The Snow Leopard Expedition in Spiti Valley is a challenging yet rewarding winter wildlife adventure, primarily focused on tracking and sighting the highly elusive Snow Leopard—often called the “Ghost of the Himalayas”—in its natural, high-altitude habitat.

Key Expedition Details

Location: The expedition takes place in the Trans-Himalayan region of Spiti Valley with the villages of Kibber (around 4,200m/14,000ft) and nearby areas like Pin Valley National Park serving as the primary base for tracking.

Best Time for Sighting: The ideal time is during the peak winter months, from late December to mid February. Heavy snowfall forces the Snow Leopards’ main prey (Blue Sheep/Bharal and Ibex) to descend to lower altitudes, making the cats easier to spot.

Duration: Expeditions typically last 10 to 21 days, including travel time and acclimatisation days.

Objective: To track and observe the Snow Leopard, as well as other high-altitude wildlife like the Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, and Golden Eagles, against the stunning backdrop of a snow-covered cold desert.

The Experience

1. Tracking and Sighting: The core of the trip involves multiple days of tracking led by highly experienced local guides and spotters. Participants hike and scan the rugged, rocky terrain, often using high-powered spotting scopes, to locate the camouflaged cats. Patience and preparation for long hours in the field are essential, as sightings are not guaranteed.

2. Conditions: This is an extreme winter adventure. Temperatures are severe, often plunging to -20°C to -35°C, requiring extensive layering of specialised winter gear. Altitude acclimatization is mandatory, typically involving stays in Kaza before moving to higher villages like Kibber.

3. Accommodation: To support local communities and handle the cold, accommodation is typically in traditional homestays in villages like Kibber, which provide warm rooms, heaters (electric/traditional wood-fired stoves), and local vegetarian cuisine.

4. Photography Focus: The clear winter skies and snowy landscapes offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly for those with telephoto lenses.