Tour Code : LC-BNC-1213
Delhi – Leh – Rumbak Valley – Puga – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Leh – Delhi
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Best Season May – Mid September
Grade Moderate
Synopsis
Considering being a stunningly barren cold desert, one would not expect Ladakh to be a birdwatching hotspot. However, the diversity of avian wildlife here will surprise and delight any dedicated birdwatcher.
Despite having a harsh climate, more than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the Ladakh region, many being water birds that breed in Ladakh’s high-altitude lakes.
From birds of prey to waterfowl to flycatchers and warblers, the variety of bird life in Ladakh make birdwatching here an exceptional experience.
The Black-necked Crane is a graceful species that is the star attraction for birdwatchers in Ladakh. Not only is it revered in Buddhist traditions, but it is also the state bird of Jammu and Kashmir.
This tour is specially designed to give you the best opportunities to watch this magnificent bird, as well as enjoy the other avian beauties that Ladakh has to offer.
This tour is meant for birders who are in good physical health and can walk in high altitude area. The treks and walks are moderate in nature. The bird species are special trans-Himalayan species while a lot of them are Palearctic.
Itinerary
Day 01: Delhi – Leh
Arrive at Leh airport by morning flight from Delhi. This flight is one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Allow yourself a little time to settle in and acclimatize since you have gone from a relatively low elevation in New Delhi to over 11,000 feet! During the afternoon, you can walk through the old town, beneath the Leh Palace, to explore this fascinating city. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Surrounding area of Leh
This morning we will bird along the Shey marshes. One can expect Common Rosefinch, Hume’s Whitethroat, Blue Rock Thrush, Eurasian Hobby, Eurasian Coot, Booted Eagle, Bluethroat, Common Tern, Hume’s Short-toed Lark, Plain Mountain Finch, Rock Bunting, Citrine and Grey Wagtails etc. Afternoon visit to Trisul lake for Red-crested Pochard, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Teal, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Garganey etc. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03: Surrounding area of Leh
Today morning we will bird at Thiksey. One can expect to see Indian Golden Oriole, Long-tailed Shrike, Blue Whistling Thrush, Common Cuckoo, Common Rosefinch, Hill Pigeon etc. Afternoon visit to Hemis area after Stok Palace for Tibetan Snowfinch, Eurasian Crag Martin, Northern House Martin, Bearded Vulture, White Wagtail, Red-fronted Serin, Plain Mountain Finch, Blue Sheep etc. Hotel Snow View or similar.
Day 04: Excursion to Khardung La
Today morning we will bird at Khardung La. We will be reaching a height of 18500 feet, the highest motorable pass in the world. One can expect Eurasian Wren, Brown Dipper, Robin & Alpine Accentors, Himalayan Snowcock, Brandt’s Mountain Finch, Great Rosefinch, White-winged Redstart, Alpine Chough etc. Mammals seen will be Himalayan Marmot, Mouse Hare, Woolly Hare, and Blue Sheep. Afternoon free at the hotel. Hotel Snow View or similar.
Day 05: Leh – Rumbak Valley
Drive to Chinjan in the morning. Trek to Rumbak for birding. Full day birding in Rumbak Valley. One can expect Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Tibetan Snowfinch, Chukar Partridge, Red-fronted Serin, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, White-throated Dipper etc. Overnight stay in fully serviced tented camp or in a home stay (promoted by Snow Leopard Conservancy).
Day 06 – 07: Rumbak
Full day birding around Rumbak. One can see Brown & Robin Accentors, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Streaked Rosefinch, Tibetan Snowfinch, Chukar Partridge, Common & Salim Ali’s Swifts, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Red-fronted Serin, Twite etc. One can also expect to see Blue Sheep, Red Fox and the elusive Snow Leopard. Overnight stay in fully serviced tented camp or in a home stay (promoted by Snow Leopard Conservancy).
Day 08: Rumbak Valley – Leh
Morning birding in Rumbak Valley. Trek to Chinjan. Check the forest patch at Chinjan for unusual species such as Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Grey Bush Chat etc. Travel to Leh for overnight stay in Hotel Snow View or similar.
Day 09: Leh – Puga
We will spend the day travelling to Puga stopping en route for birding at Chumathang. One can expect to see Golden Eagle, Common Merganser, Ibisbill, Horned Lark etc. Check the stream at Puga emerging out of sulphur spring for Black-necked Crane, Brown-headed Gull, Ruddy Shelduck etc. Overnight stay in fully serviced tented camp.
Day 10: Tso Moriri and Lake Tadsang Karu
Morning excursion to the lakes for Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, Ruff, Lesser Sand Plover, White-winged Tern, Long-legged Buzzard etc. Black-necked Crane is big a possibility too. Spend the evening near the camp checking the stream, rock faces and bushes for Eurasian Eagle-Owl, White-winged Redstart, Robin Accentor, Asian House Martin, White-throated Dipper, Bearded Vulture etc. Overnight stay in fully serviced tented camp at Puga.
Day 11: Puga – Tso Kar
Travel to the lake in the morning across Polo Kongka Pass. One can see large flocks of Brandt’s Mountain Finch. As you enter the lake area, you may see Black-necked Crane, Common Redshank, lots of other waders and waterfowl. Tibetan Wild Ass, Marmot, and Stoliczka’s Mountain Vole are mammal species that are seen commonly. Explore the area for Little Owl, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Plain-backed Snowfinch etc. Horned Lark, Hume’s Short-toed Lark and Tibetan Snowfinch are some of the common birds here. Afternoon visit to fresh water lake for Pied Avocet, breeding colony of Great Crested Grebe, Ruddy Shelduck etc. Black-necked Crane is a possibility too. Overnight stay in fully serviced tented camp.
Day 12: Tso Kar – Leh
After morning birding at Tso Kar, travel to Leh via Tanglang Pass stopping en route for birding. Arrive Leh in the afternoon. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel Snow View or similar.
Day 13: Leh – Delhi
Fly to New Delhi in the morning. Arrival in Delhi before noon. Tour Ends.
Please let us know the number of people travelling on this tour and we will send you the total cost. We also specialize in customizing the tour. Should you need any changes we would be happy to modify the itinerary.
The tour may include arrangements such as accommodation, travel, meals, permit, guides, activities etc. or services as required by the client.