This winter let us take you on a crazy Ghost Cat expedition!

Spotting the elusive Snow Leopard in its wilderness has been on the bucket list for almost all adventure/wildlife enthusiasts, Wandering Boots brings you to the opportunity to tick this one off this year!

We will be driving to Spiti to experience the cold winter in Spiti, along with tracking and trying to spot the elusive cat! On this trip, you may also get an opportunity to spot some more Himalayan wildlife lie Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, Blue sheep and many others!

The group will be accompanied by trained naturalists and professional guides, with Wildrness First responder certification, who have years of experience and expertise in this sport.

The Area

Spiti is a high-altitude region of the Himalayas, located in the north-eastern part of thestate of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The middle land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India.
Spiti is bordered on the east by Tibet, on the north by Ladakh, on the west and southwest by Lahaul, on the south by Kullu, and on the southeast by Kinnaur. Spiti has a cold desert environment.

Spiti has gained popularity in recent times for its magical winters and also for spotting the elusive ghost cat of the Himalayas – Snow Leopard! The best season to spot these magnificent creatures is in the winters from January to March. The trail is covered in snow during this period, making tracking and spotting animals relatively easier.

Expected Weather 

• Chances of Snow – Very high
• Snow on trail – High possibility 
• Minimum Temperatures –  The temperature in winters are extreme. Afternoon -5 degrees, Nights -30 degrees

• Day 1: Drive from Chandigarh / Shimla to Reckong Peo.
  Start from Chandigarh at 05:00am. Pick up more participants from Shimla. 
  Reach Reckong Peo by 06:00pm
  Distance: 308kms; Time: 11-12hours
  Overnight in Reckong Peo
• Day 2: Drive from Reckong Peo to Kaza
  Distance: 212kms; Time: 6-7hours
  Overnight in Kaza 
• Day 3: Acclimatisation Day in Kaza
  Leisure day in Kaza to acclimatise. Walk around Kaza, last minute shopping (purchase gear if necessary), visit monasteries, soak in the winter sun!
• Day 4: Drive from Kaza to Mud (Mudh)
  Distance: 50kms; Time: 2hours
  Overnight in Mud
  OR
• Day 4: Drive from Kaza to Kibber
  Distance: 19kms; Time: 40mins
  Overnight in Kibber
• Days 4 - 7:  Snow Leopard Spotting!
  We start tracking the elusive cat. Based on the current sightings, we plan our route to track and spot the ghost cat!
  Overnight in Mud / Kibber
  
• Day 7: Drive back from Mud / Kibber to Kaza
  Overnight in Kaza
• Day 8: Drive back from Kaza to Reckong Peo 
  Distance: 212kms; Time: 6-7hours
  Overnight in Reckong Peo
• Day 9: Drive back from Reckong Peo to Chandigarh / Shimla
  Distance: 308kms; Time: 11-12hours
  Trip ends on reaching Chandigarh
  

Trip price includes:

• Travel from Chandigarh / Shimla and back.
• Complete accommodation (Twin/Triple sharing basis) for the entire duration of the trip
• All meals (except meals had enroute)
• Road travel within Spiti
• Rentals for all common gear provided to you like tent, sleeping bags, crampons etc.
• Technical gear provided to you like Ropes, harness, carabiners and crampons
• Forest entry permission and camping charges
• Guide and expertise charges

Trip price excludes:

• 5% GST
• Meals or drinks purchased by participants during the travel or trek (example biscuits, fruits etc)
• Rentals for personal gear (Refer things to get section)
• Trek Insurance (Optional)
• Any extra government charges.
• Flight/Train/Bus ticket till Leh.
• Backpack offloading charges. You are expected to carry your own backpack. Trekkers unable to do so can opt for a porterage service at 600/day