Destinations

Nestled high in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is a remote and rugged terrain that offers one of the most thrilling and elusive wildlife experiences in India—the Snow Leopard Expedition. Spanning across the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, this high-altitude cold desert is a haven for snow leopards, often referred to as the "ghost of the mountains" due to their elusive nature and exceptional camouflage.

The snow leopard population in Spiti is primarily found in the protected and high-altitude regions of Kibber, Hikkim, Langza, Kaza, and Pin Valley National Park. Kibber, one of the highest inhabited villages in the world, has emerged as the epicenter of snow leopard tracking in India. These areas, with their steep ridges, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation, offer an ideal habitat for snow leopards and other high-altitude wildlife.

Apart from snow leopards, the region is home to Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), Siberian ibex, red foxes, Tibetan wolves, Himalayan griffon vultures, golden eagles, and Tibetan snowcocks, making it a biodiversity hotspot. The Pin Valley National Park, located within the larger Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, is particularly renowned for sightings and plays a vital role in the conservation of these majestic big cats.

Spiti’s stark, icy landscape during winter creates the perfect setting for snow leopard sightings as the predators descend to lower altitudes in search of prey, increasing chances of human encounters. Accompanied by expert trackers and local wildlife guides, visitors can trek across ridgelines, frozen rivers, and snow-covered trails to witness the rare and awe-inspiring sight of a snow leopard in its natural habitat.