Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley
Snow Leopards are known to be the kind of most leading and influential animal of the Himalayan region. These are the most rare animals to be found in this entire world. They are noted as endangered species by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Nobody gets the golden opportunity to witness this animal as they are very few left. They have long, bushy fur, and the base colour differs from smoky grey to yellowish tan, and whitish in underparts.
Snow Leopards are majorly spotted in high altitude mountains of South Asia and Central Asia, they basically survive in the Trans-Himalayan region of Spiti Valley and Leh Ladakh. These destinations are the best to go for Snow Leopard Tour Expedition.
During the months of January to February there is heavy snowfall which makes Snow Leopards move towards downward direction to hunt for other animals and thus there are more chances of spotting these species. In the summer season, it is quite difficult to trace them because they move to the higher mountain ranges. Not only this but in Spiti Valley one can have a chance to explore variety of Himalayan wildlife that includes Blue Sheep, Tibetan Wolf Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Siberian Ibex and many more. One will experience during the Snow Leopard Tour that the region has the foremost enticing scenery, the rocky and lush greenery, lofty mountains, diversity of landscapes all around makes it even a lot of amazing. This trail of spotting Snow Leopards will give you such happiness and excitement with the stunning picturesque views that should be captured.
As the guide, Spiti Adventure will make sure to provide local experts on this trail who can help in exploring Snow Leopard Territory.
Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Delhi
Here starts the thrilling Snow Leopard Tour with Spiti Adventure, first reach at the New Delhi International Airport. Team members of Spiti Adventure will guide you from there, check in to the hotel. Guide will help you with all your travel related documents. Staying overnight in hotel in New Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi – Shimla (345 kms, 7 hrs drive)
The next morning after having breakfast we will proceed to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and it is the most popular travel destination not in India but all over the world. In the evening we will arrive at Shimla and check in to the hotel. Staying overnight there only.
Day 3: Shimla to Kalpa (222 kms / 8 hrs)
Today we will travel from Shimla to Kalpa. It is a quaint village situated on the foot of Kinnaur Kailash Mountain. Kalpa is well known for the pine nut forests, red apple orchards and a variety of Deodars which is also known as Chilgoza. The people of the village follows both Hinduism and Buddhism as they have several temples dedicated to them. Once you reach there you will witness the most stunning views of Kalpa Kailash Mountain ranges.
Then we move forward to the Kothi Temple which is devoted to Chandika Devi. The temple is located in a beautiful location which has distinct architectural features and fascinating carvings. We will stay overnight at Kalpa.
Day 4: Kalpa – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo (150 km/8 Hrs)
On this day we will move to see the mesmerizing views of Hindustan Tibet Highway. Enroute, you will get a chance to witness the Convergence of Spiti and Khab. We will reach Spiti Valley after Sumdo. The first destination that we explore is the village Geyu which is famous for the 500 years old Mummy. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Spiti Valley. Then, we will travel to Tabo Village where we will pay a visit to Tabo Monastery.. Tonight we will be staying at homestay experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the region with delicious local cuisine. Overnight Stay at Tabo Village.
Day 5: Drive from Tabo to Kibber (68 km / 3 hours)
Day 5 to Day 10 (Snow Leopard Spotting)
On this day we will go to spend some time in Tabo Monastery before we arrive for Kibber. It is located at a height of 14,500 ft above the sea level. This will be like 3 hour drive, Enroute Kibber if there will be any Snow Leopard sighting place then we will take you there to capture them.
Guide and experts will suggest you to adopt and acclimatize yourself before indulging in any physical activities and it can also cause you high altitude sickness. We will take decision on the basis of how difficult is the sighting site. Once you reach at homestay in Kibber, take rest there and take a walk to see the beauty of the villages and explore their culture. When we receive the news from our team member about sighting, we will take you to that place. There are points like 100 to 400 yards one can walk to plot a route to the Snow Leopard site. If anyone might face any issue then there is yak available to take them to the site.
Basically, the regular routine is as follows :
Morning tea or coffee by 7 AM and breakfast by 8 AM. Then, proceed for the snow Leopard sighting by 8:30 to 9 AM. One can also go to see the Blue Sheep, Red Fox and Ibex after having breakfast.
It is advised to all the travellers to stay nearby to the homestay until and unless we received any message about the good Snow Leopard sighting. Lunch will be served at the Snow Leopard site but if there are no sightings then lunch will be served at the homestay only. For evening snacks, coffee and tea will be served at the site and at the homestay.
Mineral water will be served to you throughout the Snow Leopard Tour. There will be wood fired hot stove and electric heater in every room and towels will be provided too.
In winter season there will be no running water so the warm water will be provided to you for fresh and up everyday. There are dry toilets where wet wipes and toilet paper will be available. Bathroom facility is separate, if someone wants to take a bath then hot water will be provided. Everything will be served at the door, you don’t have to lift anything during the trip. Camera will be carried by the porter and daytime backpack. Experts and guides will be there in case there might be instant possibility of sightings. For photography, there will be walking pole, chair and stool to make yourself comfortable.
There will be tents in case someone has to take rest. Mats will be available inside the tents. While travelling for sighting oxygen tank will be brought together with the group. In case of any symptoms like shortness of breath then there is Oxygen Saturation measurement device. Our team members will be there with you in case of any problem. Travellers face high altitude sickness and some shortness of breath then there are dropping services to take down to lower altitude. There might be detour up to 30 kms for a different sites of Snow Leopard Sighting. In case of any extra help or extra trips then there will be helpers to get the facilities and other important things to the site from homestay.
Day 11: Drive from Kibber to Kalpa (220 Kms/ 7 Hrs)
After having breakfast we will travel to Kalpa from Kibber. This trail will take us to the modern civilization from ancient civilization. In the noon we will have lunch and reach Kalpa in the evening. Staying overnight at Kalpa
Day 12: Drive from Kalpa to Shimla (222 kms / 8 hrs)
Today after breakfast we will come back to Shimla after exploring the most peaceful and beautiful place and it’s culture. In the evening we will reach to Shimla. After that you can go to the Mall Road in Shimla. Staying overnight at Shimla.
Day 13: Shimla to Delhi
This will be the last day of the journey, after having breakfast we will travel to Delhi. In the evening we reach to Delhi and this is the end of the unforgettable Snow Leopard Tour with Spiti Adventure.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for stay will be provided at hotels and homestays on a double sharing basis.
- All meals Breakfast, Lunch and dinner will be provided but on the first day only dinner and last day only breakfast will be given.
- Mineral Water, Tea/Coffee, Hot Water for Drinking.
- Toilet Paper/ Wet wipes
- Sightseeing and outing as mentioned in Itinerary by Non Ac Vehicle
- Wildlife permit fees.
- Foldable Stool and tents to rest on the field.
- Facility of Oxygen Cylinder in Homestays and field.
- Heater will be provided in room, Bukhara fireplace in Common area
- Skilled and professional guide for you.
Exclusions
- Photography fee.
- Any kinds of drinks alcoholic or Non-alcoholic except mineral water, milk, tea, coffee.
- Any Train or flight fare.
- Any cost due to uncertainty like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, political disturbances etc.
- Any personal services including tip to driver, yak ride, laundry, telephone bills etc.
- Medication at any clinic or hospital.
- Extra need of a porter or guide.
- Anything that is not mentioned in Inclusions.
Important Things To Carry on Snow Leopard Expedition
1. Track pants, Woolen clothes, pullovers , warm hoodies are necessary.
2. Trekking shoes or boots should be added.
3. For change dry clothes, woolen socks and towel.
4. A raincoat, windcheater or wind proof jacket.
5. 2-3 pair of inner warm thermals.
6. Personal toiletries, first aid kit and medications if necessary.
7. Flash light, camera, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion.
8. Back pack and water bottle.
9. Hand sanitizer is must.
10. For hygiene carry toilet paper and wet wipes.
Carry Personal Medical Kit
1. Crocin Advance – For Fever and Headache.
2. Diamox – For High altitude sickness.
3. Digene – For Stomach ache or acidity.
4. Moov / Volini Spray – For Sprains.
5. Betadine / Savlon – Antiseptic cream.
6. ORC – To Treat Dehydration.
7. Carry Bandage, Cotton and Gauze.
FAQ’S About Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley
Q1. What is the ideal time to go for Snow Leopard Tour?
Answer: During the months of January to February there is heavy snowfall which makes Snow Leopards move towards downward direction to hunt for other animals and thus there are more chances of spotting these species. In the summer season, it becomes quite difficult to trace them because they move to the higher mountain ranges.
Q2. How closely can one see Snow Leopard?
Answer: To spot Snow Leopard one needs luck and more that there should be patience, professional guidance and planning. One should book a guide rewarded with excellent Snow Leopard sightings. From 2017 all our clients enjoyed Snow Leopard sightings.
Q3. What happens on a typical day?
Answer: Typical day always starts with a hot tea or coffee and then hot water refreshing wash. There will be continuous communication between the team members and guides who have gone out in search of Snow Leopard. After having breakfast move towards the Valley to trace the footprints of Snow Leopard.
If there is any information trackers will inform us on the way. There will be chances in the evening during the post dinner presentation to hear from the leaders.
Q4. How is the weather in Spiti Valley during the months of January to March?
Answer: During the months of January to March the weather will be extreme cold. The temperature goes down to -25°c to -30°c. It is advised to carry warm clothes with you during the tour. Teams members and guide will let you know all the important things to carry with you for your convenience.
Q5. Is there a lot of trekking and hiking required to spot Snow Leopard?
Answer: To Trace Snow Leopards it is required to walk for at least 2-3 hours to reach the destination where they can be seen. Basic fitness level is expected at a height of 14,000 ft. Spiti Adventure believe that fit travellers might have no problems during the expedition. In case of any query contact us.
Q6. What kind of accommodation facilities are available on this tour?
Answer: There are numerous accommodation facilities available in Spiti Valley. There are various guest houses, hotels, and homestays. In Spiti Valley you can best homestays with all the facilities. In Delhi and Shimla there will be 3 or 5 star property available for you. You don’t have to face much difficulty finding the perfect accommodation as per your own wish.
Q7. Is this tour safe for solo travellers?
Answer: Spiti Adventure organizes the group tours which are perfect for solo travellers. As the guide, we take care of all the facilities and there will be a local tour expert on hand throughout with you to guide and help whenever needed. If travellers want the privacy of your own room then a single room will be provided.
Q8. Will there be any briefing session before we start our tour?
Answer: Yes, there will be a briefing session for you provided by your tour guide. There will be proficient drivers and guides who will take you to the places. You will ne given proper facilities that will be mentioned in the Itinerary.
Q9. Why are snow leopards endangered?
For a long time, snow leopards have been facing a lot of threats which decrease their numbers
continuously that includes poaching and retaliation killings, as well as the loss of habitat and prey. Now very few Snow Leopards are left in the entire world.
Q10. What type of clothing is required for the tour ?
Answer: The weather in Spiti Valley is cold, so you have to be prepare yourself to survive in this chilly climate. You need to bring Woolen clothes that keeps you warm including woolen gloves, sweater, wind proof jackets etc.
Q11. Is there any documents needed for the Snow Leopard tour?
Answer: It is important for everyone to bring documents so that you won’t face any kind of problem during your journey.
Documents included:
• Voter Id Card
• PAN Card
• Passport (NRI or Foreigner)
• Aadhar Card
• Driving Licence
Q12. Are there high altitude problem in Spiti?
Answer: Spiti Valley is located at an high altitude of 12,500 meters above the sea level where people usually get in trouble of breathing and which causes altitude sickness because the oxygen level is low there.
Q13. How one can reach Delhi to start Snow Leopard tour? Answer: You can reach Delhi by Barbour means of transport which are as follows –
By Fight:
The Indira Gandhi Airport is the international airport in Delhi. It connects to the cities in India and also all over the world. You can catch regular flight from Lucknow, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc and the international places. This airport is divided into Terminal 1D which is a domestic airport mainly used by the Spice Jet, IndiGo, Go Air and more and the second is Terminal 3 which is a international terminal.
By Road:
Delhi is the major city of the Country, it is connected with the cities like Chandigarh, Shimla, Agra, Jaipur, Manali, Dehradun, even Kathmandu and many more. There are some major bus stands in Delhi at Kashmiri gate, Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar. There are also regular air conditioned bus services provided at Mandi House, RK Puram where people can go to Himachal, Shimla, Manali etc.
By Train:
Being the headquarter of the Northern Railways, Delhi has some major railway junctions which are Old Delhi Railway station, The New Delhi Railway Station, Sarai Rohilla. Most trains depart and arrive
in The New Delhi Railway Station. It is situated in the Paharganj near Connaught Place. Cabs, Taxis, buses will be available outside the station to proceed for the further journey.