Ladakh Birding & Wildlife Winter Tour 9Nights/10Days
Ladakh Birding & Wildlife Winter Tour 9Nights/10Days
No. of days
9
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
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Overview
In the remote northern reaches of India lies Ladakh, with its breathtaking high-altitude landscapes and unique ecosystem, is a dream destination for many wildlife photographers. This remote region, lying along the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, is home to many rare, exotic, and endangered species uniquely adapted to survive the cold and harsh climate of the trans-Himalayas.
Known as India’s best place to observe the magnificent Black-necked Crane, Ladakh boasts around 310 bird species, with many migrating through or breeding here in spring and autumn. The region also shelters remarkable mammals including the elusive Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Marmot, Pallas Cat, Argali (blue sheep), Red Fox, Woolly Hare, and Himalayan Wolf, among others.
This specially crafted itinerary offers an immersive experience combining incredible birding with unique wildlife sightings. Traverse some of the world’s highest motorable mountain passes, explore pristine wetlands, alpine valleys, and rugged high-altitude deserts, all while spotting iconic birds such as the Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Himalayan Snowcock, and mammals like Tibetan Gazelle and Stolizka’s Mountain Vole.
Beyond wildlife, Ladakh is a haven for landscape photographers and stargazers alike, boasting India’s clearest night skies—perfect for experiencing the beauty of the Milky Way and beyond. The tour also immerses you in the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism, with visits to ancient monasteries and indulging in authentic local Ladakhi cuisine, enriching the experience with the region’s rich flavors. The tour also includes a visit to the vibrant Leh market, where the lively atmosphere, traditional crafts, and friendly locals offer a delightful cultural immersion, making this journey truly memorable. Guided by expert naturalists, this tour ensures a rich and rewarding engagement with Ladakh’s wildlife, making it a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Trip Highlights
- Explore some of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world.
- Spot high-altitude Himalayan birds including Chukar Partridge, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Tibetan Snowcock, Great Rosefinches, and many more.
- Photograph high-altitude mammals such as Pallas’s Cat, Argali, Tibetan Wild Ass , Red Fox, and Himalayan Wolf.
- Visit iconic sites including Leh, Nubra Valley, Changla Pass, Merak Village, Pangong Tso, Tso Kar, and Hanle.
- Experience Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage with visits to ancient monasteries like Thiksey and Shey.
- Enjoy breathtaking Himalayan mountain scenery through majestic passes including Khardung La and Tanglang La and crystal clear night skies.
- Enjoy authentic Ladakhi cuisine throughout your journey.
- Visit the vibrant Leh market to experience local culture and shop for unique handicrafts.
- Personalized guiding focused on both birding and wildlife tracking.
- The trip is suitable for birders of all ages with moderate walks
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Leh & Acclimatization
Arrive at Leh by morning flight from Delhi. Rest and acclimatize at homestay.
In the evening we will explore the Leh Market.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 2 – Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, & Indus River Birding
Visit Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery for a cultural introduction to Ladakh. In the afternoon, we will bird along the Sindhu River and Shey Marshes target species like Ibisbill, Blue-throat, Water Pipit, Streaked Rosefinch, Mountain Chiffchaff, Common Rosefinch and Rosy Pipit.
Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 3 – Tangyar & Warila Pass Birding
Early in the morning, we’ll drive to Tangyar via Warila Pass. Our birding will begin at Warila, where we will focus on spotting species such as the Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Himalayan Snowcock, and Himalayan Vulture. After breakfast, we’ll continue towards Tangyar, observing birds like the White-throated Dipper and Tickell’s Leaf Warbler along the way.
In the evening targeting the White-browed Tit Warbler and eurasian eagleowl.
Overnight in Tangyar.
Day 4 – Changla Pass & Merak Village
Drive early to bird at Changla Pass for Tibetan Snowcock, Himalayan Snowcock, Robin Accentor, and Red-fronted Rosefinch and higher-altitude Tibetan plateau Finches like Plain Mountain Finch, Black-headed Mountain Finch and Güldenstädt’s redstart.
Arriving in Merak Village in the afternoon, we will enjoy lunch and some rest before heading out to bird near the rich habitats around Pangong Lake. This area is known for its abundant migratory birds and mammals. Our target species for the session include the Great Rosefinch, Hume’s Lark, Tibetan Partridge, and Chinese Rubythroat.
Overnight at Merak Village.
Day 5 – Chusul Birding & Hanle
We will head to Chusul in morning birding looking for Tibetan Sandgrouse and Tibetan Sandplover in Chusul wetland, then travel to Hanle via Tsaga-la Pass. En route, we will keep looking for mammals.
Evening birding near Hanle aims for Mongolian Finch, Tibetan Fox and Red Fox.
Overnight at Hanle.
Day 6 – Hanle Birding and Wildlife Search
Begin early to survey for Tibetan Gazelle and other mammals near Umingla Pass. Afternoon birding includes Black-necked Crane, Eurasian Eagle-owl, Mongolian Finch, Golden Eagle.
Overnight at Hanle.
Day 7 – Hanle to Tso Kar via Palla’s Cat Spotting
Drive via Palla’s Cat territory, keeping a lookout for this elusive feline. Arrival at Tso Kar for birding, with opportunities to see Blanford’s Finch, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Ground Tit, Bar-headed Goose, and other waterbirds.
Overnight at Tso Kar.
Day 8 – Full Day at Tso Kar Wetlands
Explore the wetlands and nearby areas spotting Crested Grebe, Avocet, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged Snowfinch, Horned Lark, Little Owl and mammals like Tibetan Wild Ass and Stolizka’s Mountain Vole.
Camp overnight.
Day 9 – Return to Leh via Tanglang La Pass
Drive back to Leh stopping for birds such as Tibetan Snowcock, White-winged Redstart, Black Redstart and Brown Accentor below Tanglang La.
Overnight homestay in Choglamsar.
Day 10 – Departure from Leh
After an early breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for your flight back to Delhi. Reflect on an incredible journey through one of the world’s most remarkable birding and wildlife destinations.
No. of days
8
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
Overview
This tour takes you through two of North India’s premier birding destinations—Sattal and Chopta—offering an extraordinary Himalayan birdwatching and wildlife experience in the Western Himalayas.
Surrounded by seven serene lakes and lush oak-pine forests at 1,370 meters, Sattal is a rich habitat home to over 500 resident and migratory bird species. Including the diverse avian population of owls, laughing thrushes, woodpeckers, and colorful finches. Birding here includes a blend of hide sessions, forest trails, and peaceful riverside walks.
Rising to an altitude of 2,680 meters, Chopta is located within the renowned Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It is surrounded by dense forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron, and offers stunning panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. The varied habitats of Chopta range from mid-altitude forested slopes to alpine meadows, supporting over 240 bird species. Recognized as an Important Bird Area by BNHS and BirdLife International.
Chopta is especially famous as the best place in India to spot the iconic Himalayan Monal, particularly in winter when the bird is more easily seen against the pristine snowy backdrop—making it a true dream destination for wildlife photographers. The snow-covered landscape also attracts a variety of spectacular winter birds including finches, Snow Partridge, Collared Grosbeaks, Red-fronted Rosefinch, and Altai Accentor. Aside from birds, the region is home to notable mammals such as the Himalayan Tahr and Musk Deer, adding to the richness of this Himalaya birding tour.
Alongside vibrant birdlife, you’ll also experience breathtaking snow-capped mountain views, authentic village culture, and tranquil forest trails, leaving you with lasting impressions of the Himalayan wildlife.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the North India’s Top Two birdwatching hotspots in Uttarakhand.
- The birding Trip is a mix of bird hides and forest trails, giving you varied experiences.
- Encounter Himalayan species – like the Tawny-fish owl, Himalayan Monal, Bearded Vulture, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Scarlet Finch and many more.
- Witness and Photograph some of the rare and endemic pheasants of this region, including Kalij, Koklass, and the endangered Cheer Pheasant.
- Be guided by a local expert Bird Guide who knows the best birding spots and attempt their best to tick off your all targeted species.
- Witness Breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and Majestic Peaks throughout the trip.
- Explore the hill town of Nainital, known for its scenic lakes, vibrant culture, and bustling local markets.
- This tour is designed with flexibility, to extend or shorten the duration. Share your target species with us, and we’ll design the plan around your interests.
- The trip is suitable for birders of all ages with moderate walks and optional trekking at Tungnath.
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Sattal & Garud Taal Region Birding
We will start our journey with an afternoon arrival at Sattal, settling in before heading out to explore the Garud Taal region and forest trails. These areas are prime for spotting Himalayan residents and winter migrants such as Black Francolin, Common Green Magpie, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Russet Sparrow, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Greater and Lesser Yellownape Woodpecker, Common Rosefinch, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava.
Overnight at Sattal.
Day 2 – Bird Hide Session & Sattal Bend Trail, Evening at Chanfi
We will start the morning with a bird hide session and a walk on the Sattal Bend Trail, chances of spotting Rufous-throated Partridge, Gray-winged Blackbird, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Red Junglefowl, Small Nitava, White-throated Laughingthrush, Speckled Piculet, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Red-billed Leiothrix, Hume’s Warbler, Plum-headed and Himalayan Parakeets and many more.
In the evening, explore Chanfi—where streams and riverside thickets are great for owls and forktails such as Asian Barred Owlet, Brown Fish Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Crested Kingfisher, Slaty-backed Forktail, Brown Dipper, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, plus small tits and migrating warblers.
Overnight at Sattal.
Day 3 – Shyamkhet & Ramgarh Birding, Drive to Chopta
We will start the day birding in Shyamkhet, a quiet village rich in fruiting trees and songbirds like European Goldfinch, Maroon Oriole, Gray-winged Bluebird, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Green-tailed Sunbird, Scaly Thrush, White-tailed Nuthatch, Black Eagle, and Gray-headed Woodpecker, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Gray Treepie and many more.
After the morning session, we drive towards Chopta, reaching Mandal village in the evening.
Overnight at Mandal (Chopta region).
Day 4 – Mandal Village Birding (Morning & Evening)
We will start birding in Mandal village and nearby valleys, where dense forest, bushes and streambanks attract high-altitude species. Our Targets will be Speckled Wood Pigeon, Scarlet Finch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Spot-winged Rosefinch, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Rock Bunting, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Golden Bush Robin, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Little Forktail, and Speckled Piculet.
Overnight at Mandal.
Day 5 – Chopta Birding & Walk to Monal Point
We will start birding around Chopta’s alpine meadows, forest trails, and high ridges, home to sought-after Himalayan birds. Our primary target is the vibrant Himalayan Monal. Also keep a lookout for Koklass Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Red-fronted Serin, Red-headed Bullfinch, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Altai Accentor, Green-tailed Sunbird.
After lunch in Chopta, enjoy an afternoon walk toward Monal Point, offering good chances to see finches, bullfinches, winter wrens and Collared Owlet.
Overnight at Mandal.
Day 6 – Tungnath Trail Birding
We will start the morning birding on the renowned Tungnath Temple Trek, which rises toward the temple at over 3,600m and is surrounded by alpine slopes and rocky meadows. Highlights here include Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Snow Partridge, Collared Grosbeak, Brown Bullfinch, Bearded Vulture, Black-throated Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Himalayan Buzzard, Pink-browed & Dark-breasted Rosefinches , Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, and Fire-tailed Sunbird.
Enjoy lunch on the trail and, as evening descends, bird while returning down the path for Himalayan Griffon, Plain Mountain Finch, Red-billed and Yellow-billed choughs, and buntings.
Overnight at Chopta.
Day 7 – Return to Sattal via Ukhimath
We will start the day birding along the road to Ukhimath, searching out specialties like Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and Wallcreeper before heading back to Sattal by evening.
Overnight at Sattal.
Day 8 – Sattal & Nainital Birding, Departure
We will start our last morning session with birding in Sattal and a short visit to forest patches around Nainital for winter visitors such as Vinaceous Rosefinch, Rufous- breasted Accentor, Chestnut Thrush, Black-throated Thrush, and other seasonal specialties. (Schedule for this session may be adapted depending on sightings and local updates.)
