Snow Leopard Expedition - Spiti
A rare winter adventure into the high Himalayas where snow-covered landscapes, remote villages, and the elusive Snow Leopard come together for an unforgettable experience.
Talk to an Expert
Snow Leopard Expedition - Spiti
A rare winter adventure into the high Himalayas where snow-covered landscapes, remote villages, and the elusive Snow Leopard come together for an unforgettable experience.
Talk to an Expert
Trek Difficulty
Moderate
Trek Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Highest Altitude
~14,800 ft (approx. altitude near Kibber)
Suitable For
Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, anyone seeking a unique cultural experience
Total Trek Distance
~15-20 km (Includes small hikes and village exploration)
Accomodation
Homestays & Local Guesthouses
Accomodation Type (Single/ Sharing)
Twin/Triple Sharing (Single rooms on request, subject to availability)
Basecamp
Chicham, Spiti Valley
Pickup Point
Shimla
Stop Points
Shimla → Reckong Peo → Tabo → Kaza → Kibber → Chicham
Snow Leopard Expedition
Experience Spiti’s Hidden Wildlife and Snowy Wilderness
This winter expedition takes you deep into Spiti Valley’s snow-covered landscapes, one of the few places in the world where the Snow Leopard roams free.
Alongside expert wildlife trackers, you’ll explore remote villages, trek across snowy trails, and watch for signs of this legendary predator.
At ~14,800 ft, Chicham becomes your home base – a warm, welcoming Spitian village surrounded by mountains, frozen rivers, and open skies. This is not just a trek; it’s a chance to witness rare wildlife, experience high-altitude winter life, and connect with one of the most secluded regions in India.
Trek Fee
Price per person: Rs. 40,000 + 5% GST
Group Discounts & Early Bird Offers available
Optional Add-ons
- Travel meals – Rs. 2,000
- Personal Oxygen Cylinder – Rs. 2,000 (Recommended for elderly or those with past AMS symptoms)
Available Dates to Register
- 26 Feb - 4 March 2026
- 6 - 14 March 2026
Additional Information
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 8 nights’ stay (homestays/hotels with heating)
- All stay meals (veg & non-veg where available)
- Wildlife tracker & expedition leader
- MUV/SUV vehicle for travel
- Entry permits
- First aid kit
- Spotting scopes & binoculars (with the spotting team)
Exlusions
- Travel till Shimla (arranged on request)
- Personal expenses
- Camera & equipment rental
- Oxygen cylinder (unless added as extra)
- Meals during road journeys
- Anything not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Why Join the Snow Leopard Expedition?
The Snow Leopard Expedition is a rare adventure that combines wildlife discovery, winter landscapes, and cultural immersion. Here’s why this journey into Spiti Valley is truly unforgettable:
A Rare Wildlife Encounter
Spotting the Snow Leopard in the wild is one of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife lovers. With the guidance of skilled trackers, your chances of sightings are higher in the winter months.
The Beauty of Spiti in Winter
Spiti’s winter is truly magical with snow-draped villages, frozen rivers, and golden sunlight on white peaks. The peace and stillness make the experience even more special.
Life in Remote Himalayan Villages
Stay in authentic Spitian homestays, share meals by the kitchen fire, and learn about the resilient mountain lifestyle from the locals.
Learn the Art of Wildlife Tracking
Understand predator-prey movements, identify pugmarks, and use spotting scopes like a real wildlife researcher.
An Immersive Cultural & Adventure Experience
Beyond wildlife, this journey lets you explore monasteries, interact with villagers, and travel along ancient Himalayan trade routes.
Snow Leopard Expedition – 9 Days Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Shimla to Kalpa (225 km / 9 hrs)
- Scenic drive via Narkanda and Rampur. Arrive at Kalpa by evening
- Arrive at Kalpa by evening.
Day 2: Kalpa (2,960M) to Tabo (3,280M)
- Enter Spiti Valley.
- Visit Nako and Gue Monastery en route to Tabo.
Day 3: Tabo to Kaza (3,800M)
- Explore Tabo Monastery
- Then drive to Kaza for acclimatization.
Day 4: Kaza to Chicham (21 km Drive)
- Short drive to Chicham. Begin wildlife orientation with expert trackers.
- Stay - Homestay in Chicham
Day 5: Snow Leopard Spotting
- Full-day tracking with spotting scopes in high-altitude zones.
- Stay - Homestay in Chicham
Day 6: Snow Leopard Spotting
- Continue wildlife observation; learn about predator-prey dynamics.
- Stay - Homestay in Chicham
Day 7: Snow Leopard Spotting
- Final chance for sightings. Interact with locals and visit vantage points.
- Stay - Homestay in Chicham
Day 8: Chicham to Kalpa (220 km / 9 hrs)
- Drive back from the highlands to Kalpa. Scenic descent.
- Stay - Hotel in Kalpa
Day 9: Kalpa to Shimla (225 km / 9 hrs)
- Final day drive to Shimla.
- Expedition concludes by evening.
Facts and Important Information
From Delhi: Delhi → Shimla by shared transport or private vehicle
Nearest Airport: Shimla (check flights in advance) or Chandigarh (with road travel)
- Govt. ID (Aadhar/Passport)
- 2 passport size photos
- Medical certificate
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Cash (ATMs unreliable in Spiti)
- Fit individuals up to 65 years allowed
- Medical clearance required
- Portable oxygen recommended as add-on
- Not recommended for kids under 12
- Above 12 allowed only with parent/guardian
- Must be physically fit and accustomed to cold
Lead Wildlife Guide: Snow Leopard expert / Spotter
Expedition Leader: Wilderness First Responder certified
Support Vehicle & Driver: Equipped with tire chains for snow
Pre-Trek Health Requirements:
- Mandatory medical form before participation
- Pre-expedition fitness check-up recommended
During Trek:
- Oxygen saturation monitoring daily
- AMS awareness and first-aid support available
- Home-cooked Spitian meals (veg & limited non-veg)
- Special meals available on prior request (gluten-free, Jain, etc.)
Snow Leopard Expedition Trivia
The Ghost of the Mountains
Locals call the snow leopard "Shan" in Spitian, meaning 'king of the mountains'.
Pugmark Tracking
Spotting fresh pugmarks early in the morning increases the chances of finding the leopard nearby.
The High-Altitude Hunters
Snow leopards in Spiti are often found above 14,000 ft, where blue sheep (bharal) graze.
Frozen Rivers as Highways
In deep winter, locals and wildlife often use frozen rivers as natural walking routes.
Kibber – The Snow Leopard Capita
This village is considered one of the best places in the world for snow leopard sightings.
Cultural Beliefs
In Spitian folklore, seeing a snow leopard is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
Adapted for the Cold
The snow leopard’s tail can be almost as long as its body and is used like a blanket for warmth.
Latest Reviews
“An unforgettable experience! Saw the snow leopard on Day 3. The guides were amazing.”
Rishika Mehra
“Harsh but beautiful terrain. The village stay was authentic. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife trip.”
Anirudh Sethi
“The wildlife team knew every inch of the land. It was safe and thrilling”
Kavya Joshi
“We tracked pugmarks and finally spotted a leopard at sunrise. Mind-blowing photography opportunity!”
Rahul Nair
Gallery
A rare journey to track the elusive Snow Leopard in its icy mountain home.
Join the expedition and witness the magic of Spiti in winter.
F.A.Q.
This is a moderate trek. Cold and high altitude can be challenging, but the hiking is mostly gentle with minimal steep trails. Prior acclimatization and basic fitness are recommended.
The package includes 8 nights of homestay/hotel accommodation with heating, all stay meals (veg/non-veg where available), wildlife tracker & expedition leader, MUV/SUV transport, entry permits, first aid kit, and spotting scopes/binoculars for wildlife observation.
Essential items include warm clothing (down jackets, thermals, woollen layers), insulated trekking shoes, gloves, cap, sunglasses, personal medical kit, toiletries, and trekking poles if needed. A detailed packing list is provided in the brochure.
Children: Not recommended for kids under 12. Above 12, only with a parent/guardian and must be physically fit and accustomed to cold conditions.
Seniors: Allowed for fit individuals up to 65 with medical clearance. Portable oxygen is recommended.
The trek starts from Shimla, which can be reached via shared transport, private vehicle, or flights to Shimla/Chandigarh followed by road travel. Pickup is arranged from Shimla.
Yes. A mandatory medical form is required before participation, daily oxygen saturation monitoring is done, and a pre-expedition fitness check-up is recommended. Oxygen cylinders can be availed as an add-on, especially for elderly participants or those with previous AMS encounters.
Contact
Phone
9897521533
support@captainalpine.com
Address
69 vedanth, first floor, alpha international city, sector 29, karnal, haryana, 132001
