Snow Leopard Experience in Nepal is a unique blend of trekking and high-altitude wildlife tracking in the Manang region. It goes far beyond ordinary trekking routes. Therefore, this safari is ideal for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers who wish to explore the Himalayas in a more meaningful way.
The Snow Leopard Experience in Nepal offers a thrilling journey into the high Himalayas to track the mysterious and elusive snow leopard, often called the “Queen of the Mountains.” While sightings are rare, the experience itself is deeply rewarding. Moreover, the trek immerses you in Nepal’s untouched alpine landscapes, where raw nature dominates every step.
With the guidance of expert local naturalists, you will traverse alpine ridges, frozen rivers, and rugged mountain trails. Along the way, you will search for pugmarks in the snow and learn how to map the snow leopard’s territory. In addition, you will take part in hands-on camera trapping and gain insight into the species’ behavior, habitat, and conservation challenges. Every footprint tells a story, and every ridge may hide a sighting. Every click of the camera brings you closer to one of the most mysterious predators of the Himalayas.
Meanwhile, the journey also offers opportunities to observe other high-altitude wildlife. You may encounter Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), red foxes, and Himalayan marmots moving through this dramatic landscape.
By traveling in late autumn or early spring, you benefit from clearer weather and better visibility. As a result, your chances of meaningful wildlife encounters improve. Furthermore, the striking Himalayan scenery provides an exceptional backdrop for photography and nature observation.
Ultimately, this experience is about exploration, patience, and connection with the wild. Don’t miss the opportunity to journey into Nepal’s remote mountains. Explore snow leopard habitat and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Note: This trek does not guarantee snow leopard sightings. This trek focuses on exploring their habitat, tracking pugmarks, and understanding their territory. The trek can be done during any peak trekking season. However, for the best chance of spotting snow leopards, February is considered the prime month for snow leopard encounters in Nepal.
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet our company representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel, refresh, and attend the trek briefing. Explore Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively hub of shops, cafes, and restaurants. A dedicated guide will be assisting during your travel to and fro Manang.
Continue driving along the Marsyangdi River towards Manang village, enjoying views of mountains, stunning waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes. En route stop at the multiple photo spots with great photo opportunities.
Upon arrival, meet our expert snow leopard tracker, Tashi R. Ghale. Then he will provide the briefing including the next day plan and introduction to snow leopard ecology, tracking techniques, and camera trap setup. If time allows, explore the village to know about the local lifestyle and its landscapes.
Today marks the end of the expedition. After an unforgettable journey in Manang, we drive back to Kathmandu early in the morning, retracing the scenic route through the Marshyangdi River valley. Along the way, enjoy views of mountains, waterfalls, and terraced fields. The drive takes you through Bhulbhule, Besisahar, and Dumre, offering glimpses of the Annapurna foothills and Lamjung Himal for the last time. This journey provides a relaxing end to your high-altitude adventure, blending scenic landscapes before returning to the capital.
All necessary airport arrival and departure transport as per the itinerary.
2 Nights luxurious hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (4/5-star category hotel) in BB plan.
Private 4WD Land Cruiser transportation, including Kathmandu to Manang via Besisahar, Chame (for 3 days - start).
1 night luxury accommodation in Besisahar with the BB plan.
4 Night accommodation with attached rooms in Manang.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, during the course of the drive, trek, and tracking (A choice of food as per the menu 3 times a day).
Hot Beverage (Tea, Coffee, Milk, Hot Chocolate, Hot Water)
Pack lunch during snow leopard tracking
Private 4WD Land Cruiser transportation from Manang to Kathmandu
Insurance for Nepalese staff. (Guide and driver)
Guide and porter fares and taxes. Government Tax and office service charge.
All the necessary permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
All snow leopard tracking activities expenses
One dedicated guide to the Snow Leopard tour for the entire trip (Manang to Manang)
One guide from Kathmandu to Kathmandu and his salary
Basic medical kits
All government and local taxes.
Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu
International airfare to/ from Nepal.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Insurance covers medical, emergency evacuation, loss, etc.
Beverages, alcoholic drinks, and cold drinks
All food and beverages are other than on the itinerary.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Personal gear and expenses.
Tips and gratitude to the staff.
Tashi R. Ghale and Rinzin P. Lama are the well known snow leopard expertise in Nepal.
How to Spot Snow Leopards in Nepal’s Himalayas
This is a pre-booking form for the lead traveler. We would send you the actual booking form after the confirmation
I really wanted to find a local company who could make a personalised itinerary for my husband and I to do red panda trekking and a safari in Bardia National Park to see tigers (among other things). I would highly recommend Tiger Encounter for any trip to Nepal, but especially if you’re looking to encounter wildlife.
We recently returned from a 2 week private wildlife trekking and safari tour with Tiger Encounter, and couldn’t recommend them highly enough. We found them through a Google search and we are so glad that we did – we were so impressed! Tiger Encounter really offer such a personalised service and clearly care about their travellers.
Excellent safari in Chitwan and Bardia. Very professional company and we were looked after really well. Communication was easy and fast response. The guides on the safaris were brilliant and the accommodation was excellent. Can’t rate them highly enough.
I’ve been to 28 different countries and countless safaris over the world- let me tell you that this is the standard for every other safari I’ve been on since! The attention to detail, the absolute love and care of the guides, and the tour operator’s genuine wish for you to have the best experience possible made this one of the most amazing tours/safaris I’ve been on. It was just as amazing to meet the locals and meet the Tharu people as it was to see the rhino and to be close up with an elephant!! (And That tiger that kept in front of our raft to cross the river!!) As an experienced traveler, take my word that you will have a genuinely wild and carefree adventure!!!???
Had the most wonderful and life changing experience with Tiger Encounter. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Sharma (owner) who had accompanied me as my guide throughout my adventure. They had planned everything so well and truly make you feel like family. Be it every step of the way from jeep safari, jungle walk, canoe ride, trek through the jungle, mountain trek Mr. Sharma is truly amazing guide, photographer and wonderful motivator. It goes without saying that your guide is your doorway to experiencing everything about the beautiful country you visit. Be it food, shopping, adventure or pleasure. I truly loved every moment of my time…and hope to return to this beautiful country with Tiger Encounter to many more adventures and celebrating a wonderful friendship. Hop you all have as amazing adventures and journeys with them. ?
Thank you Tiger Encounter team for another great experience in beautiful Nepal. We had amazing memories in Mt. Everest & Chitwan! We did wildlife safari, jeep safari, bird watching, village tour & cultural program. You are super professional, knowledgeable. Strongly recommend.
Tiger Encounter made our tiger encounter possible. On tiger tracking day two we saw the beautiful beast come out to drink it has an incredible experience. Waiting for almost two days on the blazing heat of May was really worth it!!
We went on a wildlife safari tour operated by Tiger Encounter last May 2019. It was a great experience for the whole family our kids were very excited to see animals out in the wild.
Join the Bengal Tiger Photography Tour Nepal for a private luxury Bardia Safari. Track tigers, spot rhinos and elephants, and capture stunning wildlife in Nepal’s pristine jungle.
Explore Nepal’s premier birding hotspots—Koshi Tappu, Chitwan, Phulchoki, and Shivapuri—photographing rare, endemic, and migratory birds with expert guides across the country’s most biodiverse habitats.
Join a top-rated Red Panda Photography Expedition in Nepal. Expert trackers, ethical spotting, and high sighting success in Langtang & Eastern Nepal. Perfect for wildlife photographers and conservation travelers.