Birding in Ladakh
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Birding in Ladakh lthough it is true that the real Ladakh starts where the road ends, we have come to find some very easily accessible areas to help you map your journey to the natural wonders of Athis wilderness in the quickest way, making sure you miss nothing! So bring your binoculars along on your personal search of the wild with our camp naturalist. Ladakh falls between the trans-Himalaya and the southern Tibetan plateau. It’s not misleading when we say you’re at the “Roof of the World” here. In fact, this remote district nestled in the dizzying heights of the Himalaya makes it protected and nearly cut off from even its immediate neighbors- a phenomenon of natural history that creates a sub world of its own.Everything that survives here has undergone millenniums of specialized adaptation and evolution. In the battle for survival, only the hardiest have remained. There is a large group of the Avian world which long dared to cross these mighty heights to visit their spring and autumn migration grounds, adding a mesmerizing diversity to the mix of some resident species which are altitudinal migrants, breeding at high altitudes and descending in winter. This presents a unique opportunity to watch a staggering 310 species of birds in Ladakh. Key stop over sites : Thiksey and Shey Marshes: The area is a must for any bird watcher as it houses a mélange of agricultural fields, marshes and a labyrinth of irrigation channels to reach the river. Explore these wetlands and riverbank along the Indus, which serve as prime habitat. Key species here include Blue Throat, Water Pipit, Rosy Pipit, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Ibis Bill, Wall Creeper, White-winged Redstart, Streaked Rose Finch, White Browed Tit Warbler, Fire-fronted Serins, White Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail to name a few. EXCURSION TYPE: Nature. An excellent introduction to the many resident and migratory species while you get a running commentary on the habits and habitats of your feathered friends. DURATION OF ACTIVITY: 04 hours. DISTANCE FROM CAMP: 01 km in Thiksey and 04 kms to Shey. ALTITUDE: 3600 m. (11, 880 ft) PHYSICAL RATING: Easy. Occasional crossing over water channels, as we go across agricultural fields and marsh lands. MINIMUM AGE: 08 and above. SEASON: Mid May to early October. TRAVEL NOTE: Wear comfortable clothing along with a pair of good walking shoes. Carry a pair of binoculars, sunscreen and a hat. The best time for birding is early mornings and late afternoons. Tsokar Plains: This excursion is created to be a full day activity as we make our way from the Chamba Camp,Thiksey towards the very scenic and dizzying Tang La Pass. The drive takes you through some key eco systems and wildlife protected areas, as we stop and go birding on the way, the species here include Tibetan Partridge, Tibetan Snow Cock etc The Tsokar high altitude wetlands itself are considered to be one of the most protected and highly precarious biomes in the country, supporting strategic migrations and breeding grounds for some of the most endangered creatures. The Tsokar wetlands are comprised of twin lakes and separated by a fresh water stream which gives the place its unique characteristic of having both a brackish water lake as well as a fresh water lake, naturally making this highly favorable in terms of habitat for the creatures that inhabit them. These lakes host key breeding grounds for migrants like the Greater Crested grebe and Bar Headed Goose. Plain-backed Snow Finch, Golden Eagle, Upland Buzzard, Common Kestrel and Little Owl, Robin and Brown Accentor, Tibetan Lark, Tibetan snow Finch, Brandt’s mountain finch, Hume’s Groundpecker, Hume’s Short-toed lark, Tibetan Sandgrouse, to name a few. Excursion type: Nature and outdoors. DURATION OF ACTIVITY: Full day. DISTANCE FROM CAMP: 90 kms one way (03 hours drive). ALTITUDE: 4530 m. Physical Rating: Moderate. To reach Tsokar you require to cross Tanglang la at 5328 meters Minimum Age: 08 and above. Season: Early June to early October. Travel tip: Wear comfortable clothing along with a pair of good walking shoes. Carry a pair of binoculars, sunscreen and a hat. Tsokar plains can get quite chilly and windy so bring warm clothing. .