‘Ghost of the mountains' spotted in Spiti: Tourists capture rare snow leopard on camera in thrilling encounter

Time of India

07-05-2025

While road-tripping through Himachal's Spiti Valley, a group of stunned tourists captured a rare sight—an elusive snow leopard calmly walking alongside their car. The majestic creature, often called the 'ghost of the mountains,' appeared unbothered, offering a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the wild. The video has since gone viral, evoking awe and concern from nature lovers online.
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Nature's Rarity Caught on Camera
Why This Sighting Is So Special
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A Viral Moment, A Gentle Warning
Netizens React: A Mix of Awe and Concern
A Memory for a Lifetime
In an astonishing twist of fate, a group of tourists driving through the breathtaking yet desolate landscapes of Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley stumbled upon a sight most people only dream of—an elusive snow leopard calmly walking along the road. The encounter, which took place on May 5, 2025, between 6 and 7 PM, was recorded in a video that has now gone viral on social media, leaving viewers stunned by the serene grace of the big cat.Driving from Kaza to Nako, the group was somewhere near Tabo when the rare predator emerged from the rocky terrain, almost as if materializing out of thin air. Cloaked in a coat of white and grey that mirrored its surroundings, the snow leopard—often dubbed the ghost of the mountains —padded along the roadside, seemingly unfazed by the trailing car.The clip, shared online by traveller Jatin Gupta, shows the leopard walking steadily ahead while the tourists whisper in awe, their voices a mix of wonder and caution. 'Wo bhaag rahi hai hamse,' one person is heard saying, referring to the cat's gentle attempt to distance itself. Another warns, 'Sheesha tod sakti hai,' advising not to get too close to avoid provoking the animal.Despite the proximity, the snow leopard barely acknowledges the vehicle behind it, pausing only briefly before continuing its solitary march through the barren high-altitude landscape. Gupta's caption summed up the group's collective wonder: 'We witnessed something unforgettable… These rare creatures are hardly ever seen, especially in May. Truly a magical moment of our journey.'Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are among the most elusive big cats in the world. Native to the alpine and subalpine zones of Central and South Asia, including India's Himalayan regions, they are typically found at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500 meters. Their population is estimated at fewer than 10,000 mature individuals worldwide, and in India, recent counts under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Programme found only 718 across the country—with just 51 in Himachal Pradesh.These magnificent animals are often referred to as "ghosts" for a reason. Even seasoned wildlife photographers spend months in harsh terrain waiting for a glimpse. For a group of casual travellers to witness one out in the open—and on a road—is an extraordinary stroke of luck.As the video circulated online, it sparked a wave of admiration. One user commented, 'You guys are damn lucky! To witness the ghost of the mountains like this—on the road—is unreal.' Others, however, raised valid concerns. Sharing exact locations of such sightings, they warned, could unintentionally aid poachers.The snow leopard remains a vulnerable species, with its existence threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human interference. Conservationists urge caution while sharing such videos, encouraging responsible tourism that respects the fragile balance of nature.As the video gained traction online, netizens flooded the comments with admiration and astonishment. Many hailed it as the "rarest experience," calling the sighting a "once-in-a-lifetime" moment and praising the tourists' luck. 'Ghost of the mountains,' wrote one user, echoing the awe surrounding the snow leopard's mythical status. Another pointed out the rarity of such encounters, noting how even seasoned wildlife photographers spend months waiting for a glimpse.Some, however, raised thoughtful concerns about the leopard's behaviour—its calm demeanour and presence at lower altitudes sparking speculation about its health or age. Nonetheless, the collective sentiment was clear: this was a magical, unforgettable brush with the wild.For those lucky tourists in Spiti, the brief encounter was more than just a story for the road. It was a once-in-a-lifetime brush with wild majesty—a reminder that sometimes, nature reveals its wonders not with a roar, but with a quiet, powerful grace. In a world constantly racing forward, the snow leopard asks us to pause, look, and marvel.Because sometimes, magic walks right past you on the road.