The Snow Panther has become famous in spite of itself. Some were lucky enough to go and film or photograph it alone or with a small team and brought back remarkable films or pictures. Others have even dedicated books to her, recounting these mythical encounters.

As a European pioneer in this remote region of India, the Spiti Valley, I propose to take you there. This observation site, located in the Indian foothills of the Himalayas, is undoubtedly one of the best sites for observing this cat, without endangering its survival, because of the topology of the site itself, but also because of the caution and experience of the Indian spotters with whom we work. The result of this perfect sustainable tourism management is the net increase of the snow leopard population in this valley.

Rare place where we can hope to see the Snow Leopard at the same level as us and … in the snow. All this, with for base camp, a traditional house and at the inhabitant, with the spartan comfort but how much more pleasant than a tent. Electricity to recharge the batteries that have been damaged by the biting cold of the altitude (4173 m for the lodge!), each room is also equipped with a traditional wood fire to sleep serenely.

Usually, the departure of this expedition takes place from Chandigarh (1 night) and passes by Rampur (1 night) to then go up towards Kibber (Spiti). The journeys, which are linked with the international flight, are as many constraints for the bodies. It is therefore strongly advised to take as much rest as possible during the stops (and in the vehicles). An option (introduced last year) is also to leave directly from Delhi to Rampur and to take an OFF day there. Originality that I am the only one to propose, I will do my best to make sure that it is option 2 that is applied, on the outward journey as well as on the return journey. Moreover, it also allows the group to know each other, before going to the heights ;o)

WARNING: Although the majority of people who are interested in this mythical animal are aware of what they are getting into, there will always be people who believe that this type of trip could be comparable to a hike in the Alps and this, by underestimating the effects of acute mountain sickness and its consequences. I, Baptiste Bataille, will therefore contact each and every motivated participant to ask a few questions and will decide, following this, if this trip to the heights is suitable for you or not. What is the reason for this? This site is located at least 1 day away from civilization itself. An evacuation is therefore a delicate operation and, although everything is planned to ensure that it goes well (taking the oxygen level in the blood, heart rate, presence of bottled oxygen, recommended acclimatization period etc.), acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a Russian roulette. It strikes some and others without warning and without any constancy. Young, old, woman, man, sportsman or not, from one year to another and from one altitude to another… no data is reliable enough to say « who will or will not get it ». It is therefore the responsibility of each participant. Here, you are of age and aware of the fact that we will be sleeping for more than a week at an altitude that exceeds 4000 meters. A document will be given to you to prepare the trip and instructions (and names of certain medications that can reduce the side effects or risks of complications related to altitude) are provided. If you don’t pay the attention it deserves, you’ll end up paying for it at your expense. It is a bit like dreaming of seeing walruses in a sailboat in the Arctic but getting seasick while drinking red wine and not accepting the consequences. I remind you of the law in force: the travel agent is responsible for travel accidents, not illnesses. So be reassured, of course « once scalded, twice shy »… to date and over 4 years, only one person had to be evacuated (on medical order), but in general, organisms need a variable time to acclimatize to the altitude and positivism is always a good engine!

Each guide will be already on site to prepare your supervision and you could be brought to make the outward journey or return without « your guide » assigned. No fear however, the Indian team on the spot is a second family as far as I am concerned and will take care of you to make this transfer as comfortable as possible (don’t forget where you are and the norms of the country).