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An exclusive expedition to the Himalayas in search of the legendary snow leopard.
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€ 500,00
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There Spiti Valley, suspended between the peaks of the Himalayas and the Tibetan border, is one of the most fascinating and remote regions of India. Here, the landscape is not only spectacular: it is primordial, vast, and silent. A place where time flows differently, where the mountains seem alive, and where man learns to confront nature in all its grandeur. The wind-sculpted valleys, the frozen riversThe sharp ridges illuminated by the dawn and the small villages perched above 4,000 meters form a mosaic of beauty that is hard to forget. Every bend in the road, every plateau, every ridge offers a new perspective, a constantly changing play of light and shadow that transforms the valley into a natural photographic set. But the true heart of the Spiti Valley is not just the landscape: it is its spirituality. Ancient Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags blowing in the wind, yaks crossing snow-covered paths, and communities living in perfect harmony with the environment tell of a way of life that no longer exists elsewhere. And it is in this unique context that the snow leopard, one of the planet's most mysterious creatures. This valley is one of the very few places in the world where it is possible to observe it with excellent probability, especially in the winter months. Seeing it move among the rocks, almost invisible in its own habitat, is a breathtaking experience; photographing it is something many consider a privilege, a once-in-a-lifetime moment in a photographer's life. Spiti Valley is not just a place to visit: it is an environment you live, breathe, and feel. A journey that combines nature, culture, photographic research, and adventure in one of the most powerful and pristine landscapes on the planet.
All overnight stays included
Andrea Benvenuti
Reach the Spiti Valley It's already an extraordinary journey in itself. Our itinerary is designed to ensure comfort, safety and optimal acclimatization, essential elements for tackling the Himalayan altitude without stress and with maximum efficiency in the field.
After arriving in India, we will gradually start climbing the Himalayan valleys with scheduled stops in top-notch hotels, avoiding too rapid ascents and allowing the body to adapt naturally. This phase is essential to reduce fatigue and ensure that each participant arrives at Kibber—the heart of the expedition—in the best possible condition.
The transfers will take place entirely on comfortable vehicles, chosen for their comfort, safety, and reliability on mountain roads. They will be with you throughout the journey. two professional photographer tour leadersOne will always be by your side during every photography outing, while the other, a photographer and local guide, will also act as an interpreter and point of contact for any needs, ensuring a flawless experience in every way.
Once we reach Kibber, we will enter the most intense phase of the expedition. Here we will have the support of the best trackers and spotters in Spiti Valley, who every morning, before dawn, will scout the most promising areas in search of the movements of the snow leopardTheir work is essential: thanks to their knowledge of the valley, their reading of tracks, and reports from the local community, we will be ready to intervene quickly as soon as an animal is spotted.
Each day will be carefully planned: when the spotters' call comes, we will reach the indicated point with the jeep until the terrain allows it, and then continue on foot in total safetyDuring the journey we will have the support of personal assistants who will help us with backpacks, tripods, chairs, water and food, allowing us to move lightly and concentrate on photography.
The goal is to maximize the chances of a close encounter, because Spiti Valley is today the best destination in the world to spot and photograph this legendary feline. Here, unique environmental conditions, behavior, and human presence allow for closer sightings than in other Asian regions. Seeing a snow leopard is already an extraordinary event; being able to photograph one in its natural habitat is, for many photographers, the fulfillment of a dream.
Our time at Kibber will be entirely dedicated to this experience. Every return to the facility will be a time to rest, share experiences, and prepare for the next day, always supported by our local and international staff.
The photography of the snow leopard It requires patience, collaboration, and great teamwork. That's why our on-the-job approach is structured to offer you the highest quality and best chances of success.
Each day will begin with awaiting reports from spotters in the area. As soon as a suspicious movement, a sighting, or a promising trail is identified, the guides, tour leaders, and drivers will coordinate their efforts to quickly reach the relevant area. It's an adrenaline-filled moment: the realization that we could be just steps away from one of the rarest and most fascinating animals on Earth.
Once we arrive, we will continue standing, with assistants who will carry all the heavy equipment, allowing you to focus on photography. Once we've identified the best observation point, we'll set up tripods and monitor the feline's movements with discretion and respect.
Spiti Valley is in fact the only place in Asia where you can hope for relatively close observations. Despite this, the snow leopard remains an elusive and often distant animal, which is why it is recommended optics of at least 600 mm, teleconverters and APS-C/DX sensors, very useful for increasing the effective focal length.
In addition to the snow leopard, the valley is home to a rich ecosystem. Among the most fascinating animals we might encounter: Asiatic ibex (Siberian ibex), bharal (Himalayan blue sheep), Himalayan red fox, Tibetan wolf, bearded vulture, golden eagle, urial of Ladakh, Himalayan marmots.
In some more remote areas, with incredible luck, the Pallas's cat, one of the rarest species in the world.
Our goal is not just to capture the photograph, but to live the experience as deeply and safely as possible, supported by a complete and highly trained team.
The route to Spiti Valley passes through some of the most spectacular and isolated regions of the Himalayas, and for this reason we have carefully selected the best available facilities, always in balance between comfort, authenticity and safety. The first nights will be spent in excellent hotel, comfortable and welcoming, ideal for resting after transfers and for gradually acclimatizing to the altitude.
As we go deeper into the valley we will reach more typical structures of the area, until we arrive at Kibber, where we will stay in a Home Stay premium, chosen for its excellent management, cleanliness, and the great hospitality of the family that runs it. Despite being located at over 3,800 meters above sea level, we can count on Heated rooms, electric blankets, continuous electricity, en-suite bathrooms and surprisingly good Wi-Fi. for such a remote area.
The local staff will always be attentive, available, and ready to assist you with any needs, making your stay comfortable and enjoyable even in such an extreme environment. However, it's important to remember that Spiti Valley remains a remote place, where small unexpected events like brief drops in connection, reduced water pressure or temporary lack of hot water They can happen. They're normal aspects of high-altitude life and are part of the authenticity of a land where even what we consider "obvious" becomes a true luxury.
The goal is to offer you the best possible experience at every stage of the journey, ensuring comfort and safety without giving up the magic of the Himalayas and the unique atmosphere of the Spiti Valley.
Find out how the days will unfold and which activities make up the experience
New Delhi – Chandigarh 800 m
Free arrival in New Delhi by the morning of February 16th. Meet the group and internal flight from New Delhi to Chandigarh.
Arrival, welcome by the guide and transfer to the accommodation.
– Meals included
- Overnight at Hotel
– Hot water, electricity, Wi-fi and all services are present.
Breakfast, welcome by the photographer and the guide and departure for Rampur. Arrival in the small town and accommodation in the hotel. Here we could already find the first fauna with the characteristic Macaques that live in this area.
– Meals included
- Overnight at Hotel
– Hot water, electricity, Wi-fi and all services are present.
Tabo 3600 m
Breakfast, welcome by the photographer and the guide guide and departure for Tabo. Here we will finally enter the Spiti Valley. Not yet at the final destination but already in an area populated by the Snow Leopard.
– Meals included
– Overnight stay in Home Stay
– Heated blankets, sheets, towels, electricity and hot meals are provided in the homestays
– Running and hot water is not guaranteed
Kibber 4,270m
Breakfast and departure for the photographic activity. 1 guide and 2 expert local observers will search for the presence of the snow leopard in the incredible Spiti Valley.
Using our vehicles we will get as close as possible to the sighting point, then we will have to walk on foot. Depending on the location, you can walk from 10 minutes to 3 hours. 1 porter per photographer will help us transport photographic equipment. In Spiti Valley the snow leopard sighting rate is very high.
– Overnight stay in Home Stay
– Heated blankets, sheets, towels, electricity and hot meals are provided in the homestays
– Running and hot water is not guaranteed
– A porter and helper will always be with you to help you with the photographic equipment
NB In case of particular weather conditions it may be necessary to spend the last night in Tabo, to avoid getting stuck in Kibber
Our return journey begins. This time, the stop in Tabo for acclimatization will not be necessary and after the last breakfast in Kibber we will leave for Rampur.
– Meals included
- Overnight at Hotel
– Hot water, electricity, Wi-fi and all services are present.
Breakfast, welcome by the photographer and departure for Chandigarh airport.
Once we arrive at Chandigarh airport we will board the domestic flight to New Delhi. All within the same day.
5.00 PM Arrive Chandigarh
7.00 PM: Flight
Time: 8.30 PM Arrival in New Delhi
From here, in the evening we can board our intercontinental flight to Italy or your final destination.
All flights from 11.00 PM onwards will be compatible with the itinerary
Nature photographer from Rome, he has cultivated a passion for photography since the age of 18, fascinated by the animal world since he was a child. Having graduated in Environmental Sciences with a thesis on the man-wolf conflict, he then obtained a master's degree in Ecobiology. Develop global photography projects integrated with bird and mammal conservation initiatives. He has won national and international competitions and published in magazines such as National Geographic.
Discover all the places and views that you can admire during this trip. All the material shown here comes from our trips
Signing up is simple and requires just a few steps. Just click on “Book Now” and follow the wizard by entering your personal data. To confirm participation, you will be required to pay a deposit and not the total amount. At the end of the procedure, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. The final balance will be requested according to the terms listed at the top of the page, generally 60 days before departureOur team is always available for any questions or needs.
Snow leopard sightings can occur at very variable distances. To get the best photos, we recommend a lens of at least 600mmAPS-C/DX sensor cameras, teleconverters, and teleconverters can be extremely useful for increasing your range.
In the field, we'll travel by jeep and on foot for short distances. Local assistants can help transport tripods, backpacks, and accessories, so you can focus exclusively on photography. If you need assistance, rent equipment, contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Spiti Valley winter temperatures can drop below freezing. -20°C, so it's essential to travel with appropriate technical clothing. We recommend a layering system consisting of thermals, fleeces, or mid-layers, a heavy winter jacket, insulated pants, and warm socks.
Given the nature of the trip and the limited walking involved, heavy clothing won't limit mobility. They're essential. gloves, wool hat, balaclava or neck warmer, And sunglasses with anti-glare side protection. After registration, we will provide a complete clothing guide with all the details.
Our team will assist you directly with your flight purchases after booking. Itineraries to the Himalayas require precise connections and schedules that fit your schedule, so we'll help you find the best options and avoid booking errors. We're always available to answer any questions or requests regarding flight connections.
By booking by paying the deposit to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly likely if booking is made more than one year in advance. in relation to potential changes in prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid via the payment methods offered by the organizer, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organiser, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data you again accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
JUST EXPLORERS SRLS
VAT number: 01708500556
Address: Via G. Verdi 86 Castel Viscardo 05014
PEC: just.explorers@pec.it
+39 328 856 6896
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