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Panthera uncia

Snow Leopard

MammalBest Season: Jan–Mar

Best locations

22

Expert creators

0

Field Reports (12 months)

0

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) — wildlife photography in India

(c) Tambako The Jaguar, some rights reserved (CC BY-ND)

About this species

The elusive Snow Leopard, often called the "Ghost of the Mountains," roams the high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas. Spiti Valley and Hemis National Park in Ladakh are among the best places on Earth to spot this rare big cat. Winter expeditions between January and March offer the highest success rates when snow leopards descend to lower altitudes following prey. Track the elusive Snow Leopard in Spiti Valley and Hemis. Best season Jan–Mar with expert naturalists and high-altitude trekking expeditions.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Panthera uncia
Category / family
Mammal · Felidae
Best months to photograph
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Difficulty to spot
Difficult
Best locations
Spiti ValleyHemis National ParkKibber Wildlife SanctuaryDachigam National ParkGangotri National ParkGovind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary

Field Reports

0 total reports

No field reports yet for this species.

Best locations for Snow Leopard

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

Himachal PradeshSpiti Valley
0 creators here
LadakhHemis National Park
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Himachal PradeshKibber Wildlife Sanctuary
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Jammu and KashmirDachigam National Park
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UttarakhandGangotri National Park
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UttarakhandGovind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Wildlife Creators Specialising in Snow Leopard

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Upcoming Trips Targeting Snow Leopard

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When and Where to Photograph Snow Leopard

The elusive Snow Leopard, often called the "Ghost of the Mountains," roams the high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas. Spiti Valley and Hemis National Park in Ladakh are among the best places on Earth to spot this rare big cat. Winter expeditions between January and March offer the highest success rates when snow leopards descend to lower altitudes following prey. Track the elusive Snow Leopard in Spiti Valley and Hemis. Best season Jan–Mar with expert naturalists and high-altitude trekking expeditions.

Plan field days around Jan–Mar: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Spiti Valley.

Related species

  • Indian Rhinoceros
  • Nilgiri Tahr
  • Gaur
  • Sloth Bear
  • Assam Macaque
  • Western Hoolock Gibbon
  • Indian Fox
  • Golden Jackal
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