Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, now the Leh District in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is a region of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that lies between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. Ladakh with the area of 95,000 square kilometers has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with 2 inhabitants per square kilometer. An old Ladakhi saying: The passes are so high and land so barren; only a dear friend or a serious enemy will reach here.
This land has for the longest time, has been known for its beauty. One can opt for various routes and means to explore Leh- Ladakh. The best way to explore this terrain is by driving through Manali to Leh. Manali to Leh – Once restricted route, is now one of the most exciting drive which takes you across high Himalayan passes. This gives one the perfect chance to witness the mountains, culture, forests and adventure of the region. Those who want to reach leh directly can fly from Delhi, only to land in Leh and start exploring. Once at Leh, one can understand the culture by visiting monasteries and monks. For photographers, the brilliant landscapes give the perfect photographic opportunities.
Accessibility by Train: New Delhi
Accessibility by Air: Leh
Day 1: 1/8/24:
Delhi- Leh
Land in Leh. Proceed to Homestay. Lunch.
Late afternoon step out to explore Leh Bazaar. Visit Tibetan Markets, try local food.
Back to Homestay for dinner.
Day 2: 2/8/24:
Leh- Hemis National Park
Acclimatization Day with local wildlife.
Visit Indus river and Rumbak in Hemis National Park. We spot wildlife in these areas.
Target Species: Blue Sheep, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Chukar, Golden Eagle, Robin Accentor, Wolly Hare, etc.
Lunch at Rumbak.
Back to Leh Homestay for dinner.
Day 3: 3/8/24:
Leh- Tsokar
Post breakfast drive to Tsokar. Enroute spot wildlife.
Pitch a camp or check in at a guest house.
Step out again to spot wildlife around the lake.
Drive back to homestay for dinner or overnight at Salt lake side.
Day 4: 4/8/24:
Tsokar
Spend the whole day around the Tsokar lake for wildlife viewing and capturing some of the most exciting pictures of wildlife.
Evening visit the Sumur Swamps and Sand Dunes.
Overnight at Camp/Guesthouse/Homestay.
Target Species: Tibetan Argali, Upland Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Black-necked Crane, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Bar-headed Goose, Common Merganser, Red Crested Pochard, Common Kestrel, Little Owl, etc. Tibetan Wild Ass, Tibetan Wolf and Red Fox are also can also be seen.
Day 5: 5/8/24:
Tsokar-Hanle
Today we drive from Tsokar to Hanle. Spot wildlife enroute.
Overnight in Homestay.
Target Species: Red Fox, Ibex, Blue Sheep, Black-necked Crane, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Marmot, etc.
Day 6: 6/8/24:
Hanle
Full day exploration of Hanle.
Back to homestay for dinner.
Target Species: Pallas Cat, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Gazelle, Desert Wheatear, Horned Lark, Common Merganser, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Ladakh Pika, Red Fox, Sand Fox, etc.
Day 7: 7/8/24:
Hanle- Leh
Drive back to Leh.
Enroute spot wildlife.
Dinner at Homestay.
Day 8: 8/8/24:
Leh- Tsokar Lake
Drop to airport.
Fly Leh -New Delhi.
