Surrounded on all sides by the Karakoram and the Himalayas, Ladakh is as much a land of cold deserts and glacial streams as it is a land of birds. Its glacial streams and cold desert have provided its high-altitude lakes, wetlands, and valleys a niche in the heart of amateur and professional bird-watchers. Although its desert-like terrain conceals the reality that it is a cold desert, the location is teeming with birds and all the more so when the summer months witness the migratory birds gathering by the thousands.
Whether you incorporate it in a Ladakh wildlife trek or take it as a standalone trip, these are the nine best spots in Ladakh for bird watching.
Tso Moriri Lake
Situated in the Changthang Plateau, Tso Moriri is one of the highest biodiverse wetland oases of Ladakh. As a brackish water lake, it welcomes a wide range of migratory birds like the Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, and Brahminy Duck. The marshland surrounding it is the ideal place for breeding, particularly in late summer and spring.
Tso Kar Lake
Often referred to as the “White Lake” due to its brine deposits, Tso Kar is another critical breeding site for birds. It’s a favourite haunt to view the Great Crested Grebe, Ruddy Shelduck, and other species of sandpipers. The lake also has a spot on all Ladakh wildlife treks due to the high level of biodiversity.
Hanle Marshes
Along the Indo-China border, Hanle is among the most isolated and least light-polluted areas of Ladakh. Apart from having India’s highest observatory, its wetlands and open valleys are rich in avian fauna. Look out for Tibetan Larks, Horned Larks, and even the rare Tibetan Snowcock here.
Indus River Belt (Shey to Thiksey)
The green patches of vegetation along the Indus River, especially between Shey and Thiksey, are a green corridor for birds. Warblers, wagtails, finches, and Eurasian Magpies are seen frequently, so this area is great for day birding in Ladakh.
Nubra Valley
Though more famous for monasteries and sand dunes, Nubra’s riverine groves and agricultural fields have a number of bird species. Hoopoes, Himalayan Griffons, and Chukar Partridges are commonly seen here. The diversity of habitat makes it a decent place for mixed sightings.
Pangong Tso
At more than 13,000 feet above sea level, Pangong is not only a breathtaking lake but also an important birding site. The lake freezes in winter but bursts into life in summer with Bar-headed Geese, Brown-headed Gulls, and even Black-necked Cranes. The extensive shoreline provides plenty of scope for seeing various species.
Yaya Tso
Less famous and much less populated than other lakes, Yaya Tso, located close to Mahe village, is a bird watcher’s secret jewel. Ringed with mountains, it harbours some high-altitude bird species such as the Golden Eagle and Tibetan Sandgrouse.
Zanskar Valley
While more linked with adventure treks and dramatic scenery, the Zanskar range also harbours animals such as the Lammergeier, Himalayan Snowcock, and a range of raptors. Its inaccessibility translates to fewer human disturbances and greater probabilities of unbroken sightings.
Hemis National Park
Best for snow leopards, Hemis is also an exceptional birding destination. Extending over alpine woods and boulders, it harbours birds of prey such as the Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, and Eurasian Hobby. More difficult to reach are the higher altitudes, but worthwhile for serious birders.
Dream Land: A Trail Partner for the Feathered Kind
Dream Land is one of those tiny, battle-hardened outfits that know not only terrain but also temperament. The guides are perfectly aware of where to hold back, when to remain silent, and even replicate birdsong with an eerie accuracy that can leave you gazing at them rather than the birds. It is like journeying with that one quirky but perceptive friend who has an acumen for knowing where the shortcuts to happiness are.
Conclusion
Birding in Ladakh is a meditative activity. The silence of the mountains, punctuated by the sound of wings flapping and distant cawing, is a sensory refuge. From sparkling high-altitude lakes to barren river valleys, Ladakh has a bird diversity that belies its barren reputation.
And so, on a relaxed backpacking trip and even combined with a Ladakh wildlife trek, never hold your binoculars away from your eyes. Ladakh does have wings, and they are waiting to be spotted.
