Snow Leopard Expedition Spiti Valley

Your IWS guide will meet you early in the morning to kick off your adventure. Delhi, with its rich heritage, boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of monuments with historical and religious significance. Guided by your IWS expert, you’ll explore as much as possible within the limited time, immersing yourself in the city’s captivating history.

As you wander through the capital’s streets, you’ll also indulge in some of the finest cuisine in the world, discovering flavors and aromas you never knew existed.

After a fulfilling half-day exploring Delhi’s cultural treasures, you’ll depart in the late afternoon for Chandigarh, a vibrant city about 280 km (or 5 hours) away. You’ll arrive by 8 PM, check in to your hotel, enjoy a relaxing dinner, and unwind after an action-packed day of exploration and adventure.

Overnight stay at Chandigarh

After a restful night in the vibrant city of Chandigarh, you’ll set off early, ideally by 7.30 AM. Within an hour, you’ll leave the northern plains behind as you begin your ascent into the majestic Himalayan foothills. The scenic drive promises spectacular views and a change in landscape as the mountains unfold before you.

Along the way, you’ll make thoughtfully planned pitstops to stretch out and enjoy some delicious hill cuisine, carefully selected by your IWS guide. You’ll be introduced to local delicacies in safe, hygienic settings, adding a flavorful touch to your journey.

By late afternoon, you’ll reach the charming hamlet of Rampur, located at an elevation of 3,350 feet (1,020 meters). After exploring the quiet village, you’ll settle into your pre-booked resort, enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep and replenishing your energy for the days ahead in the mountains.

Overnight stay at Rampur Bushahr

You’ll begin your day early with a long but rewarding 12-hour drive to Kaza. As you journey through the changing landscapes, you’ll witness a dramatic transformation—from the lush green Himalayan forests to the stark, barren beauty of the cold desert. The urge to stop and capture the stunning scenery at every turn will be hard to resist, but it’s essential to make it to Kaza before nightfall. Rest assured, your IWS guide will ensure you stop at the most picturesque spots for breathtaking landscape photography.

Kaza, the district headquarters of Spiti, is a lively hub during the summer months, complete with a market, ATMs, petrol stations, cafes, shops, and bike rentals. However, in winter, much of the town shuts down. After arriving in Kaza, you’ll be close to your final destination, and following a long and scenic drive through the mountains, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Overnight at homestay in Kaza.

After a leisurely morning in Kaza, you’ll begin your day with a visit to the nearby Sakya Tangyud Monastery, followed by a stroll through the local market. From there, you’ll depart for Kibber, making a stop at the iconic Ki Monastery along the way. As the largest monastery in Spiti Valley, Ki Monastery has been a centre for religious training for Lamas since the 11th century. Spend some tranquil moments here, absorbing the serenity of the surroundings.

Continuing up the road, you’ll arrive at Kibber village, where you’ll be shown your accommodations and introduced to the team that will accompany you throughout the expedition—both in the field and at the homestay. This homestay will be your base for the Snow Leopard Expedition.

On this day, you’ll be encouraged to rest and acclimatize, as the coming days will involve challenging treks through snow at high altitudes.

For the next five days, you’ll embark on a thrilling quest to track down one of the most elusive creatures on the planet—the mythical Snow Leopard. Each day, you’ll venture into the snow-covered landscapes, guided by an expert team of trackers and porters who will accompany you on this challenging yet rewarding journey

Our trackers will not only help you search for signs of the Snow Leopard, but they will also teach you the field craft of tracking, showing you how to identify paw prints, subtle signs of movement, and recent kills. You’ll gain invaluable insights into their methods, learning to read the landscape and the clues it offers, all while aiming to capture this magnificent cat through your camera lens.

All meals and overnight stay at Kibber.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to the tracking team and the picturesque hamlet of Kibber as you begin your descent back to Rampur. Setting off early in the morning, you’ll retrace the familiar route through the stunning Himalayan landscapes. After a full day’s journey, you’ll arrive in Rampur by nightfall. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax, catch up on sleep, and rejuvenate after your incredible adventure.

Overnight stay at Rampur

Today you will move out of the Himalayan hills into the plains and return to Chandigarh. By late afternoon, you will be in Chandigarh

Overnight stay at Chandigarh.

Check out from the hotel after breakfast and travel to Delhi by flight/ road.

Arrival at Delhi and drop at International Airport for onward journey.