Snow Leopards
Although found across a fairly wide area of Central Asia, snow leopards are among the most difficult wildlife to see in the wild. Estimates of their worldwide population is only about 7,000.
In recent years, the Ladakh region of the Indian Himalayas has emerged as one of the best areas in the world to see this most elusive of big cats.
In the cold winter months of Ladakh, experience the unique & rare experience of tracking the endangered Snow Leopards in one of the best high altitude wildlife habitats in the world - Hemis National Park in Ladakh.
Snow Leopard in Spiti Valley
In the winter months, the elusive Snow Leopard, the apex predator of the Himalayas, descends from the high peaks into the valleys to hunt for Blue Sheep or other domestic animals. This is the time when the chances of photographing the snow leopard is the best.
Travel to the Rumbak valley in the heart of the Hemis National Park, known as the Snow Leopard capital of the world in the high altitude Himalayan region of Ladakh, to see snow leopards and experience a unique adventure that also introduces you to the culture & hospitality of the people of this remote Himalayan region.
What is included in the tour
1 Nights accommodation in Chandigarh on CP Basis
1 Nights accommodation in Rampur on MAP Basis
1 Nights accommodation in Shimla on MAP Basis
1 Nights accommodation in Delhi on CP Basis
Allground transfers in exclusive vehicle.
Accompanying English speaking naturalist during Spiti visit.
Wildlife permit and community council fee.
Pony forcarrying camera equipment during treks
Porter for delivery of lunch from homestay.
What is NOT included in the tour
Flight tickets, extra bagage charges
Personal expenses - Tips/Gratuity, Laundry, Phone/internet, Beverages
Travel insurance & medical expenses
Camera fees
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
As you prepare to visit India or Sri Lanka, we hope our answers to these frequently asked questions will help you on your way. Please find the FAQ here https://www.wildinsoul.com/faq
If there’s anything else you need, just give us a call or drop us a mail.
Trip Grade / Difficulty - Level 4 (Diffilcult)
A reasonable degree of fitness (being able to walk a 4-5 km in high altitude carrying a backpack and camera tripod) is essential.
Please find the trip grade details here : https://www.wildinsoul.com/trip-grades
BestTime to visit and climate
The best (and perhaps only) season to see wild snow leopards is from November to March. Heavy winter snow falls on the mountain tops force the bharal (blue sheep), Asiatic ibex and argali (Marco Polo sheep) down the mountain side to feed. These are the snow leopards preferred prey and so the predators follow the prey down the slopes to lower areas, providing us an opportunity to track them.
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Day 1 : Delhi-Chandigarh
Arrive in Delhi.
Transfer to Chandigarh.
Day 2 : Chandigarh – Rampur 1,021 Mts ( 340 km / 7.5 hrs)
Drive to Rampur Bushahr, via Shimla, Fagu and Narkanda . Rampur Bushahr is perfect stop to stay today, before embarking on tomorrow’s long journey into Spiti valley.
Day 3 : Rampur – Tabo 3,280 Mts (250 km / 11hrs)
We start early and drive towards Kinnaur valley to enter the region of the Trans-Himalayas. You will experience a change in topography and landscape from forested belt to rocky and barren mountain and major change in the temperature. Driving along the Satluj and Spiti rivers to enter Spiti valley.
Day 4 : Tabo – Chicham/Kibber 4,270 Mts (70 km / 2.5 hrs)
After a traditional morning meal , head out to visit the oldest Monastery of the Spiti valley and one of the oldest in the country ‘Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery’ . After a brief visit , explore the famous meditation caves in the village. Thereafter drive to Dhangkar Gompa situated on a cliff .
Drive to Kaza. After spending some time in Kaza, head to Snow Leopard sighting destination of the day, Chicham/Kibber
Day 5 - 8 : Snow Leopard tracking
In the early hours, our trackers will head out to, to track ‘The Ghost Cat’. Once the Snow Leopard is sighted, our team at the base will be informed , on which we head out with our guide and porters to meet up with our trackers and hopefully get some good photo shots of the elusive and rarely sighted beautiful animal.
Moderate walking (2-3 hours) will be required to reach places where wildlife sightings are reported
Day 9 : Chicham – Gue ( 105 km / 4 hrs)
After a hearty meal , start on the drive back . Stay point of the day is ‘Gue’ village , the last Indian village in this region…where only a single mountain separates us from Tibet/China . We also visit the Local Monastery in Gue, which is home to a 500+ yrs Mummy of a Monk/Lama.
Day 10 : Gue- Shimla 2,276 Mts ( 300 km / 10.5 hrs)
Start early today . Crossing the rocky terrain of Kinnaur, head back to the Forest Belt of Shimla District.
Day 11 : Shimla – Delhi(350 km / 9 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Delhi.
Day 12 : International departure
Transfer to Delhi international airport.
