Snow Leopard Expedition to Chicham
10 Nights / 11 Days
This Snow Leopard Expedition in Chicham takes you deep into the heart of Spiti Valley, one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes of the Himalayas. Based in Chicham, one of the highest inhabited villages in Asia, the tour offers a rare chance to track the elusive snow leopard in its natural habitat. Surrounded by towering peaks, ancient monasteries, and rugged valleys, every day combines wildlife adventures with the rich cultural charm of Spiti.
Over the course of the journey, expert trackers and local spotters guide you across high-altitude ridges and valleys to maximize your chances of spotting not just snow leopards, but also Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, red foxes, and rare birds of prey. Along with the thrill of wildlife tracking, the expedition immerses you in the raw beauty of the Trans-Himalayas, offering an unforgettable blend of adventure, nature, and culture that few other destinations can match.
Itinerary Outline
Snow Leopard Tour – Chicham
- Day 1: Chandigarh > Thanedar – Begin the journey via Shimla into the Himalayan foothills.
- Day 2: Thanedar > Kalpa – Scenic drive along the Sutlej with views of Kinner Kailash.
- Day 3: Kalpa > Kaza – Enter Spiti Valley through Khab and Malling Nallah.
- Day 4: Kaza > Chicham – Cross Chicham Bridge, visit Key Monastery en route.
- Days 5-9: Chicham – Daily snow leopard tracking and wildlife exploration.
- Days 10-11: Chicham > Rampur > Chandigar – Return journey with overnight stop.
Higlights
- Spot the elusive snow leopard in its rugged natural high-altitude mountain habitat.
- Experience life in remote Himalayan villages surrounded by dramatic snow-covered peaks and valleys.
- Travel across iconic landscapes including Kinner Kailash views, Spiti River confluence, and Chicham Bridge.
- Track wildlife like Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, and rare birds with expert local guides.
- Stay in Chicham, one of the best bases for snow leopard exploration in Spiti Valley.
Departure Dates
22 Jan 2026 to 2 Feb 2026
12 Feb 2026 to 23 Feb 2026
26 Feb 2026 to 9 Mar 2026
12 Mar 2026 to 23 Mar 2026
19 Mar 2026 to 30 Mar 2026
Per Person Sharing
| Number of Guests | Price Per Person (US $) |
|---|---|
| 2 Guests | 2,550 |
| 4 Guests | 2,350 |
| 6 Guests | 2,050 |
| 8 Guests | 1,950 |
Book Your Spot Today
Ready to spot the rare snow leopard in Chicham? Join expert trackers, explore Spiti’s wild landscapes, and witness Himalayan wildlife up close.
Detailed Itinerary
Snow Leopard Tour – Chicham
Day 1 : Travel from Chandigarh to Thanedar, passing Shimla, and reach the Himalayan foothills.
Begin your journey with a drive from Chandigarh to Thanedar, a scenic hamlet in the Himalayan foothills. En route, you pass the bustling hill station of Shimla before entering quieter landscapes filled with apple orchards and pine forests. Thanedar’s crisp mountain air and serene surroundings make it a perfect overnight halt before venturing deeper into the high Himalayas.
Day 2: Drive from Thanedar to Kalpa along the Sutlej River with views of the Kinner Kailash Massif.
Continue your drive along the meandering Sutlej River, gradually gaining altitude as the mountains grow taller and more dramatic. Kalpa, your stop for the night, is famous for its panoramic views of the snow-capped Kinner Kailash range. The village offers a blend of traditional Himachali charm and awe-inspiring scenery, preparing you for the adventure ahead.
Day 3: Journey from Kalpa to Kaza via Khab and Malling Nallah, entering Spiti at Sumdo.
This leg of the journey takes you deeper into the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Crossing Khab Bridge, where the Sutlej meets the Spiti River, and negotiating the Malling Nallah stretch, you finally enter Spiti Valley at Sumdo. The stark, rugged terrain welcomes you with its lunar-like beauty as you head to Kaza, the valley’s vibrant hub.
Day 4: Drive from Kaza to Chicham, crossing the iconic Chicham Bridge.
Leaving Kaza behind, you drive towards Chicham, one of the highest inhabited villages in Asia. On the way, you visit the legendary Key Monastery, perched dramatically on a hilltop. The journey culminates with the thrilling crossing of Chicham Bridge, Asia’s highest suspension bridge, before reaching your lodge in Chicham where you settle into the silence of the mountains.
Day 5-9: Explore Chicham & surrounding high-altitude terrain to track snow leopards and other wildlife.
For the next several days, Chicham becomes your base for snow leopard tracking. Guided by expert trackers and local spotters, you venture into the surrounding ridges and valleys in search of the elusive “ghost of the mountains.” Alongside snow leopards, you may encounter blue sheep, ibex, red foxes, and a variety of high-altitude birds. Each day combines thrilling treks, patient observation, and evenings spent in warmth, sharing stories and reviewing sightings.
Day 11: Return journey from Chicham to Chandigarh with an overnight halt at Rampur.
The expedition winds down with a gradual descent from Chicham through Kaza and Kalpa, retracing your path back into greener valleys. An overnight halt at Rampur offers a welcome break from the long journey. The final leg takes you to Chandigarh, where the tour concludes with unforgettable memories of rare wildlife encounters and Spiti’s majestic landscapes.
Tour Information
Tour Inclusions
- Stay with tandoor heaters in all rooms to keep warmth during the nights.
- Attached western toilets with hot water provided by the homestay everyday.
- One personal porter for each participant who will accompany everyday.
- Expert snow leopard scanners who will be in the feild morning to evening.
- Homestay located just by the road side so participants don’t have to walk much everyday.
- Power backup at the homestay.
- Hot food provided to participants while they are on feild.
- Backup Vehicle during the entire tour.
Tour Exclusions
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Conditions
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What makes Chicham the best place for snow leopard safaris?
Chicham is located inside Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and has one of the highest snow leopard densities in India, making it one of the best bases for focused tracking expeditions.
Faqs
When is the best time to join this tour?
The ideal months are January to March, when snow leopards descend into valleys in search of prey, giving higher chances of sightings.
What kind of accommodation can I expect in Chicham?
Stays are in cozy village homestays or small lodges, offering basic yet comfortable facilities, warm meals, and an authentic cultural experience close to snow leopard habitats.
How challenging is the Chicham snow leopard expedition?
The tour involves high-altitude conditions and long hours outdoors, but with gradual acclimatization, local support, and expert guidance, most nature enthusiasts can comfortably enjoy the experience.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQs page for detailed answers to commonly asked questions.