Awara Banajara

Snow Leopard Expedtion with awara Banjara

Snow Leopard - the elusive big cat is best seen in the mountains of Spiti in the winter months of December to March when the valley is painted white with snow-clad landscapes and stunning visuals. This unique itinerary curated specifically for you will give you a once in a lifetime opportunity to track and spot a snow leopard in its natural habitat with the help of local guides and experienced trackers. Explore the harsh yet stunningly gorgeous winter settings on the Spiti valley in search of the most exotic wildlife that call this beautiful place their home. This trek is best done between the months of January to March. Even though this doesn't involve a lot of trekking it is recommended to have good physical fitness and mental endurance to brave the brutal conditions of Spiti winters. Stay on this page for more information on the Spiti Snow Leopard Trek.

Day 1

Shimla to Kalpa - 225 km Drive

Report in Shimla by early morning and board your vehicles for the drive to Kalpa. We will drive through the precipitous Sutlej gorge to the beautiful Kinnaur valley till Kalpa. You will get the first view of Kinner Kailash today. Overnight in hotel / guest house in Kalpa.
Day 2

Kalpa to Kaza - 200 km Drive

Travel from Kalpa to Kaza village in Spiti valley. Overnight in hotel/guesthouse/homestay.
Day 3

Introduction and acclimatization day in Kaza

Your first day at altitude will be utilised for acclimatising with the elevation gain, orienting with the terrain and introduction with the guide and other members.
Day 4

Kaza to Chicham - 21 km Drive

Today we will drive to Chicham, one of the most isolated villages in Spiti. We will rest and acclimatize to the altitude. This will also be your base for the next few days as the chances of spotting snow leopards is high in this region.
Day 5

Snow Leopard Spotting

We explore different reaches of the valley in search of the snow leopard where they frequent with the help of local trackers and guides.
Day 6

Snow Leopard Spotting

We spend the day in the same place waiting patiently to spot these snow leopards, the majestic beasts and other wildlife that is indigenous to Spiti valley.
Day 7

Snow Leopard Spotting

Number of days spent on the area in search of the snow leopard depends on the inputs from the local guide. We come back to Kibber today evening.
Day 8

Kibber to Kalpa - 220 km Drive

Today we drive from Kibber to Kalpa. Overnight stay in homestay/guesthouse.
Day 9

Kalpa to Shimla - 225 km Drive

Today we drive back to Shimla from Kalpa.

Inclusion

Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
Transport to and from Shimla
Experienced Guide and Support staff
First aid medical kit including oxygen cylinder
Experienced on-site scanners.
Food as per menu on trek days
Camping/Homestay during the trek

Exclusion

Entry Fee/Permit Fee/Camera fee/Village maintenance fee (to be payable on the spot by the customer). Camera charges vary for different sizes of lenses.
Meals during road journey
Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
Any Expense of personal nature.
Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
Woolen cap. Qty-1
Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
Plate. Qty- 1
Spoon.Qty-1
Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

Camera (Optional)
Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)