Species & Habitats

Snow Leopards in the Himalayas

High in the cold desert of the Himalayas — above the tree line, across ridges and frozen river valleys — the grey ghost moves. Few animals on earth are harder to find, and few landscapes ask more of the traveller. This is a true expedition: slow days with the spotting scope, long walks across scree, and the quiet patience that the snow leopard rewards.

The journey

An Introduction

Winter draws the snow leopard down from its summer ranges into country a patient traveller can reach. Working with local spotters out of small villages, we spend our days scanning the cliffs and ridgelines of Ladakh and Spiti — watching bharal move on impossible slopes and waiting for the cat that watches them back.

You may photograph

Highlight Species

Snow Leopard
Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal)
Siberian Ibex
Red Fox
Himalayan Wolf
Golden Eagle

Rhythm

Number of Nights Recommended

Minimum of 5–7 nights — the snow leopard rewards patience, not schedules.

Season

Best Time to Visit

January to March, when snow leopards descend to lower elevations in pursuit of prey.

Where we go

Best Locations

Ladakh
Hemis National Park
Spiti Valley
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary

Plan your journey

Plan a snow leopard expedition with us

Travel with our naturalist and trusted local spotters on a custom-built winter expedition — shaped around your fitness, your dates and the solitude of the high Himalaya.

Enquiries