Eastern Ladakh Wildlife & Birding Tour - Changthang Plateau

HOMEEastern Ladakh Wildlife & Birding Tour - Changthang Plateau

EXPEDITIONS & PHOTO TOURS

Eastern Ladakh Wildlife & Birding Tour - Changthang Plateau

Debashis Banerjee

Skipper & Mentor

Dates

Cost On Request

06

No. of Seats Available

Ladakh UT is not an unknown destination for wildlife and nature lovers. For many years this region has been a primary destination for wildlife and nature photographers who have the quest for high altitude mammals and bird species. It is equally a dream destination for landscape lovers. Due to its unique climate and topography, distinct species of animals are found in Ladakh UT, many of which are endemic to the region.

In the pastures of eastern Ladakh, a large portion of which falls under the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, wild animals and birds are a common sighting and often compete with domestic animals for food. While in the heavily populated Indus valley and the valleys of its tributaries, they are found in the higher reaches but often descend to lower reaches, especially in winter, due to scarcity of food, in the plateau and basin regions. The Changthang Plateau is a part of the high altitude Tibetan Plateau in western and northern Tibet extending into south eastern Ladakh, India, with vast highlands and giant lakes.

In this customized tour we will cover the Eastern Ladakh Plateau and Basin regions within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary for some of the rarest mammals and birds of India. Our route would be as follows. Leh – Karu – Chumathang – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle – Mahe – Puga Valley – Polokangka La – Tso Kar – Tanglang La – Rumtsey Valley – Karu – Leh. This tour can be done along with the Himalayan Brown Bear Expedition after completing the expedition at Drass, Kargil. Or can be done separately too.

Some of the major highlights of the tour:

Exclusive and customized tour in the Cold Desert.
Covers some of the extreme and less visited destinations in Ladakh UT.
Experience some of the rare and endemic species of the mountains.
Drive through one of the most beautiful landscapes in the World.
Photography Mentor and local guide/spotter throughout the expedition.
Accommodations at some of the remote locations of the region.
Transport fully engaged on disposal throughout the journey in a SUV (max 3/4 person).

The Snow Leopard and Black-Necked Crane are the jewels of the wildlife kingdom of Ladakh UT along with several other unique birds and mammals.

MAMMALS – Kiang, Himalayan Wolf, Pallas’s Cat, Red Fox, Pica, Vole, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Argali, Blue-sheep, Tibetan Sand Fox, Ladakh Urial, Eurasian Otter, and many more.

BIRDS – Tibetan Lark, Black-necked Crane, Upland Buzzard, Saker Falcon, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Snowcock, Tibetan Snowcock, Tibetan Sand Grouse, Ground Tit, Alpine Chough, Raven, Red-billed Chough, Bearded Vulture, Finches, Larks, all waders, and many more.

Notice: Mandatory 48 hours acclimatization for tourists arriving at Leh as the new guidelines set by UT Ladakh Government. Hence all itineraries of our tours in Ladakh has been restructured accordingly.

Day 1 : Arrive at Leh in the morning. Pick up from Airport and transfer to Hotel (3 star or 4 star). Rest of the day would be for acclimatization and rest which is required before travelling in high altitude region. A brief walk to the local market in the evening can make you feel fresh and good. Lunch and dinner at Hotel.

Day 2: Full day for rest and acclimatization. In the evening can go for a brief walk to the local market. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Hotel.

Day 3 : Early morning breakfast around 7 AM. At 7:30 AM leave for our onward journey to Hanle (270 km/6-7 hrs). We will drive through some of the beautiful locations of Ladakh like Chumathang, Mahe, Nyoma and Loma. Halt at different locations for wildlife sightings and photography. Lunch on the way. We will reach Hanle homestay around evening. Dinner at homestay.

Day 4 & 5 : Start the day early, have breakfast and leave just after sunrise. Our local team would be active even before we reach, and our spotters would guide us to the locations where sighting chances are maximum. Full day wildlife and birding around Hanle Basin and adjoining wildlife regions, including drive to Kalang Tartar (KTT) plateau for Tibetan Gazelle. Breakfast and/or lunch can be packed depending on our plan for the day. In the evening return to our homestay. Early dinner at homestay.

Day 6: Wake up early for a quick morning wildlife session over hot tea and snacks in the Hanle region. Return to homestay, have breakfast and drive to Tsokar (150 km /5-6 hrs) via Mahe, Puga Valley, Polokongka la pass. Halt at different locations for wildlife sightings and photography. Lunch on the way. Reach Tso Kar homestay in the evening. Dinner at homestay.

Day 7: Start the day early, have breakfast and leave just after sunrise. Full day wildlife and birding around Tsokar Ramsar complex/basin. Breakfast and/or lunch can be packed depending on our plan for the day. In the evening return to our homestay. Early dinner at homestay.

Day 8: Wake up early for a quick morning wildlife session over hot tea and snacks in the region. Return to homestay, have breakfast and drive to Leh (130 km /4-5 hrs) via Tanglang la pass and Rumtsey Valley. We will again halt at different locations depending on sightings. Lunch on the way. Reach Leh in the evening and transfer to our Hotel. Dinner at Hotel.

Day 9: Checkout from Hotel after breakfast. Drop provided till Airport.

COST ON REQUEST

Power: Erratic power (based on site) with generator backup on schedule
Food: Mix of Indian/Ladakhi. Set Menus
Rooms: Double or triple sharing. Accommodation is average in these remote regions with basic facilities (1 shared toilet in most cases)
Drinking water provided
Packed lunches and tea/coffee provided when in the field
No credit card facility – nearest ATM in Drass/Kargil
Vehicles/guides/spotters at disposal
Rooms are heated with gas heaters or bukharis during winter.
Running hot and cold water in bathroom in Summer (May to October)
Hot/Cold water provided in bucket in Winter (November to April)
Only BSNL network works at Hanle. At Tso Kar there will be no connectivity.

Please note: Flights should be booked keeping in mind the trip start time on Day 1 and end time on Day 9. If you want to have another extra day for acclimatization you can arrive a day before, our local representative will be there to take care of your pick up, lodging and meals. Charges would be applicable for accommodation and meals for any extra day.

Our journey would take us to the Trans Himalayan regions of Ladakh UT. Winters are cold with average lows around -20 degrees Celsius to -25 degree Celsius between November to April frequently dipping below -30 degree Celsius. A reasonable degree of fitness is desirable for this expedition. To track and scan the wildlife, moderate walking may be required to reach places where sightings are reported. Basic fitness is required as we will be at altitudes between 11,000 and 15,000 feet. Also note that water is a luxury in this region during winters. Even the normal toilets would be replaced by dry toilets so it is advisable to carry toilet rolls and wet wipes.

Major essential items to carry are listed below.

Telephoto lenses preferably above 500mm, Teleconverters preferably 1.4x, Wide-angle lenses for landscapes and habitat shots and a good sturdy tripod. Wide-angle lenses for landscapes and habitat shots
Extra camera batteries, memory cards and heavy duty Power Banks for emergency charging of camera batteries and phone.
Binoculars if possible
Heavy Woolen Clothing in Winter good for -20 to -25 degrees Celsius ( Jacket/s + Sweater/s + Cap/s + Socks + Glove/s + Inner upper & lower Thermal/s + Fleece Balaclava + Fleece Nightwear)
Hiking Boots preferably warm.
Raincoat/Wind-cheater to protect you from snow.
Rain and dust cover for camera gears.
Personal Toiletries, toilet rolls and wet wipes.
Basic first aid and personal medications.
Personal Water Bottle (Preferably Thermos bottle/flask).
One original ID Proof.

COST ON REQUEST

25% of the amount needs to be paid as booking fee (non-refundable). Balance 75% to be paid 90 days prior to departure date.

Package Inclusions

Transportation as per program for 9 days.
Accommodation in Hotel at Leh, and in homestay/lodge at Hanle and Tso Kar on double sharing basis.
All meals from Day 1 Lunch till Day 9 Breakfast.
Photography Mentor/Skipper.
Local guide/spotter with scope.
First-Aid and Oxygen cylinders.
Permit to Hanle and Puga/Rong Valley and wildlife charges.

Package Exclusions

GST of 5%.
Travel cost from your home location till Leh and back.
Personal expenses such as laundry, water bottles, cold drinks etc.
Any extra meals
Any medical/health check-ups pre or post tour
Cost incurred due to change in itinerary due to bad weather, road closure/block, heavy snowfall, factors beyond control.
Emergency travel due to personal reasons,
Tips to guides/drivers.
Any additional spotter, personal porters or mules.
Any item not mentioned in the “Inclusions” list.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests must be sent through email to info@wildwondersexpeditions.com. The refund policy mentioned below will be applicable to amount outside of the 25% booking amount.

All cancellations before 90 days from departure date : 100% refund
All cancellations between 60 – 90 days from departure date : 50% refund
All cancellations between 31 – 59 days from departure date : 25% refund
All cancellations within 30 days from departure date : No refund can be made. We are sorry!
No refund will be granted for portion/portions of the journey not performed by the traveler.
No refund will be granted in case of non-performance of journey due to external and natural events.

To register for this photography tour you may send us your query/information through the ‘Contact Us’ tab or directly write to us at info@wildwondersexpeditions.com. We will revert soon with further details and the mode of payment. You may also give us a call at the below numbers.

+91 9874847774 / +91 7439705797

Eastern Ladakh Wildlife & Birding Tour - Changthang Plateau

EXPEDITIONS & PHOTO TOURS