national park · Lahaul-Spiti
Cold-desert park at 3,500–6,600 m — the snow leopard's realm
Pin Valley is a cold-desert national park in Spiti, connecting the Pin river to Parvati Valley via the 5,319m Pin Parvati Pass. India's most reliable snow leopard tracking is done here in winter, alongside ibex, blue sheep, red fox and lammergeier.
Snow Leopard
Winter tracking Dec–Feb; ~30 individuals
Siberian Ibex
Cliffs above Mud village
Blue Sheep (Bharal)
Primary snow leopard prey
Red Fox
Common across the valley
Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
Nesting cliffs
Tibetan Woolly Hare
Endemic to trans-Himalaya
Snow Leopard tracking expedition
₹65,000–₹1,20,000 / person7–12 days
Homestay-based in Mud/Sagnam; spotter + naturalist included
Jeep + walking wildlife safari
₹6,500 / vehicle1 day
Kaza to Mud return; ibex spotting
Guided trek
₹3,500 / day per person3–5 days
National Park entry
₹100/day Indian · ₹200 foreignerObtain at: Wildlife Office, Kaza
Inner Line Permit (if entering via Kinnaur)
FreeObtain at: Reckong Peo
Photo + Aadhaar
Camera permit
₹100 still · ₹500 videoObtain at: Kaza office
Mud to Bhaba Pass
4 daysModerate
Cross into Kinnaur via 4,900m pass
Pin Parvati Pass
11 daysExtreme
One of India's toughest crossings — Kullu to Spiti
Snow Leopard tracking loop
7 daysEasy (low km, high altitude)
Winter only
No. Success rate is ~70% on a 7-day expedition with an experienced spotter. Longer trips improve odds.
Yes, but only via the Kinnaur route (Shimla-Reckong Peo-Kaza). Manali-Spiti road closes October to June.