begins.

After breakfast we leave for Kibber Village. Here we have to fill up wildlife forms and fees and we start our expedition to explore snow leopards. 

Day 6 Exploring day

Alternative days for Snow leopard expedition

Day 7 Exploring day

Alternative days for Snow leopard expedition

Day 8 Exploring day

Alternative days for Snow leopard expedition

Day 9 Exploring day

Alternative days for Snow leopard expedition

 Day  10 Kibber to Kalpa or Rampur.

After completing our expedition we start our return journey, we move from Kibber to Kalpa or Rampur depending on the road and weather conditions.

 Day  12  Kalpa to Shimla Drop.

Day 13 Shimla to chandigarh drop. Take a domestic flight to Delhi and further to your home. Trip ends here.

Gears  required for this trip →

•  
• ID Proof (along with photocopy) and 6 passport size photos.
• Three layers of warm clothes: Carry two or three-layer jackets, fleece jackets and a padded jacket.
• Backpack (40-50 L) & its rain cover.
• Two  trek pants . Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
• Three t-shirts (collared/dri-fit): Full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Carry one or two dri fit T shirts.
• Cap
• Water proof hand gloves : Carry waterproof gloves, Thermals: Carry thermals (top and bottom).
• Sunglasses : Sunglasses are mandatory. There will be a lot of snow on the trek and can cause snow blindness. Make sure your sunglasses are UV protected. 
• Socks (3-4 pairs) and a pair of woollen socks: Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woollen socks for the night.
• Headlamp/LED torch with extra batteries.
• Raincoat / Ponchos
• Carry a few plastic bags in case your clothes get wet.
• Lunch box and water bottle: Every trekker  should have their personal lunch box and two  water bottles  [ 1 insulated type & 1 plastic bottle ]

 Personal kit 

• Sunscreen above SPF 45 would be recommended.
• Sanitary pads & meftal spas  for women.
• Lip guard & moseruiser.
• Tooth brush, tooth paste, toilet paper & sanitiser.
• General medicine for headache, cough, cold etc and antifungal cream.

•       Airport pick up & drop from Delhi to Delhi.
•       Stay in a decent hotel in Delhi with complimetary breakfast & dinner.
•       Homestay/Guesthouse/Hotel accommodation during the trip (Days 1 to 12) double sharing basis.
•       All Meals (excluding lunch during road journey ) including non veg.
•       First aid medical kit. 
•       Personal porter/screener  to carry camera equipment daily and install your camera gears.
•       If road is closed due to ice 4×4 car cost 
•       Inner line  Permissions Fee for foreigners.
•       Experienced english speaking Group leader with   First Aid certification

Exclusion

Any personal expenses.

Camera fee at Kibber Village.

A delay due to bad weather conditions will lead to buffer days and participants will have to bear the extra cost involved in the buffer days as it is not included in the trek price.

Anything which is not mentioned in inclusion.

Tip to the support staff.

Note : In case of any medical emergencies, our team will shift you to nearest medical center available. However all the expenses will be borne by the participants.

If you opt out during the trip because of any issues  or misbehave with fellow participants or staff we will arrange all the logistics to move you safely to the nearest civilization. All the expenses will be borne by the participants.