Summer Snow Leopard Expedition

Welcome to the Summer Snow Leopard Expedition with Spiti United!

Spiti United

Summer Expedition

This is an incredible opportunity for you to explore the stunning landscape of the Spiti Valley in the Indian Himalayas and catch a glimpse of one of the most elusive and majestic big cats in the world, the snow leopard.

Over the course of this expedition, you will be led by experienced guides who are intimately familiar with the region and its wildlife. You’ll hike through pristine snow-capped mountains, navigate narrow trails, and camp under starry skies, all while searching for the elusive snow leopard.

In addition to the thrill of spotting the elusive big cat, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the local communities, who have lived in harmony with the harsh landscape and its wildlife for generations.

This expedition is not just a chance to see a magnificent animal in its natural habitat, but also an opportunity to deepen your appreciation for the natural world and the need for conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their fragile ecosystems. So, get ready for an unforgettable adventure and a journey of discovery with Spiti United!

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Summer Snow Leopard Expedition - Itinerary

Day 1

Delhi - Manali Arrive in Delhi and take an overnight bus to Manali. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest for the day.

Day 2

Manali rest and acclimatization Spend the day exploring the town of Manali and getting acclimatized to the high altitude. You can visit the Hadimba Temple, take a stroll through the old town, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Day 3

Manali to Kaza Start early and drive to Kaza, the largest town in Spiti Valley. The drive will take you through the beautiful Rohtang Pass and the Kunzum Pass.

Day 4

Kaza to Kibber Drive to the picturesque village of Kibber, which is situated at an altitude of 14,200 feet. You can explore the village and interact with the locals.

Days 5

Trek to basecamp 1 - which is situated in the heart of the snow leopard habitat. Keep your eyes open for any signs of the elusive snow leopard.

Day 6

Trek to basecamp 2 - explore for snow leopards in the area Continue your trek towards Basecamp 2, which is situated in another prime snow leopard habitat. You can also explore the surrounding area for other wildlife species such as Himalayan blue sheep, Tibetan wolf, Red Fox, Vultures, Golden eagles etc.

Day 7

At basecamp 2 - Spend the day exploring the area around Basecamp 2 for snow leopards and other wildlife.

Day 8

At basecamp 2 - Spend the morning exploring the area around Basecamp 2 before trekking back to Kibber in the evening.

Day 9

Kibber - Chandratal - Lahaul Drive to Chandratal, a high-altitude lake situated at an altitude of 14,100 feet. From here, drive to Lahaul and explore the wildlife in the area.

Day 10

Spend the day exploring the wildlife in Lahaul, including the Brown Bear, Himalayan Ibex, and other species.

Day 11

Lahaul to Manali Drive back to Manali and spend the evening relaxing in the town.

Day 12

Manali to Delhi and departure Take an overnight bus or a flight back to Delhi and depart for your next destination.

Inclusive of

Volvo bus ticket from Delhi to Manali
Hotel in Manali
Shared Mini Van from Manali to Kaza
Homestay in Kaza
Vehicle transfer from Kaza to Kibber
Hotel in Kibber
Camping and grazing charges
Expert wildlife spotters
Tents and mattress
Chef on board the camping team
Vehicle transfer from Kibber – Chandertal Lake – Lahaul
Vehicle transfer from Lahaul to Manali
Volvo bus ticket from Manali to Delhi

Not Inclusive of

Camera fees charged by the Forest department.
Village council fees
Laundry at the Homestay
Anything extra ordered from the menu of the Homestay.
Any activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary and require additional expenses or vehicles that extra cost must be covered by the participants.
Mineral Water

Here’s a list of essential items you should carry for a snow leopard expedition to Spiti:

Warm clothing

Temperatures in Spiti can drop below freezing, so carry enough warm clothes such as thermal wear, fleece jackets, insulated pants, woolen socks, and waterproof gloves.

Good quality trekking shoes

You will be trekking in the snow and icy terrain, so make sure to carry waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable trekking shoes with good grip.

Sun Protection

Carry sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sun.

First Aid Kit

Carry a basic first aid kit with essential medicines, band-aids, and antiseptics.

Water Bottle

Carry a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated during the trek.

Snacks

Carry energy bars, dry fruits, and chocolates for instant energy boosts.

Camera

Carry a good quality camera to capture the stunning landscape and wildlife sightings.

Binoculars

Binoculars are essential for spotting snow leopards and other wildlife from a distance.

Cash

Carry enough cash as ATMs may not be easily accessible in remote areas.

Personal Hygiene Items

Carry items like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues to maintain personal hygiene.

Sleeping Bag

A good quality sleeping bag is a must-have item for a summer snow leopard expedition in Spiti Valley. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag: 1. Temperature Rating: Choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating suitable for the expected weather conditions. In Spiti Valley, temperatures can drop to freezing levels even during summers, so a bag rated for sub-zero temperatures is recommended. 2. Weight and Size: Choose a sleeping bag that is lightweight and compact enough to carry easily on the trek. Down-filled sleeping bags are lightweight and packable, but they can be expensive. 3. Insulation Type: There are two types of insulation - down and synthetic. Down insulation is lightweight, compressible, and provides better warmth-to-weight ratio, but it is expensive and loses its insulation properties when wet. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is affordable, retains its insulation properties even when wet, but is heavier and less compressible than down. 5. Shape: Sleeping bags come in different shapes like rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy. Mummy-shaped bags are the most efficient in trapping body heat, but they can be restrictive and uncomfortable for some people. 6. Size: Choose a sleeping bag that fits your body size and shape to maximize warmth and comfort.

Headlamp of flashlight

Headlamp or a Torch / flashlight is an important item to carry on a summer snow leopard expedition in Spiti Valley.

Power bank

With the increasing use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, cameras, and torches, it's important to have a backup power source to keep them charged during the expedition.

We hope you have an unforgettable experience on the summer snow leopard expedition with Spiti United. Our experienced guides and staff are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the expedition, and we strive to provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique wildlife and culture of Spiti Valley. We encourage you to stay in touch with us and share your feedback and experiences. We hope that you return home with memories that will last a lifetime and inspire you to protect and conserve the fragile ecosystems and wildlife of Spiti Valley. Thank you for choosing Spiti United for your summer snow leopard expedition. Safe travels and see you soon!

Booking Process

Inquire about the available dates:

The guest needs to contact Spiti United to check the available dates for the Snow Leopard Expedition. They can do this by visiting their website or contacting them via email or phone.

Confirm the booking

Once the guest has confirmed the available dates, they can proceed with the booking by paying a 30% deposit as an advance. Spiti United will send them a confirmation of the booking along with payment details.

Pay the remaining balance

The guest will need to pay the remaining balance of the trip cost one month prior to the expedition. Spiti United will send them a reminder about the pending payment along with payment details.

Complete the necessary paperwork

The guest will need to complete any necessary paperwork required by Spiti United for the expedition, such as a liability waiver or medical form.

Receive pre-departure information

Spiti United will provide the guest with pre-departure information about the expedition, including the itinerary, packing list, and any other relevant information.

Join the expedition

The guest will meet the Spiti United representative at the designated pick-up location in Chandigarh on the first day of the expedition and begin their Snow Leopard Expedition.

It’s important to note that the booking process may vary depending on Spiti United’s specific policies and requirements. The guest should carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the booking before making any payment.

Terms and Conditions

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Part 1: Payment Policy

To confirm your participation in the Snow Leopard Expedition tour, please follow these payment guidelines:

Deposit 30% of the tour amount into the account mentioned by the tour organizer upon receiving an invoice.
Pay the remaining 70% of the payment to the tour organizer 30 days before the tour’s start date or according to their instructions.

Part 2: Insurance Policy

We recommend that you obtain an extensive insurance policy that covers the duration of your journey.

Part 3: Mode of Payment

You can make the payment for your tour in the following ways:

Paypal (Traveler is responsible for Paypal fees)
Wire Transfer to our bank account (Traveler is responsible for bank fees)

Part 4: Cancellation Policy

Change in Contract Contents:

If you want to change the itinerary or contents of the tour, the tour organizer will comply to the extent possible. You will need to pay a cancellation fee and any other costs incurred for the change in arrangements. Any increase or decrease in the Travel Fee resulting from the change will be borne by the traveler.

Voluntary Cancellation by the Traveler:

You may cancel the tour at any time. If you do, you will need to pay a cancellation fee, any penalties, and a fee for cancellation procedures.

Cancellation Due to a Cause Attributable to the Traveler:

The tour organizer may cancel the tour if you have not paid the Travel Fee by the due date or become unable to pay the debt for such reasons as an invalid credit card. You will need to pay a cancellation fee, any penalties, and a fee for cancellation procedures.

Cancellation Due to a Cause Attributable to the Company:

If it is impossible to make arrangements for Travel Services due to causes attributable to the company, you may cancel the tour. The company will refund the Travel Fee already received, excluding any costs for transportation or accommodation already paid.

Please note that in the event of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, you must inform us in writing. Cancellation charges will apply from the date we receive your written advice. The refund amount for a cancelled trip after commencement will be limited.