Snow Leopard Trek - Spiti
Trekked by Many, Discovered by a Handful
Available Batches
Brief Description
Gallery
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Shimla to Kalpa - 225 km Drive
Kalpa to Kaza - 200 km Drive
Introduction and acclimatization day in Kaza
Kaza to Chicham - 21 km Drive
Snow Leopard Spotting
Snow Leopard Spotting
Snow Leopard Spotting
Kibber to Kalpa - 220 km Drive
Kalpa to Shimla - 225 km Drive
Day 1
Report in Shimla by early morning and board your vehicles for the drive to Kalpa. We will drive through the precipitous Sutlej gorge to the beautiful Kinnaur valley till Kalpa. You will get the first view of Kinner Kailash today. Overnight in hotel / guest house in Kalpa.
Day 2
Travel from Kalpa to Kaza village in Spiti valley. Overnight in hotel/guesthouse/homestay.
Day 3
Your first day at altitude will be utilised for acclimatising with the elevation gain, orienting with the terrain and introduction with the guide and other members.
Day 4
Today we will drive to Chicham, one of the most isolated villages in Spiti. We will rest and acclimatize to the altitude. This will also be your base for the next few days as the chances of spotting snow leopards is high in this region.
Day 5
We explore different reaches of the valley in search of the snow leopard where they frequent with the help of local trackers and guides.
Day 6
We spend the day in the same place waiting patiently to spot these snow leopards, the majestic beasts and other wildlife that is indigenous to Spiti valley.
Day 7
Number of days spent on the area in search of the snow leopard depends on the inputs from the local guide. We come back to Kibber today evening.
Day 8
Today we drive from Kibber to Kalpa. Overnight stay in homestay/guesthouse.
Day 9
Today we drive back to Shimla from Kalpa.
What's Included
- Camping/Homestay during the trek
- Food as per menu on trek days
- Experienced on-site scanners.
- First aid medical kit including oxygen cylinder
- Experienced Guide and Support staff
- Transport to and from Shimla
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
What's Not Included
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- Any Expense of personal nature.
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
- Meals during road journey
- Entry Fee/Permit Fee/Camera fee/Village maintenance fee (to be payable on the spot by the customer). Camera charges vary for different sizes of lenses.
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
Moderate
4400 m
0 km
BRS Level Required
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not necessarily a difficult trail in terms of physical activity, however, the extremely low temperatures and the thin air of high-altitude on this trail are what make it challenging. Some prior experience in high-altitude is recommended. Read How is the Snow Leopard Expedition different from our usual Treks?
Although the Snow Leopard expedition is an easy-moderate trek, you will need good lung capacity and leg strength to complete it safely. If you are struggling most of the time, you won’t be able to enjoy the expedition. With the end goal being enjoying the expedition thoroughly and not just completing it, the following is the fitness level we recommend.
Practice jogging/running four to five days a week and see if you can cover 5 km in 30-40 minutes. In addition to this, you can also add some resistance workouts for legs (like squats and lunges), and core workouts into your training schedule.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
One must be prepared for the long hours of waiting (6-7 hours) each day at the viewpoints in sub-zero temperatures. You must have a good fitness regimen in order to acclimatize to the geographical and weather-related challenges on the Snow Leopard Trek. Further, knowing small tips and tricks will help you avoid injuries and stress to specific body parts. The following are some skills that are likely to come in handy on a trail like the Snow Leopard trek.
1) Ascending & Descending techniques for mountain trails
2) High-Altitude Attire and Layering
3) Basic mountain mannerisms
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors between 13 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
The Snow Leopard Trek - Spiti runs through the Spiti Valley in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.
The Snow Leopard Trek in Spiti offers an exhilarating and unique adventure in the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. One of the highlights of this trek is the opportunity to spot the elusive snow leopard, an incredibly rare and majestic big cat that inhabits the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. Trekking through the Spiti Valley, you'll navigate through rugged terrains, deep valleys, and snow-covered mountains, providing breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. The trek takes you to remote and untouched regions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature. Along the way, you'll encounter a diverse range of wildlife and bird species; it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The region is also known for its unique flora, including rare alpine flowers, adding splashes of vibrant colors to the landscape.
The weather conditions in the Spiti Valley can be harsh and unpredictable, posing another challenge. The trek often takes place during the winter months when the region is covered in snow, making the terrain slippery and demanding. The trek involves traversing steep slopes, rocky paths, and icy surfaces, requiring physical strength, balance, and agility. Contrary to our usual trekking itineraries, the days on the snow leopard expedition swing between two extremes. Some days will require trekkers to explore extensively for track marks while other days would involve sitting still and studying the area around. Spotting the elusive snow leopard itself presents a challenge. These magnificent creatures are incredibly elusive and have evolved to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. They are experts at camouflage and tend to roam vast territories, making their sightings rare and unpredictable. For more details on the challenges of Snow Leopard Expedition, Read: Who is this meant for?
This trek is best done between the months of January to March. The harsh winter conditions in these months provide for the best chances to spot the elusive cat!
We stay in homestays on all the days.
Spiti Valley experiences extreme weather conditions due to its high altitude and proximity to the Himalayas. During the winter season, which typically spans from December to February, temperatures in Spiti Valley can plummet to extremely low levels. In the higher reaches and at night, temperatures can drop well below freezing, often reaching -15 degrees Celsius or lower. Daytime temperatures during winter in Spiti Valley can range from -5 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius, depending on the specific location.
The Snow Leopard Trek can be considered moderately challenging for the harsh weather conditions. The trek involves long hours of waiting (6-7 hours) each day at viewpoints with under sub-zero temperatures. This can be physically demanding. However, the trek does not involve the use of any technical climbing.
The trail starts at Shimla which is at a distance of 340 kms from Delhi. It is accessible by road. You can either drive down here or take a luxury bus from ISBT Delhi which should get you to Shimla within 8-9 hours. Since Shimla is a popular tourist location, the frequency and quality of transport services are extremely good.
The network connectivity in Spiti can be limited and unreliable, especially in remote areas and during the winter season when the region is cut off from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall. Most of the villages along the Spiti Valley have limited or no network connectivity.
The last ATM on the trail can be found in Kaza, which is the largest town in Spiti.
We assemble in Shimla early in the morning at a pre-decided location and leave for Kalpa.
Expect to reach Shimla by late evening.
The trek starts in Shimla which is a popular tourist location. From temples to architecture to local markets and of course the interesting-looking mall road which has a large array of local cafes and food bars to pick from. Shops that offer local handicrafts are also plentiful here.
Other nearby attractions are:
Chanshal: The resplendent crown of the snow-clad Chanshal range rises above the Pabbar valley. At 4220 m, the Chanshal pass which is open between May and October is the link to Dodra Kwar. The Chanshal area also has some excellent ski slopes.
Hanol Mahasu Temple: Hanol Mahasu temple is situated at an altitude of 1,429M in the village of Hanol, 55 km from Rohru on the eastern bank of the Taons. This temple constructed in Huna-style architecture is dedicated to Mahasu. The Hanol temple is said to be the originating place of all the deities of the area of Rohru and Jubbal. Tradition recounts that a demon lived here and killed the people, one by one each day. A devotee of Lord Shiva in Mandrath challenged the custom and prayed to Shiva for help. This ardent devotee of the lord- Deolari Devi, a resident of Hanol, was being directed by God. Accordingly, she sent her four sons to Mandrath, where from a field they obtained four Shivlings. The shivlings were given the names of the four young men. Meanwhile the demon was killed by the four sons and the villagers thereafter started worshipping Shiva as Mahasu.
Shikhru Devta Temple: This a beautiful temple located in the heart of the town, Shikhru Devta is held in high veneration and is the site of an annual fair which is celebrated during the month of April every year.
Khara Patthar: As the name says Khara Patthar has a huge freestanding egg shaped boulder. Worn smooth by aeons of erosion this is a wonder of this area. From here the steady descent of the Pabbar valley begins. Khara patthar is a place that gives expression to the phrase of 'time standing still', Kharapathar is a perfect leisure destination in the heart of nature's generous blessings to the area. Lush forests, wide views, excellent walk, hiking trails and the charm of apple orchards make this a perfect leisure destination that is easily accessible by a short drive (85 km) from Shimla.
There isn’t much in terms of hiking gear or equipment you require in order to take this journey.
You can rent trekking shoes, trekking poles, a fleece jacket and a rucksack from us. In case you have any other requirements, you can talk to our representative and we will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.
You will receive your rented equipment in Shimla, on Day 1.
Our trek leaders will collect the rented equipment from you at the end of the trek on the last day.
For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.
Shimla has a reasonably sized market. However, we will have to head to Kalpa and there will be no time for shopping. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
This trek does not involve carrying heavy loads on our backs. However, as a general rule on other trails, we do not recommend backpack offloading.
(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)
For winter we don’t have cloak room facilities for extra luggage. Better to carry what’s essential and
required.
On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.
In Shimla and kalpa you’ll get toilets with water facilities. Further from this on all other days
in spiti you’ll get dry pits.
In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.
Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.
You are likely to find charging points in all homestays. However, the region, especially in winters, is prone to long hours of power cuts, sometimes extending to days. It is advisable to carry your own power back up.
A copy of your ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)
Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can speak to our post-booking team and they will arrange it for you. They will send you a payment link once the insurance has been purchased.
Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.
Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.
On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.
Snow Leopard Trek - Spiti is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.
This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.
If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.
The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched.
You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.
A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader
It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.
Our batch sizes for Snow Leopard Trek - Spiti are capped at 15 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:8.
In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.
We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.
We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks
Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!
Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?
This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.
Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?
On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.
A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.
Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.
Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.
Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Qualified Trek Leaders
Guided Progression
Equipment Quality and Check
Support Systems
Communication
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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