Snow Leopard Quest, Kibber.
A chance to see the world's most elusive Big Cat, Explore with some of the best Snow Leopard trackers on the planet.
5 Feb to 15 Feb 2026
Best trackers, batch led by Camilla Malvestiti
- Kibber
Overview
High up in the Spitian Himalayas, away from all civilization and modern-world fancies, sits a pretty little village called Kibber. At an imposing 14,200 feet from the mean sea level, Kibber is probably the highest perennially inhabited village in India. It is here, in the high and lofty mountains surrounding Kibber that a lot of wild snow leopards have made their home. Braving ice and snow, the high altitudes and the immense cold, we step out into the giant freezer to catch a glimpse of the world’s most elusive, and inarguably, the most sought-after Big Cat. The snow leopard, at most places it lives, is almost a myth, seldom seen but always talked about. Akin to a spirit, the locals revere it, worship it, love it! But, in the mountains around Kibber, as the winter and the great snow makes an impact, the snow leopards descend to lower altitudes and are seen quite frequently. Here in Kibber, it is no longer a myth, but instead a fascinating animal which, when tracked efficiently, is seen and photographed much to our delight!
While staying at deluxe homestays which are heated, we hike every single day of our stay here in search of the snow leopard. Using the locally available information, making use of radio communication to keep in touch with other spotters and employing our knowledge of the snow leopards’ behavior to good use, we give it our all to spot this gorgeous creature!
The snow-clad ranges and hostile slopes of the Himalayas have mesmerized man for centuries. Few have tried to conquer the heights, even fewer have succeeded and most of the areas of these enthralling mountains remain unexplored. Even more mystifying are the treasures of the living world that these mountains house. The strikingly beautiful Snow Leopard is one of the most mysterious cats in the world, seldom glimpsed in the wild. These endangered species are one of the rarest living cats, and are as beautiful as they are enigmatic. With their thick coats and furry tails and paws, these tough cliff-dwelling predators have withstood a struggle against the changing environment. We set off on a quest to find this elusive creature in its own world, a world few humans have dared to visit. On our quest, we hike through the Kibber valley, discovering the stark beauty of Spiti. The scarce sub-alpine vegetation also houses the Asiatic Ibex, the Lynx, the Tibetan wolf, and the Bharal that we hope to spot. With captivating locations and the possibility of spotting the almost mythical creature, the ‘ghost of the mountains’, the Snow Leopard Quest is an experience beyond words, BEYOND WILD!
The experience is as fulfilling as it is tough, but you shall go home a content person. Kibber will leave you enthralled!
Important: Being a demanding expedition, both physically and mentally, basic physical fitness and a full body checkup before the expedition is essential.
(Fun fact: We have sighted at least 1 snow leopard on all 21 of our previous Snow Leopard expeditions, making the success rate 100%!)
Itinerary
1. Day 1 Chandigarh to Rampur, 200 Kms, 6-7 hours.
We meet at the Chandigarh airport and upon the customary handshake and hugs, we spend the driving up into the mountains, and eventually reach Rampur where we spend the night.
Overnight at a luxury hotel.
2. Day 2 Rampur to Kaza village/Maney Village, 280 Kms, 8-9 hours
A gorgeous journey would take us many kilometers into the clouds, from where the desolate and stark Spitian landscapes would mesmerize you!
Overnight at a centrally heated hotel.
3. Day 3 Dhankar Monastery - Kaza - Kibber, 85 Kms, 5 hours.
Dhankar monastery, one of the most breathtaking places of Buddhist worship is a must-see for every person visiting Spiti. The sweeping vistas from this iconic place will surely please your mind, body and soul! By lunch time, after exploring the beautiful places around Dhankar and Kaza, we check in to our homestay in Kibber and start with the snow leopard tracking straight away!
4. Day 4 to 10 At Kibber - Snow Leopard spotting.
After breakfast, we set off on our quest. Early morning and late evening hikes are optimum for spotting the elusive creature, for this is when they move and tracking them is possible. Our trained guides and spotters, equipped with state of the art binoculars and years of practice, shall leave no stone (literally) unturned in their endeavor to spot the snow leopard. We will make use of the scat marks, mating calls, bharal movement patterns and the knowledge of the past few days’ sightings to maximize our chances (our trackers are always on relay with other trackers by walkies, for in those never ending mountains, communication is of paramount importance).
Hot meals, a generator at the home stay, a dry compost toilet, a comfortable bed and our legendary service and camp hospitality shall slightly elevate the stresses of the high altitude and the intense cold!
5. Day 11 Kibber to Rampur, 300, Kms, 9 hours.
Today we bid adieu to the enchanting land of Kibber and drive back to Rampur, that gorgeous town from where the panoramic views are one to die for. This evening, as we relive the moments and memories, over hot chocolate and warm blankets, the mystery and charm of the just concluded expedition would hit you hard!
6. Day 12 Rampur to Chandigarh, 200 Kms, 6-7 hours.
On our way back to Chandigarh, we pass through the gorgeous Himachali places of Sarahan and Shimla. As we drive and civilization starts to come back in the picture, and as the towering snow-clad mountains make way for smaller, forest-covered hills, the Kibber glory would manifest itself in its most complete and mesmerizing form. Tonight, you can either fly back from Chandigarh or stay overnight and fly back the next day.
Highlights
- This is the world’s most elusive big cat and also the most cherished. You need a thoroughly professional outfit which is well experienced regarding the terrain and the difficulties of the expedition.
- We have been lucky to spot/photograph atleast 1 snow leopard on all of our previous quests from 2012-2024 (both in Ladakh and Spiti).
- We employ some of the best snow leopard trackers in the world which greatly increases the chances of a successful quest.
- Our camp team is extremely experienced and thus you will get brilliant food on the expedition. Also, the porters and the other staff would be of great help to you.
- We will ensure that you get good images (if a sighting happens) while maintaining safety standards.
- Oxygen cylinder and other basic First-Aid on camp.
- We love what we do and the passion and the energy would be contagious!
- Be enthralled by our on-camp sessions on wildlife, snow leopards and the fabled Himalaya!
TRIPLE SHARING BASIS- BASIC
INR 163,000 (per person)
Standard AC Rooms
DOUBLE SHARING BASIS- BASIC
INR 173,000 (per person)
Standard Rooms
Please note :
Above costs are for Indian nationals. Price for non Indian nationals (due to differential pricing from the Forest Department) is 165000 INR +5% GST.
Inclusions
- Transfer from Chandigarh to Kibber and Back to Chandigarh (Innova).
- Hotel at Rampur Bushahr - Nau Nabh (No meals).
- Homestay in Kaza - Central heated hotel on Double Occupancy basis (Dinner and Breakfast).
- Homestay in Kibber - Dolma Homestay on Double Occupancy basis (Basic Meals: Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch).
- 1 porter per participant.
- Expert Snow Leopard Spotters.
- Electrical Heaters.
- Village Council Fees.
- Forest Department Entry Fees.
- Homestay staff for any assistance.
- Common Dining Hall with firewood heating.
- Services of a tour leader and photography mentor on tour.
- Inner-line permits for non-Indian guests.
Exclusions
- Any airfare.
- Evacuation and travel insurance.
- Expenses personal in nature.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Expenses arising out of roadblocks, landslides, bad weather, ill health or any such
- factors beyond human control.
- Anything not mentioned in ‘inclusions’.
Travel to and fro Chandigarh:
While the travel upto Chandigarh on Day 1 and travel back from Chandigarh on Day 12 is extra, we can assist you to book the flights or book it for you. Please contact our head office at info@beyondwild.in for further details regarding the arrangements and we shall be more than happy to help you.
Customize your private snow leopard quest:
If you wish to tailor-make a tour in search of the snow leopard, we shall be more than happy to arrange the same with our best team of trackers as per your dates.
Booking Procedure
50% of the tour cost.
Balance can be paid upto a month before departure.
Cancellation - Refund (On Tour Cost)
- If cancellation is communicated 10 days (or less) before departure OR No Show - No Refund.
- If cancellation is communicated 20 to 11 days before departure - 20% of tour cost refunded.
- If cancellation is communicated 30 to 21 days before departure - 40% of tour cost refunded.
- If cancellation is communicated 30 to 59 days before departure - 60% of tour cost refunded.
- If cancellation is communicated 60 days (or more) before departure - 80% of tour cost refunded.
- If cancellation is communicated 120 days (or more) before departure - Full Refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answers about stays and more
What’s the difference between a group tour and a private tour?
Group tours are fixed date departures to some of our most popular destinations. You can buy a seat for one of those and you will share the jeep with other participants.
A private tour is a totally customized trip that we will craft around your preferences. You can choose the dates, the park and the accommodation category.
How much in advance shall I plan a safari trip?
It is important to plan your trip well in advance. For the Indian national parks, we recommend a minimum of 4 to 6 months prior to the date. Visiting a national park in India requires the booking of permits. These are issued in a limited number to control the capacity of the park and they get sold out quite fast.
For Africa, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance during peak season (June to September) and 2-3 months for the rest of the year.
Can you organize a safari trip using luxury properties?
Absolutely. We work with the best hotels and camps in every destination and we are able to include the best luxury properties for your holiday.
What makes your safari trips special?
We have extensive experience as tour operators, naturalists and wildlife photographers. We (the founders) are on field for months every year and have a deep knowledge of all the destinations and of their sightings opportunities. We work with the best team of guides, drivers and trackers with whom we have established a personal relationship over the years.
I am a wildlife photographer. Can you tailor- make a trip based on my requirements?
Absolutely. We are wildlife photographers ourselves and we know the importance of a great team who understands key factors such as jeep positioning, angle and light. We can offer specially modified jeeps for photography in all destinations. Rest assured that you will go back with photos that tell a memorable story!
I want to combine wildlife and cultural visits / sightseeing. Can you organize that as well?
Yes, we can also organize your cultural tour in India and in our other destinations. Based on your requirements we will craft a personalized itinerary and we will take care of hotels, transportation, guides and anything you need.
What’s the best time of the year to go on a safari?
For India, most parks are open from 1 October to 30 June. October and November are the post-monsoon months, and the forest is dense and green. December to the beginning of March is winter, the weather is crisp and the light beautiful. Summer starts from the end of April to June. This is the time when the weather is gets warmer and the number of tiger sightings peak.
For Africa, it all depends on the destination. If you want to see the Great Migration of wildebeests, the season is from June to the end of September. This destination is great during the other months as well, when the crowds are less and you can experience multiple sightings of big cats and other animals.
