Paw-ing The Snow Leopard

Off-grid fascinating drive through Spiti valley during the winter chills will gift you with awe-inspiring photographic moments. Solitude seekers and adventure travelers can spot the endangered Snow Leopards and other wild mammals out in action. The snow leopard sighting expedition can take you up 4500m high altitude. You shall be lucky enough to spot Snow Leopards, Himalayan Ibex, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Red fox & Himalayan Snow Cock. Patiently pawing your steps is the key to seeing the Ghost Cat in the wild. At right times like early mornings and late evenings the wild cat can be spotted near Kibber-Chicham village, slopes between Kee, Gete, and Tashigang. Plateau areas near Langza, Hikkim, Komic are too the favourite hideouts of the snow leopards.

Departure from Chadigarh, long-drive to Rampur. Stay at Rampur
Scenic drive to Kaza, enroute lush valleys of Nako and Tabo. Halt at Kaza
Drive to the picturesque Komic, Hikkim, and Langza. Stay at Kaza. Stay at Kaza
Drive to Chicham enroute Kee and Kibber. Halt at Chicham
3 days at Chicham spotting the Snow leopard and other wild mammals in their habitats. Stay at Chicham. Stay at Sarahan
Drive to Rampur
Drive back to Chandigarh. Depart

Paw-ing The Snow Leopard Itinerary

Meet at Chandigarh and begin the journey towards Rampur. On the way we’ll see juicy apple farms over the banks of the river Sutluj. Reach Rampur and halt at hotel.
Drive through the lush valleys of Spiti’s scenic landscape. Circling through Nako Lake and Tabo. Stay at homestay in Kaza. Enroute we will cross Nako and Tabo and if time permits, we will visit the monastery at Tabo.
Drive to the highest village in the world – Komic and the highest post office of the world – Hikkim. Crossing over the picturesque village Langza. Overnight stay at homestay in Kaza.
Reach Chicham village where Snow Leopards shall be our hosts for the next few days. Stopping over Kee monastery and crossing over the highest bridge in Asia.
Spotting the wild mammals in their cozy habitats. Cooking some Himalayan delicacies with locals and brewing some Arak. Stay at homestay in Chicham.
Drive to Rampur and halt at hotel in Rampur.
Drive back to Chandigarh with fond memories sprawling wild cats, scenic ice-laden mountain peaks and the freshness of Spiti valley.

Activities

Monastery visit
Visit to highest post office in Hikkim
Kaza Market
Tracking the snowleopard

Possible Extensions

Session with Amchi (Spiti’s traditional doctor)
Spiti’s Pot (pottery making)
Nun life
Yak Back Safari
Spin your own yak rope
Yak cheese
Cook like a local
Spiti’s social and local life
Bhuchen performances
Mountain biking

What’s Included

All accommodation starting Day 1 to Day 8 on a sharing basis
Guide starting Day 3 to Day 7
Meals starting Day 2 dinner to Day 7 dinner
Transfers Day 1 to Day 9
Spotting Scope while in Chicham
Monastery fees
First aid kit

Things to Carry

Travel documents
Highly recommended Travel Insurance
A jacket you usually will wear during winters in the plains and one like that of fleece
A wind cheater
Carry ‘layers of clothing’, so you can remove and wear as per the temperature. Keep a jacket handy
Warm hand gloves
Woollen head gear (cap) specially to cover the ears and neck. Woollen scarf
Inners/ thermals, preferably two pairs.
Comfortable shoes to walk, not with hard sole or high heels
Carry enough woollen socks for ten days
Days can be warm, so carry full sleeve T-shirts or cotton shirts, to guard from sunburns
Hand towels & one personal towel
Cotton brim hat to protect your face from UV
Re-usable masks, at least 10 pieces and hand sanitizer
Lip Guard, cold cream, Vaseline, moisturiser, sunscreen of SPF30 or higher
Dark glasses with UV protection.
Personal medicines
Personal water bottle
Glucose: Glucon C/D for hydration and instant energy
Carry extra cash
Connectivity BSNL works best. Jio at-least in Kaza works well (including 4G)