Wildlife in Ladakh

About Wildlife Tourism in Ladakh

Like its unique landscape, Ladakh also boasts being home to some unique and rare species of flora and fauna making it an interesting wildlife destination in India. The fauna of Ladakh has much in common with that of Central Asia and Tibet, the flora also matches that of the Tibetan Plateau. However, what makes Ladakh a bit different from Central Asia is the variety and number of birds it receives from the warmer parts of India in the summer season. Ladakh is noted for being home (permanent and temporary) to as many as 318 species of birds.

Amongst the species of animals found in Ladakh, the ibex is a major attraction. Other than this, Ladakh is amongst few places in India for snow leopard sighting. Bharal (blue sheep), Tibetan urial sheep (shapo), marmot, Tibetan argali sheep (nyan), and Tibetan wild ass are some of the commonly seen species in Ladakh. On the other side, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan antelope, red fox, lynx, Pallas's cat, and Tibetan Wolf are some of the rare animal species seen in Ladakh.

Popular National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Ladakh

The most popular wildlife destination in Ladakh to sight these animals is Hemis National Park, which is the largest national park in India.

1. Hemis National Park

Dubbed the largest national park in India, Hemis is spread in an area of 4400 sq km. This national park in Ladakh is famous for its population of snow leopards and is top place for wildlife tourism. It is believed that the park has the highest density of snow leopard in any protected area in the world. The park boasts 15 species of mammals and 73 species of birds.

Popular Birds Species Found in Hemis National Park

• Golden eagle
• Lammergeier vulture
• Himalayan griffon vulture
• Brown accentor
• Robin accentor
• Tickell's leaf warbler
• Streaked rosefinch
• Black-winged snowfinch
• Chukar
• Blyth's swift
• Red-billed chough
• Himalayan snowcock
• Fire-fronted serin

Popular Wild Animals Found in Hemis National Park

• Snow leopards
• Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep)
• Bharal (Blue Sheep)
• Shapu (Ladakhi Urial)
• Asiatic ibex
• The Tibetan wolf
• Eurasian brown bear
• Red fox
• Marmot
• Mountain weasel
• Himalayan mouse hare

Best Time to Visit Hemis National Park : June to early October.

2. Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) Wildlife Sanctuary

A high altitude wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is in Leh District. It is primarily important as one of the few places in India with a migratory population of Tibetan Antelope. The park is also rich in the collection of medicinal plants out of which 15 species have been recognized as rare and endangered.

Popular Birds in Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

• Tufted Duck
• Booted Eagle
• Golden Eagle
• Gadwall
• Grey Plover
• Boarded Vultures

Popular Wild Animals in Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

• Tibetan Antelope
• Shapo
• Wild Yak
• Bharal, Leopards
• Himalayan Mouse
• Lynx
• Ibex
• Argali
• Ladakhi Urial
• Bactrian Camels

Best Time to Visit Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary : May and October.

3. Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

The wildlife reserve is located in the Changthang plateau of Ladakh. It is home to some rare species of animals and birds. It ia slso home to around 200 species of wild plants.

Popular Birds in Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

• Dark-necked Crane
• Brown-headed Gulls
• Brahminy Ducks

Popular Animals in Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

• Tibetan Wild Ass or Kiang
• Snow Leopards
• Tibetan Gazelle
• Wild Yak
• Tibetan Argali
• Tibetan Wolf

Note : To visit this protected area, prior permission is to be taken from the District Magistrate of Leh.

Best Time to Visit Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary : June to October.

Snow Leopard Sighting in Ladakh

Ladakh is primarily known for its high population of the vulnerable species of snow leopards. Thus, it is the best place for snow leopard sighting. This big cat species is said to be a shy animal who dwells in alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m.

• Best Place for Snow Leopard Sighting in Ladakh : Hemis National Park is believed to have the highest density of snow leopards in Ladakh and thus is the best place for spotting this one of the big cats.
• Best Time for Snow Leopard Sighting : The winter months from January to March are the best time for witnessing snow leopards

Best Time to Visit for Wildlife Sighting in Ladakh

June to September is the best time to visit for wildlife sighting in Ladakh. However, the winter months are ideal for snow leopard sighting.