Shen, the grey ghost of the Himalayas
Exploring The Snow Leopard Habitat In Kibber - Mating Snow Leopards near Kibber Village
Snow Leopard Lodge, where the snow leopards are
Explore Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary Like never before - Same Female with cubs the very next season near Kibber Village
Introduction
An expedition into the Trans - Himalayan winter
Enter the high-altitude wilderness of Spiti, where snow-covered mountains, deep gorges and remote Himalayan villages form the territory of one of the world's most elusive predators — the Snow Leopard.
Our Spiti Snow Leopard Expedition is designed for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers who want to experience the Trans-Himalayan winter at its most dramatic.
Based around the remote landscapes of Kibber and the surrounding valleys of Spiti, the expedition combines dedicated wildlife tracking, patient observation and photography in one of India's most extraordinary mountain environments.
Elevation of Kibber village
0 m
Chandigarh to Chandigarh
0 Days
Typical winter morning temperatures
- 0 °C
Sighting record, past seasons
~ 0 %
"This is not simply a wildlife tour. It is an expedition into a landscape where every ridge, frozen stream and distant movement may reveal a story."
Tour Highlights
What this expedition holds
Himalayan Winter Experience

Travel to our snow leopard lodge Kibber a high and remote Himalayan region in India in winter

Snow Leopard Sightings

Sighting a snow leopard near our lodge in Kibber is very frequent in winters as per our records in past many years.

Rare Wildlife Exploration

See and photograph rare Himalayan wildlife — ibex, blue sheep, red fox, wolves, bearded vulture, golden eagle.

Capture the Elusive Cat

Possibly see and capture one of the world’s most elusive cats through your lens

Winter Landscapes & Learning

Drive through fascinating winter landscapes of the Trans-Himalayas, Sessions & discussions on wildlife in the region

Support & Hospitality

Constant on-field assistance, Best of hospitality curated by khushboo rahul.

The Overall Experience
Stealthy. Powerful. Legendary.
In the high mountains of the Himalayan realm rules a mysterious cat. Stealthy. Powerful. Legendary. And Endangered. It is the grey ghost – The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)!
Khushboo Rahul Photography takes you on an adventure to the hidden jewel in the Himalayas – Spiti – in winter. Temperatures plummet way below freezing and a white blanket of snow covers most parts of this primeval landscape. The herbivores descend from the highest reaches of the mountains in search of food and water. And, following its prey, so does the Snow Leopard.
Join us on this exclusive expedition through some of the most breathtaking landscapes while travelling in one of the harshest terrains of the world. Photograph the diverse wildlife that survives in this extreme habitat. And possibly lose yourself in the hypnotic stare of the grey ghost of the mountains – the Snow Leopard!
On the road
Welcome to winters in Kibber
BRO checkpoints, frost blooming on the windows, and the long drive along the frozen Spiti river — this is what getting there looks like.
The itinerary
Eleven days, Chandigarh to Chandigarh
Chandigarh to Rampur Bushahr

Our expedition begins in Chandigarh. We drive through the picturesque Himalayan landscape, passing through the beautiful Shimla hills and continuing towards Rampur Bushahr. We arrive by evening and check in for an overnight stay.

Day 1
Rampur Bushahr to Tabo

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey towards the spectacular Spiti Valley. The drive takes us through the dramatic landscapes of Kinnaur, along winding mountain roads and across the famous Malling Nala.

As we enter the high-altitude, Tibetan-influenced landscape of Spiti, the scenery changes dramatically. We reach Tabo by evening and settle in for a restful night, allowing our bodies to begin acclimatising to the altitude.

Day 2
Tabo to Kaza and Kibber

After breakfast, we continue towards Kaza, the administrative centre of Spiti Valley. From Kaza, we drive higher into the mountains to reach Kibber one of the most celebrated destinations for observing and photographing snow leopards in India.

Upon arrival, we check in at Snow Leopard Lodge Kibber and spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatising.

Day 3
Snow Leopard Tracking and Wildlife Photography in Kibber

We spend five full days exploring the remote valleys, ridgelines and rocky slopes surrounding Kibber in search of the elusive snow leopard.

Each morning, our experienced local trackers and naturalists scan the mountains for signs of movement, pugmarks and other evidence of snow leopard activity. Depending on recent sightings and wildlife movement, we may explore different areas around Kibber and the surrounding high-altitude landscape.Alongside snow leopards, we may have opportunities to observe and photograph other Himalayan wildlife, including ibex, blue sheep, red fox, wolfs, bearded vulture, golden eagle and other highaltitude species.

Our daily schedule will remain flexible and will be determined by weather conditions, wildlife movement and information received from our tracking team.

Days 4 - 9
Kibber to Rampur Bushahr

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Kibber and begin our return journey through Spiti and Kinnaur. We reach Rampur Bushahr by evening and check in for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 10
Rampur Bushahr to Chandigarh

After breakfast, we drive back to Chandigarh, marking the conclusion of an unforgettable expedition through the winter wilderness of Spiti Valley.

Tour concludes upon arrival in Chandigarh.

Day 11
In the field
The snow leopard & field times
Long, patient hours behind the lens on the ridgeline — waiting for the ghost to move, and for whatever else the valley offers in the meantime.
Heading home
The return journey
Kibber's families, a stupa catching the last light near Kaza, and the long drive back through Kinnaur — the valley doesn't let go easily.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
This tour is for wildlife photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore the high altitude realm of Spiti Valley in winter for rare wildlife. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography or carry professional equipment. Due to the small group size, beginners as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on field assistance. Non photographers interested in exploring wildlife of Winter Spiti are welcome too.
How do we tackle the extreme cold weather?

During this tour, we may encounter temperatures as low as -25C or even lower. The only way to manage such low temperatures is to be very well equipped. We will send you a list of must-have equipment that will help you face the cold weather. When you are well-equipped, you should be able to fight the cold weather well after your body gets acclimatized in a day or two. There would still be some discomfort but nothing that would prevent you from actively enjoying the tour. Stays are extremely comfortable However, this tour is not recommended for those who are very sensitive to cold weather. Also, a reasonable degree of fitness (equivalent of being able to walk a few kilometers in normal conditions) is desirable for this long tour.

I am not a keen photographer. But I want to visit Spiti with your group. Can I still join?

Yes. If you are interested to explore the pristine Himalayan landscapes and view rare alpine wildlife, you are welcome to join this tour. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.

Can I bring my non-photographer partner with me?

Yes, you can. We visit one of the most pristine landscapes in the country and actively look for rare wildlife. Your partner will enjoy the journey with the group. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.

Is there a lot of walking/trekking involved?

To track the Snow Leopard, moderate walking (2-3 hours) may be required to reach places where wildlife sightings are reported. Basic fitness is required as we’ll be at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. We believe that most people in good health should not have any problems with most of the activities through the tour. Please speak to us if you have any doubts. [Porters and Yaks will help out here charges applicable].

What photography equipment is needed for the tour? Can we hire porters for carrying the equipment?

On this tour, we’ll primarily focus on photographing wildlife of Spiti. For this, telephoto lenses are recommended to photograph wildlife at a distance. We’ll also be photographing landscapes and culture when the opportunities present themselves. Please talk to us to decide on the photography equipment that you need to carry for the tour. If you need help in carrying your equipment during the tour, we can engage porters and yaks locally with some additional cost. Please write to us for details.

Terms of travel
What the tour price covers

The tour price includes

  • 10 Night Accommodation on twin sharing basis. All comfortable Accommodations.
  • Ground transportation during the tour per SUV upto 4 Pax.
  • All Meals during the tour in Kaza Kibber.
  • All permits and fees

The tour price does not include

  • Travel to Chandigarh from your location and return travel from Chandigarh to your location
  • Travel Insurance
  • Additional food / snacks, bottled water or other beverages ordered
  • Anything else that is not part of the includes list above

Payment Policy

50% deposit to confirm the tour. The remaining 50% is due by the last 3rd month before departure.

Camera & Equipment Rental

In addition to the Logistics we can also arrange camera gears on an additional cost, please let us know if you would like to rent also the camera equipments.

Please note:

  • In addition to the above, please budget for expenses towards procuring cold weather gear that is required for travelling to Spiti in winter. We will help you with the list of warm clothing that you need to carry for this tour.
  • The itinerary mentioned in this page is subject to favourable weather and road conditions. In case of bad weather and inaccessibility to a destination, we will do our best to make alternate plans.
  • The tour price or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions anytime during the tour days and there can be additional costs for the change of the itinerary in emergency.
  • Wildlife sightings depend on various factors, including weather, availability of food and the animal showing up in our vicinity (in the vast mountain landscapes).
  • No refunds will be made if a participant is unable to complete the tour owing to medical conditions or any other reasons, after starting the tour. will pay the medical or additional logistic charges.
  • All participants would have to sign a Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Arbitration Agreement before joining the tour.
SEASON 2026–27
Choose your expedition package
Pricing is based on group size, ex-Chandigarh. Full inclusions, exclusions, facilities and terms are laid out for each — tap below for the complete breakdown.
INDIAN NATIONALS

Domestic expedition packages

Group pricing from ₹75,000 per person, ex-Chandigarh, staying twin-share with meals included at Tabo and Kibber Snow Leopard Lodge.
Know more →
FOREIGN NATIONALS & NRIs

International expedition packages

Group pricing from USD 2,500 per person, ex-Chandigarh, with all permits, spotters, guides and meals through the expedition included.
Know more →
Find us

Plan your winter with the grey ghost

Snow Leopard Lodge Kibber runs one dedicated winter season a year. Write to us for exclusive expedition dates, custom group sizes, or to rent camera and cold-weather equipment.
© Snow Leopard Lodge, Kibber — Season 2026–27
Photography by Khushboo Rahul