9 Best Places for Bird Watching in Ladakh: Explore Hidden Gems

You’ve probably heard that Ladakh is all about adventure—bike rides, treks, and crazy road trips. But what if you just want to slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and watch some incredible birds soaring over the Himalayas? Not just your everyday pigeons, but rare, high-altitude birds—over 300 species! If that sounds like your kind of vibe, then Ladakh tours have got you covered.

From the elegant Black-Necked Crane near Tso Moriri to the soaring Himalayan Griffon in Nubra Valley, there’s plenty to spot if you know where to look. In Puga-Sumdo Valley, you might catch a glimpse of the tiny Brandt’s Mountain Finch, while Hemis National Park is a great place to find Golden Eagles, Himalayan Snowcocks, and Chukars.

If you’re planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip, why not add a little birdwatching to the adventure? Swap the engine’s roar for the sounds of nature, soak in the stunning views, and spot some rare Himalayan birds along the way. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

Famous Bird Species to Watch in Ladakh

Here are some of the most exciting feathered friends you can find in Ladakh:

• Black-necked Crane – Ladakh’s state bird, often seen near Tso Kar, Hanle Marshes, and Tso Moriri during the breeding season (May–September). It has a striking black neck, a red crown, and a graceful presence in wetland areas.
• Himalayan Snowcock – A high-altitude specialist found around Leh and Hemis National Park from June to September. Recognizable by its grey body, white neck stripes, and loud, echoing calls.
• Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) – One of the largest raptors in the Himalayas, found year-round in Nubra Valley, Khardung La, and Hemis National Park. It has an orange-golden head, a wedge-shaped tail, and is known for dropping bones to crack them open.
• Tibetan Sandgrouse – A desert-adapted bird with buff-colored plumage and a black belly patch, commonly spotted in Hanle Plains and Changthang during summer (June–August).
• Ibisbill – A unique wader with a curved red bill, often seen walking along rocky riverbeds near the Indus River in Shey and Upshi between May and October.\
• Golden Eagle – A powerful high-altitude predator found in Sham Valley and Nubra. This dark brown bird with a golden nape is best spotted in winter.
• Bar-headed Goose – One of the world’s highest-flying migratory birds, known for crossing the Himalayas. It has a white face with black bars and is seen at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri from May to October.
• Guldenstadt’s Redstart – A vibrant songbird with a fiery orange-red belly and black throat, often spotted in Zanskar Valley and Hemis during summer (June–August).
• Upland Buzzard – A large, pale raptor of the Tibetan Plateau, found in Hanle and Changthang during summer. It has a light brown body with a barred tail and often perches on rocks.
• Snowfinch (White-winged & Tibetan) – Hardy birds that survive extreme winters, hopping on snow at high-altitude passes like Khardung La and Tanglang La year-round.

Rare Sightings: If you’re lucky, you might spot the Saker Falcon near Hanle, Pallas’s Fish Eagle along the Indus River, or the Himalayan Griffon perched on cliffs near Leh.