In the high mountains of the Himalayan realm rules a mysterious cat. Stealthy. Powerful. Legendary. And Endangered. It is the grey ghost – The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)!
Darter Photography takes you on an adventure to the hidden jewel in the Himalayas – Spiti – in winter. Temperatures plummet way below freezing and a white blanket of snow covers most parts of this primeval landscape. The herbivores descend from the highest reaches of the mountains in search of food and water. And, following its prey, so does the Snow Leopard.
Join us on this exclusive expedition through some of the most breathtaking landscapes while travelling in one of the harshest terrains of the world. Photograph the diverse wildlife that survives in this extreme habitat. And possibly lose yourself in the hypnotic stare of the grey ghost of the mountains – the Snow Leopard!
Chandigarh
IXC - Chandigarh Airport
March 04, 2027
March 14, 2027
Suitable for the mountain winter
All applicable taxes.
Entry Fees for Indian nationals
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at hotels in Shimla/Narkanda and Kalpa. Basic homestays elsewhere
Ground transportation during the tour
All meals (simple vegetarian food) during the tour, starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with dinner on Day 11
Camera fee for one camera per person
Photography sessions, on-field expert assistance and image reviews during the tour
Travel to Chandigarh from your location and return travel from Chandigarh to your location.
Inner Line Permits for foreign nationals, if any
Travel Insurance
Camera fees for additional cameras
Porters (if required)
Additional food/snacks, bottled water or other beverages ordered
Anything else that is not part of the includes list above.
Arrive in Shimla/Narkanda, by road from Chandigarh airport (please check flight schedules in winter). Check in to the hotel and relax during the day, getting used to the colder climate of the mountains.
We’ll have an orientation session about the tour followed by sessions on wildlife photography and landscape photography. Overnight in Shimla.
This morning, we set off on our long journey to the land of the Snow Leopard. On this 220km journey, we’ll drive through some beautiful alpine forests. As we arrive in Kalpa after a day-long drive, we might be greeted by some spectacular views of the Kinner Kailash range (if the weather is clear that evening). Overnight at a hotel/guest house in Kalpa.
Today is another day-long journey, as we drive 210km to our next stop. En route, we’ll stop at Nako village to take in breathtaking views of the frozen lake here. When the lake freezes over in winter, locals use it as an ice-skating rink! Overnight in Kaza.
Today’s journey to our base camp – Kibber – is one of rapid ascent. As we drive through the Spiti Valley, we’ll see the semi-frozen Spiti river on one side. We’ll pass the famous Key Monastery – one of the largest in Spiti – along the way. Set on a cliff, the views of the landscape are breathtaking here.
Kibber and nearby villages will be our base camp for the Snow Leopard expedition. At Kibber, we’ll stay at a home stay with the local residents. Take complete rest for the remainder of the day to acclimatize to altitudes of around 14000 feet. Overnight in Kibber.
Finally, the day arrives when we actively start seeking out the Grey Ghost in its snowy kingdom. With the help of local experts and reports from nearby villages, we’ll explore the area around Kibber on these 5 days. There is no fixed itinerary for these days as we’ll shift base around Kibber based upon the information available at that point of time.
We might come across many other animals along the way, including Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Snowcocks, Golden Eagles, Lammergeiers and, may be, even a Wolf! Keep your eyes open for any signs of life in the seemingly deserted snow-scapes. At night, we’ll stay in home stays at Kibber or nearby villages like Langza or Tashigang.
After few days in the amazingly beautiful Spiti Valley, it is time to bid goodbye and start our long journey back to Chandigarh. Over night we will stay in Rampur.
Nostalgia sets in as it’s time to head back home. After breakfast, we say our goodbyes to travel to Chandigarh and further onward.
Please note:
This tour is for wildlife photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore the high altitude realm of Spiti Valley in winter for rare wildlife. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography or carry professional equipment. Due to the small group size, beginners as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on field assistance. Non photographers interested in exploring wildlife of Winter Spiti are welcome too.
Yes. If you are interested to explore the pristine Himalayan landscapes and view rare alpine wildlife, you are welcome to join this tour. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.
Yes, you can. We visit one of the most pristine landscapes in the country and actively look for rare wildlife. Your partner will enjoy the journey with the group. Please note that we do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.
To track the Snow Leopard, moderate walking (2-3 hours) may be required to reach places where wildlife sightings are reported. Basic fitness is required as we’ll be at an altitude of over 14,000 feet. We believe that most people in good health should not have any problems with most of the activities through the tour. Please speak to us if you have any doubts.
On this tour, we’ll primarily focus on photographing wildlife of Spiti. For this, telephoto lenses are recommended to photograph wildlife at a distance. We’ll also be photographing landscapes and culture when the opportunities present themselves. Please talk to us to decide on the photography equipment that you need to carry for the tour.
If you need help in carrying your equipment during the tour, we can engage porters locally at an additional cost. Please write to us for details.
– 25% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations earlier than 90 days before the start of a tour.
– 50% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 89 days and 60 days before the start of a tour.
– 80% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 59 days and 30 days before the start of a tour.
– No refund for cancellation within 29 days of the tour start date or for a no-show.
Cancellations have to be communicated via an email to photography@darter.in. The date of email receipt in our account will be used to apply the cancellation policy mentioned above.
Note: Please note that the tour and the itinerary above is subject to favourable weather and other conditions. In case of any obstacles, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the tour or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions during the tour days.
Shreeram MV is a professional photographer, photography mentor and naturalist. What started off as a fascination for birds in a lake behind his house turned into a journey across the natural world. For this IIM Bangalore graduate, the passion for travel and wildlife enabled him to charter his own course outside the corporate world. He has explored and photographed places across the world as diverse as the savannahs of Africa, the ice continent of Antarctica, the islands of New Zealand, the rainforests of the Western Ghats, the salt marshes of Kutch, the grasslands of Tal Chapar, the deciduous forests of South and Central India, the high-altitude plateau of Ladakh, the coasts of peninsular India, the forests of North-east India and the islands of Andaman. His approach to wildlife photography has evolved into telling stories about the place and its habitats, biodiversity and human interactions with nature. He is a well-published and awarded photographer. His articles and photographs have been published in diverse print and digital magazines such as National Geographic Traveller, Sanctuary Asia, Saevus, Lonely Planet India, Terrascape, Nature inFocus and JLR Explore. As a naturalist, he has been associated with Jungle Lodges and Resorts and Karnataka Eco-tourism Development Board in training and certifying naturalists from across the state. His approach to wildlife photography is to bring back photographs that tell stories – about the place and its habitats, the diversity of flora and fauna and human interactions with the wilderness. Composition and light are his favourite tools in crafting new perspectives of the natural world. His personalized style of mentorship, where he works with each participant’s individual interests and strengths, has been much appreciated over the years. See some of his work at Shreeram MV Photography
Experience wildlife photography at pristine biodiverse locations around the world.
Shreeram MV
+91 97400 83260Manish Lakhani
+91 99988 66669
Thanks Manish for organising a smooth and hassle-free trip as always. Also, thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable experience. Looking forward to meeting you all sometime soon.
Thank You Manish ji for all guidance . This trans will continue next few months with post processing . A very cool trip .
Thanks to everyone on a memorable trip.
It was a very memorable trip - for the mesmerizing theyyams and all you amazing people!
Thank you Manish for all your efforts in arranging this!
Thanks Manish for the great experience at my home town. Learned a lot about Theyyam and Insights on Photography from you. Hope to join more trips with you.It was great experience knowing each of you from different places and countries. We all had a great time.
All good check in as always Manish thanks for the great experience really enjoyed my time.