In Search of the Snow Leopard – Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
This expedition will take you into Spiti Valley, in the upper Himalayas, to look for the Snow Leopard – the “Ghost of the Mountains”, and arguably the most difficult large animal to find anywhere.
We start in Delhi, and the trip to Chicham village (4,270 m / 14,000 ft) – near the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary – will take three days, travelling via Chandigarh, Shimla, Rampur and Tabo. Chicham will be our home for six nights, giving us excellent access to where Snow Leopards live.
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is thought to be one of the best places on earth to see Snow Leopards, with an unusually high chance of success. Every day, with the help of skilled local trackers and spotters, we go out to search the valleys and ridges for evidence of this shy hunter, sometimes needing moderate walks of one to two hours over snow and rough ground to reach good viewing places.
Although the Snow Leopard is what we are mostly hoping to see, this area is also home to Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal), Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, and many different birds – Golden Eagle, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Tibetan Snowcock, and Rosefinches among them.
The stark loveliness of the Trans-Himalayan countryside makes the trip even better. Winter temperatures can go below -25°C, the air is thin at this height, and you experience real mountain life. Our welcoming homestay in Chicham offers warm hospitality, filling food, and a look at local ways, though the facilities are simple, with dry or chemical toilets because the water freezes.
This is not just a wildlife trip – it is a rare chance to truly be in the wild Himalayas. For anyone who wants a Snow Leopard Expedition in India that mixes nature, adventure and culture, this journey is an opportunity you’ll never forget.
Journey at a Glance
• Day 01–03: Travel from Delhi through Chandigarh, Shimla, Rampur and Tabo to reach Chicham village, our expedition base.
• Day 04–09: Six full days of Snow Leopard tracking in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary with expert spotters and guides, short hikes, and evenings in a cozy homestay.
• Day 10–12: Return journey via Tabo – Rampur – Chandigarh – Delhi, with the final night in Delhi before departure.
Altitude & Physical Fitness
Being at 14,000 feet, Spiti Valley demands good physical fitness. We travel from Delhi to Spiti over three days to make sure we acclimatise safely, allowing your body to adjust to the height and reducing the chance of altitude sickness.
Some Snow Leopard sightings can be reached with a short walk from the vehicles, but others need longer trips. At times this involves moderate hikes of one to three hours (up to 4 km) over snowy, rocky, and uneven land – both uphill and downhill. These walks can be hard work, but we do everything we can to keep guests comfortable, including providing a local porter from Chicham for each person to carry bags and camera gear, help set up tripods, and assist on difficult sections of the path.
Guests also need to be ready for typical high Himalayan conditions. The journey includes winding mountain roads with dramatic views that may feel challenging if you are not used to heights. Winter temperatures can fall well below -25°C, so proper layered clothing and readiness for cold, sometimes harsh weather are essential.
With gradual acclimatisation, the support of skilled guides and porters, and a spirit of adventure, you will be well-prepared to enjoy the trip. The reward is the unforgettable chance to see the Snow Leopard in its natural Himalayan home, in the unspoiled wilderness of Spiti Valley.
Essential Gear
• Camera gear: 500mm+ telephoto lens, tripod, extra batteries, power banks.
• Clothing: Warm woollen clothes and a down jacket, plus thermal underwear, gloves and good, warm walking boots.
• Accessories: Binoculars, personal water bottle, toiletries and wash kit, wet wipes and a small first-aid kit.
Trip Overview & Highlights
- Dedicated Snow Leopard Expedition in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
- Six full days of Snow Leopard tracking around Chicham and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Expert local trackers, spotters and guides to maximise chances of seeing the ‘Ghost of the Mountains’.
- Opportunities to see Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal), Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox and high-altitude birdlife.
- Stay in authentic village homestays in Tabo and Chicham, experiencing real Himalayan life in winter.
- Gradual altitude gain from Delhi via Chandigarh, Shimla and Rampur for safe acclimatisation.
- Ideal for serious wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and adventure travellers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01
Delhi Arrival
You’ll arrive in Delhi – the capital of India – and be taken to your hotel.
Stay overnight in Delhi.
Day 02
Delhi – Chandigarh (260 km / 05 hrs)
After your breakfast, we drive to Chandigarh, a journey of 5 hours. Chandigarh’s the doorway to the Himalayas and a
fine place to begin this trip looking for Snow Leopards.
Stay overnight in Chandigarh.
Day 03
Chandigarh – Rampur (230 km / 07–08 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Rampur. On the way, you’ll pass through Shimla – the well-known summer capital from
when the British ruled India. For the first 2 hours, you’re in the flat lands, then the road goes up into the lower parts
of the Himalayas. You should get to Rampur by late afternoon.
Stay overnight in Rampur.
Day 04
Rampur – Rekong Peo – Tabo (260 km / 08–09 hrs)
After breakfast, we go on to Rekong Peo – about 3 hours. Here, visitors from outside India finish the paperwork for
an Inner Line Permit (you’ll need 2 photos, passport size).
Then we continue, driving through wonderful Himalayan scenery covered in snow, with really lovely views of peaks
with snow on them. As you get into the Trans-Himalayan area, the countryside changes from wooded valleys to
bare, rocky mountains, and it gets colder.
Driving alongside the Sutlej and Spiti rivers, we reach the old village of Tabo.
Stay overnight in a typical local home.
Day 05
Tabo – Kaza – Chicham (70 km / 03 hrs)
After breakfast, you’ll visit Tabo Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in this valley and one of the oldest in all
of India. Then we go on to Kaza – the main trading town in Spiti – and see some amazing Himalayan scenery on the
way.
We then move on to Chicham village (14,000 ft) – where you’ll be based for tracking Snow Leopards in the Kibber
Wildlife Sanctuary. Trackers and people who are good at spotting animals begin looking along the high ridges today.
As it’s your first day at this height, it’s best to rest and get used to the altitude at the lodge/home.
Days 06–10
Chicham – Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (Snow Leopard Exploration)
For the next 5 days, the only thing we do is track the hard-to-find Snow Leopard – also called the Ghost of the Mountains. Each day begins with tea or coffee at 7:00 am, and breakfast around 8:00 am. Our skilled spotters and guides go out early to look for Snow Leopards. Depending where a Snow Leopard might be, we drive some of the way and then walk (1–2 hours, up or down hill) to the place where we can watch.
Most of the time, you see them from quite far away, but seeing this rare animal in its natural Himalayan home is something you’ll never forget. Lunch is usually taken by the staff/porters and eaten in the field, while we have supper at the home. Folding chairs and what you need are provided at the places we watch from, for comfort. As well as Snow Leopards, you might also see Blue Sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Ibex, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, and other animals that live at high altitude.
Note: Seeing Snow Leopards depends on luck. Usually, 4 days out of the week bring sightings, while on 2–3 days you won’t.
Day 11
Chicham (Morning Snow Leopard Tracking) – Afternoon Drive to Tabo (70 km / 03 hrs)
Spend the morning with a last Snow Leopard track in Chicham. After lunch, drive back to Tabo village.
Stay overnight
in Tabo.
Day 12
Tabo – Rampur (260 km / 08 hrs)
After breakfast, start the return trip from the Trans-Himalayan countryside towards greener valleys. Get to Rampur
by evening.
Stay overnight in Rampur.
Day 13
Rampur – Chandigarh (230 km / 07 hrs)
Come down from the mountains and drive back to Chandigarh.
Stay overnight in Rampur.
Day 14
Chandigarh – Delhi (260 km / 05 hrs)
After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. You’ll have the evening free.
Stay overnight in Delhi.
Day 15
Delhi – Departure
After breakfast, be taken to the airport for your next journey.
