Snow Leopard Expedition
Evolved to live in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, the mysterious and elusive snow leopard can be found high in the Spiti Valley of the Himalayas – at altitudes of over 15,000 – 16,000 feet above sea level. Prepare for an adventure like no other in the Kibber Wildlife sanctuary.
Witnessing a snow leopard in the wild is a rare opportunity that few others get. They’re some of the most difficult animals to spot our in their natural habitats, but with our qualified, trained guides with expert knowledge of the environment and behaviour of this spotted big cat, you’ll be venturing prepared.
The best chance to see these magnificent creatures is during the wintertime. The prey of the snow leopard – bhorals (mountain goats), ibex, Himalayan Thar, and the near threatened Markhor – descend during the colder months. The snow leopard follows.
This is a mystical trip of nature at its most real, combined with cultural wonders to visit and learn about along the way. India’s 500-600 snow leopards live in a land where Buddhist lamas train, Key Monastery.
During this snow leopard safari, you’ll only have the chance to spot other wonders of wildlife. We’ll keep our eyes open for the Himalayan Red Fox, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan ibex, along with bird species like the soaring Golden Eagle, vultures, and other migratory species. Experience the folklore of Spiti Valley, where nature and civilisation are tied together. The authenticity and wild side of Kibber, where the snow leopard roams, is where you’ll encounter nature at its most primal.
Itinerary
Land in New Delhi from your destination. Check in to New Delhi Hotel ( Novotel or similar 5* category). Overnight at Hotel
Day 2
Early morning flight from New Delhi to Chandigarh. Drive towards Kalpa upon landing in Chandigarh . Reach Kalpa hotel late afternoon. Breakfast and Lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight stay at Kalpa.
Kalpa – Kibber
Check out Kalpa hotel after breakfast. We will do our permits registration and collect our Permits for Kibber from here (It is mandatory for foreign tourists to get inner line permits to visit Spiti valley). Today will be a long journey to Kibber. The landscapes on this route are breathtaking. Reach homestay in Kibber late evening. Dinner and overnight at Norling Homestay in Kibber.
Kibber
We will be meeting for breakfast @ 8am. Our scanners will be on the lookout for the Snow Leopards from early morning. As we get any news we will proceed towards the location to see the Mountain Ghosts. We would travel in a vehicle as close to the location as possible and then walk / hike to get the best view. We will be assisted by guides and porters who will carry all camera equipments. Sometimes you may have to walk just over 10 minutes or other times you may have to walk 2 hours to reach the destination. It really depends on where the cats are spotted. On days when the snow leopards are not seen, we will focus on other animals and birds like the Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep, Bearded Vulture, Golden Eagle etc. We will also visit the Key Monastery and do a village walk on one of the days.
Kibber – Rampur
Today we will leave for Rampur at 5 am. This will be the longest journey of our tour (@12 hours). Reach Rampur Hotel Nav Nabh Heritage by 5 pm. Rest, Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Rampur – New Delhi
We will proceed towards Chandigarh after breakfast. Lunch on the way. Reach Chandigarh airport late afternoon from where you will take a flight to New Delhi. Exact timing of the flight will be informed closer to the tour dates. Reach New Delhi by @7pm. Check into New Delhi hotel.
Fly Out
You will be transferred to the Airport according to your international flight timings.
Dates & Rates
Dates:
30 January 2024 – 10 February 2024
Rates:
US$ 4 200 per person sharing
US$ 4 800 per person single
- Maximum 8 guests
- 30% deposit secures your spot
The average day temperature on the Snow Leopard expedition will be -5 degree C and it can drop down to -20 degrees C in the night. The rooms of the home stay in Kibber are wood heated making it warm and comfortable.
All guests must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses.
Guests with medical history of breathing or heart related diseases are advised to consult their doctor and will need to present a Doctor’s certificate.
The itinerary of the Snow Leopard expedition will be flexible and might change due to heavy snowfall or unavoidable circumstances.
The Home Stay in Tabo and Kibber are basic but comfortable and hygienic. They are one of the best available options in both destinations considering the remoteness of the area. We will provide maximum possible luxury and comfort on the Snow Leopard expedition.
For photographers, a minimum of 600 mm lens is recommended for the Snow Leopard Expedition.
Included:
- Legend Safaris Photographic guide
- Photographic tutoring
- Accommodation
- Breakfast in New Delhi
- All meals at all other destinations
- All airport transfers, internal transfers
- Premium Economy class airfare from New Delhi to Chandigarh and back. Excess luggage (Total weight 25kg check in + 7kg cabin luggage per person)
- Bottle Drinking water during Transfers and Safari
- All Applicable taxes
- All gypsy charges, entry charges, guide fees for safaris. Village fees, inner line permits, wildlife fees and camera charges for snow leopard expedition
- 1 porter per person on the Snow Leopard expedition at Kibber to carry luggage
- Hiking sticks and Gaiters for snow leopard expedition
- Portable Oxygen cylinder and basic first aid kit in Kibber
Excluded:
- Any personal expenses, extra meals, beverages, alcohol
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel Insurance, International Airfare and Visa charges
- Anything not mentioned in the above “Included” section
- Any extra charges due to cancellations, Heavy snow fall/roadblocks or unavoidable circumstances
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