This extraordinary expedition is for those who want a full authentic snow leopard experience deep in the Himalayas at one of the highest villages (14,500ft), known to have the best and highest percentage of sightings! This is where you might find yourself sitting next to the National Geographic film crew as we did on our last expedition. Our last expedition exceeded my expectations on every level and beyond the commercial experience in Ladakh!
Nestled in the high-altitude belts of northeast Himachal Pradesh (north India), the Spiti Valley is home to some of India’s most exotic high-altitude wildlife. The presence of prey in the form of ibex and blue sheep throughout the snow-capped rocky terrain makes Spiti home to one of India’s most iconic cats – the snow leopard; referred to with great admiration as, “The Phantom of the Himalayas”. This iconic cat’s habitat is one of the most beautiful environments in the world. In the cold winter months of December to March, these elusive cats descend to lower altitudes in search of prey, making Spiti a snow leopard hotspot for photographers and wildlife lovers alike. Surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayas landscape, we will also find the red fox, Tibetan wolves, and many birds, such as the golden eagle, lammergeier, Himalayan snowcocks, and chukars.
We aim to maximize your chances of seeing snow leopards by expanding our team of 4 scanners with three additional scanners working day in and day out with their wireless sets to help you see and photograph the grey ghost of the Himalayas. At times, you will be surprised by how close we will be to the vehicles. However, even moderate hiking at elevations between 11,000 and 14,000 feet can be taxing, so each photographer will have a personal porter/guide to assist them with their gear. These guides are some of the best I have worked with anywhere in the world.
Shivang Mehta, our photographic expedition leader, is one of India’s top wildlife photographers and the author of “A Decade With Tigers.” He specializes in big cats. He has led snow leopard expeditions to this area for over a decade.
Itinerary
Day 1, February 26, 2025 – Arrive in Delhi/Chandigarh/Shimla
The flight to Chandigarh is very early – Indigo flight 6E-641 (ETD-05:25/ETA-06:25). Therefore, we are beginning this trip by meeting at the domestic terminal at the gate—4:00 AM. Most flights arrive in India late at night. Some of you may decide it is best to fly straight through, while others may want to arrive one or two nights ahead to rest up for the expedition or even earlier to enjoy some of the colorful culture. We will be happy to assist in any of your pre-tour arrangements.
Upon arrival, we will drive to Shimla (3-4 hrs), the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. We will be staying at the Oberoi Cecil. During the times of the British Raj, this was the most exclusive of hotels in Shimla. 130 years later, the restored luxury hotel retains much of its original colonial charm. In the afternoon, we can relax and rest for our exciting expedition or stroll out in a beautiful town. This will be the beginning of our acclimation phase of the expedition
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Day 2, February 27, 2025
After our early breakfast, we will drive through the beautiful Himalayas landscape to Kalpa (6-7 hrs), with plenty of time to stop, stand in awe, and create stunning images. The landscape continues to change, making the excitement levels rise. The dramatic snow-covered mountains surround our hotel, and we will be able to do some night photography of the sparkling night sky over the Himalayas.
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Day 3, February 28, 2025
After our early breakfast, we will continue our acclimation as we ascend higher through the brilliant Himylays to Kaza (6-7 hrs).
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Day 4 – 10, March 1 – 7, 2025
We are only an hour from our final destination. Our spotters will be in the field early. We will have an early breakfast in anticipation of good luck. If we get the call, we will drive straight to the sighting. This will be our first day of searching for the snow leopard.
We will spend the next seven days searching for the snow leopard and photographing other wildlife and the expansive landscapes. Our daily schedule for these days will be as follows.
- Early in the morning, our spotters will head out
- We will have an early breakfast and be briefed on the day’s plan based on the findings of the spotters
- While waiting for information, we will photograph the Ibex, Redfox, Blue Sheep, and stunning landscapes.
- When we receive news of a snow leopard sighting, we will use our 4X4 Gypsy to ensure you reach the designated sighting spot on time.
- Lunch will be organized at the homestay, our other base camp, or the field, depending on the sightings.
- Dinner will be served back at the homestay
Over these seven days, we will also be able to enjoy and photograph the Key monastery, Tabo Monastery – one of the oldest monasteries in the Buddhist religion and even ride yaks through the snow. We can also photograph and socialize in the Kibber village with the local Himalayan rural culture. We will be staying in a beautiful local home with a Himalayan family fully immersed in the traditions of living among the snow leopard. A local shaman will even come on our first day to bless us a successful expedition.
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Day 11, March 8, 2025
We will rise early, eat breakfast, and depart for Kalpa (6 -7 hrs). We will arrive in time to explore the town, view images, or relax in the breathtaking snowy Himalayas.
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Day 12, March 9, 2025
After breakfast, we will continue our descent to Rampur again, allowing us some time in the late afternoon to explore the area’s culture.
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Day 13, March 10, 2025
After Breakfast, we will continue to Chandigarh for our flight back to Delhi, arriving at approximately 6:PM. We have secured overnight accommodations at the Radisson Blu because a high percentage of international flights depart early in the morning. This will allow you to keep your room until your transfer to the airport. However, you may book your departing flight as early as 10:30 PM.
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Important Details
PLEASE NOTE
We will be booked on a domestic flight from Delhi to Chandigarh and then back to Delhi. The free weight is 15 kg of checked luggage and 7Kg of carry-on luggage. There are no issues in checking in excess weight. The fee is $12 per kg (2.2lbs)
It is advised to take Diamox 250 mg twice a day for three days before the commencement of the trip and for three days into the trip to avoid acute mountain sickness. However, you must have a check-up (required) and consult with your doctor three months before travel to confirm you can take this medication and that you are fit for the conditions. You will be going up from 1000 feet to 6000 feet, then to 11,000 feet, and the sightings are usually around 14,000 ft. Clients should be in good physical shape.
Temperatures can range from -10 to 45.
The Price
Based on double occupancy is $10,195.00
While at the homestay in Kibber, the rooms are very limited, and clients will need to share accommodations. Single occupancy is only available on nights we stay at the hotels.
The single supplement occupancy is $1,200
The trip is based on 5-6 clients. If there are less than five clients, Shivang will lead the trip, with a small surcharge of $695 per person—a minimum of 3 clients.
A USD $3,000.00 Non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure 1 of only 6 spots available.
Payment Terms
- USD $3,000.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this safari
- 2nd payment of USD $4,000.00 (+ single Supplement) is due July 1, 2024
- Final payment/Balance is due October 15, 2024
We STRONGLY recommend Travel Insurance to protect your investment, as you never know what life may have in store that might alter your plans.
INCLUDED
- Domestic flight Delhi-Chandigarh-Delhi
- Accommodations February 26 – March 1, 2025
- All meals from Lunch March 26 – Lunch March 10, 2025
- 4 leading scanners plus 3 extra scanners for the Snow Leopard
- Personal porters to carry backpack/camera equipment for the Snow Leopards
- Maruti Suzuki Gypsy to the snow leopard sighting or as close as the track allows
- A walking pole and stool provided for the trek
- Tent pitched for resting at the site of sightings
- Insulated mats for lying down in the snow
- Portable oxygen cylinder for any shortness of breath or symptoms
- Oxygen saturation measurement device for any symptoms of shortness of breath
- The arrangement of dropping the guest to a lower altitude if suffering from mountain sickness or shortness of breath
- Any detour up to 30 km for new or different sites for Snow Leopard sighting
- Any extra help needed or extra trips by the porters to get equipment or other essential items from the homestay to the sighting site
- All drinking water, tea/coffee while in Kibber
- Snacks during the drives
- Village development fee and camera fees
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Personal purchases, including alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Transportation before arrival and after departure dates
REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT
If you are excited to join this safari, now is the time to secure your spot. Use the buttons below to fill out your online e-registration form and to make your deposit. We must receive your completed registration form and deposit/s to confirm your spot.
Registration form –
Please complete all the required fields. At the end of the form, you will be asked to confirm your email address, which will complete the registration. A copy of your registration will be emailed to you and to Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.
Deposit–
Click the deposit button under the registration button to make your deposit. You do not need a PayPal account to use this payment service. You may make more than one deposit at a time by changing the quantity on the purchase details that will come up once you click the deposit button.
