Ladakh - Birds & Mammals of the Tibetan Plateau

Ladakh is a dry and arid mountain kingdom, dominated by magnificent gorges, cliffs, plateaux and rugged snow-capped peaks. On this unique 15- day tour of Ladakh during high summer, we will be accessing its highest and most remote regions in search of many of the special birds and mammals of the Tibetan plateau. Beginning in Leh, after a spectacular trans-Himalayan flight from Delhi, we will explore stunning high-altitude and mountain landscapes in a region that lies in the rain shadow beyond the Himalaya, right on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. During the three days in Leh, we will acclimatise, and enjoy the cultural and ornithological highlights (amongst them Ibisbills, Citrine Wagtails, Mountain Chiffchaffs, Tickell’s and Sulphur-bellied Warblers, Wallcreepers and Red-fronted Serins) of the Indus Valley. From Leh, we will visit Hemis National Park, the largest protected area in India and home to such elusive mammals as Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu and Tibetan Wolf.

After acclimatising to the high altitude whilst based in Leh, we will drive to the Nubra Valley, reached via the world’s highest motorable pass, the Khardung La. This fertile valley of sand dunes, rivers and orchards lies between the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges, and is home to Bactrian Camels, Himalayan Marmots, Eurasian Magpie, Ibisbill and occasional sightings of Lammergeier and Golden Eagle. Cultural highlights include ancient monasteries and the unique blend of Tibetan and Central Asian influences.

From Nubra, we head to Pangong Lake, famed for its striking blue waters that stretch across the Indo–China border. The lake supports Brown-headed Gulls, Bar-headed Geese and Ruddy Shelducks, and the surrounding hills may yield sightings of Tibetan Partridge and Ground-tit. The scenery here is among the most photographed in Ladakh.

From our base in Tsokar, we will spend a day exploring the areas around Puga and Sumdo. The former is known for hot sulphur springs, meadows, marshes and high rocky slopes which host breeding Black-necked Cranes, Ibisbill, Tibetan Partridge, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Great Rosefinch, Robin and Brown Accentors. Mammals include Long-tailed Marmot, Woolly Hare, Ladakh Pika, Red Fox and Mountain Weasel. Sumdo, meanwhile, offers Himalayan Snowcock, Lammergeier and White-tailed Rubythroat.

Finally, we drive to Hanle, a remote high-altitude valley renowned for its clear skies, making it one of the best locations in India for night photography of stars and landscapes. Hanle’s marshes and open country are home to Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Wild Ass and Tibetan Gazelle, together with such birds as Tibetan Sandgrouse, Golden Eagle and Black-necked Crane. This pristine wilderness offers the perfect finale to our Ladakh exploration before returning to Leh.