MammalStrike
MammalStrike · Expeditions with Intent
Specialized Snow Leopard Expeditions
Exclusive Snow Leopard expeditions in Spiti Valley, Himalayas, India
The search itself is the experience
This purposeful pursuit takes place high in the Indian Himalayas, generally above 14,000ft (4,267m), where local spotters — who read this extraordinary landscape better than anyone alive — help locate the Snow Leopard, in local dialect known as Shen, the "ghost of the mountains". Hours are spent quietly observing this cat at rest on the slopes and, with patience and good fortune, you may witness a kill, or a chance sighting as it moves across open ground.
You will meet some of the most hospitable, resilient people in the world along the way — local guides, spotters and support crew whose lives are shaped by the same cold, thin air and the same elusive cat.
A Snow Leopard, eyes locked on the camera
The Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia, the "ghost of the mountains" — a solitary, near-silent predator built entirely for altitude and camouflage. Spread over vast, near-empty terrain, finding one is never guaranteed, but previous expeditions have yielded at least three separate sightings per trip.
Identification: pale bluish-green eyes, smoke-grey coat, a tail near as long as its body
Behaviour
Solitary and largely crepuscular, moving along ridgelines and cliff bases at dawn and dusk. Territories are vast; encounters are earned through patience, not pursuit.
Habitat
High-altitude cold desert, typically 3,000–5,000m above sea level, where broken rock and scree blend with the leopard to provide perfect camouflage. Primary prey species include Blue Sheep and the Himalayan Ibex.
Identification
A pale, rosette-marked coat, a thickly furred tail used for balance and warmth, and striking pale eyes — no two individuals are marked quite the same.
Best time to visit
Generally late winter, when cold pushes prey species down to lower, more visible ridgelines and cats follow. Our expeditions run in February and early March.
Photographic opportunities
Long lenses and patience. Sightings can last minutes or hours, at distance, across a valley. Spotting scopes and guide positioning are central to the experience.
Conservation
Listed as Vulnerable, with the entire Asian Snow Leopard population estimated in the low thousands. Over 700 of these have been recorded in the Indian Himalayas (Himachal 2025 survey). Responsible tourism directly supports the communities protecting it — more below.
A premium, small-group expedition, set up by MammalStrike and run by experienced local teams
Every detail is built around giving a small group the best possible chance at a sighting, without crowding the experience or the mountain. Each guest has a guide to assist with navigating the terrain and setting up the best possible viewpoint. Full logistics and day-by-day planning are shared directly on enquiry.
Persons with a medical history of heart or lung illness must consult their doctor and provide a doctor’s letter confirming they are fit for the expedition.
Cancellation policy as per booking form.
- All transfers from Chandigarh Airport on arrival, and back to Chandigarh Airport on departure
- Accommodation from arrival in Chandigarh, and all dates, until departure — as per itinerary
- Wifi at base village homestay
- 3 meals a day and drinking water / tea / coffee
- Permit to Spiti Valley, wildlife, inner line and entry fees
- Porter per person, guide fees
- Hiking poles and gaiters whilst on expedition
- Flights to / from Chandigarh
- Visas
- Alcohol, beverages, snacks and personal expenses
- Medication
- Toiletries
- Tips and gratuities
- Extra charges due to cancellations, delays, landslides and/or other unforeseen circumstances
- Travel & medical insurance (highly recommended) for the duration of the trip. The organisers are not responsible for the loss of or damage to property, illness, hospitalisation, death, medical evacuation or loss due to other unforeseen circumstances
- Day 1Arrive Chandigarh
- Day 2Transfer Chandigarh to Rampur
- Day 3Transfer Rampur to Tabo
- Day 4Transfer Tabo to Kibber
- Days 5 – 9Kibber
- Day 10Transfer Kibber to Rampur
- Day 11Transfer Rampur to Chandigarh
- Day 12Transfer to Chandigarh Airport
Note: the itinerary is weather dependent, and unexpected circumstances such as landslides may result in changes as required.
Snow-covered peaks. High, silent valleys
The expedition moves through a landscape of snow-covered peaks, high altitude rugged terrain and remote mountain villages that have adapted, over centuries, to sharing this ground with the Snow Leopard.
Small Himalayan villages, built into this vast, empty landscape
The route
A road journey from Chandigarh climbs steadily into the high-altitude mountain range and valleys, passing through small villages along the way.
The high Himalaya Mountains rarely stay empty for long
Even on the quietest days, there is usually something else moving on the ridgelines.
Himalayan Fox
A pale, sharp-eared fox often seen working the same slopes as the Snow Leopards.
Blue Sheep (Bharal)
The Snow Leopard's principal prey graze exposed slopes in herds that give them away.
Himalayan Ibex
Sure-footed climbers of the steepest cliff faces, another key food source in this thin, cold air.
Birds of Prey
Golden Eagles, Bearded Vultures and Himalayan Griffons ride the thermals above the same ridgelines, often the first sign something is moving below.
Wildlife tourism, done properly, protects this cat
The survival of the Snow Leopard in the Indian Himalayas is tied directly to the communities who live alongside them. Responsible, well-managed tourism gives herding families a real economic reason to protect predators rather than see them as a threat to livestock. This funds local spotters, provides homestay income and on-the-ground research into how these cats actually move and live.
Each of our expeditions works with local guides, spotters and homestay hosts, and follows field protocols designed to keep pressure on wildlife to an absolute minimum.
A fragile population, in a landscape that leaves no room for error
Your expedition begins here
Contact MammalStrike now for more information, or to enquire about availability on upcoming departures.
Request expedition detailsRichard Crawshaw, Founder of MammalStrike
Richard Crawshaw has undertaken three expeditions in the high valleys of the Indian Himalayas, first as a guest and then as a host. Field experience has spanned February 2023, 2025 and 2026, where he has been in pursuit of Snow Leopards, other mountain mammals and birds alongside experienced local guides. What started as his own quest to see these cats — drawn in by the intensity and beauty of the landscape, and a love of all things nature — has become something he now wants to share with others.
Every expedition is set up by MammalStrike and carried out by the same trusted local guiding teams who know this terrain best. Small groups, an unhurried pace, and a genuine love of the mountains are the foundation of MammalStrike.
- Set up by MammalStrike, and carried out day-to-day by experienced local guiding teams
- Three expeditions completed — February 2023, 2025 and 2026 — spent learning this terrain and how these cats move
- Small groups by design, so pace and plans can flex around real conditions
- A genuine love of all things nature and wildlife
Photographs from previous trips
Moments from the search so far — wildlife, landscapes and the people behind the scenes. This gallery grows with every expedition.
All photographs © RP Crawshaw.
In the words of our guests
Meticulous organisation and excellent communication ensured that all details were in order for a successful trip. Richard exemplified respect for the local people, their needs and customs, and generously helped others to maximise the capabilities of their photographic equipment. His vast knowledge of birds and mammals led to interesting conversations. I thoroughly recommend booking a trip with MammalStrike.
MammalStrike took 9 of us on a wild adventure, not just to see snow leopards but also to experience the north Indian Himachal Pradesh people & culture in the Himalayan mountains...
Freezing cold, high altitude, landslides and mysterious noises in the night - when 11 of us bunked in one large room following the main road closure - were all obstacles we overcame. What a wonderful trip.
An extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime bucket list expedition into the remote heart of the Himalayas with an amazing group of like-minded adventurers, where adventure, patience and purpose converged in the pursuit of the elusive snow leopard in one of the world’s last great wildernesses. This high-altitude thin-air adventure was made more comfortable where the most hospitable people took care of our every need during our stay in the local homestay. The memories of this unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most magnificent and mysterious apex predators will live on forever.
I have been on three trips with Richard and have been delighted with his ability and passion for finding wildlife in its natural surroundings. Richard has a wealth of knowledge and experience which he was happy to share and his love of detail created fascinating travel experiences. I am very happy to recommend his tours to anyone interested in exploring wildlife and nature.
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Email us now on info@mammalstrike.com for more information and availability. Please advise your contact details, country of origin, number of people and preferred dates.
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