Join Rajat Singh on an unforgettable journey to the Indian Himalayas in search of one of the world's rarest and most elusive predators—the magnificent Snow Leopard.

A Snow Leopard expedition to Kibber, in the spectacular Spiti Valleyof Himachal Pradesh, is a truly unique wildlife adventure. Widely regarded as one of the world's premier destinations for observing and photographing Snow Leopards, Kibber offers exceptional opportunities to encounter this elusive "Ghost of the Himalayas" in its natural habitat.

In addition to Snow Leopards, the region is home to Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Red Fox, Himalayan Wolf, and a variety of high-altitude bird species, making every day in the mountains an exciting wildlife experience.

Acclimatisation

To ensure a safe and enjoyable expedition, we travel to our destination gradually by road. This allows your body to acclimatise naturallyto the increasing altitude, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness while giving you time to enjoy the spectacular Himalayan scenery along the way.

This gradual approach has proven to be the best preparation for spending time at elevations above 4,000 metres, where the search for the Snow Leopard begins.

Day 1 – 10 February 2027  Arrival in Delhi – Transfer to Shimla

We arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at approximately 06:30. After meeting the group, we begin our scenic drive to Shimla, a journey of approximately 7–8 hours.

Along the way, we stop for lunch and make short breaks whenever we encounter interesting scenery or wildlife.

Shimla, situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres (7,220 ft), is the perfect place to begin acclimatising before continuing into the higher Himalayas.

Accommodation: Hotel at Shimla

Day 2 – 11 February 2027  - Shimla – Kalpa

After an early breakfast, we begin our scenic drive to Kalpa, a journey of approximately 8 hoursthrough the spectacular Himalayan landscape.

Today's drive is an important part of our acclimatisation, allowing our bodies to gradually adjust to the increasing altitude before continuing into the high mountains.

Kalpa is situated at approximately 3,000 metres (9,840 ft)above sea level.

Accommodation:Kalpa.

Day 3 – 12 February 2027  - Kalpa – Kibber

After breakfast, we continue our journey to Kibber, our base for the Snow Leopard expedition.

The drive from Kalpa to Kibber is one of the highlights of the trip, taking us through the breathtaking landscapes of Spiti Valley. Along the way, we pass through Kaza, the main town and administrative centre of the valley, before continuing to Kibber.

From today onwards, we stay at Norling Homestay, our comfortable base in the heart of Snow Leopard country.

Accommodation:Norling Homestay, Kibber.

Days 4–8 – 13–17 February 2027  Snow Leopard Tracking

We spend five full daysexploring the mountains around Kibber in search of the elusive Snow Leopard.

Every day, we work closely with experienced local trackers, scanning the mountainsides for signs of wildlife. Although Snow Leopard sightings can never be guaranteed, spending several days in prime habitat greatly increases our chances of success.

We are proud to say that every Tiger Tracker Snow Leopard expedition so far has been rewarded with Snow Leopard sightings, and our experienced team will do everything possible to maximise your chances of an unforgettable encounter.

Accommodation:Norling Homestay, Kibber.

Kibber – The Heart of Snow Leopard Country

Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,500 metres (14,760 ft), Kibberis one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the world. Nestled in the spectacular Spiti Valleyof Himachal Pradesh, India, it is widely recognised as one of the world's premier destinations for observing and photographing the elusive Snow Leopard.

Kibber serves as our base throughout the expedition, providing direct access to some of the best Snow Leopard habitat in the Himalayas.

Spiti Valley  Located in the eastern Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valleyis renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, snow-covered peaks, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and unique high-altitude culture.

The valley is also one of India's most important strongholds for Snow Leopards and other remarkable Himalayan wildlife.

The Snow Leopard  Known as the "Ghost of the Himalayas,"the Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)is one of the world's most elusive big cats.

It inhabits rugged alpine and subalpine mountains between 3,000 and 5,500 metres, where it lives a largely solitary and territorial life. Snow Leopards are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, although they may also be active after dark.

Our experienced local trackers carefully search the mountains each day, greatly increasing the chances of observing this magnificent predator in its natural habitat.

The Snow Leopard's primary prey includes Blue Sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Ibex, marmots, and other mountain mammals.

Conservation Through Tourism Responsible wildlife tourism plays an important role in the conservation of the Snow Leopard.

By employing local guides, trackers, and homestays, our expeditions provide sustainable income for the communities that share their mountains with these remarkable cats. This creates a strong incentive to protect both the Snow Leopard and its fragile Himalayan ecosystem for future generations.

Rich Himalayan Wildlife In addition to the Snow Leopard, you may also encounter Blue Sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Ibex, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Woolly Hare, and a variety of fascinating high-altitude bird species.

A Unique Cultural Experience  Beyond the wildlife, you'll experience the rich culture of Spiti Valley, visiting traditional Himalayan villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and meeting the warm and welcoming local people who call this extraordinary landscape home.

Day 9 – 18 February 2027  Kibber – Rampur

After breakfast, we begin our journey back through the spectacular Himalayan landscapes, driving approximately 10 hoursto Rampur.

After several unforgettable days in the remote mountains, it is a welcome return to lower altitudes and the comforts of civilisation.

Accommodation:Rampur.

Day 10 – 19 February 2027 Rampur – Shimla

Today we continue our drive to Shimla. Along the way, we'll make several stops for birdwatching and wildlife photography, taking advantage of the changing habitats as we descend from the high Himalayas.

Accommodation:Shimla.

Day 11 – 20 February 2027  Shimla – Delhi

After breakfast, we drive back to Delhi.

Accommodation:Four Points by Sheraton, Delhi.

Day 12 – 21 February 2027  Departure

We transfer to the airport for your return flight home, bringing with you unforgettable memories of the Himalayas and, with a little luck, photographs of the elusive Snow Leopard.

Please Note  - The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions, snowfall, road closures, or other logistical reasons. The safety of our guests is always our highest priority, and any changes will be made with this in mind while ensuring the best possible expedition experience.

What's Included

• Comfortable accommodation in shared twin rooms.

• One personal porter/assistant per guestto help carry camera equipment during the expedition, especially at high altitude.

• Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), plus tea, coffee, and snacks.

• Generator backup, as electricity in the region can be unreliable.

• Heated rooms with a wood-burning stove, warm bedding, and an electric blanketfor added comfort.

• Wi-Fiis available at Norling Homestay. While it is not a high-speed connection, it is suitable for browsing, email, and messaging. Please note that internet reliability in this remote part of India cannot be guaranteed. Mobile data (international roaming) is also available in some areas.

What's Not Included

• International flights to and from Delhi (approximately NOK 8,000, depending on departure location and booking date).

• Indian e-Visa(approximately USD 25, subject to change).

• Travel insurance.

• Alcoholic beverages.

• Gratuities (recommended: NOK 250 per person per day).

Practical Information Clothing

Temperatures in the Himalayas can be extremely cold, so layering is essential.

We recommend bringing:

• Thermal base layers (top and bottom)

• Fleece jacket or down jacket

• Insulated trousers or ski pants

• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers

• Warm insulated parka

• Warm hat and neck gaiter (Buff)

• Sunglasses with UV protection

• Insulated waterproof gloves or mittens

• Waterproof insulated winter boots

• Gaiters

• Ice grips (recommended)

• Warm thermal socks

Personal Equipment

We also recommend bringing:

• Sunscreen (high SPF)

• Lip balm with UV protection

• Hand warmers

• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser

• Personal toiletries

• High-energy snacks (nuts, energy bars, etc.)

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Small multi-tool

• Power bank

Photography Equipment

• DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Telephoto lens (recommended: 400mm, 500mm or 600mm, with a 2× teleconverterif available)

• 24–70mm and/or 70–200mm for landscapes and environmental photography

• Wide-angle lens for scenery

• Plenty of high-capacity memory cards

• Several spare batteries (cold weather reduces battery life)

• Battery charger

• Sturdy tripod

• Remote shutter release

• Camera gloves

• Binoculars

Acclimatisation

Our itinerary has been carefully designed to allow gradual acclimatisationto the high altitude.

Staying well hydrated is one of the most important ways to help your body adapt. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid excessive alcohol.

Everyone reacts differently to altitude. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, we recommend consulting your doctor before travelling.

Indian Visa

An Indian e-Visa is mandatoryand must be obtained before travelling. A visa cannotbe issued on arrival.

We recommend applying approximately 30 days before departure. Approval usually takes 24–72 hours.

The tourist e-Visa costs approximately USD 25–30(subject to change).

Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six monthsbeyond your return date and has sufficient blank pages.

Accommodation – Norling Homestay

During our stay in Kibber, we use Norling Homestay, one of the best accommodation options in the village.

The rooms are comfortable and offer spectacular views of Kibber and the surrounding mountains. Although temperatures can be low, every room is equipped with electric blanketsand wood-burning stovesto keep you warm.

Hot water is available on request. While the accommodation is simple by international standards, it offers the best combination of comfort, hospitality, and location for a Snow Leopard expedition. Our previous guests have consistently enjoyed their stay.

Transport

We travel in 4WD vehicles, with a maximum of three guests per vehicle, ensuring everyone has plenty of space and excellent opportunities for photography during the journey.

All vehicles are equipped with snow chainswhenever conditions require them.

Please Note !

The itinerary may be adjusted due to snowfall, landslides, weather conditions, or other logistical reasons. The safety of our guests is always our highest priority, and any changes will be made to ensure the best possible expedition experience.