Snow Leopard Photo Tours
DURATION :
LOCATION :
9 nights & 10 Day Tour
Spiti Valley - Snow Leopard country
Information
ITINERARY
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Tour Information
Spiti Valley is one of the remotest places in Himachal Pradesh which at one time was known as the most treacherous place to visit, however has now become the heart of the elusive Snow leopard sighting. Thanks to long term conservation efforts by well-known groups, Snow leopards have been sighted here regularly. The valley is situated between Ladakh to the west and Tibet to the east. The sightings of snow leapord photo tours is generally between 200 to 450 metres and at eye level to few degrees angle as most of the snow leopard photo tours are comfortable because of the gorge separating the animal from human. This valley also has a good prey base and that helps the predator move in the same area.
The Snow Leopard Photography tours have helped eco-tourism in the valley and many home stays and locals have benefitted from the tourist influx. The tourist influx has helped with employment during winter months and a fee is collected for the betterment of the village and forest. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is the main area of the Snow leopard movement and with help of guides and porters, photographers and wildlife fans are taken to the sighting site. A comfortable set up for the winter months is also arranged for the guests so they can have a wonderful experience! Our Snow Leopard photo tour has two parts –
3 days of traveling in Himachal Pradesh (India): The drive up to Kibber in Spiti is a 2-day travel. We do this because it helps with the acclimatisation and arrival airport is in the plains and safe to travel during winter months. You will get to enjoy the views of scenic way, the local terrain and the topographical changes from plains to green mountains turning to steep mountains and finally the barren mountains above the treeline. The drive up is definitely once in a lifetime experience! On the way back, we do a day’s midway stop and the you can fly out from Chandigarh to Delhi, for same night international departures. For guests opting for next day flights, we can arrange a day tour to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is a 3-hour drive from Delhi.
6 days of Snow Leopard expedition: We reach our homestay in Kibber on the 3rd night and may chance upon seeing a Snow Leopard . Many a times we may be able to spot a Snow Leopard 4-5 kilometres before reaching the destination along with other birds and mammals like the Blue Sheep, Ibex or Red Fox. From Kaza, it is a 45 minute uphill drive, and a good time to keep an eye out for any sightings.
The Snow Leopard Photography tours have helped eco-tourism in the valley and many home stays and locals have benefitted from the tourist influx. The tourist influx has helped with employment during winter months and a fee is collected for the betterment of the village and forest. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is the main area of the Snow leopard movement and with help of guides and porters, photographers and wildlife fans are taken to the sighting site. A comfortable set up for the winter months is also arranged for the guests so they can have a wonderful experience! Our Snow Leopard photo tour has two parts –
3 days of traveling in Himachal Pradesh (India): The drive up to Kibber in Spiti is a 2-day travel. We do this because it helps with the acclimatisation and arrival airport is in the plains and safe to travel during winter months. You will get to enjoy the views of scenic way, the local terrain and the topographical changes from plains to green mountains turning to steep mountains and finally the barren mountains above the treeline. The drive up is definitely once in a lifetime experience! On the way back, we do a day’s midway stop and the you can fly out from Chandigarh to Delhi, for same night international departures. For guests opting for next day flights, we can arrange a day tour to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is a 3-hour drive from Delhi.
6 days of Snow Leopard expedition: We reach our homestay in Kibber on the 3rd night and may chance upon seeing a Snow Leopard . Many a times we may be able to spot a Snow Leopard 4-5 kilometres before reaching the destination along with other birds and mammals like the Blue Sheep, Ibex or Red Fox. From Kaza, it is a 45 minute uphill drive, and a good time to keep an eye out for any sightings.
BASIC INFORMATION
Medical
Please consult with your doctor regarding general travel vaccinations and check the CDC website for more information.
Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
Internet Access
Most lodges have free WIFI in the reception/dining area.
Airport
You should arrive to and depart from Brazil’s Guarulhos-Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to a hotel near the capital city of Sao Paulo.
Certified
All of our services are conducted by fully licensed travel, lodge, and transport operators. This is part of our commitment to providing a professional travel experience.
Electricity
Electrical outlets are US-style. Those coming from Europe or Asia may need travel adapters. We will send more info after signup.
TOUR DATES
Main Tour – Maximum 6 – 8 people per group.
1. Feb 1st – Feb 10th, 2022
2. Feb 11th – Feb 20th, 2022
3. Feb 21st – March 2nd, 2022
4. March 3rd – March 12th, 2022
5. March 15th – March 24th, 2022
1. Feb 1st – Feb 10th, 2022
2. Feb 11th – Feb 20th, 2022
3. Feb 21st – March 2nd, 2022
4. March 3rd – March 12th, 2022
5. March 15th – March 24th, 2022
Tour Motive
Our all-inclusive Snow leopard photo tours are an opportunity to spot and photograph the elusive Snow leopard in its high-elevation habitat. Once a dream, with the help of locals and excellent logistical planning, the tour is a good opportunity to fulfil this you’re once in a lifetime opportunity to see this beautiful cat. Through our extensive expert guiding and skipper assistance, we aim to maximize your experience.
Photo Opportunities
⦁ Opportunity to spot and photograph the elusive Snow Leopard in its habitat.
⦁ Try to find different photo opportunities to photograph the beast, if lucky with its cubs/families and against different backdrops and habitats.
⦁ Photograph and see large raptors along with other mammals such as Red Fox, Blue Sheep, and Ibex.
⦁ Opportunity to photograph good potrait shots of these elusive animals.
⦁ Birding opportunities during downtime (no Snow leopard sighting)
⦁ Expert guidance during photography sessions along with assistance at every step.
⦁ Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
⦁ Try to find different photo opportunities to photograph the beast, if lucky with its cubs/families and against different backdrops and habitats.
⦁ Photograph and see large raptors along with other mammals such as Red Fox, Blue Sheep, and Ibex.
⦁ Opportunity to photograph good potrait shots of these elusive animals.
⦁ Birding opportunities during downtime (no Snow leopard sighting)
⦁ Expert guidance during photography sessions along with assistance at every step.
⦁ Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
Cost (In USD)
$4000 per person in sharing accommodations/ $4500 in single supplement
Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at +1-512-803-8049/512-806-6469 if you’d like to talk first.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
Upon arrival you will meet our representative at the Chandigarh International Airport and depart for our first night stop-over at Rampur which is a 8 hour drive. This night we stay at Rampur to acclimatize ourselves to the elevation and rest for the upcoming days.
You are encouraged to reach the Chandigarh airport before 12pm IST, since it will be a long drive to Rampur.
You are encouraged to reach the Chandigarh airport before 12pm IST, since it will be a long drive to Rampur.
- Overnight at hotel in Rampur, L-D
- Elevation: 4000 ft.
This day we travel all day to our second stop-over. We meet at 7 am with packed breakfast and take a long drive to the city of Tabo to further get comfortable with the high-elevation. This journey is a long and covers high-elevation road. It is 10 to 12-hour drive depending on the weather and road conditions.
- Overnight at homestay in Tabo, B-L-D
- Elevation: 10,500 ft.
Today we wake up early morning to pay visit to the Tabo monastery and then take a 2 hour drive to Kibber, which will our base location for these 6 nights and snow leopard tour.
On the way, our expert guides will keep an eye for Snow Leopards and depending on the situation we may take a break and set up our gear to photograph them even before reaching the base.
Notes for the 6 nights at the base:
⦁ Once we settle in our rooms at the home stay in Kibber, you can go for a short walk around the village to familiarise with the sorroundings. Our expert guides will be on a lookout for sightings and if we get one, we will proceed to the spot to start with our photography.
For the next 6 days our routine will be as follows:
⦁ Have our morning tea/coffee around 6:30am and be ready by 7:15am for breakfast. Our expert spotters will provide a brief during the same time and set out for the snow leopard sighting sites. After breakfast, we proceed to spot and photograph other wildlife like the Blue Sheep, Red Fox and Ibex, while waiting for the Snow Leopard sighting in the vicinity of the homestay.
⦁ There might be a small hikes of 100-400 metres to reach the snow leopard site. Yak ride is available at request.
⦁ Lunch is generally served at the snow leopard sighting site. On days of no sighting, we shall stay back at the home stay.
⦁ We try to spot and photograph the Snow Leopard till evening and return to out homestay.
⦁ Dinner is always at the home stay. Our partner guest rooms are comfortable and equipped with a wood fired hot stove and electric heater. Each bed has an electric blanket. Heavy quilts are provided. Bath towels are also provided. There is generator set if the electricity goes out.
Some important points to note:
⦁ There is no running water in winters. Hot water will be provided for freshening up every day. For use of toilet, it is a dry toilet. Wet wipes and toilet paper is provided. Bathroom is separate and hot water will be provided in case someone wants to take a bath.
⦁ A porter is provided for each guest. You don’t have to lift anything. Your camera is carried by the porter and he will also carry your daytime camera bag/ back pack.
⦁ Extra scanner guides for maximum chances of quick and confirmed sighting.
⦁ You will be provided with a walking pole and a chair/stool while sitting down for photography.
⦁ Oxygen tank is also carried along with the group while going to the sighting site. Oxygen saturation measurement device for any symptoms of shortness of breath.
⦁ The escort will watch over you and be available for any issues. There is arrangement of dropping the guest to lower altitude if suffering from mountain sickness or shortness of breath.
⦁ Any detour up to 30 kilometres for new or different sites for Snow Leopard sighting.
⦁ Any extra help needed or extra trips by the helpers to get equipment or other essential items from the home stay to the sighting site.
On the way, our expert guides will keep an eye for Snow Leopards and depending on the situation we may take a break and set up our gear to photograph them even before reaching the base.
- Overnight at a homestay in Kibber, B-L-D
- Elevation: 14,500 ft.
Notes for the 6 nights at the base:
⦁ Once we settle in our rooms at the home stay in Kibber, you can go for a short walk around the village to familiarise with the sorroundings. Our expert guides will be on a lookout for sightings and if we get one, we will proceed to the spot to start with our photography.
For the next 6 days our routine will be as follows:
⦁ Have our morning tea/coffee around 6:30am and be ready by 7:15am for breakfast. Our expert spotters will provide a brief during the same time and set out for the snow leopard sighting sites. After breakfast, we proceed to spot and photograph other wildlife like the Blue Sheep, Red Fox and Ibex, while waiting for the Snow Leopard sighting in the vicinity of the homestay.
⦁ There might be a small hikes of 100-400 metres to reach the snow leopard site. Yak ride is available at request.
⦁ Lunch is generally served at the snow leopard sighting site. On days of no sighting, we shall stay back at the home stay.
⦁ We try to spot and photograph the Snow Leopard till evening and return to out homestay.
⦁ Dinner is always at the home stay. Our partner guest rooms are comfortable and equipped with a wood fired hot stove and electric heater. Each bed has an electric blanket. Heavy quilts are provided. Bath towels are also provided. There is generator set if the electricity goes out.
Some important points to note:
⦁ There is no running water in winters. Hot water will be provided for freshening up every day. For use of toilet, it is a dry toilet. Wet wipes and toilet paper is provided. Bathroom is separate and hot water will be provided in case someone wants to take a bath.
⦁ A porter is provided for each guest. You don’t have to lift anything. Your camera is carried by the porter and he will also carry your daytime camera bag/ back pack.
⦁ Extra scanner guides for maximum chances of quick and confirmed sighting.
⦁ You will be provided with a walking pole and a chair/stool while sitting down for photography.
⦁ Oxygen tank is also carried along with the group while going to the sighting site. Oxygen saturation measurement device for any symptoms of shortness of breath.
⦁ The escort will watch over you and be available for any issues. There is arrangement of dropping the guest to lower altitude if suffering from mountain sickness or shortness of breath.
⦁ Any detour up to 30 kilometres for new or different sites for Snow Leopard sighting.
⦁ Any extra help needed or extra trips by the helpers to get equipment or other essential items from the home stay to the sighting site.
Today we depart early for our long journey back to Rampur.⦁ Overnight at hotel in Rampur, L-D
⦁ Elevation: 4000 ft
Post breakfast we depart to our departure airport in Chandigarh. Guests opting for Taj Mahal cutlural extension will be further driven to Delhi for next day visit.
End of Tour
NOTE:
INNER LINE PERMIT FOR INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
Indian government requires a permit for non-resident visitors (Inner line Permit) is done on the second day once we leave Rampur (2 hour-detour).
The process takes only 15 minutes and our representatives will be there to assist you to obtain the same.
End of Tour
NOTE:
INNER LINE PERMIT FOR INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
Indian government requires a permit for non-resident visitors (Inner line Permit) is done on the second day once we leave Rampur (2 hour-detour).
The process takes only 15 minutes and our representatives will be there to assist you to obtain the same.
Tour Specifics
- Moderate walking at high elevation
- All level Photographers
- Land Photography
Tour Pace
Moderate to Tough
The Snow leopard photo tours are a high-altitude tours, which requires physical fitness and endurance to cold and extreme weather conditions. Some hiking may be involved to reach the snow leopard sighting location. While assistance is provided at every step with gear, logistics and accommodation, it is important that you are physically and mentally fit to take this tour. Please do check with your physician about high-altitude sickness and issues that may arise due to elevation changes. Also ask your physician if you are ok to take Diamox – medicine to prevent high altitude sickness
The Snow leopard photo tours are a high-altitude tours, which requires physical fitness and endurance to cold and extreme weather conditions. Some hiking may be involved to reach the snow leopard sighting location. While assistance is provided at every step with gear, logistics and accommodation, it is important that you are physically and mentally fit to take this tour. Please do check with your physician about high-altitude sickness and issues that may arise due to elevation changes. Also ask your physician if you are ok to take Diamox – medicine to prevent high altitude sickness
Suggested Equipments
It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:
- A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A zoom lens (70-200 or a 100-400)
- A sturdy tripod or monopod
- Pack a ton of memory cards
Tour Leader
Supreet Sahoo
An avid birdwatcher and photographer from Austin, U.S. Supreet’s work has been featured in reputed publications like the BBC Earth, National Geographic Spain and Sanctuary Asia.
Sanjeet Mangat
A Nature and Wildlife photographer who has been travelling to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India for over a decade and has been awarded several times in reputed magazines. His work has been exhibited in Delhi, India. Nat Geo Traveller India has showcased Spiti Valley with him and it has over 2 million views on YouTube. He has authored a coffee table book in 2018 on Leopards (from one location for 6 years 75 leopards covered, Bera, India) which has been sold out. Sanctaury Asia (the most reputed magazine in India) has given him Cover shot of Snow leopard attacking an Ibex in Spiti Valley. He spends his winters in Spiti Valley photographing and mentoring Snow Leopard photo tours since 2016.
Gallery
Reviews
Reviews and Score Breakdown
Previous
Next
7.0
Superb
4.5/5
Rating
90%
Comfort
90%
Food
70%
Hospitality
100%
Hygiene
80%
Reception
70%
Post A comment
Do you have some comments or questions for us? we’d love to hear from you ! Don’t be shy ! Feel free to drop us a message.
Registration
Registration
To register for this trip, fill out and submit the below Registration form. PayPal invoice option is also available.
To contact us you can send an email to info@tropicalphototours.com.
See the TERMS AND CONDITIONS page for cancellation/refund policies and other important information.
To contact us you can send an email to info@tropicalphototours.com.
See the TERMS AND CONDITIONS page for cancellation/refund policies and other important information.
Mail A Check
Online Payment
Mail A Check
Online Payment
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- A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount.
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour.
- All figures per person.
- Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
- Lodging as specified.
- Meals as specified
- Stainless steel flask for water.
- Private transfers to and from hotels on first and last days.
- Land/Domestic air transportation during the tour
- Professional driver/photo/nature guide and private transportation in spacious tour bus.
- Guide and Photography Skipper services
- Entrance fees for all described activities.
- Taxes on all services listed above.
- Non-mealtime snacks or meals not included.
- Non-mealtime soft drinks and bottled water.
- Visa fees
- International/personal airfare
- Insurance
- Phone calls
- Laundry
- Tips
- Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary
Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at +1-512-803-8049/512-806-6469 if you’d like to talk first.
Book Your Tour With Us In 6 Easy Steps
1.Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.
2.Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.
3. Book your international travel
4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.
5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.
6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.
Important Note
1.Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers.
2.Tropical Photo Tours holds the rights to modify a reservation at any time during a workshop. As a company, we always try to comply with what we have promised but due to several unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, natural calamity, political, environmental, cultural we may have to make changes to our reservations.
3.All amounts are in USD unless specifically mentioned otherwise
2.Tropical Photo Tours holds the rights to modify a reservation at any time during a workshop. As a company, we always try to comply with what we have promised but due to several unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, natural calamity, political, environmental, cultural we may have to make changes to our reservations.
3.All amounts are in USD unless specifically mentioned otherwise
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount to reserve your spot
• The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
• All figures in USD per person
• Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
• A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
• The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
• All figures in USD per person
• Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
• A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
- More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
- 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
- Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
Of course, you can, and we will glad to have them over! If your partner or any other family member would like to join the photo tour, you can email us for non-photographer partner discount. Please note that though your guest cannot participate in the daily photographic activities they will not be bored as there are several activities that will keep them busy at the lodges, while you capture those amazing birds in the forests.
Since all lodges and hotels, we are associated with charge single supplements, we will have to book you a single room at the supplement price mentioned for each tour.
Alternatively, we can also find a perfect roommate for you based on your gender, age, and interests. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement will be charged.
Please note that we calculate the cost of the single supplement by taking the actual cost of a single room and subtracting one-half the cost of a double room (plus any applicable taxes).
Alternatively, we can also find a perfect roommate for you based on your gender, age, and interests. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement will be charged.
Please note that we calculate the cost of the single supplement by taking the actual cost of a single room and subtracting one-half the cost of a double room (plus any applicable taxes).
Sure! We’ll be happy to make your reservations to ensure that you get to the same hotel that we have booked for the official first night of the tour and include your extra day cost in the final payment. Since airport transfers are included, it does not matter if you arrive a day early or leave a day later
• Your Digital SLR full-frame camera
• Your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
• A wide-angle lens if you are interested in capturing landscapes
• You can also bring your flash with a flash bracket
• Pack a ton of memory cards
• A macro lens is highly recommended
• A sturdy tripod or monopod is required
• Release cables
Other essentials: Good hiking boots, Laptop, memory card readers, bug spray, sunscreen, silica gel sachets to keep your camera dry. Since, it is likely that there might be rain and mosquitoes especially in dense rainforests, so you must pack your rain jacket and a bug jacket.
• Your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
• A wide-angle lens if you are interested in capturing landscapes
• You can also bring your flash with a flash bracket
• Pack a ton of memory cards
• A macro lens is highly recommended
• A sturdy tripod or monopod is required
• Release cables
Other essentials: Good hiking boots, Laptop, memory card readers, bug spray, sunscreen, silica gel sachets to keep your camera dry. Since, it is likely that there might be rain and mosquitoes especially in dense rainforests, so you must pack your rain jacket and a bug jacket.
It is advisable that you pack light as you will need to carry them along with you. We suggest you carry one bag for the camera gear, one bag for your clothes and other handbag or backpack to keep the essentials handy. You can also carry a small satchel to carry your personal items or important documents that you might need frequently.
We advise you to carry your personal medical kit along with a first aid kit.
You can carry medicines that are for common illnesses like colds, cough, fever, diarrhea, altitude sickness, headaches, heartburn or severe acidity and sore throats to name a few. Those who take regular medication for hypertension, blood sugar, allergy, and asthma should carry an adequate supply of medicines.
We tend to travel to remote places, it is best you have your medicines handy. Though most of our trips require moderate stamina, it is best if you are high on energy and stay fit to get the most out of the experience.
Please note that this is a general information, it is recommended that you check with your physician and doctor to determine what medicines you need to carry.
You can carry medicines that are for common illnesses like colds, cough, fever, diarrhea, altitude sickness, headaches, heartburn or severe acidity and sore throats to name a few. Those who take regular medication for hypertension, blood sugar, allergy, and asthma should carry an adequate supply of medicines.
We tend to travel to remote places, it is best you have your medicines handy. Though most of our trips require moderate stamina, it is best if you are high on energy and stay fit to get the most out of the experience.
Please note that this is a general information, it is recommended that you check with your physician and doctor to determine what medicines you need to carry.
While most countries support International Roaming, local numbers can be procured from airports for voice calls. It is important to note that some of our birding areas do not have networks. Internet is not available at most lodges and when available, are limited to the dining areas
Please email any questions, concerns you may have to “info@tropicalphototours.com.”
Our team will get back to you with assistance.
Our team will get back to you with assistance.
