Snow Leopard Photography Expedition

Arrival New Delhi

GROUP BRIEFING & WELCOME DINNER: Upon arrival in Delhi, our representative will greet you and transfer you to a comfortable Novotel airport hotel. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner, where our Delhi team will provide a detailed expedition briefing. This session covers essential topics, including high-altitude acclimatisation, tracking techniques, and logistical arrangements for your Snow Leopard tour in Ladakh. This relaxed evening ensures you are well-prepared before embarking on your Himalayan adventure the next day.

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodations: Airport Hotel, Delhi

THANEDAR

CHANDIGARH – THANEDAR (2,350 M) | 200 km / 6 hrs: Early morning flight to Chandigarh, where you will be picked-up by your expert guide and driver. Leaving behind the bustle of the city, we ascend into the scenic hills of Himachal Pradesh, passing through Solan, Shimla, and Narkanda. Along the way, your expert guide introduces you to the region’s rich history, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Arriving in Thanedar, a peaceful Himalayan village known for its lush apple orchards, we check into the Banjara Orchard Retreat, a charming property offering stunning mountain views. Spend the evening unwinding in the crisp mountain air or exploring the picturesque surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Banjara Orchard Retreat

KALPA

KALPA (2950 M) | 145 km / 5.5 hrs: Today, we travel along the legendary Hindustan-Tibet Road, winding through the breathtaking landscapes of Kinnaur. Your expert guide will introduce you to the region’s unique Himalayan culture, history, and geography. Upon reaching Kalpa, marvel at the awe-inspiring Kinner Kailash range, its snow-clad peaks standing majestically over the valley. Explore the picturesque village of Roghi, visit ancient monasteries, and immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of this high-altitude retreat.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Grand Shamba-La or similar

KAZA

KAZA (3650 M) | 213 km / 7 hrs: Our journey into the heart of Spiti Valley begins with an early breakfast. We traverse the high-altitude desert landscapes of Upper Kinnaur, stopping en route at the mesmerising Nako Lake, a tranquil waterbody set against a backdrop of barren mountains. A visit to the 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas", provides insight into Spiti’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. By evening, we arrive in Kaza, the administrative centre of Spiti, where you can acclimatise to the increasing altitude.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Sakya Abode or the best available homestay

CHICHAM

CHICHAM (4,300 M) | 264 km / 8 – 9 hrs: An early morning departure sets us on a thrilling journey into Spiti, the "Land of the Snow Leopard". En route, we pause at Nako, a striking high-altitude village, to visit its sacred lake and ancient monastery. Continuing past Tabo and Kaza, your expert guide introduces you to Spiti’s rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and the significance of its centuries-old monasteries. As we ascend towards Kibber, one of the world’s highest permanently inhabited villages, the landscapes grow increasingly dramatic and rugged. Crossing Asia’s highest suspension bridge, which spans a 1,000-foot-deep gorge, we reach Chicham, our home for the next several days. This remote village offers prime locations for Snow Leopard photography, with incredible vantage points for spotting these elusive predators. The evening is reserved for rest and acclimatisation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

CHICHAM

THE SNOW LEOPARD PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION BEGINS: Today, your Snow Leopard Photography Expedition truly begins as we set out on our first tracking excursion in Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. At dawn, expert spotters and guides head to key vantage points, scanning the rugged slopes and high ridges for signs of movement. The Snow Leopard’s exceptional camouflage makes it a challenging subject, but with the expertise of local trackers, our chances of sighting one in the wild are significantly increased. As we wait patiently, we may also encounter blue sheep (bharal) grazing along steep cliffs, Himalayan ibex leaping across rocky terrain, and Lammergeiers soaring overhead. In the evening, we return to the lodge for a warm meal and a discussion of the day’s sightings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

CHICHAM

EXPLORING SNOW LEOPARD TERRITORY: Another early morning departure takes us deeper into prime Snow Leopard habitat, following fresh pugmarks or signs of recent kills. We explore remote locations where these big cats are frequently sighted, using high-powered binoculars and scopes to scan the ridgelines. Throughout the day, your guide provides fascinating insights into Snow Leopard conservation efforts in Spiti, including the challenges posed by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. The landscapes offer unparalleled photography opportunities, whether capturing the sheer grandeur of the Himalayas or, if lucky, a Snow Leopard in action. In the afternoon, we visit a local village to interact with residents, gaining a deeper understanding of how they coexist with these predators.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

CHICHAM

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY & BEHAVIOURAL STUDY: Today’s focus is on perfecting wildlife photography techniques, ensuring you capture the best possible images of the Snow Leopard and other rare species. Our expert guides and trackers lead us to prime locations where previous sightings have occurred. Beyond the Snow Leopard, we also seek to photograph Spiti’s diverse wildlife, including: Red fox, gracefully trotting across the snowy expanse Himalayan wolves, elusive but occasionally sighted in the distance Golden eagles, scanning the valleys for prey Himalayan griffon vultures, known for their impressive wingspan Your guide shares professional photography tips on lighting, composition, and tracking movement, helping you refine your skills for capturing extraordinary wildlife shots.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

CHICHAM

TREKKING THROUGH HIGH-ALTITUDE LANDSCAPES: Today, we set off on a short trek to one of Spiti’s high-altitude ridges, offering sweeping panoramic views of its snow-covered wilderness. This hike allows us to explore prime locations where Snow Leopards and other rare Himalayan species are frequently spotted. Beyond wildlife tracking, the trek aids in further acclimatisation, helping us adjust to the altitude while taking in the region’s stark beauty. Your expert guide shares insights into how Himalayan wildlife has evolved to survive in this extreme climate, from the thick-furred ibex to the Snow Leopard’s remarkable lung capacity. In the evening, we gather to review photographs, discuss sightings, and prepare for the final leg of our Snow Leopard Photography Expedition.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

CHICHAM

SNOW LEOPARD SPOTTING & ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: The day begins with another exhilarating Snow Leopard tracking session in the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. With patience and expertise, we scan the rugged Himalayan ridgelines, looking for movement against the stark terrain. Every sighting is a reward for the dedication and perseverance required in this high-altitude wilderness. After sunset, we shift our focus to astrophotography, taking advantage of Spiti’s crystal-clear night skies. With zero light pollution, this region offers some of the best views of the Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars. Your guide will provide expert tips on long-exposure techniques, helping you capture breathtaking images of the Himalayan night sky.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

CHICHAM

CULTURAL IMMERSION & MONASTERY VISIT: Today, we take a break from wildlife tracking to explore Spiti’s rich cultural heritage. We visit the Key Monastery, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched dramatically on a hilltop. Here, monks chant sacred prayers, surrounded by flickering butter lamps, creating an atmosphere of deep serenity. Our journey continues to Kibber Village, one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the world. Your guide will introduce you to Spitian traditions, local folklore, and Buddhist influences, offering a rare glimpse into life in this remote Himalayan landscape. In the evening, we return to Chicham, reflecting on the balance between Spiti’s human communities and its fragile ecosystem, and prepare for the final days of our Snow Leopard Photography tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

CHICHAM

FINAL SNOW LEOPARD TRACKING EXPEDITION: As our Snow Leopard Photography Expedition nears its conclusion, we make the most of our last full day in Spiti with an extended tracking session. By now, we have honed our skills in spotting movement, interpreting pugmarks, and identifying key hunting zones. This is the perfect opportunity to capture final shots of Himalayan wildlife—whether it’s a Snow Leopard resting on a ridgeline or the majestic Himalayan ibex silhouetted against the snow-clad peaks. Your guide will assist in reviewing and curating your best photographic moments, ensuring you leave with a collection of unforgettable images.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Tethys Himalayan Den

RAMPUR BUSHAHR

CHICHAM – RAMPUR BUSHAHR (1,050 M) | 315 KM / 9 – 10 HRS: Bidding farewell to Spiti’s stark, high-altitude terrain, we begin our journey back, descending through the Sutlej Valley. As the landscape gradually transforms, the barren mountain desert gives way to lush pine forests and apple orchards. We arrive in Rampur Bushahr, a historic Himalayan town where we check into a heritage property offering comfort and old-world charm. The evening is yours to unwind, explore the town’s bustling old bazaar, or reflect on the remarkable experiences of the past days.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Nau Nabh Heritage

New Delhi

CHANDIGARH (IXC) | 225 KM / 7 - 8 HRS – FLY OUT: After breakfast, we embark on our final drive towards Chandigarh, passing through the forested hills of Narkanda, Theog, Kufri, and Shimla. Your expert guide will offer final reflections on Snow Leopard conservation, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation of Spiti’s fragile ecosystem and its remarkable wildlife. Transfer to Chandigarh airport and fly to Delhi. On arrival pick-up and transfer to hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

New Delhi Departure

Following breakfast, your journey comes to an end. Hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home, bringing your Snow Leopard Photo Expedition to a close.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: Airport Hotel, Delhi