Snow Leopard Expedition in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the rugged terrains of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley offers more than just breath-taking landscapes—it promises an unforgettable journey into the wild. The Snow Leopard Expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows nature enthusiasts to witness the elusive snow leopard in its natural habitat. From the challenges of extreme weather to the thrill of rare wildlife sightings, this adventure will leave you with memories that last forever.

The Journey Begins: Our expedition started in Chandigarh on 11^th February 2025, where we embarked on a long 15-hour drive towards the high-altitude Spiti Valley. The journey, though long, was an essential part of the experience as it gave us the chance to acclimatize to the changing altitudes. Our first stop was Rampur Bhushar, located at 1000 meters, where we spent the night in freezing temperatures of -5 to 10°C. From there, we continued on to Tabo, where we reached an altitude of 3,000 meters, braving -20°C temperatures.

Acclimatization and the Thrill of the Chase: Acclimatization is key when you’re venturing into the Himalayas. For two days, we prepared ourselves for the extreme cold and the thin air. On day three, we set out on our first wildlife search, trekking the mountains in search of snow leopards, foxes, and wolves. The thrill of spotting a red fox up close and seeing a Tibetan Black Wolf in the wild was incredible, but we were here for something even rarer.

The Elusive Snow Leopard: Spotted in the harsh terrains of Spiti Valley, the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is a truly elusive creature. Known for its camouflage skills, this endangered big cat is a challenge to spot, but the excitement of the hunt made it all the more thrilling. Though they typically stay in their designated territories, the best time for sightings is during the mating season (December to March) or when they are with their cubs. Thanks to local scanners and wildlife experts, we were able to head to prime locations where the snow leopard had been spotted.

The Scenic Beauty of Spiti Valley: Apart from the wildlife, the valley itself is a wonder to behold. From the world’s second highest suspension bridge at Chicham ( 4200 meters) to the highest post office in the world at Hikkim, Spiti offers jaw-dropping views at every turn. Demul, perched at an altitude of 4,500 meters, provided us with the feeling of standing on top of the world.

Chasing the Snow Leopard: The most intense part of the expedition came when we received word that a snow leopard had been spotted near Langza. We rushed to the site, only to find a crowd of photographers and nature enthusiasts already gathered, waiting for the elusive feline to make an appearance. It was a game of patience, and as we carefully hiked the steep terrain, we were finally rewarded with a sighting. There it was, perfectly camouflaged against the rocks, staring back at us with its piercing eyes. To see such a majestic creature in the wild was nothing short of magical.

The Final Reward: The last day of the expedition brought us to the highest point of our journey—Demul. After driving through snow-covered roads and battling freezing temperatures, we were led to a breath-taking moment: a mother snow leopard with her two-year-old cub. Witnessing these magnificent creatures share a goat kill and interact with each other at such close proximity was the culmination of an incredible journey. The struggle to climb the steep mountain and brave the freezing temperatures was worth every moment.

The Snow Leopard Expedition in Spiti Valley is a must-do for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a deep connection with the wild. From the physical and mental preparation to the joy of rare wildlife sightings, this journey through one of the most remote regions in India is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you have the opportunity, make sure to witness the beauty and majesty of the snow leopard and the stunning landscapes of Spiti Valley. You’ll return home with memories that will last forever.

Travel Tips:

• Carry essential medicines required for high altitude sickness.
• Woollen clothes as instructed by your team.
• Carry hand and foot warmers (Decathlon)
• Be prepared to use chemical toilets.
• Expect very basic facilities at home stay including heating.
• Carry torch light, power banks and extra batteries for cameras.
• Be prepared for extreme weather conditions.
• Hydrate yourself and carry electrolytes.
• Carry your own toilet rolls and wet wipes.
• Prepare yourself to hold nature call for long hours.
• Never exert yourself for the first 2 days.
• Acclimatise well for the altitude

Cost of the Expedition: It varies between Rs.85,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per person for the January to March 2025 (Chandigarh to Chandigarh including accommodation at homestays, food, transport, porter service in the valley and expedition experiences for 8 nights/9 days)