overview
The Snow Leopard, locally known as Shan, is one of the rarest large cat species found anywhere in the world. It is so difficult to see largely because of the tough and rugged terrain it is found in. It is a large cat species primarily found in the high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia and it is an endangered species as listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Hemis National Park and Ule region in Ladakh are 2 of the finest places to see this elusive animal.
The timing of this trip is crucial because in the bitter cold months of January, February and March Blue Sheep, the primary prey of Snow Leopard, descend down to the lower valleys and the Snow Leopard too follows it prey down. The lower valleys have human inhabitants as well and livestock is also easy prey for Snow Leopard at this time. Apart from this rare animal Ladakh is also home to other lesser known species like the Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), the Ibex and several others that with a bit of luck could be seen on this trip.
Read moreaccommodation amidst action
Accommodation at Luxurious Hotel in Zirakpur. Overnight at Chandigarh Note: The accommodation in Chandigarh can be booked at an extra charge.
itinerary
1-10th March 2026Start from Chandigarh in the morning, departure for Rampur (250 Kms - 7 Hrs). Rampur is a night halt station, accommodation at Luxurious Resort/Hotel. Dinner at the Resort. Overnight at Rampur. Departure from Chandigarh will be at 7.00 AM. We highly recommend that guest come in one day prior and stay in the same hotel as suggested by Just Nature Expeditions. If guests choose not to stay at this hotel, they must arrive at the departure point on time. In the case of late arrival that exceeds 30 mins, guest will be considered as no-show and the tour will continue as scheduled. Overnight stay at Rampur. Note: The accommodation in Chandigarh can be booked at an extra charge. Please note we recommend all guests come in on 15th Feb so that they can assemble on time at 7 AM. Recommended hotel will be Park Plaza Chandigarh Zirakpur.
Rampur to Kaza (300 Kms - 12 Hrs); Early morning departure for Kaza at 6.30 AM. You will only get 3 stops on this journey as it’s a really long and scenic journey you might feel tempted to stop at various corners to click photos but reaching on time will be a priority. Arrive at Kaza. Checkin to Comfortable homestay rooms with Heaters. Dinner and Overnight at Kaza. We might stay at Tabo instead of Kaza as per the availability of suitable homestays and rooms.
Have a relaxed morning in Kaza, After a breakfast, walk through the market, and then depart for Kibber. On the way to Kibber, you will see the Ki- Monastery. we will go further up the road to reach our destination KIBBER Village. In Kibber you will be assigned to your rooms, and given a brief orientation of the team who would be with you, on field and in the hotel. The Red Fox will be your home for the next few days. On this day you would be requested to take complete rest as the coming days would involve extreme trekking in snow and at a high altitude. Overnight stay at Kibber.
Start your day early morning, after breakfast you leave hotel, to explore nearby regions. The entire region surrounding the village is snow leopard territory. In this region you have high chances of observing and spotting other wildlife such as Bharals, Ibex, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffons, a lot of different bird species. On all of your trekking days your warm lunch will be brought on field.
Kibber to Rampur. Start Early Morning from Kibber and reach Rampur by night 8.00 PM. Stay in a Hotel/Resort at Rampur. Dinner & Overnight at Resort at Rampur
Depart for Chandigarh Reach Chandigarh by evening. Drop to your Hotel/station/airport at Chandigarh. You will be reaching Chandigarh by 4.00 PM. Expedition Concludes. Please ensure your onward connection from Chandigarh is booked after 5.00 PM.
Expedition on a map
Gallery
1. Chandigarh to Rampur and Rampur to Chandigarh road transfer – 10/12 Seater
Traveler into 2 Exclusive vehicles
2. Rampur to Kaza to Kibber and Kibber to Rampur road transfer – 10/12 Seater
Traveller into 2 exclusive vehicles (Kaza to Kibber, Sumo or similar 4x4 vehicles if
required)
3. Twin sharing accommodation at Luxurious Heritage Hotel at Rampur with
Dinner.
4. All meals included (stay as per itinerary & all meals including meals on the day
of travel).
5. All wildlife Permits
6. Twin Sharing Accommodation at Kaza and Kibber will be in comfortable
Home stays with rooms having heaters. All meals at Kaza and Kibber during stay.
7. Exclusive Porter per participant to carry Camera Equipment and bags.
8. 2 Exclusive 12 Seater Tempo Traveller/Similar for local transfers at Kibber
during Sightings.
9. Expert team of Trackers for snow leopard tracking.
10. Entry Permit for Spiti + Village Fees/Community Fees
11. Kibber National Park Entry fees for individual for the duration of the stay in
Kibber.
12. 4x4 vehicle backup in case of evacuation during emergency.
13. Inner Line permit required for Foreigners.
14. Oxygen Cylinder availability for emergencies.
15. Hot water bags in the bed during night at Kibber.
16. Camera Fees at Kibber.
1. Tips and gratuities.
2. First day stay at Chandigarh on the day of arrival (Optional)
3. Any other extra expenses other than mentioned.
4. Extra meals, beverages other than mentioned.
5. Train / air fares.
6. Travel Insurance.
7. Any increase in Entry Fees/ Permit Fees.
8. Any additional services used other than mentioned.
Please note: Hotel at Chandigarh (Park Plaza Chandigarh Zirakpur) can
be booked on request on Day of arrival. Please ask for best available
rates at the time of booking. Time of departure from Chandigarh will
be at 7 AM on 1st Mar 2026 at Park Plaza Chandigarh Zirakpur. Each
guest will be responsible for arriving at the departure point 30
minutes before time. In case someone is late, the group will wait till
7:30 AM post which the tour will begin.
New Travel Norms and Mandatory Requirements –
Due to pandemic, a lot of things changed including Travel. Just Nature Expedition
has introduced some norms and requirements which will help to conduct such
expeditions by following all the health protocols and which will assure safety of all
our participants and our team. We also revised the refund policy in case of
expeditions getting cancelled due to pandemic.
1. Participant should be vaccinated for COVID 19 with respective 2 doses. Or
should adhere to all medical requirements in place at the time of travel.
2. Credit note for the tour cost will be issued for expedition batch cancelled due
to any Nationwide lockdowns/travel restrictions due to COVID19 pandemic.
Credit note can be used for rebooking the expedition at later date.
3. Travel Insurance is recommended.
4. All participants will have to submit health fitness certificate. Participants having
diseases/disorders related to heart, breathing or any other serious illness should
avoid such expedition.