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, 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.
We eventually start our expedition to explore the rare and elusive wildlife of Ladakh. This journey takes us through various landscapes and habitats. From rocky mountains to frozen glaciers, to hot water springs, to highland plateaus and lakes. During this each habitat presents it’s unique wildlife. Our participants in the past have spotted species like Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Wild Ass, “Nyan” or “Tibetan Argali”,(Ovis ammon); Himalayan blue sheep, called “Bharal” or “Napo”, (Pseudois nayaur); Uriel, locally called “Shapo” (Ovis orientalis), Asiatic ibex Skin(Capra sibirica), and among the predators are Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Lynx, Pallas Cat, and many others. For bird watchers, it’s a dream destination. Besides Golden Eagle, Lammergeier vulture and the Himalayan Griffon vulture, the park is home to Brown Accentor, Robin Accentor, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Streaked Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, Chukar, Fork-tailed Swift, Red billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, and the Fire-fronted Serin. Pollution free environment and noise free surroundings make birding a joyful experience.
This tour is particularly tailored to capture Ladakh in winters and maximize wildlife sighting changes.
Closest Airport: Leh
Day: 1: 27/1/22:
Leh
Arrival at Leh airport and transferred to the Homestay. Full day to rest.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 2: 28/1/22:
Leh-Changla Pass
After breakfast drive to Stakti valley, near Changla Pass. This is great chance to see wild animals. Back to Leh.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 3: 29/1/22:
Leh-Ulley
Today start very early in the morning to try and spot the Snow Leopard at Ulley Valley.
Back to Leh for dinner. Overnight at Homestay.
Day 4: 30/1/22:
Leh-Hanle
Leh to Hanle [Full day drive]. Enroute stop to photograph wildlife and landscape.
Overnight at Guest House.
Day 5: 31/1/22:
Hanle
Hanle full day excursion to spot wildlife to look for species like red fox, and wolf or other animals.
Overnight at Guest House.
Day 6: 1/2/22:
Hanle
Hanley to Kalak Tartar to see Tibetan Gazal.
Overnight at Guest House.
Day 7: 2/2/22:
Hanley-Chumathang
Hanley to Chumathang via Frozen Yaya Tso. This drive has the chance to see some pica, ducks or red fox, beared vulture.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 8: 3/2/22:
Chumathung-Tsommoriri
Chumathang to Frozen Tsommoriri lake and drive back and stay at Chumathang.
On the way back near Polokunga la we have the chance to see Tibetan Snowcock and meet nomadic tribes to see their way of life style.
Also visit the Puga hot spring and possible to see ice pillar drive to Chumathang hot spring.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 9: 4/2/22:
Chumathung-Tsokar
Chumathang to Tsokar frozen lake full day trip.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 10: 5/2/22:
Chumathang-Leh
Chumathang to Leh.
Overnight at Homestay.
Day 11: 6/2/22:
Leh- Delhi:
Transfer to Leh Airport. Tour ends
Notes:
– Please note that we will make every effort to adhere to this itinerary but dates, times, activities and park rules are subject to change depending on scheduling & availability.
– In case of any revision in the park entry fee between now and the date of travel, the same would be Applicable.
– Driving time are indicative.
– Due to weather conditions the flights from Leh to Delhi are often cancelled, hence it is advisable to keep an extra day at Leh or Delhi before your International Flight, cost for this would have to be borne by the client directly.
– While this is the suggested itinerary, we reserve the right to make changes to maximize your chances of wildlife sightings.
– Flight indicated in the itinerary are as per the current schedule and are subject to change. In case there is any change in flight or train schedule between now and date of travel and calls for revising the itinerary we reserve the right to do so.
– In case of any revision in government tax structure or fuel price between now and time of travel the same will be debited to you. However, we will absorb the difference up to 3%.
– In case of any revision in airfare and hotel rates between now and time of travel the same will be revised.
