The snow leopard tour in Spiti Valley offers a thrilling adventure and an unforgettable experience in the Himalayan region. Do you know how rare it is to witness the snow leopard in Himachal Pradesh? They are noted as endangered species by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), and it is rare for anyone to have a glimpse of this animal, as there are very few left.
However, the snow leopard tour in Spiti Valley takes a higher turn because people love seeing this creature in the region. They basically survive in the trans-Himalayan region of Spiti Valley and Leh Ladakh, and definitely these regions are best known for the Snow Leopard Expedition Spiti.
Let’s get your adventure started with the most amazing Spiti Valley tour packages! Get them booked now for a vacation like never before.
Best Time to See Snow Leopards in Spiti
The snow leopard Spiti are majorly spotted in the high-altitude mountains of South Asia and Central Asia. Also, during the months of January to February, there is heavy snowfall which makes these animals come downwards to hunt for other animals and there are more chances to witness and have a snow leopard tour in Spiti Valley.
But, you should know that it is difficult to trace them because of the higher mountain ranges. So, you need to be aware of the time of the snow leopard trek Spiti. When you come to have a real adventure, it never stops because you also get to witness other rare species like Blue sheep, Tibetan Wold Red fox, Golden eagle, Siberian Ibex, and many more.
But if you get to witness the snow leopard in Himachal Pradesh, it is truly magical and amazing to see it with utmost happiness. So, if you really want to start your Snow Leopard trek Spiti, make sure to do in these two months - the best time to see snow leopards in Spiti!
Also check out: Spiti Winter Trip
Places to See Snow Leopards in Spiti Valley
Snow leopard Spiti Valley is something everyone want to witness. Known for the stark beauty and wildlife, if you are interested to see the wildlife in Spiti Valley, here you go! Explore the best places to see snow leopards in Spiti Valley!
1. Pin Valley National Park
The Pin Valley National Park is located in the heart of Spiti Valley, around 40 kilometers from Kaza. It is known as one of the best places for the snow leopard tour in Spiti Valley and they are known to roam here, especially in winter and early spring months. It is the prime location for a snow leopard expedition in Spiti.
It is situated in the remote upper reaches of Spiti Valley, close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Tashigang is a small and one of the offbeat places in Spiti, and the isolation of this place makes it an ideal habitat for these elusive creatures. So, often the local guides lead snow leopard trek Spiti here
3. Lahaul and Spiti’s High Mountain Zones
The Lahaul and Spiti, beyond the village of Kaza, and the higher reaches of Spiti, especially near villages like Kibber and Chicham.
Kibber is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters and known for the proximity to high-altitude regions where snow leopards are commonly found. The local people here are accustomed to spotting these cats in the wild.
So, the guided treks around Kibber and Chicham can offer the chance to spot snow leopards in the winter months.
4. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kibber wildlife sanctuary is near the village of Kibber. Known for its biodiversity, including the presence of snow leopards. This area is a good place to see other wildlife too, such as blue sheep and the Himalayan Ibex, which are prey for the snow leopard in Spiti Valley.
Also, the snow leopard in Kibber wildlife sanctuary sightings in this area are more common in winter, when they venture lower to hunt.
It is 7 Kilometers from Kibber and is known as the other high-altitude village in Spiti which is surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky terrain and is perfect for the snow leopard in Spiti Valley. Local villages have occasionally sighted snow leopards here and there are several snow leopard trek Spiti here for wildlife spotting mainly in Chicham.
Snow Leopard Tour Cost Spiti
- Budget/Mid-range group packages start around INR 48,950 - 80,000 Per person for 8-10 days. This usually includes homestays in Spiti, meals, local transport, guides, permits and snow-leopard expedition Spiti.
- Mid to premium tours: ₹90,000 to ₹1.8 lakh per person
- (Smaller groups, more comfort, better camera support)
What’s Usually Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Local transport
- Expert guides, trackers
- Entry, permit, and fees
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Cameras
- Travel to the pickup point
- Insurance
Important Things to Carry on the Snow Leopard Expedition
Here are the things to know when you want to witness snow leopard in Spiti Valley. So, let’s get started with the list.
- Track Pants, woolen clothes, pullovers, and warm hoodies are very necessary
- Trekking shoes or boots
- Dry clothes, woolen socks, and towels.
- A raincoat, windcheater, or windproof jacket.
- 2-3 pairs of inner warm thermals.
- Personal toiletries, first aid kit and medications
- Flashlight, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- DSLR Camera - Canon EOS R5/R6, Nikon Z6, Sony A7
- Backpack and water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
Suggested read: Spiti Valley in Summer