From Delhi: 14 days Spiti Snow leopard expedition

Tour Highlights

• Snow Leopard Tracking: Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the snow-covered landscapes of Spiti, tracking the elusive and majestic Snow Leopard. Expert guides/spooters lead the way, sharing insights into the behavior and habitat of these rare big cats. Wildlife Photography: Capture the extraordinary biodiversity of Spiti in winter, with opportunities to photograph not only Snow Leopards but also other rare Himalayan wildlife such as Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep, and Red Fox against the backdrop of pristine snow-clad mountains. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the unique blend of Tibetan and Indian cultures that thrive in the isolated villages of Spiti. Visit ancient monasteries, interact with local communities, and witness traditional rituals, gaining a deep understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage. Scenic Landscapes: Traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Spiti Valley draped in a blanket of snow. Marvel at the frozen rivers, towering peaks, and serene high-altitude lakes like Chandratal. The winter scenery adds a magical touch to the expedition, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Delhi

  Destination - Delhi Meal - Dinner & Breakfast Your Snow Leopard Expedition begins with your arrival in Delhi, the bustling capital of India. Upon your arrival in bustling Delhi, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Trans Himalaya. As you step into the vibrant city, you'll be greeted by its unique blend of history and modernity. A comfortable ride will take you to your accommodation, the Mahagun Sarovar Portico. Here, you'll check into your Premier Studio room, designed for ultimate relaxation with its spacious layout and modern amenities. After settling in, take some time to unwind and enjoy the hotel's facilities. In the evening, delight in a sumptuous dinner, part of your package that includes both breakfast and dinner. Rest well tonight in preparation for the thrilling adventure that lies ahead, as you embark on a journey to discover the elusive snow leopard in the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. .

• Day 2

  Delhi to Shimla

  Destination - Shimla Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on a picturesque journey from Delhi to Shimla, a captivating hill station nestled in the Himalayas. This scenic transfer takes you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene, cool climes of Shimla. Renowned for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and panoramic views, Shimla offers a perfect retreat from the heat and chaos of city life. Upon arrival, unwind in the luxurious comfort of The Zion's Super Deluxe Room. With all meals included, guests can savor delicious local and international cuisine without any hassle. The Zion promises a stay marked by elegance and convenience, ensuring a memorable experience amidst Shimla’s tranquil beauty. Whether you’re exploring the Mall Road, visiting the historic Christ Church, or simply enjoying the breathtaking mountain vistas, your stay at The Zion will be the perfect complement to your Shimla adventure.

• Day 3

  Shimla to Kalpa

  Destination - Kalpa Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on a scenic transfer from Shimla to Kalpa, a journey of approximately 225 kilometers that takes around 8-10 hours. Traverse through the enchanting landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, passing lush green valleys, apple orchards, and quaint villages. Upon reaching Kalpa, you'll be welcomed by the majestic views of the Kinnaur Kailash range, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Your stay at The Grand Shamba-la promises luxury and comfort, with all meals included, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of this Himalayan gem. Kalpa is renowned for its stunning vistas, serene monasteries, and rich cultural heritage. At The Grand Shamba-la, indulge in luxurious amenities and savor gourmet meals while basking in the beauty of the Kinnaur Kailash peaks. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, this journey and stay offer a perfect blend of both.

• Day 4

  Kalpa to Tabo

  Destination - Tabo Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch The journey from Kalpa to Spiti Valley (Tabo) is a remarkable 149-kilometer adventure, taking approximately 5-6 hours by road. As you traverse this scenic route, you'll make a delightful enroute stop at Nako, a quaint village nestled at an altitude of 3,662 meters in the Hangrang Valley. Nako is renowned for its serene lake and the ancient Nako Monastery, which dates back to the 11th century. The lake, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks, offers a tranquil setting perfect for a short stroll or a peaceful moment of reflection. Continuing the journey, you'll reach Tabo, often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" due to its stunning Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll stay in the charming Spiti Mud Huts, a unique accommodation offering an authentic Spitian experience. The mud huts, crafted from traditional materials, provide a cozy and comfortable stay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Spiti Mud Huts feature rooms in the Mud Huts category and include all meals, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Enjoy the rustic charm and warm hospitality as you explore the ancient village of Tabo and its historic monastery, a true gem of the Spiti Valley.

• Day 5

  Chichham

  Destination - Chichham Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on an adventure in Spiti Valley with our expert spotters, who will help you discover wildlife like the Ibex, Himalayan Wolf, Red Fox, and the elusive Snow Leopard. You’ll be transported to various locations by 4x4 vehicles. Depending on wildlife sightings, you might need to walk or take short hikes to reach the best viewing spots. A Typical Day on a Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk. Our spotters leave camp at first light, with our 4x4s dropping them at strategic points in different valleys. They meticulously scan the ridgelines and slopes for wildlife, relaying any sightings back to camp. Guests usually wake up around 7 AM to a warm, welcoming dining area with hot French press coffee, pots of tea, and breakfast made to order. Two scenarios can unfold at this point. If a snow leopard is sighted, guests quickly head to the best vantage point, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the sighting location. Our spotters from other locations converge on the sighting area, using their expertise to track the snow leopard throughout the day. Meals, coffee, tea, and snacks are continuously delivered from camp to the sighting location. If no snow leopard is seen, the trackers return to camp to devise a plan for the day, guided by previous sightings and morning intelligence. Guests then join the spotters and trackers, exploring various parts of the valley in search of the snow leopard. The team will also highlight other interesting birds and wildlife and share insights into local life and culture. There will be opportunities to visit local homes and villages, providing a deeper understanding of life in this stunning region and the critical role communities play in conservation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at camp or packed for the journey. Each day in Spiti Valley will involve a mix of driving and walking, ensuring a balanced and enriching wildlife experience.

• Day 6

  Chichham

  Destination - Chichham Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on an adventure in Spiti Valley with our expert spotters, who will help you discover wildlife like the Ibex, Himalayan Wolf, Red Fox, and the elusive Snow Leopard. You’ll be transported to various locations by 4x4 vehicles. Depending on wildlife sightings, you might need to walk or take short hikes to reach the best viewing spots. A Typical Day on a Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk. Our spotters leave camp at first light, with our 4x4s dropping them at strategic points in different valleys. They meticulously scan the ridgelines and slopes for wildlife, relaying any sightings back to camp. Guests usually wake up around 7 AM to a warm, welcoming dining area with hot French press coffee, pots of tea, and breakfast made to order. Two scenarios can unfold at this point. If a snow leopard is sighted, guests quickly head to the best vantage point, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the sighting location. Our spotters from other locations converge on the sighting area, using their expertise to track the snow leopard throughout the day. Meals, coffee, tea, and snacks are continuously delivered from camp to the sighting location. If no snow leopard is seen, the trackers return to camp to devise a plan for the day, guided by previous sightings and morning intelligence. Guests then join the spotters and trackers, exploring various parts of the valley in search of the snow leopard. The team will also highlight other interesting birds and wildlife and share insights into local life and culture. There will be opportunities to visit local homes and villages, providing a deeper understanding of life in this stunning region and the critical role communities play in conservation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at camp or packed for the journey. Each day in Spiti Valley will involve a mix of driving and walking, ensuring a balanced and enriching wildlife experience.

• Day 7

  Chichham

  Destination - Chichham Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on an adventure in Spiti Valley with our expert spotters, who will help you discover wildlife like the Ibex, Himalayan Wolf, Red Fox, and the elusive Snow Leopard. You’ll be transported to various locations by 4x4 vehicles. Depending on wildlife sightings, you might need to walk or take short hikes to reach the best viewing spots. A Typical Day on a Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk. Our spotters leave camp at first light, with our 4x4s dropping them at strategic points in different valleys. They meticulously scan the ridgelines and slopes for wildlife, relaying any sightings back to camp. Guests usually wake up around 7 AM to a warm, welcoming dining area with hot French press coffee, pots of tea, and breakfast made to order. Two scenarios can unfold at this point. If a snow leopard is sighted, guests quickly head to the best vantage point, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the sighting location. Our spotters from other locations converge on the sighting area, using their expertise to track the snow leopard throughout the day. Meals, coffee, tea, and snacks are continuously delivered from camp to the sighting location. If no snow leopard is seen, the trackers return to camp to devise a plan for the day, guided by previous sightings and morning intelligence. Guests then join the spotters and trackers, exploring various parts of the valley in search of the snow leopard. The team will also highlight other interesting birds and wildlife and share insights into local life and culture. There will be opportunities to visit local homes and villages, providing a deeper understanding of life in this stunning region and the critical role communities play in conservation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at camp or packed for the journey. Each day in Spiti Valley will involve a mix of driving and walking, ensuring a balanced and enriching wildlife experience.

• Day 8

  Chichham

  Destination - Chichham Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on an adventure in Spiti Valley with our expert spotters, who will help you discover wildlife like the Ibex, Himalayan Wolf, Red Fox, and the elusive Snow Leopard. You’ll be transported to various locations by 4x4 vehicles. Depending on wildlife sightings, you might need to walk or take short hikes to reach the best viewing spots. A Typical Day on a Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk. Our spotters leave camp at first light, with our 4x4s dropping them at strategic points in different valleys. They meticulously scan the ridgelines and slopes for wildlife, relaying any sightings back to camp. Guests usually wake up around 7 AM to a warm, welcoming dining area with hot French press coffee, pots of tea, and breakfast made to order. Two scenarios can unfold at this point. If a snow leopard is sighted, guests quickly head to the best vantage point, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the sighting location. Our spotters from other locations converge on the sighting area, using their expertise to track the snow leopard throughout the day. Meals, coffee, tea, and snacks are continuously delivered from camp to the sighting location. If no snow leopard is seen, the trackers return to camp to devise a plan for the day, guided by previous sightings and morning intelligence. Guests then join the spotters and trackers, exploring various parts of the valley in search of the snow leopard. The team will also highlight other interesting birds and wildlife and share insights into local life and culture. There will be opportunities to visit local homes and villages, providing a deeper understanding of life in this stunning region and the critical role communities play in conservation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at camp or packed for the journey. Each day in Spiti Valley will involve a mix of driving and walking, ensuring a balanced and enriching wildlife experience.

• Day 9

  Chichham

  Destination - Chichham Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on an adventure in Spiti Valley with our expert spotters, who will help you discover wildlife like the Ibex, Himalayan Wolf, Red Fox, and the elusive Snow Leopard. You’ll be transported to various locations by 4x4 vehicles. Depending on wildlife sightings, you might need to walk or take short hikes to reach the best viewing spots. A Typical Day on a Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk. Our spotters leave camp at first light, with our 4x4s dropping them at strategic points in different valleys. They meticulously scan the ridgelines and slopes for wildlife, relaying any sightings back to camp. Guests usually wake up around 7 AM to a warm, welcoming dining area with hot French press coffee, pots of tea, and breakfast made to order. Two scenarios can unfold at this point. If a snow leopard is sighted, guests quickly head to the best vantage point, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the sighting location. Our spotters from other locations converge on the sighting area, using their expertise to track the snow leopard throughout the day. Meals, coffee, tea, and snacks are continuously delivered from camp to the sighting location. If no snow leopard is seen, the trackers return to camp to devise a plan for the day, guided by previous sightings and morning intelligence. Guests then join the spotters and trackers, exploring various parts of the valley in search of the snow leopard. The team will also highlight other interesting birds and wildlife and share insights into local life and culture. There will be opportunities to visit local homes and villages, providing a deeper understanding of life in this stunning region and the critical role communities play in conservation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at camp or packed for the journey. Each day in Spiti Valley will involve a mix of driving and walking, ensuring a balanced and enriching wildlife experience.

• Day 10

  Chichham

  Destination - Chichham Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embark on an adventure in Spiti Valley with our expert spotters, who will help you discover wildlife like the Ibex, Himalayan Wolf, Red Fox, and the elusive Snow Leopard. You’ll be transported to various locations by 4x4 vehicles. Depending on wildlife sightings, you might need to walk or take short hikes to reach the best viewing spots. A Typical Day on a Snow Leopard Tour in Spiti Valley Snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk. Our spotters leave camp at first light, with our 4x4s dropping them at strategic points in different valleys. They meticulously scan the ridgelines and slopes for wildlife, relaying any sightings back to camp. Guests usually wake up around 7 AM to a warm, welcoming dining area with hot French press coffee, pots of tea, and breakfast made to order. Two scenarios can unfold at this point. If a snow leopard is sighted, guests quickly head to the best vantage point, either by vehicle or on foot, depending on the sighting location. Our spotters from other locations converge on the sighting area, using their expertise to track the snow leopard throughout the day. Meals, coffee, tea, and snacks are continuously delivered from camp to the sighting location. If no snow leopard is seen, the trackers return to camp to devise a plan for the day, guided by previous sightings and morning intelligence. Guests then join the spotters and trackers, exploring various parts of the valley in search of the snow leopard. The team will also highlight other interesting birds and wildlife and share insights into local life and culture. There will be opportunities to visit local homes and villages, providing a deeper understanding of life in this stunning region and the critical role communities play in conservation. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at camp or packed for the journey. Each day in Spiti Valley will involve a mix of driving and walking, ensuring a balanced and enriching wildlife experience.

• Day 11

  Kalpa

  Destination - Kalpa Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Today morning after breakfast return from Chichham village to Kalpa enroute Tabo, the day unfolds with a scenic journey through the rugged landscapes of the Himalayas. En route, we pause to explore Key monastery nestled in the mountains, immersing ourselves in its rich history dated back to 11th century. The walls of the monastery are covered with paintings and murals, an example of the 14th century monastic architecture, which developed as the result of Chinese influence. Kye monastery has a collection of ancient murals and books, including Buddha images. There are three floors, the first one is mainly underground and used for storage. One room, called the Tangyur is richly painted with murals. The ground floor has the beautifully decorated Assembly Hall and cells for many monks. Continuing our odyssey, we eventually reach the ancient town of Kalpa. Nestled amidst the serene backdrop, we check into a cozy hotel, greeted by warm hospitality.

• Day 12

  Shimla

  Destination - Shimla Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Embarking from Kalpa village to Shimla, our journey traverses through the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. A pit stop in Narmada for lunch adds a flavorful pause to our day. The road winds down from the Himalayan heights, and upon reaching Shimla, we transition from the serene rural setting to the bustling cityscape.

• Day 13

  Delhi

  Destination - Delhi Meal - Dinner, breakfast & lunch Concluding our thrilling Snow Leopard Expedition, we depart from Shimla to Delhi international airport on the final day. The journey back unveils the awe-inspiring memories of encountering elusive snow leopards amidst the pristine Himalayan landscapes. As we traverse from the mountains to the city, the echoes of the expedition linger. The transfer signifies the end of a remarkable adventure, leaving us with indelible imprints of the elusive cats and the breathtaking beauty of the snow-laden landscapes. The expedition concludes with a sense of accomplishment, carrying the spirit of the snow leopard's realm back to the bustling reality of Delhi.

• Day 14

  Drop

  Destination - Delhi Meal - Breakfast Fly out of India. Book a late afternoon or evening flight to make sure you’ve left enough gap time just in case our previous day’s flight is rescheduled due to bad mountain weather.