SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION
Track the mythical 'Grey Ghost of the Himalayas' across the frozen, snow-clad valleys and cliffs of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
Quest for the Grey Ghost of the Himalayas
The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is one of the most elusive and revered big cats on earth. During the summer, snow leopards roam above 15,000–16,000 feet following their primary prey—Bharal (Blue Sheep) and Himalayan Ibex. As harsh Himalayan winter sets in, prey descends into valley slopes for grazing, and the snow leopards follow—creating the world's best window for sightings.
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh's high-altitude Spiti Valley has earned global renown as the most reliable snow leopard territory on earth. With our dedicated local spotters, high-power spotting scopes, and an individual porter assigned to every participant, Safariwale delivers an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime Arctic wilderness expedition.
Expedition Highlights
- 6 Full Dedicated Tracking Days: Intensive tracking with veteran local scanners who possess generational expertise in spotting snow leopards.
- Individual Porter For Each Guest: Personal porter dedicated to carrying your heavy camera gear and daypack so you can hike comfortably at altitude.
- Heated Homestay Comfort: Warm, authentic homestays in Kibber and Tabo with traditional wood-fired bukhari heating and hot, nutritious meals.
- Rich Himalayan Fauna: High probability of photographing Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Red Fox, Blue Sheep, Ibex, and Golden Eagles.
Best Time to Visit
January to March: Deep winter brings heavy snow cover, forcing snow leopards and their prey to lower altitudes. This is the prime mating season, with vocalizations and active territorial movement echoing across the cliffs.
Snow Leopard Expedition Package
A complete, end-to-end curated safari expedition with experienced naturalists, authentic stays, and transparent pricing.
- Duration — 11 Days / 10 Nights Ex-Chandigarh
- Tracking — 6 Full Days dedicated snow leopard tracking in Kibber
- Support — Individual porter for each participant to carry camera gear
- Stay — Hotels and wood-heated traditional homestays
- Transfers — All transport ex-Chandigarh in Innova Crysta / 4x4
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DAY 0
Arrive Chandigarh (Recommended)
Check in to hotel in Chandigarh latest by evening; rest and prepare for early morning departure.
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DAY 1
Chandigarh to Rampur (approx. 250 km · 6–8 hrs)
Early morning pickup from Chandigarh. Scenic mountain drive to Rampur Bushahr. Check-in and overnight stay. Dinner included.
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DAY 2
Rampur to Tabo (approx. 250 km · 9–10 hrs)
Spectacular drive along the Sutlej and Spiti rivers through Kinnaur into Upper Spiti. Check-in and overnight stay in Tabo.
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DAY 3
Tabo to Kibber via Kaza (3–4 hrs)
Scenic drive via Kaza. Optional visit to historic Ki Monastery. Onward drive to Kibber (14,200 ft). Acclimatisation, briefing, and check-in to cosy wood-heated homestay.
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DAYS 4–9
6 Full Days Dedicated Snow Leopard Tracking · Kibber
Six full days dedicated to tracking snow leopards with trained local guides and scanners. Daily guided hikes with an individual porter for each participant. Spotting Bharal, Red Fox, Ibex, Golden Eagles, and Snow Leopards.
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DAY 10
Kibber to Rampur (Full-Day Drive)
Full-day scenic drive back down to Rampur. Overnight stay to celebrate and relax after the high-altitude expedition.
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DAY 11
Rampur to Chandigarh (approx. 250 km · 7–8 hrs)
Checkout and early morning drive to Chandigarh. Drop at Chandigarh airport by evening for onward flights.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
Direct from the official expedition itinerary with complete clarity.
Package Inclusions
- All transport ex-Chandigarh (Innova Crysta / 4x4 vehicle as per conditions)
- Accommodation in hotels and heated homestays on twin-share basis
- All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 11 breakfast
- Snow leopard tracking with trained local guides and scanners
- Individual porter for each participant to carry personal gear
- Wildlife expert / tour leader throughout expedition
- Wood-fired room heating at the Kibber homestay
- All toll taxes, fuel, driver allowances, forest fees, and permits
Exclusions
- Travel to / from Chandigarh (flight or train)
- Day 0 stay, meals, and airport pickup
- Day 1 lunch and Day 11 lunch/dinner
- Specialised cold-weather clothing / personal sub-zero gear
- Mandatory travel and high-altitude emergency medical insurance
- Personal medications (including Diamox for altitude)
- Costs arising from natural roadblocks, landslides, or heavy snowfall
Field Sightings Gallery
Real moments captured in the wild. Click any frame to inspect in full resolution.
Safariwale Expeditions
Safariwale Expeditions
Safariwale Expeditions
Safariwale Expeditions
Safariwale Expeditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Key details regarding permits, transit, and safari expectations.
How cold does it get in Kibber in winter?
Daytime temperatures typically hover around -10°C to -15°C, while night temperatures can plunge to -25°C or -30°C. Our homestays feature traditional wood-fired bukharis and heavy quilts.
What physical fitness level is required?
A basic to moderate level of fitness is required. Because an individual porter carries your heavy backpack and camera equipment, you only need to walk at a steady pace. Acclimatisation days in Rampur and Tabo prevent altitude sickness.
What camera equipment is recommended?
We recommend 500mm to 800mm telephoto lenses with a sturdy tripod for high-magnification ridge shooting. Bring at least 4 to 5 spare camera batteries, as extreme cold drains battery life rapidly.