From
$10,600(USD)
Group size
6 Guests
Location
Spiti Valley, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern India
Safari date
8 - 19 March, 2027 (Marlon du Toit)
Explore
Snow Leopard ENCOUNTER
This extraordinary adventure will take you deep into the Indian Himalayas on the ultimate quest to find and photograph the legendary Ghost of the Himalayas—the elusive snow leopard.
We’ve designed this journey to offer a wonderful combination of wildlife, spectacular scenery, local culture and adventure. Spiti is one of India’s most remote and dramatic regions, where rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys and traditional villages form an extraordinary backdrop for our snow leopard expedition.
The journey into Spiti is an experience in itself. Travelling from Chandigarh through the Himalayan foothills and into Kinnaur, we’ll follow the Sutlej River as the scenery gradually transforms. Forested valleys and apple orchards give way to the stark, snow-covered mountains and high-altitude desert landscapes for which Spiti is so famous.
For six full days, we’ll explore the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and the valleys surrounding Mane in search of snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife. Although the snow leopard is undoubtedly our main focus, this remarkable region is also home to blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, red foxes, wolves, golden eagles and other fascinating high-altitude species.
Our experienced spotters will head out early each morning, scanning different valleys and mountain slopes for fresh tracks and signs of wildlife. Equipped with walkie-talkies, they’ll remain in constant contact with our naturalist and local guide. Their knowledge of the landscape and the movements of its wildlife will be invaluable throughout our expedition.
Our home in Spiti will be The Doksa, an exclusive lodge set on a plateau overlooking the valley. In an environment where winter temperatures can be extreme, choosing the right accommodation is incredibly important. With central heating, bed warmers, heated bathroom floors, 24-hour hot water and uninterrupted mountain views, The Doksa provides the warmth and comfort we’ll appreciate after long days in the field.
Beyond the wildlife, this journey gives us an opportunity to experience the timeless beauty and culture of Spiti. We’ll travel through remote mountain villages, meet local communities and gain an insight into a way of life shaped by the isolation and extreme conditions of the Himalayas.
Searching for a snow leopard requires patience, determination and a little good fortune, but that is precisely what makes an encounter so incredibly rewarding. Few wildlife experiences compare to seeing one of these magnificent cats moving silently across the mountains.
This is a true Himalayan adventure and an experience I believe will stay with you for the rest of your life. I hope you’ll join me as we venture into the wilds of Spiti in search of the Grey Ghost.
Itinerary
Arrive
Arrive in New Delhi, where you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to Roseate House. Settle into the comfort of the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, giving you time to rest and to meet up with Marlon and the rest of the group before the Himalayan adventure begins.
New Delhi to Theog, via Chandigarh
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to New Delhi Airport for the short 40-minute flight to Chandigarh. Upon arrival, we’ll be met by our drivers and begin the scenic journey into the Himalayan foothills. Travelling through the bustling hill town of Shimla, we continue to the quieter mountain retreat of Theog, where we’ll settle into the Taj Theog Resort & Spa for the night.
Theog to Kalpa
Today, we journey deeper into the Himalayas and the beautiful landscapes of Kinnaur. Following the Sutlej River, we’ll watch as the scenery gradually transforms and the busy towns give way to increasingly remote mountain landscapes.
Our destination is Kalpa, a peaceful Himalayan village renowned for its spectacular close-up views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. Surrounded by apple orchards and ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, Kalpa offers a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and natural beauty of this remote region.
Kalpa to The Doksa, Mane
Our third day on the road brings us into the extraordinary landscapes of the Spiti Valley. As we leave Kalpa behind, the air becomes colder and drier, and the scenery changes to a striking palette of brown and white.
Upon entering Spiti, the road narrows to a single lane, making for an exciting journey through this dramatic Himalayan wilderness. We’ll arrive at The Doksa in Mane, where the lodge team will be waiting to welcome us. This exclusive mountain retreat will be our comfortable home for the next seven nights.
Snow Leopard Quest in Spiti
Over the next six full days, we’ll explore the Spiti Valley in search of the elusive snow leopard and the region’s other remarkable Himalayan wildlife. Our excursions will take us through the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and the remote valleys and villages surrounding The Doksa.
Each morning, our experienced wildlife spotters will head out early in different directions, scanning the mountains and valleys for fresh signs of wildlife. Equipped with walkie-talkies, they’ll remain in contact with our trip leader and local guide, allowing us to respond quickly when promising activity is reported.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out according to the latest information from the spotting team. Depending on the location of the wildlife, our days may involve travelling by 4x4, walking, hiking, or a combination of the three. Our dedicated field team will assist with carrying camera equipment and ensure that refreshments, hot drinks, and meals are available while we are out in the field.
Although the snow leopard will be our primary focus, Spiti is home to a variety of fascinating Himalayan wildlife. Our time here will also give us an opportunity to experience the region’s serene landscapes, traditional village life, local culture, and exceptionally clear night skies.
At the end of each day, we’ll return to the warmth and comfort of The Doksa. Set on a plateau overlooking the valley, the lodge offers uninterrupted mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Each room is equipped with central heating, bed warmers, underfloor heating in the bathroom, and 24-hour hot water—providing a wonderfully comfortable retreat during the harsh Himalayan winter.
Mane to Rampur
Today, we begin our return journey, leaving the remote landscapes of Spiti behind as we travel to Rampur Bushahr. Situated alongside the Sutlej River, Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of Bushahr and remains an important historic town in the region.
We’ll spend the night at Hotel Nau Nabh Heritage, which forms part of the beautiful Padam Palace and is owned by the royal family of the Bushahr dynasty.
Rampur to New Delhi, via Chandigarh
We’ll depart Rampur early this morning for the journey back to Chandigarh, where our Himalayan road adventure first began. We aim to leave at approximately 07h00 to arrive in time for our afternoon flight to New Delhi.
The flight is scheduled to depart Chandigarh at approximately 16h00 and arrive in New Delhi at around 17h00. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you may connect with an international flight later that evening or spend an additional night in New Delhi. Accommodation and transfers in New Delhi can be arranged at an additional cost.
If you would like more information on this trip, please provide us your name and e-mail and we’ll gladly send you a brochure.






