REALM OF THE
SNOW LEOPARD
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ARNFINN JOHANSEN
COUNTRY: India PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife LENGTH: 13 days DATES: 11-23/3 2028 GROUP SIZE: 8-10
Photographing snow leopards has been my greatest dream for many years. Having the opportunity to do so regularly during the tour—and on a few occasions even at close range—was an unforgettable experience. After two trips with participants from Zoom, I can confidently say that we have captured many powerful images of snow leopards.
Arnfinn Johansen
With our binoculars and telephoto lenses, we scan a landscape in the Himalayas that is as beautiful as it is dramatic—but it’s not the landscape we are here for. Then suddenly, as if out of nowhere, it appears: the snow leopard, closer than we could ever have dreamed of. We fill our memory cards with images of “The Grey Ghost” as the magnificent cat stretches and settles down on the ridge in front of us.
Join us on a unique journey to India and the Spiti Valley – one of the best places in the world to see and photograph the elusive and mythical snow leopard. With experienced trackers and plenty of time in the field, we often enjoy excellent sightings, and sometimes even opportunities for truly outstanding photographic situations at relatively close range.
The tour is led by Arnfinn Johansen, an award-winning wildlife photographer whose snow leopard images have been published in the collection “Remembering Leopards”, featuring work from some of the world’s leading photographers.
As if the chance to photograph snow leopards were not enough, we will also have the opportunity to capture a spectacular landscape and other wildlife adapted to life at high altitude, including red fox, ibex, Tibetan wolf, and blue sheep.
Tour Highlights
- One of the best places in the world to photograph the snow leopard.
- An area where snow leopards are seen regularly, sometimes even at close range.
- A full six days dedicated to searching for snow leopards.
- The beautiful and spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas.
- In addition to the magical scenery, other photographic subjects include red fox, ibex, and the snow leopard’s favorite prey, blue sheep.
- A train journey on the Himalayan Queen, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Participation of Arnfinn Johansen throughout the entire tour.
- Personal photo guidance, tips, and advice from Arnfinn Johansen.
COUNTRY: India PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife LENGTH: 13 days DATES: 11-23/3 2028 GROUP SIZE: 8-10
REALM OF THE SNOW LEOPARD
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ARNFINN JOHANSEN
Photographing snow leopards has been my greatest dream for many years. Having the opportunity to do so regularly during the tour—and on a few occasions even at close range—was an unforgettable experience. After two trips with participants from Zoom, I can confidently say that we have captured many powerful images of snow leopards.
Arnfinn Johansen
With our binoculars and telephoto lenses, we scan a landscape in the Himalayas that is as beautiful as it is dramatic—but it’s not the landscape we are here for. Then suddenly, as if out of nowhere, it appears: the snow leopard, closer than we could ever have dreamed of. We fill our memory cards with images of “The Grey Ghost” as the magnificent cat stretches and settles down on the ridge in front of us.
Join us on a unique journey to India and the Spiti Valley – one of the best places in the world to see and photograph the elusive and mythical snow leopard. With experienced trackers and plenty of time in the field, we often enjoy excellent sightings, and sometimes even opportunities for truly outstanding photographic situations at relatively close range.
The tour is led by Arnfinn Johansen, an award-winning wildlife photographer whose snow leopard images have been published in the collection “Remembering Leopards”, featuring work from some of the world’s leading photographers.
As if the chance to photograph snow leopards were not enough, we will also have the opportunity to capture a spectacular landscape and other wildlife adapted to life at high altitude, including red fox, ibex, Himalyan wolf, and blue sheep.
Tour Highlights
- One of the best places in the world to photograph the snow leopard.
- An area where snow leopards are seen regularly, sometimes even at close range.
- A full six days dedicated to searching for snow leopards.
- The beautiful and spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas.
- In addition to the magical scenery, other photographic subjects include red fox, ibex, and the snow leopard’s favorite prey, blue sheep.
- A train journey on the Himalayan Queen, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Participation of Arnfinn Johansen throughout the entire tour.
- Personal photo guidance, tips, and advice from Arnfinn Johansen.
KIBBER
KIBBER
KIBBER
Kibber village is located in a high-altitude region in northeastern Himachal and has been designated as the second highest inhabited village in the world, at 4,205 meters above sea level. The village is known for its natural beauty and its monasteries. Many say that Kibber’s landscape resembles that of Tibet and Ladakh, with its stark and rugged grandeur. The famous Key Monastery, the largest in the valley, is located very close to the village, which also serves as a base for several high-altitude treks.
Adjacent to the village lies the 1,400 km² Kibber Sanctuary. This cold desert reserve is home to some of India’s most exotic high-altitude wildlife. The presence of prey species such as ibex and blue sheep, combined with snow-covered mountains and rocky terrain, makes Kibber an ideal habitat for one of India’s most iconic predators—the snow leopard. Perfectly adapted to survive in these extreme conditions, it is regularly sighted in the valley.
Read more about Kibber and the area we visit.
Kibber village is located in a high-altitude region in northeastern Himachal and has been designated as the second highest inhabited village in the world, at 4,205 meters above sea level. The village is known for its natural beauty and its monasteries. Many say that Kibber’s landscape resembles that of Tibet and Ladakh, with its stark and rugged grandeur. The famous Key Monastery, the largest in the valley, is located very close to the village, which also serves as a base for several high-altitude treks.
Adjacent to the village lies the 1,400 km² Kibber Sanctuary. This cold desert reserve is home to some of India’s most exotic high-altitude wildlife. The presence of prey species such as ibex and blue sheep, combined with snow-covered mountains and rocky terrain, makes Kibber an ideal habitat for one of India’s most iconic predators—the snow leopard. Perfectly adapted to survive in these extreme conditions, it is regularly sighted in the valley.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
11-23 MARCH 2028
DAY 1 (March 11) – ARRIVAL AND WELCOME DINNER
Arrival during the day at Delhi International Airport, where a transfer bus will take you to the first-class Hotel Pride Plaza Aerocity. Upon arrival at the hotel, there will be time to relax and recover after the long journey. In the evening, you will meet Arnfinn Johansen and a host from Zoom Photo Tours for a welcome dinner, where we get to know each other and listen to Arnfinn as he shares more about the photographic adventure that awaits us. (D)
DAY 2 (March 12) – DELHI – KUFRI
Today our journey towards higher altitudes begins. We leave the hotel early in the morning to board the modern and very comfortable Shatabdi Express to Kalka. Here, our luggage is loaded into vehicles that continue to the hotel. We will instead experience a UNESCO World Heritage journey by changing to the famous Himalayan Queen train, which is listed as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. The train slowly takes us up the mountain towards Shimla. To make this part of the journey comfortable and to allow you to photograph the beautiful landscapes along the way, we have reserved first-class seats. Upon arrival in Kufri, located just outside Shimla, we check in at the first-class Kufri Heritage Resort & Spa, situated at 2,200 meters above sea level. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 (March 13) – KUFRI – KALPA
Today we continue by jeep towards our final destination, Kibber. We overnight at Hotel Grand Shambha-La in Kalpa, located at 2,940 meters above sea level, allowing us to acclimatize to the higher altitude. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 (March 14) – KALPA – TABO – KAZA
After breakfast, we obtain the necessary permits to visit the areas where we have the best chances of photographing snow leopards. We then continue our journey to Kaza, situated at 3,650 meters above sea level, where we check in at Hotel Kora Spiti. As on previous days, we make stops along the way to photograph and enjoy the landscape, which becomes increasingly dramatic the further we travel. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 (March 15) – KAZA – KIBBER, SPITI VALLEY
After an early breakfast, we begin our adventurous journey to Kibber (4,270 m), our final destination (20 km / approx. 1.5 hours). As we are already within snow leopard territory and only about 20 km from Kibber, we may—depending on reports from our trackers—head directly for our first encounter with the snow leopard. The rest of the day will be shaped by whether we spot one or not; otherwise, we continue to our accommodation in Kibber. We check in at Norling Homestay, which will serve as our base for the next five days as we explore the area in search of the snow leopard, also known as “The Grey Ghost.” (B, L, D)
DAY 6–10 (March 16–20) – IN THE REALM OF THE SNOW LEOPARD
During these days, we explore the surroundings of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary together with Arnfinn and our experienced trackers in search of snow leopards. Kibber is the perfect place to look for this magnificent cat, which often descends into the valleys in search of prey. As with all wildlife, luck plays a role, but in recent years it has become increasingly common to see and photograph snow leopards at close range. On Arnfinn’s previous trip, he photographed snow leopards at distances between 40 and 300 meters.
In addition to the stunning landscape, other photographic subjects include red fox, ibex, Himalyan wolf, and the snow leopard’s favorite prey, blue sheep.
Arnfinn will be available throughout for personal guidance, tips, and advice to ensure you are well prepared when photographic opportunities arise. We will spend as much time as possible in the field to maximize our chances, and when we are not out, we will work on image editing and receive feedback on our photos. We are supported by local guides skilled in locating wildlife, as well as sherpas who assist in carrying your equipment. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 (March 21) – KIBBER – RAMPUR
After breakfast we leave the realm of the snow leopard and begin our journey back towards Delhi. In the evening, we arrive in Rampur, where we check in at the classic heritage hotel Nau Nabh. (B, L, D)
DAY 12 (March 22) – RAMPUR – DELHI
We continue by bus and then by train to Delhi, arriving in the evening. As we arrive late, dinner will be served on the train. Upon arrival in Delhi, a transfer will take us to Hotel Pride Plaza Aerocity, located close to the airport. (B, L, D)
DAY 13 (March 23) – DEPARTURE
Breakfast is served at the hotel, after which the day is free for your own activities until it is time to depart for Delhi International Airport for your onward journey.
Discover the full itinerary in the realm of the snow leopard
11-23 MARCH 2028
DAY 1 (March 11) – ARRIVAL AND WELCOME DINNER
Arrival during the day at Delhi International Airport, where a transfer bus will take you to the first-class Hotel Pride Plaza Aerocity. Upon arrival at the hotel, there will be time to relax and recover after the long journey. In the evening, you will meet Arnfinn Johansen and a host from Zoom Photo Tours for a welcome dinner, where we get to know each other and listen to Arnfinn as he shares more about the photographic adventure that awaits us. (D)
DAY 2 (March 12) – DELHI – KUFRI
Today our journey towards higher altitudes begins. We leave the hotel early in the morning to board the modern and very comfortable Shatabdi Express to Kalka. Here, our luggage is loaded into vehicles that continue to the hotel. We will instead experience a UNESCO World Heritage journey by changing to the famous Himalayan Queen train, which is listed as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. The train slowly takes us up the mountain towards Shimla. To make this part of the journey comfortable and to allow you to photograph the beautiful landscapes along the way, we have reserved first-class seats. Upon arrival in Kufri, located just outside Shimla, we check in at the first-class Kufri Heritage Resort & Spa, situated at 2,200 meters above sea level. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 (March 13) – KUFRI – KALPA
Today we continue by jeep towards our final destination, Kibber. We overnight at Hotel Grand Shambha-La in Kalpa, located at 2,940 meters above sea level, allowing us to acclimatize to the higher altitude. (B, L, D)
DAY 4 (March 14) – KALPA – TABO – KAZA
After breakfast, we obtain the necessary permits to visit the areas where we have the best chances of photographing snow leopards. We then continue our journey to Kaza, situated at 3,650 meters above sea level, where we check in at Hotel Kora Spirit. As on previous days, we make stops along the way to photograph and enjoy the landscape, which becomes increasingly dramatic the further we travel. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 (March 15) – KAZA – KIBBER, SPITI VALLEY
After an early breakfast, we begin our adventurous journey to Kibber (4,270 m), our final destination (20 km / approx. 1.5 hours). As we are already within snow leopard territory and only about 20 km from Kibber, we may—depending on reports from our trackers—head directly for our first encounter with the snow leopard. The rest of the day will be shaped by whether we spot one or not; otherwise, we continue to our accommodation in Kibber. We check in at Norling Homestay, which will serve as our base for the next five days as we explore the area in search of the snow leopard, also known as “The Grey Ghost.” (B, L, D
DAY 6–10 (March 16–20) – IN THE REALM OF THE SNOW LEOPARD
During these days, we explore the surroundings of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary together with Arnfinn and our experienced trackers in search of snow leopards. Kibber is the perfect place to look for this magnificent cat, which often descends into the valleys in search of prey. As with all wildlife, luck plays a role, but in recent years it has become increasingly common to see and photograph snow leopards at close range. On Arnfinn’s previous trip, he photographed snow leopards at distances between 40 and 300 meters.
In addition to the stunning landscape, other photographic subjects include yak, ibex, Tibetan wolf, and the snow leopard’s favorite prey, blue sheep.
Arnfinn will be available throughout for personal guidance, tips, and advice to ensure you are well prepared when photographic opportunities arise. We will spend as much time as possible in the field to maximize our chances, and when we are not out, we will work on image editing and receive feedback on our photos. We are supported by local guides skilled in locating wildlife, as well as sherpas who assist in carrying your equipment. (B, L, D)
DAY 11 (March 21) – KIBBER – RAMPUR
After breakfast we leave the realm of the snow leopard and begin our journey back towards Delhi. In the evening, we arrive in Rampur, where we check in at the classic heritage hotel Nau Nabh. (B, L, D)
DAY 12 (March 22) – RAMPUR – DELHI
We continue by bus and then by train to Delhi, arriving in the evening. As we arrive late, dinner will be served on the train. Upon arrival in Delhi, a transfer will take us to Hotel Pride Plaza Aerocity, located close to the airport. (B, L, D)
DAY 13 (March 23) – DEPARTURE
Breakfast is served at the hotel, after which the day is free for your own activities until it is time to depart for Delhi International Airport for your onward journey.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
ARNFINN JOHANSEN • Wildlife photographer
Arnfinn Johansen is a professional nature photographer based in Lillehammer, Norway, and a member of Norske Naturfotografer (NN), an exclusive association of nature photographers committed to conservation and maintaining high ethical standards. Arnfinn is also the founder of Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp, a specialized photographic safari camp in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Arnfinn has primarily focused his photography on the Nordic region, including Svalbard, as well as Europe, North and South America, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. Through his images, he aims to convey the magic of nature, evoke atmosphere, and let the photographs speak for themselves. Some of his strongest work portrays animals and birds in their natural environment, often in clean compositions that also give space to the surrounding landscape.
Discover more about Arnfinn Johansen.
Arnfinn Johansen is a professional nature photographer based in Lillehammer, Norway, and a member of Norske Naturfotografer (NN), an exclusive association of nature photographers committed to conservation and maintaining high ethical standards. Arnfinn is also the founder of Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp, a specialized photographic safari camp in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Arnfinn has primarily focused his photography on the Nordic region, including Svalbard, as well as Europe, North and South America, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. Through his images, he aims to convey the magic of nature, evoke atmosphere, and let the photographs speak for themselves. Some of his strongest work portrays animals and birds in their natural environment, often in clean compositions that also give space to the surrounding landscape.
ACCOMODATION
ACCOMODATION
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKINGS
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKINGS
PRICE
Ca. price per person: USD 6 900*
* The price is based on 2027 rates. The exact price for 2028 will be provided in spring 2027.
Price includes:
- Transport by bus/jeep according to the itinerary.
- Train tickets to and from Delhi in Executive Class.
- First-class train ticket on the Himalayan Queen.
- Accommodation according to the itinerary.
- Access to heating blankets at Norling Homestay.
- Meals according to the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- National park permits.
- Participation of photographer Arnfinn Johansen throughout the entire tour.
- Image editing sessions and photo critique with Arnfinn Johansen.
- Services of local guides and drivers according to the itinerary.
- Local sherpas to assist with carrying equipment.
- Hotel and other local taxes and fees.
- Travel documents and practical travel information
Price do not include:
- Flights to/from Delhi.
- Single room supplement: USD 1 800 (limited availability).
- Visa for India.
- Tips: USD 15 per person per day for the individual porter in Kibber.
- Tips: USD 15 per person per day for the local guide accompanying the group from Delhi to Delhi.
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, etc.
- Cancellation protection and travel insurance. See “Good to Know.”
FLIGHTS
You may arrive at any time during the day on March 11. The program begins with dinner in the evening. Departure can be scheduled at any time on March 23.
If you would like assistance with booking flights to Delhi, we are happy to help. Likewise, if you wish to arrive a day or two earlier, we can assist with arranging additional hotel nights.
FACTS
Target group: Photographers interested in developing their skills in wildlife and nature photography.
Minimum/maximum number of participants: 8/10
Language: Norwegian/Swedish, English
Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, terms and conditions, etc., please see our website under “Other.”
NORLING HOMESTAY IN KIBBER
Norling Homestay, where we will stay during our days in Kibber, is the best accommodation in the village. Despite this, the lodging is simple, with shared toilets located in the corridor. As we are at an altitude of over 4,000 meters and temperatures are low, the pipes may occasionally freeze, so warm water is provided for the toilets as well.
During the stay, electric blankets and sleeping bags will be provided. Even so, the rooms can still be cold.
CAMERAEQUPIMENT
- DSLR or mirrorless camera.
- A short zoom lens, e.g. 24–70 mm.
- Long telephoto lenses (400/500/600/800 mm).
- A 2× teleconverter.
- A tripod.
- Several extra batteries due to the cold conditions.
- A laptop with Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
BOOKING
Book this tour by clicking below, calling us at +46 70 180 90 99, or sending us an email. info@zoomphototours.com
Foto: Arnfinn Johansen
NYHETSBREV
Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.
KONTAKTA OSS
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46 (0)70 180 90 99
Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!
NYHETSBREV
Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.
KONTAKTA OSS
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46 (0)70 180 90 99
Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!
Foto: Hans Strand