A chance to frame the planet's rarest big cat through your lens
Kinnaur and Spiti lie across a trans-Himalayan transition, where forested valleys and cultivated slopes in Kinnaur gradually open into high-altitude terrain in Spiti.The landscape includes deodar forests, river valleys, rocky ridgelines, and snow-covered slopes shaped by long winters. Temperatures in winter often drop to –20°C or lower, influencing how both people and wildlife move through the region. Blue sheep and ibex descend seasonally, and snow leopards follow their prey.Unlike other big cats, snow leopards rely more on terrain than speed using steep cliffs, broken rock, and camouflage to move unseen, one reason sightings are rare. Low population density and dependence on fragile mountain ecosystems make them especially vulnerable. Traditional pastoral communities continue to live within this landscape, sharing space with wildlife.
Your Journey
Born and raised in these mountains, Mahesh knows this landscape not just as terrain, but as home.
His work involves walking these valleys, working with local communities, documenting wildlife, and quietly observing life in the high Himalayas.
You will be guided by someone who truly belongs to this place.
May include sighting of Snowleopard , Ibex , Blue sheep , Himalayan Red fox, bearded vulture , Snow cock , Great rose finch and several rare high-altitude birds like Golden Eagle, Black-winged Snowfinches and many more.
Stay is arranged in local traditional homestays run by families from the region Rooms are simple, warm and suitable for winter conditions This helps support local livelihoods and offers a closer understanding of daily life in Kinnaur and Spiti.
Meals are home cooked and prepared by the host families Food is simple nourishing and suited for cold weather typically including rice lentils vegetables bread and local produce Dietary preferences can be discussed in advance but options remain limited due to the remote location
Winter temperatures stay extremely low, so running water isn’t available. Dry toilets are used in high-altitude areas. These waterless toilets follow safe natural decomposition and are regularly maintained. Guests are guided on proper use. Water for washing is limited, and hot water may not be available daily.
Road conditions in the region vary, with some sections in good shape and others rough, narrow, and bumpy. We use vehicles suited to the terrain, driven by experienced local drivers who know these routes well. Breaks are planned for meals, with time to relax and enjoy scenic views along the way.
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A moderate fitness level is enough for this trip. You should be comfortable with short walks on uneven terrain. 4×4 vehicles are used, and porters can carry camera gear if needed. No high-altitude experience is required, though mild breathlessness is normal during the first few days.
100% payment is required at the time of booking to confirm participation and reserve a seat on the expedition.
Seats are confirmed only after full payment is received.
Cancellations made
30 days or more before the expedition start date
→ Eligible for a 50% refund of the total trip cost.
Cancellations made within
30 days of the expedition start date
→ No refund will be provided.
For detailed terms and updates to our cancellation policy, please check FAQs section
Carry 2–3 sets of thermals, a wind cheater, a waterproof snow jacket with hood (rated up to –25°C), waterproof pants, and 5–6 pairs of socks.
Waterproof snow shoes are mandatory for snow and rough terrain.
Bring woollen and waterproof gloves, a winter cap, face mask, and UV-protection sunglasses.
Personal medicines, towel, room slippers, bathroom kit, and a thermos for hot water. Hand warmers are optional but recommended.
Only Jio and Airtel networks are functional.
No. This is a sensitive army-controlled area. Drones and satellite devices are strictly prohibited.
Snow Leopards are wild and elusive animals. While sightings are possible and the chances are relatively high in this region, they can never be guaranteed.
All bookings require full payment at the time of confirmation. Cancellations must be communicated at least 30 days prior to the expedition start date to be eligible for a 50% refund of the total trip cost. Cancellations made within 30 days of the expedition start date, as well as no-shows or early departures, are non-refundable under any circumstances.
Our winter and snow leopard expeditions operate in remote, high-altitude Himalayan regions where conditions are extreme, unpredictable, and constantly changing. Once a booking is confirmed, extensive on-ground preparations begin well in advance. These include securing local staff and wildlife trackers, arranging vehicles suitable for snow and rough terrain, stocking food and fuel, planning accommodation in limited-capacity villages, and coordinating logistics that cannot be reversed at short notice.
Weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, road closures, avalanches, and limited daylight hours are inherent to winter travel in these landscapes. Daily expedition plans are often adjusted based on safety assessments, wildlife movement, and terrain accessibility. These changes are a normal and essential part of responsible expedition operations and do not constitute grounds for cancellation or refund.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Snow leopard expeditions involve tracking a free-ranging, elusive animal in vast mountain terrain, and success depends on natural behavior and environmental factors beyond human control. The absence of sightings does not qualify for refunds or compensation.
Participants are expected to understand that this is expedition-style travel, not a conventional holiday. Comfort, connectivity, weather stability, and fixed itineraries cannot be assured. Early departures, delays, or changes made for safety or operational reasons do not entitle participants to refunds.
By confirming a booking, participants acknowledge the realities of high-altitude winter expeditions and accept the above cancellation terms and inherent risks involved.
If you have any further questions, please contact us.