SPITI WINTER SNOW LEOPARD TOUR
To brave the biting cold of Spitian winter to catch a glimpse of this elusive feline is absolutely worthwhile. Spiti is a natural haven for the elusive Snow Leopard - the foremost Himalayan predator. As the landscape transforms during winter, this feline follows its prey down to lower altitudes, making the harsh Himalayan winter the best time to spot this majestic creature. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, situated between the quaint villages of Kibber and Chicham in Spiti, will be our base while we go out scouring ridges, valleys, and streams. You will be accompanied by an experienced local wildlife guide and spotters/scanners for support.
Please Note: This expedition does not require you to have the fitness levels of an athlete or those required for some other Himalayan treks.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1: CHANDIGARH ARRIVAL - THANEDAR
Driving Distance: 175 km in approx 5 hours
Resting altitude: 2400 m
Highest altitude: 2800 m
We start our journey from Chandigarh and quickly hit the Himalayan foothills eventually reaching the busy city of Shimla, capital of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. After tackling the traffic of and hustle of Shimla we drive 75 km further to our final destination for the day, Banjara Orchard Retreat, Thanedar.
DAY 2: THANEDAR – KALPA
Driving Distance: 160 km in approx 8 hours
Resting altitude: 2400 m above sea
Highest altitude: 3000 m
We drive further up and enter the steep mountains of Kinnaur, driving along the Sutlej River and past the numerous hydel power stations that have been built over it. The day’s journey comes to a stop in Kalpa, a high point with uninterrupted views of the Kinner Kailash Massif. For non-Indians, this is also where we’ll get an ILP (Inner Line Permit) processed.
DAY 3: KALPA – NAKO – TABO - KAZA
Driving Distance: 250 km in approx 10 hours
Highest altitude: 4200 m
Today’s drive will take you through dramatically changing landscapes. More so, once you start climbing from the confluence of Spiti and Sutlej rivers at Khab. The highest point of the day will be Malling Nallah from where we’ll descend to the check post at Sumdo, marking our arrival in Spiti. We stop at Kaza; 500 m lower than Chicham & Kibber, an ideal place to acclimatise before going further.
DAY 4: KAZA – CHICHAM
Highest altitude: 4200 m
An hour’s drive from Kaza will take us to our final destination in Spiti, Chicham. This will be our base over the next few days to go out into the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary to find Snow Leopards and more. The road will take you past Key Monastery and over Chicham Bridge before finally arriving in Chicham.
DAY 5 - 9: CHICHAM NEXT 5 DAY
Highest altitude: 4300 m
Located at 4200 metres above sea level, Chicham is a part of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary which has a thriving population of Snow Leopards. Chicham will act as our base for the coming week, as we venture out seeking the elusive Snow Leopard, and more.
DAY 10: CHICHAM – RAMPUR
Driving Distance: 330km in approx 11 hours
Starting altitude: 4200 m above sea
Highest altitude: 4300 m
Resting Altitude: 950 m
Time to make our way home. The drive back to Chandigarh will be made in two days with an overnight halt at Rampur. The return to the more habitable temperatures will soon become apparent as we continue to lose altitude on our way to back.
DAY 11: RAMPUR – CHANDIGARH
Driving Distance: 230km in approx 7 hours
Today, after breakfast, checkout from the hotel and drive to Chandigarh. We will drop you at the Chandigarh Railway Station/ Airport. Return home while recalling all the memorable moments of your exotic trip…
