Snow Leopard Expedition – Ladakh

Tour Highlights

• Five full days of tracking snow leopards in Kibber National Park.
• Authentic living: stay in traditional Spitian homes, warmed by chimneys and human warmth.
• A chance to see blue sheep, ibex, red fox, Himalayan wolf, and other high-altitude wildlife.
• Stunning Himalayan landscapes: monasteries, frozen rivers, wide valleys, and snow-carved cliffs.
• Immersion in local Spiti culture and resilience in harsh mountain conditions.
• An expedition that gifts not just a sighting, but a profound sense of achievement.

Tour Dates

January 17 - January 30, 20276

Tour Overview

This expedition is planned to mirror the rhythm of the mountains. The slow journey from Chandigarh into higher altitudes ensures gradual acclimatization before reaching Kibber. Each day in Kibber begins with scanning the ridgelines and cliffs for the snow leopard, aided by local trackers whose knowledge of terrain and signs is unmatched. Expect long, cold days in the field, broken by warm home-cooked meals in Spitian kitchens and evenings around wood-burning stoves. Living conditions are rustic — dry compost toilets and limited running water — but the experience is authentic and life-changing. After multiple days of patience and persistence, the magic often unfolds: watching a snow leopard patrolling ridges, caring for her cubs, or stalking prey amid snow-dusted cliffs. With luck, the final view etched in your memory will make every challenge worthwhile.

Who can join this tour

• True wildlife adventurers and explorers.
• Photographers and nature lovers with patience to wait, watch, and endure tough conditions.
• Travelers seeking an authentic cultural and wilderness experience outside their comfort zones.
• Anyone physically fit to trek and live in sub-zero, high-altitude conditions (3,500-5,000m).

Mentor

Ankul Shetty — Naturalist and Photographer

Phone: +91 96324 50008 | Email: contact@thewildterrain.com

Detailed Itinerary

• Fly into the beautiful city of Leh. Short transfer from the airport to your hotel. Meet your Snow Leopard Safari Guide for a detailed briefing and preparation, including assistance with permits. Due to the high altitude, we strongly recommend two full days for acclimatisation. Overnight stays in Leh.
• Begin the drive west (approx. 77 km / 2–3 hrs), following the Indus River. Pass through Nimmu (confluence of Indus & Zanskar Rivers) and continue towards Likir Gompa. Turn into a remote dirt valley following the Sastsa Chhu stream: prime terrain for Asiatic Ibex and Snow Leopard movement.
• You will spend five days exploring the Saspochey Valley and surrounding areas, focusing on: long scanning sessions; tracking signs, movement patterns, and behaviour; unhurried observation rather than rushed safaris. Possible wildlife sightings include: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Bharal / Blue Sheep (Napo), Urial (Shapo), Tibetan Argali, Tibetan Gazelle, Red Fox (Watse), Tibetan Wolf (Shanku), Pallas's Cat, pikas, hares, and resident birds such as Sandgrouse, Upland Buzzard, Eagle Owl, Golden Eagle, etc. Overnight stays at local deluxe homestays.
• Early start for the scenic 250 km drive to Hanle across the high Himalayas. Hanle lies within the vast Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. Over the next five days, exploration is done in a closed vehicle with a local naturalist guide, stopping for photography and observation whenever conditions allow. Primary focus here includes: Pallas's Cat, Tibetan Fox, Tibetan Wild Ass (Kiang), Tibetan Gazelle, Himalayan Wolf, raptors such as Upland Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture. Evenings are spent relaxing at the homestay, often accompanied by spectacular night skies and interstellar views.
• After breakfast, drive back to Leh. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Leh.
• After a final breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport with a lifetime of memories.

Payment Terms

• 30% of the total tour cost is required to secure your spot. This deposit ensures your reservation is locked in.
• 70% of the total tour cost must be paid at least 60 days before the scheduled start date of the tour.
• 100% of the total tour cost is required at least 30 days before the start date of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

• The 30% upfront deposit made towards securing your booking is non-refundable.
• 40% of the total tour cost will be refunded in the form of a credit note, if notified between 60 to 30 days before the scheduled start date.
• Cancellation within less than 30 days of the tour start date or failure to show up will result in 100% of the tour cost being charged as cancellation fee.

Inclusions

• Homestay accommodation in Spiti villages.
• All meals during the expedition.
• Experienced local trackers and spotting equipment (shared).
• Transfers from Chandigarh-Rampur-Spiti-Chandigarh.
• Naturalist/expedition leader support.

Exclusions

• Flights/trains to and from Chandigarh.
• Personal trekking gear (warm clothing, boots, thermals).
• Medical/emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory).
• Tips, personal expenses, or items not mentioned in “inclusions.”