10 Nights | Snow Leopard Expedition | Start & End: Chandigarh
We can also customise this trip based on your exact dates, requirements and budget.
There are wildlife journeys that promise frequent sightings, and then there are true expeditions where every encounter is earned.
Hidden high in the Trans-Himalayan ranges of Himachal Pradesh lies the spectacular Spiti Valley, a land of snow-covered peaks, frozen rivers, ancient monasteries and isolated villages where life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. During winter, this rugged landscape transforms into one of the harshest environments on Earth. Temperatures plunge well below freezing, the mountains fall silent beneath fresh snow and one of the world's most elusive predators begins descending from the highest ridges in search of prey.
This is the season of the Snow Leopard.
Often referred to as the "Ghost of the Mountains", the Snow Leopard is one of the rarest and most difficult big cats to observe anywhere in the world. Perfectly adapted to life at extreme altitude, it blends effortlessly into the rocky cliffs and snow-covered slopes that it calls home. Even experienced naturalists can spend years searching before witnessing their first wild Snow Leopard.
Our expedition is based in the remote village of Kibber, one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the world and one of the finest places anywhere on the planet to search for this extraordinary cat. Working alongside some of the world's most experienced local Snow Leopard trackers, we spend each day scanning mountain ridges, traversing frozen valleys and patiently observing the landscape through professional spotting scopes. Every fresh pugmark, every distant alarm call from Bharal and every movement on a rocky ridge has the potential to become the moment every wildlife enthusiast dreams of.
Yet the Snow Leopard is only part of the story.
The mountains of Spiti support an astonishing variety of wildlife specially adapted to survive these extreme conditions. Herds of Blue Sheep cling effortlessly to near-vertical cliffs, Asiatic Ibex navigate impossible terrain, Himalayan Red Foxes patrol frozen valleys and Tibetan Wolves occasionally roam the high plateaus. Golden Eagles and Lammergeiers soar effortlessly above the mountains while tiny mountain villages offer a fascinating glimpse into the resilient culture of the Spitian people.
Unlike a conventional safari, this is an expedition in every sense of the word. Success depends upon patience, perseverance and allowing nature to reveal itself at its own pace. Some days may involve long hours quietly watching distant cliffs, while on others the mountains may reward us with unforgettable sightings that remain etched in memory forever.
At Beyond Wild, we have been organising Snow Leopard expeditions since 2012 and have been fortunate to observe and photograph at least one Snow Leopard on every one of our previous expeditions. This remarkable success has been made possible through years of experience, an exceptional local tracking team and a deep understanding of both the landscape and its wildlife. We work with some of the finest Snow Leopard trackers in the region, use high-quality spotting scopes and ensure that every expedition is conducted responsibly, ethically and with complete respect for the fragile mountain ecosystem.
This is far more than a wildlife holiday.
It is an expedition into one of the last truly wild places on Earth, where every day brings fresh anticipation and where a single glimpse of the Ghost of the Mountains makes every frozen morning and every patient hour in the field completely worthwhile.
This is a fixed-date group departure: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor are all set — ideal for solo travellers and small groups who want a great trip without the planning. Between drives there's time to rest, review photos, and swap notes over chai with your naturalist.
Your expedition begins early this morning as we leave Chandigarh and gradually climb into the lower Himalayas.
The journey follows the Sutlej River through beautiful mountain scenery before arriving at the historic town of Rampur Bushahr.
This first overnight halt allows the body to begin acclimatising gradually before we continue towards higher elevations.
Dinner and overnight at Nau Nabh Heritage Hotel.
After breakfast, continue deeper into the spectacular Spiti Valley.
The landscape changes dramatically as forests gradually disappear and are replaced by barren mountains, deep gorges and vast high-altitude deserts that define the Trans-Himalaya.
By evening, arrive in Kaza, the largest settlement in Spiti, where another night of acclimatisation prepares us for the expedition ahead. We shall also visit the spectacular Key monastery, one of the most sacred places in Buddhism.
Dinner and overnight at Sakya Abode.
This morning we make the short but spectacular drive to Kibber.
Perched at over 13,500 feet above sea level, Kibber has become synonymous with Snow Leopard conservation and remains one of the finest locations anywhere in the world to search for this elusive predator.
After settling into our traditional homestay and meeting the local tracking team, we receive a detailed briefing before beginning our first afternoon reconnaissance in the surrounding valleys.
From this point onwards, every day is shaped by the movements of the Snow Leopard.
The day begins early, when the mountains are at their quietest and wildlife activity is already underway.
The next six days are devoted entirely to searching for the Ghost of the Mountains.
Before sunrise each morning, our experienced local spotters leave the village to scan the surrounding mountains for fresh pugmarks, prey movement and any signs that may reveal the whereabouts of a Snow Leopard.
Between drives, return to the lodge to rest and enjoy a leisurely meal before heading out again later in the day.
With another full day in the wilderness, there is time to explore beyond the most familiar routes and follow fresh signs of animal movement.
Their knowledge of the landscape, accumulated over decades, greatly improves our chances of success.
As the light changes, so does the character of the landscape, revealing new details with every drive.
After breakfast, we head towards the most promising location identified by the trackers.
By afternoon, the mountains take on a different mood, with softer light and renewed animal activity shaping the next safari.
Today offers another chance to read the snow leopard tracks and changing wildlife activity.
Some days may involve short walks across snowy trails, while others may simply require hours of patient observation from carefully selected viewpoints overlooking the valleys.
Packed lunches are usually enjoyed in the field, allowing us to remain close to any developing wildlife activity.
As evening approaches, return to the lodge after another rewarding outing, with dinner and time to unwind before the following morning.
A further day in the field allows us to slow the pace and give the wilderness time to reveal itself.
Although the Snow Leopard remains our primary objective, the expedition often produces memorable sightings of Blue Sheep, Asiatic Ibex, Himalayan Red Fox, Tibetan Wolves, Golden Eagles, Lammergeiers and numerous other mountain species.
Each evening we return to our homestay, where warm meals, local hospitality and lively discussions around the heater provide the perfect ending to another day in the mountains.
Another day in the field comes to a close as the landscape settles into evening and the lodge becomes a welcome retreat.
We spend another day in the mountains, focusing on species we have missed until now, while more sightings of the Snow Leopard remain the priority. Tonight, as the sun sets over the mountains, we enjoy a farewell dinner at our lovely high altitude homestay.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the spectacular mountains of Spiti and begin the journey back towards Rampur Bushahr.
The return drive provides one final opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary landscapes that have been home throughout the expedition.
Dinner and overnight at Rampur.
After breakfast, continue the drive back to Chandigarh Airport, where your Snow Leopard expedition comes to an end.
While the journey concludes here, the memories of frozen valleys, endless mountain vistas and perhaps even a sighting of the Ghost of the Mountains will remain with you for a lifetime.
Other dates for this trip
Everything's set: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor. Per-person pricing is above — tell us you're interested and we'll take it from there.
Fixed dates, fixed price, expert-led. Tell us you are interested and we will take it from there.
| Cancelled this far ahead | You get back |
|---|---|
| 180 days or more | 95% refund |
| 120 to 179 days | 75% refund |
| 90 to 119 days | 50% refund |
| 60 to 89 days | 30% refund |
| Less than 60 days or No Show | No refund |
Snow Leopard expeditions involve extensive advance planning, including accommodation in remote locations, local staffing, permits and logistical arrangements. Consequently, cancellation policies differ from those applicable to conventional holidays.
These terms apply to this trip.
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