Snow Leopard Photo Tour

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Snow Leopard Photo Tour in Spiti Valley (Kibber WLS)

It might strike you as both bizarre (and equally fascinating) to drive to Spiti valley and Kinnaur during wintertime. Though for solitude seekers and wildlife photographers — with a goal to unplug and get off-grid, or spot endangered (now vulnerable) snow leopards and assorted mammal and bird species in Kibber wildlife sanctuary — the snowscapes of the Spiti valley and Kinnaur Himalayas are a true refuge and a place for the mindful pause. Likewise, winter months are great to learn how the people of Spiti valley survive in freezing, sub-zero temperatures for months.

Snow Leopard Photo Expedition in Spiti (2023-24)

Best Time December to March
Difficulty Moderate
Altitude 4270m (Kibber village)
Key wildlife species Snow Leopards, Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Red fox, Himalayan Snow Cock, White breasted stone / beech marten (aka Himalayan Weasel), Eurasian Lynx, Tibetan Sandgrouse, and Woolly Hare
Trip span 9 Days and 8 Nights
Scheduled Events in 2024 January 1, 12 and February 5, 15
Activity Hiking, wildlife spotting and photography

The winter trip to Spiti has its own charm and vulnerabilities. The charm lies in the tranquillity — so peaceful that you would hear yourself breathing — of the Spiti valley, less to no crowd, snowy winter landscape, frequent sightings of rare Himalayan wildlife like snow leopards, no electricity, and no internet.

Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) is also a part of 16th Cold Desert biosphere reserve(declared a biosphere reserve in 2009).

 

Wildlife found in Himalayan cold deserts (notably in Kibber WLS) are:

  • Snow leopard
  • Himalayan ibex
  • Blue sheep (bharal)
  • Tibetan wolf
  • Red fox
  • Number of bird species (like Kestrel, Finches, Chough, Larks, Red starts)

The cold deserts (Lahaul and Spiti district and upper Kinnaur region) in Himachal Pradesh cover about 20% of its total (55673 square km) geographical area. The Himalayan cold deserts have distinct cultural and geographical features. They are characterized with regions of:


Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh (which literally translates to an abode of snow) is located in trans Himalayan

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These deep gorges near Chicham village are the sanctuary for Snow Leopards

The extreme environmental events like avalanches, snowstorms, landslides, and rockfalls are common is this part of Himachal Pradesh state. Rare Himalayan wildlife like Snow leopard has adapted their body to survive under such extreme climatic conditions.

How To Sight Snow Leopards In Kibber WLS?



Patience is key in a snow leopard expeditionas with any wildlife expedition. You need to be at the right spotting places at the right time. It is not an easy task to pursue these enigmatic cats who live and are prey on Himalayan blue sheep at an altitude well over 3, 500 meters from the sea level, at temperatures close to -30 degrees.


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Wildlife map of Lahaul & Spiti district of Himachal

The right times are early morning and late evenings. And the right places are Kibber wildlife sanctuary and Kibber-Chicham village plateaux, slopes between Kee, Gete and Tashigang, Shilla Nalla area, plateau around Langza, Hikkim, Komic and slopes around Demul, Salung, Rama and Lalung.

Sighting and photography tips

Here are some tips to increase your chances of sighting the snow leopards.

  • Hire local spotter/guides: They have the best knowledge of the terrain, the weather, best time and the spotting locations in their area. They can also help you with sanctuary/national park permits, logistics, and safety.
  • Plan your trip after a snowfall: Snow leopards are easier to spot against a snowy background, as their grey fur stands out more. Snow also makes their tracks more visible, which can help you track them down.
  • Be patient and persistent: Snow leopards are hailed as the master of camouflaging. They are rare and shy animals that can go unnoticed for days or weeks. You need to be prepared to spend long hours in the cold, waiting and watching for any sign of movement.
  • Follow their prey: Snow leopards feed on mountain ungulates, such as ibexes and blue sheep. If you find these animals, you have a higher chance of finding a snow leopard nearby. Look for rocky outcrops, cliffs, and ledges where snow leopards like to ambush their prey.
  • Study their behavior: Snow leopards have unique and fascinating habits that can help you understand and anticipate their actions. You can learn more about them from online resources, such as the Snow Leopard Trust and National Geographic, books, such as The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen and Snow Leopard: Stories from the Roof of the World by Don Hunter, or talk to experts who have photographed snow leopards in the wild.

Drive To Kinnaur & Spiti valley in Winter


Snow drives to Kinnaur and the Spiti valleyin winter is a complete digital detox and an expedition itself.


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Infographic of Snow Leopard Habitat

The fragility & hardships of the winters in Spiti valley is punctuated by the limited road connectivity, driving on icy roads, no running tap water, limited warm water, subzero temperatures, and no room heating.


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Population estimate of Snow Leopards in Kibber WLS of Himachal Pradesh

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The most frequent sighting has been in Kibber Plateau, slopes between Kee, Gete and Tashigang, Shilla Nalla area, plateau around Langza, Chicham, Hikkim, Komic and slopes around Demul, Salung, Rama and Lalung.

snow leopard population mappingwas done using 80 camera traps in upper Kinnaur (Asrang-Lippa wildlife sanctuary), Pin Valley, Baspa valley , Tabo, Tharot-Miyar, Bhaga, Chandra, and upper Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh

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Itinerary for 2023-24 fixed events


  1. Day 1: Shimla – Sarahan : Altitude 2100 m, Distance covered 180 km. Drive Duration: 7 hours (Overnight at hotel)
  2. Day 2: Sarahan – Kalpa: Altitude 3000 m. Distance 85 km. Drive Duration; 5-6 hours (overnight at hotel).
  3. Day 3: Kalpa – Kibber Village: Altitude 4270 m. Drive duration: 7 – 8 hours (overnight at a Homestay).
  4. Day 4: Rest day at Kibber. Explore Kibber village and Kibber wildlife sanctuary.

Spiti Valley Winter Road Trip Itinerary

Regions Covered:

Shimla, Sarahan, Kalpa, Nako lake, Tabo, Dhankar, Pin valley, Lalung, Ki, Kibber, Gete, Tashigang, Hikkim, Langza and Komic.

  • SEASON: December – March
  • CLIMATE: Bitterly Cold
  • MAX. ALTITUDE: 4,520 m (Komik Village)
  • NUMBER OF DAYS: 10 days
  • TRIP TYPE: Road Trip & Snow Hiking

  • Day #1: Shimla – Sarahan: Sarahan Altitude 2100 m Distance covered 180 km. Drive Duration: 7 hours (overnight at hotel).
  • Day #2: Sarahan – Chitkul village: Chitkul Altitude 3400 m. Distance 106 km. Drive Duration; 5-6 hours (overnight at hotel).
  • Day #3 Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa Village: Kalpa altitude 3000 m. Distance 75 km. Drive Duration: 6-7 hours. (Overnight at a hotel)
  • Day #4: Kalpa – Nako – Gyu – Tabo. Tabo altitude 3300 m. Distance 160 km. Duration: 7-8 hours (Overnight at a Homestay)
  • Day #5: Tabo – Dhankar – Mud Village. Mud altitude 3900 m. Distance 70 km. Drive duration: 4 – 5 hours (overnight stay at a homestay).
  • Day #6: Mud, Pin valley – Kibber village: Kibber altitude 4270 m. Drive duration: 6–7 hours (overnight at a Homestay).
  • Day #7: Rest & acclimatization day at Kibber. Explore Kibber village and Kibber wildlife sanctuary.
  • Day #8: Kibber – Langza- Komic-Hikkim-Tabo
  • Day #9: Tabo – Reckong Peo
  • Day #10: Reckong Peo – Shimla

" Kibber is the base camp village for treks like Parang La, Kanamo peak, Kibber-Tashigang, and Kibber-Rumste village trek. "

Winter is the best time to spot the mountain cats because snow will drive them to lower elevations where it’s easier to find food, and starting in mid-February, mating season commences, so you’re more likely to get leopards crossing into each other’s territor

How to visit Spiti during winter?

Rohtang and Kunzum pass get closed in late September or early October month, so the only way to reach Spiti is through Shimla – Rampur Bushahr – Reckong Peo – Nako – Tabo – Kaza route.

Kinnaur district headquarters Reckong Peo is well connected to Shimla and Chandigarh. Direct public transport (HRTC) buses are runs from Delhi/Chandigarh/Shimla to Reckong Peo. Shimla – Reckong Peo road remains open (or resume normal traffic after 1/2 days) even when there is a long spell of heavy snowfall.

Spiti river meandering through Hangrang valley Kinnaur

Snow Leopard Trivia
  • Unlike the other wild cats, Snow leopards don’t “roar”
  • Although Snow Leopards are usually found between 3,000m-4,500m altitudes, snow leopards can range up to 6,000m!
  • There’s no record of a snow leopard ever killing a human
  • A snow leopard can jump 10m in one (big) leap!
  • Snow leopards are mostly solitary.….unless it’s mating time
  • Climate change is possibly the greatest long term threat to the snow leopard
  • Snow leopards have light green or grey eyes, most big cats have yellow/orange eyes
  • Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk

" High in the lofty peaks of Central Asia, a rare, elusive cat sits curled on a rocky ledge overlooking a deep, rugged valley. A cold wind wisps frozen snow into the thin air, creating a dazzling silver shower against a brilliant azure sky. It’s quiet up high, just the occasional crack of a distant glacier, a few rocks dancing down the shoulders of near-vertical mountains. Across the valley, a herd of blue sheep, the cat’s favorite food, grazes peacefully on a steep southern slope. Piercing feline eyes are fixed on nothing but see everything. There are no people in sight, just miles and miles of snow-clad peaks in every direction-a sign that all is well at the roof of the world. The big cat rises contentedly, rubs at the knees of the mountain gods, then disappear.

-Snow Leopard: Stories from the Roof of the World by Don Hunter.

Itinerary for photo expedition


Expedition Highlights

  1. Highly experienced team of trackers, guides, and wildlife photography tour organizers.

  2. All staff members are local.

  3. All-inclusive trip.

  4. Premium Accommodation at Hotel and Homestays with heating facilities.

  5. Foldable Camping Chairs for seating while waiting for snow leopard sighting.

  6. Opportunity to photograph other Himalayan wildlife like Ibex, Blue sheep, and Red foxes.

Inclusions


  • Opportunity to witness the majesty of the Shen and photographing them in the wild. We have sighted snow leopards on all expeditions we have organized in the last six years.
  • 2 Nights hotel accommodation (HPTDC Narkanda and Nau Nabh Heritage hotel, Rampur).
  • 6 Nights homestay accommodation with wood burning Tandoor/ Bukhari heaters and all meals.
  • Spotters / Scanners, Guide, porters for carrying camera gear. Walkie-talkie radios
  • Monastery fees, wildlife permit fees, and Kibber village Panchayat fee.
  • Hot water, tea, and snacks in homestay and at sighting spot.
  • Walking pole.
  • Foldable stools at spotting site.
  • 4WD car for all itinerary days.