Snow Leopard Expedition

Snow Leopard Expedition (10 Nights / 11 Days)

Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Kangra, Kullu Manali, Lahaul Spiti, Shimla

The mighty Himalayas have so many things to offer and in these world's highest mountains, nothing can be more alluring than a beautiful ghost cat. Their thick white-grey coat spotted with large black rosettes blends in perfectly with steep and rocky, high mountains. Because of their incredible natural camouflage, rendering them almost invisible in their surroundings. Kibber wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places in the world to search for these mysterious cats. Besides Snow Leopards, species like Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Tibetan wolf, Red fox and a number of bird species may also give you a rare glimpse. With all the icy peaks tower above whitewashed monasteries, prayer flags in primary colours flutter atop mountain passes—and our wilderness quest in search of the snow leopard awaits.

The mighty Himalayas have so many things to offer and in these world’s highest mountains, nothing can be more alluring than a beautiful ghost cat. Their thick white-grey coat spotted with large black rosettes blends in perfectly with steep and rocky, high mountains. Because of their incredible natural camouflage, rendering them almost invisible in their surroundings.

Kibber wildlife sanctuary is one of the best places in the world to search for these mysterious cats. Besides Snow Leopards, species like Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Tibetan wolf, Red fox and a number of bird species may also give you a rare glimpse.

With all the icy peaks tower above whitewashed monasteries, prayer flags in primary colours flutter atop mountain passes—and our wilderness quest in search of the snow leopard awaits.

Destination	Rocky mountains United States of America
Departure	Chandigarh
Best Season to Visit	December to March
Included	10 nights of accommodation in handpicked hotels (A single room will attract an additional supplement). Accommodation is based on a full board basis at all places i.e inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Transport as per programme using Toyota Crysta. Services of the professional expedition leader, local guide and spotters. 01 experienced guide to provide local knowledge and support. Snacks and soft drinks for each day’s ride. Tourism Scouts India water bottles to keep. Litter Bag. First Aid Kit and Oxygen Canister: for in case of emergency.
Excluded	Any kind of taxes. Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick up / drop off locations. Personal Expenses such as laundry bills, telephone bills, drinks (mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks), and any tips to waiters, porters, drivers, and guides. Any photography equipment Any entrance Fee. Travel & Health Insurance are to be arranged and paid for directly by the clients. Any meals are other than the ones mentioned above. Any early check-in or late check-out. Costs arise from road blockage, cancellation of flights and other reasons beyond our control such as any kind of natural calamities. Any emergency evacuation. Anything not mentioned in the “Included” column.

Today, you will be heading towards Narkanda, which is 175km away from Chandigarh and takes approx. 6 hr to reach. A team of guides & drivers will be there with you, telling you all about the route and different things about your stay. Once you arrive at Narkanada, you can fill yourself with the beauty of Apple Orchards & Deodhar forests. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, you will start our journey towards Kalpa, which is 165k away and will take approximately 5 hrs. En route, you will pass through Rampur, which is one of the small Indian towns. The road between Shimla & Kalpa will make you see rural India, which is full of enthusiasm & life. You will also see beautiful ranges of Kinner Kailash. Once you reach Kalpa you can relax. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, you will start from Kalpa towards Tabo, which is 125km away and will take 7 hrs. En route will pass through a small village on the shores of Hangrang valley, which is also a lake. In Winter, since the temperature goes -15 and -20 lake freezes, thus serving as an ice rink for locals. Once we arrive at Tabo, we will visit an age-old monastery, i.e., 1000 years old & is famous for murals. Dinner and overnight.

You will wake up with beautiful sunrise and golden lights falling on the peaks of the Himalayas. After morning rituals & breakfast, you will start your journey towards Kibber, which will be our campsite for the next 5-6 days for leopard viewing. It will take around 3 hrs and is 70km away from Tabo. Midway you will cross a village named Kaza, where a small break will be taken to fill necessary stock for the remainder of the journey. Kibber is 4170 meters above sea level. Once you reach, Kibber, get accustomed to the guest room and place which will be your home for the next 7 days. You will be introduced to the local family who will be hosting you. Roam around the village to see the surroundings. There will be a small brief given to you, prepare all the pieces of equipment for the photo shoot. Dinner and overnight.

You will wake up at a place surrounded by peaks of the Himalayas wherever you see, and those peaks are filled with snow, and on top of it, the sun is rising. This full view, with all peace and tranquillity around, mesmerises you and is filled with pleasure and happiness. You will have morning breakfast. The following 7 days will be kept for the search for snow leopard (Panthera Uncial), which is why you don't find any fixed itinerary. For our best chance to spot a snow leopard, we rely on the expertise and keen eyes of a team of local spotters, plus our naturalist Expedition Leader. These seasoned trackers scour the landscape early each morning to help us plan our route for the day and increase our luck of seeing these cats whose camouflage enables them to blend in seamlessly with their habitat. We also retain radio contact with trackers throughout the day so we know when snow leopards wander into our area, and private vehicles maximize our flexibility to move to where the snow leopards are. Typically, we spot them on high ridges around our lodge or within a short walk from the vehicles, but longer hikes are available for those who desire. In between excursions, the lodge offers an idyllic respite for warming up with hot chai. During your stay you will also get the opportunity to experience the nearby local villages. Dinner and overnight.

After having more breakfast and a nostalgic week spent searching for a snow leopard (also known as a white ghost), you start your journey back to Kalpa. You will take around 7 hrs to get around, and after arriving at Kalpa, you will relax for some time. Dinner and overnight.

Once your morning breakfast is over, you will say good bye to the mighty Himalayas and head towards Chandigarh from the same route you came.