Inner villages of Spiti where the Grey Ghost can be spotted- Finding the Snow leopard in Spiti

Finding the Snow leopard in Spiti

The Magical land of Spiti is one of the most closely guarded secrets of the Trans Himalayas. This high altitude desert valley is sandwiched between Ladakh and the Tibet autonomous region resulting in the region, at times being called the middle land. Harsh temperatures and uncultivable land meant that humans could not thrive in numbers here. Yet a brave few call this place home. Spiti valley is home to a variety of diverse and beautiful village settlements. Spiti can only be accessed by road either from Manali via the Kunzum pass and from Shimla via Reckong Peo.

Winter blankets this mystical valley in white. Winters are a sight to behold and is recommended that travelers wanting to make it to Spiti come during the winter months. Winter transforms this primordial landscape and in a way brings it to life. This is also the perfect time to spot the most magical creature of the Himalayas; The Snow Leopard, often called The Phantoms of the snowy mountains. Plummeting winter temperatures make the upper reaches of the Himalayas inhospitable so the animals descend from the higher reaches for food and water and following its prey so does the Snow Leopard.

Hunting of wild ibex and blue sheep are considered a sin in Spiti. In recent years both these animals have thrived in the valley which is prime prey for the Grey Ghost. Lack of human encroachment has also helped drive up the numbers of this Endangered species. The Pin Valley national park and the Kibber wildlife sanctuaries have been a safe haven for these creatures for the past 25 years. The inner villages are the areas where you have the highest chances of getting a sight of the Snow leopard.

Inner Villages of Spiti where the Grey ghost can be spotted

Kibber- The hidden gem

Kibber village located at an elevation of 4720 meters, is the second highest village in Spiti valley. 20kms away from Kaza, Kibber is accessible by road in the summer months and milder winter months. Kibber Village lies inside the Kibber Wildlife sanctuary which was established in 1992. In recent years this village has seen the most number of snow leopard sightings. The cliffs above the village and the adjacent gorges are a perfect fit for the snow leopard. Very recently an old snow leopard died in the village for which the villagers cared for till its last breath.

Mud Village- The snow leopards call this place home

Nestled inside the pin valley national park, the remote mud village presents itself as gorgeous village surrounded by lush greenery during the summer months and entirely covered in snow in the winter months. From the village, the snowcapped Trans-Himalayan mountains can be viewed in their full glory. The village lies near the banks of the pin Parvati river & presents itself as the end location for the famous Pin Parvati trek. Mud lies about 50kms away from Kaza. There is a bus service connecting the two as well. Villagers often spot the majestic creature prowling the snowfields near to the village. Snow leopard sightings are very common here during the winters due to its close proximity to the river.

Demul – The remotest village in Spiti

Tucked high in the Trans Himalayan mountains, Demul village often serves as a pit stop for trekkers. Demul is connected to the nearby Komic and Lidang by road. Connectivity is the Himalayas is bleak, but in Demul, you have just one satellite telephone and that’s it. The village gets solar electricity 2 hours daily. Villagers are very friendly and hospitable. The soil here is very fertile. You can catch glimpses of the Grey Ghost near the village. Villagers here treat the Snow leopard as a blessing from the heavens and revere the mystical creature. This village is one of the best places for finding the snow leopard in Spiti.

Komic – The world’s highest village connected by road

The Komic village also believed to be the highest in the world, is one of the lesser known villages in the Spiti valley. It is connected to Kaza by road (18kms) although taking a bus is not advised as the bus service is not very reliable. You can always hitchhike as Komic attracts bikers from all around. A 500-year-old Gompa watches over the small village. Komic village is a great place for small hikes and treks. Apart from Langza, Komic is another fossil village in Spiti. The Snow Leopard roams the vast snowcapped plains near Komic. In recent year’s sightings of the elusive predator have increased near the village. However, getting to Komic in the winter is quite difficult, the only option is trekking to the village.

These villages present you with the best chance of finding the snow leopard in Spiti. While you are staying in these places, don’t forget to try out the local beverages. Always take pride in the journey and never the ending. Juley !!!

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