Enigmatic, magnificent and rare! Many words have been used to describe the Snow Leopard, all of them ring true, but none are perhaps as appropriate as elusive. The spectacular and rugged terrain that the Snow Leopard calls home plays a large role in making this #Ghost of the Himalayas so exceptionally hard to find. Fortunately, however, we now have a much greater understanding of their behaviour and ecology, and our chances for locating this magnificent feline have therefore improved over the last few years. Winters in Spiti are the best time to spot rare Himalayan #wildlife like - #Snow Leopard, Ibex, Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf, Red fox, Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Tibetan Snowcock, etc. As the temperatures plummet these animals descend down from an altitude above 5000m to around 4000m in search of food and is the best time to spot them. So head into the breathtaking mountain ranges of the Great Himalayas in search of the ever-elusive but stunningly beautiful Snow #Leopard with Foliage #Outdoors!
This incredible 11-day winter expedition* through some of India’s most remote destinations sets out in search of the elusive snow leopard and other incredible Himalaya wildlife.
Guided by one of the most seasoned snow leopard guides in the industry, you will not only gain invaluable insights into the region’s breathtaking wildlife but also receive profound understanding of the area’s cultural heritage and its people during this 10-night adventure.Visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy and learn about the efforts made by the local authorities, and community, to conserve this endangered species. Set out as a group of maximum 8 explorers in search of the elusive snow leopard, and explore the surroundings valleys, which are also home to other unique wildlife including wolf, ibex, bharal (blue sheep), hare. An attractive contrast also lies between the rugged, stone-hard mountain people of the area and the gentle and compassionate Buddhism that they practice. During your journey, you will have ample time to explore some of the region’s magnificent monasteries and picturesque villages. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with the small Buddhist farming communities and witness their daily lives, as they inhabit isolated villages nestled along the valley floors.
Here starts the thrilling Snow Leopard Tour with Himalayan Scouts India , first reach at the New Delhi/ Chandigarh International Airport. Team members of HSI will guide you from there, check in to the hotel. Guide will help you with all your travel related documents. Staying overnight in hotel in New Delhi/Chandigarh.
The next morning after having breakfast we will proceed to Shimla/Nrkanda, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and it is the most popular travel destination not in India but all over the world. In the evening we will arrive at Shimla and check in to the hotel. Staying overnight there only.
Today we will travel from Shimla to Kalpa. It is a quaint village situated on the foot of Kinnaur Kailash Mountain. Kalpa is well known for the pine nut forests, red apple orchards and a variety of Deodars which is also known as Chilgoza. The people of the village follows both Hinduism and Buddhism as they have several temples dedicated to them. Once you reach there you will witness the most stunning views of Kalpa Kailash Mountain ranges.
Then we move forward to the Kothi Temple which is devoted to Chandika Devi. The temple is located in a beautiful location which has distinct architectural features and fascinating carvings. We will stay overnight at Kalpa.
On this day we will move to see the mesmerizing views of Hindustan Tibet Highway. Enroute, you will get a chance to witness the Convergence of Spiti and Khab. We will reach Spiti Valley after Sumdo. The first destination that we explore is the village Geyu which is famous for the 500 years old Mummy. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Spiti Valley. Then, we will travel to Tabo Village where we will pay a visit to Tabo Monastery.. Tonight we will be staying at homestay experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the region with delicious local cuisine. Overnight Stay at Tabo Village.
On this day we will go to spend some time in Tabo Monastery before we arrive for Kibber. It is located at a height of 14,500 ft above the sea level. This will be like 3 hour drive, Enroute Kibber if there will be any Snow Leopard sighting place then we will take you there to capture them. Guide and experts will suggest you to adopt and acclimatize yourself before indulging in any physical activities and it can also cause you high altitude sickness. We will take decision on the basis of how difficult is the sighting site. Once you reach at homestay in Kibber, take rest there and take a walk to see the beauty of the villages and explore their culture. When we receive the news from our team member about sighting, we will take you to that place. There are points like 100 to 400 yards one can walk to plot a route to the Snow Leopard site. If anyone might face any issue then there is yak available to take them to the site.
Basically, the regular routine is as follows : Morning tea or coffee by 7 AM and breakfast by 8 AM. Then, proceed for the snow Leopard sighting by 8:30 to 9 AM. One can also go to see the Blue Sheep, Red Fox and Ibex after having breakfast. It is advised to all the travellers to stay nearby to the homestay until and unless we received any message about the good Snow Leopard sighting. Lunch will be served at the Snow Leopard site but if there are no sightings then lunch will be served at the homestay only. For evening snacks, coffee and tea will be served at the site and at the homestay.
Mineral water will be served to you throughout the Snow Leopard Tour. There will be wood fired hot stove and electric heater in every room and towels will be provided too. In winter season there will be no running water so the warm water will be provided to you for fresh and up everyday. There are dry toilets where wet wipes and toilet paper will be available. Bathroom facility is separate, if someone wants to take a bath then hot water will be provided. Everything will be served at the door, you don't have to lift anything during the trip. Camera will be carried by the porter and daytime backpack. Experts and guides will be there in case there might be instant possibility of sightings. For photography, there will be walking pole, chair and stool to make yourself comfortable.
There will be tents in case someone has to take rest. Mats will be available inside the tents. While travelling for sighting oxygen tank will be brought together with the group. In case of any symptoms like shortness of breath then there is Oxygen Saturation measurement device. Our team members will be there with you in case of any problem. Travellers face high altitude sickness and some shortness of breath then there are dropping services to take down to lower altitude. There might be detour up to 30 kms for a different sites of Snow Leopard Sighting. In case of any extra help or extra trips then there will be helpers to get the facilities and other important things to the site from homestay.
After having breakfast we will travel to Kalpa from Kibber. This trail will take us to the modern civilization from ancient civilization. In the noon we will have lunch and reach Kalpa in the evening. Staying overnight at Kalpa
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Today after breakfast we will come back to Shimla after exploring the most peaceful and beautiful place and it's culture. In the evening we will reach to Shimla. After that you can go to the Mall Road in Shimla. Staying overnight at Shimla.
This will be the last day of the journey, after having breakfast we will travel to Delhi. In the evening we reach to Delhi and this is the end of the unforgettable Snow Leopard Tour with Spiti Adventure.
- Accommodation for stay will be provided at hotels and homestays on a double sharing basis.
- All meals Breakfast, Lunch and dinner will be provided but on the first day only dinner and last day only breakfast will be given.
- Mineral Water, Tea/Coffee, Hot Water for Drinking.
- Toilet Paper/ Wet wipes
- Sightseeing and outing as mentioned in Itinerary by Non Ac.
- Vehicle
- Wildlife permit fees.
- Foldable Stool and tents to rest on the field.
- Facility of Oxygen Cylinder in Homestays and field.
- Heater will be provided in room, Bukhara fireplace in Common area
- Skilled and professional guide for you.
- Photography fee.
- Any kinds of drinks alcoholic or Non-alcoholic except mineral water, milk, tea, coffee.
- Any Train or flight fare.
- Any cost due to uncertainty like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, political disturbances etc.
- Any personal services including tip to driver, yak ride, laundry, telephone bills etc.
- Medication at any clinic or hospital.
- Extra need of a porter or guide.
- Anything that is not mentioned in Inclusions.
- Track pants, Woolen clothes, pullovers, warm hoodies are necessary.
- Trekking shoes or boots should be added.
- For change dry clothes, woolen socks and towel.
- A raincoat, windcheater or wind proof jacket.
- 2-3 pair of inner warm thermals.
- Personal toiletries, first aid kit and medications if necessary.
- Flash light, camera, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion.
- Back pack and water bottle.
- Hand sanitizer is must.
- For hygiene carry toilet paper and wet wipes.
- Crocin Advance - For Fever and Headache.
- Diamox - For High altitude sickness.
- Digene - For Stomach ache or acidity.
- Moov / Volini Spray - For Sprains.
- Betadine / Savlon - Antiseptic cream.
- ORC - To Treat Dehydration.
- Carry Bandage, Cotton and Gauze.
