The Snow Leopard Trek
On the Grey Ghost’s Trail in Spiti
February 2017
A glance at the Snow Leopard Trek in Spiti
Duration: 8 nights/ 9 days
Destination: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Getting there: Long drives across Kinnaur and Spiti valley
Maximum Elevation Above 14,000 ft
Be prepared for: A winter experience like no other. Mind blowing views which are a photographer and nature lover’s dream come true, cold weather (-15 to -20 degrees). Himalayan wildlife and a chance to see the majestic Snow Leopard. This one is not for the faint hearted!
What is the Snow Leopard Trek all about?
Join us, as we follow in the footsteps of a very elusive creature of the wild-Snow Leopard at Spiti.
Spiti Valley holds fascination for intrepid travellers for myriad reasons. For adventurers, the moonscape terrain, harsh conditions pose the ultimate challenge, for click happy photographers, the winding turquoise Spiti River, deep blue skies and inky nights, mystical people and monastic life presents a wonderful opportunity. For fossil finders Spiti is the bottom of ancient Tethys sea rich with fossils lying untouched for more than 500 million years, whatever be the reason, a visit to Spiti Valley is definitely on top of many bucket lists.
At GoMissing, the reason that pulls us to Spiti is the SNOW LEOPARD! Join us as we follow the trail of this elusive wild life creature and get a rare look into his world. Along with an expert snow leopard tracker and an eclectic group of adventurers, we will be following the pugmarks of this shy animal.
The highlight of this 8-day expedition includes living in sub-zero temperatures, seeing exquisite flora and fauna like blue sheep, chukar, red fox, great tit, magpie, robin accentor and golden eagle, and of course following the trail of big cat.
This adventure of a lifetime is for those who truly appreciate offbeat trails and have the taste for extraordinary experiences.
Like all GoMissing trips, this trip too has all the advantages like expert guides, seamless planning and logistics, high experiential travel, an opportunity to see places and do things very few get the chance to do, and the best of all, a fabulous group of people who will become friends for life!
Take a look at the itinerary and book for the February 2017 early on to avoid disappointment!
Make it happen! Give us a call
Snow leopard trek and winters in Spiti pictures
Spiti Snow Leopard Trek itinerary
The drive from Shimla (7300 ft) to Kalpa (10,000 ft) takes about 10 – 11 hours.The route to Kalpa is an all weather route and one of the most favoured roads for motorists and bikers who want thrilling Himalayan Adventure. Kalpa is at the base of the Kinnaur Kailash snow-capped ranges. The Shivling peaks rise up to 20,000 feet (6,000 m). With gushing Satluj River adorning the valley, Kalpa has other attractions like its many apple orchards, pine-nut forests and the stately deodhars. We will spend the evening here and stay overnight at Kalpa Hotel.
The second day we will leave the Kinnaur region and head for Kaza, a village in Spiti Valley. At 12000 ft elevation, Kaza is a high altitude cold desert similar to Tibet. Desolate, sparsely populated, this remote place is among the coldest regions in India with temperatures dropping to as low as -37degrees in January. We stay the night at Kaza Homestay and will start early next day for Kibber. The Kaza Homestay has a fireplace to keep you warm.
You’ll walk around a little today to get used to the extreme conditions of the Spiti valley
On the fourth day we head to Kibber, which is at about 14500 ft elevation.
We will make a base at Chichim Homestay for the next three days. It is from here we will follow the cue of our Expert Snow Spotter, who will accompany us to vantage points at Kibber, Chichim and Rengolon areas known for best sighting opportunities. Be prepared for walking upto 6-7 hours a day trailing the leopard. Snow Leopards have a well defined territory and are not easily spotted during summers as they blend well with rocky terrain. Winters offer the best opportunity to see these creatures. Keep watching for blue sheep, chukar, red fox, great tit, magpie, robin accentor and golden eagle, while looking for the big cat.
It’s time to head back today. We start for Kaza. We stay overnight at Kaza Homestay.
We will head back to Kalpa and stay overnight at Kalpa Hotel
We leave Kalpa in the morning and head back to Shimla. The tour ends as we reach Shimla.
Trip Price
INR 42,990/- per person (Inclusive of 4.5% service tax)
Price includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis throughout the trip (Homestay, guest houses)
- All meals while in guest houses and homestays
- All road transfers during the trip – Force Travelers/ Tata Sumo jeeps (Includes driver TA/DA, fuel, parking charges and tolls
- Inner line permits and National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary permits
- Reliable, experienced, adept local driver with knowledge of the area and the terrain in winter.
- Chief Experience Officer accompanying the group along with local tour escort and a wildlife expert throughout the trip
Price does not include
- Personal expenses and meals during drives
- Still or video camera fees (if any)
- Travel insurance
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances (landslides/ road blocks/ bad weather conditions etc)
- Accommodation in Shimla before and after the trip
- Meals during drives
- Getting to Shimla from your hometown and back