Ladakh, a high altitude wonderland is popular not just for its stunning landscape and rugged terrains but also for being a home to rare and exotic wildlife. Whether you are going solo, as couples, or in a group, with our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages, you can explore incredible spots like Hemis National Park, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tso Moriri where you can spot exclusive species like snow leopards, Himalayan marmots, Tibetan wild asses, and much more.
Our Leh Ladakh tour packages can also be customised and you can consider getting these incredible wildlife spots in your packages. If you are someone who seeks adventure and have interest in spotting the wildlife of Ladakh including elusive species in their natural habitat, then in this blog you can know about Ladakh bike routes for wildlife spotting in our ultimate travel guide.
Top Places in Ladakh to See Wildlife on a Bike Trip
1. Hemis National Park Route: The Snow Leopard Trail
Located just 50 km from Leh, Hemis National Park is India’s largest national park and a popular wildlife destination in Ladakh. It's a major area for snow leopard conservation and one of the most-sought after Ladakh bike routes for wildlife spotting. The place is a wildlife photographer’s dream spot. When here, it is recommended to stay in Rumbak or Zingchen for early morning hikes to spot rare species and also indulge in snow leopard trek in Ladakh.
- Ladakh Bike Routes for Wildlife Spotting:Leh-Karu-Martselang-Hemis-Rumbak-Zingchen
- Wildlife to Spot on a Ladakh Bike Trip: Snow Leopards (Winter Sightings), Red Fox, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Griffon Vultures
2. Tso Moriri & Tso Kar Loop: The Wetland Experience
Tso Moriri and Tso Kar are high-altitude lakes and marshes that serve as significant breeding grounds for migratory birds and one of the best Ladakh road trip routes for wildlife spotting. This route is a paradise for birdwatchers and bikers seeking an unexplored adventure bike ride in Ladakh. If possible, try to visit in May to August as it is the breeding season for birds.
- Ladakh Bike Routes for Wildlife Spotting: Leh-Chumathang-Mahe-Tso Moriri-Puga-Tso Kar-Taglang La-Leh
- Wildlife to Spot on a Ladakh Bike Trip: Bar Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Tibetan Argali (Mountain Sheep), Himalayan Marmots, Great Crested Grebe.
3. Changthang Plateau: Land of the Kiangs
Changthang is a remote plateau stretching towards the Tibetan border, it is a UNESCO recognised ecosystem rich in biodiversity. It is home to the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary which is considered an offbeat destination usually missed by travelers. It serves as a prime destination for Ladakh bike trips for wildlife lovers. This place is considered one of the top places in Ladakh to see wildlife on a bike trip due to its minimal human presence and undisturbed habitat.
- Ladakh Bike Routes for Wildlife Spotting: Leh-Upshi-Nyoma-Loma-Hanle-Tso Moriri-Mahe
- Wildlife to Spot on a Ladakh Bike Trip: Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass), Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Wolf, Black-Necked Crane, Himalayan Marmots.
4. Nubra Valley via Khardung La: Surprising Encounters
Nubra Valley with its riverine greenery and cold desert is not only scenic but also has unique wildlife treasures, especially at higher altitudes and near the Shyok River basin. While a popular tourist spot, early morning rides and secluded areas near Panamik and Sumur often yield wildlife sightings.
- Ladakh Bike Routes for Wildlife Spotting: Leh- Khardung La-Khalsar-Diskit-Hunder-Turtuk
- Wildlife to Spot on a Ladakh Bike Trip: Himalayan Ibex, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Ladakh Urial (Shapo)
5. Kargil- Drass- Zanskar Valley: Offbeat & Wild
Another route covering Kargil, Drass, and Zanskar Valley is best for veteran bikers looking for a challenging and yet thrilling adventure bike ride in Ladakh combined with potential wildlife encounters. Accommodation options are less here, therefore plan overnight stops in Kargil and Rangdum to witness the best wildlife of the region.
- Ladakh Bike Routes for Wildlife Spotting: Leh-Lamayuru-Kargil-Sankoo-Rangdum-Padum (Zanskar)
- Wildlife to Spot on a Ladakh Bike Trip: Snow Cock, Eurasian Lynx, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Himalayan Brown Bear
Explore 8 Days Thrilling Leh Ladakh Tour Packages
Best Time for Ladakh Bike Trip for Wildlife Spotting
The best time for Ladakh bike trip to witness rare species and migratory birds include:
- March-May: Peak snow leopard tracking in Hemis
- May-August: Ideal for birdwatching in Tso Moriri and Tso Kar
- September-October: Less touristy, better chances of spotting mammals
Essential Travel Tips for Wildlife Spotting in Ladakh for Bikers
Here are the essential travel tips for wildlife spotting in Ladakh for bikers:
- To visit these wildlife spotting areas especially like Nubra Valley, Nyoma, Hanle Village you need to have an ILP (inner line permit) and for Hemisphere National Park and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary you need to have a wildlife entry pass. You can obtain the same online at Ladakh e-permit portal.
- Do not disturb animals for a closer look, use a zoom lens instead.
- Avoid approaching wildlife or feeding them, as it could be dangerous.
- Always apply for inner line permits (ILPs) and wildlife entry permissions in advance and carry them with yourself during the bike trip.
- It is suggested to ride during early morning or before the sunset for better spotting chances.
- Download offline maps and keep a satellite phone or radio if heading into Zanskar or Changthang.
Must Carry Essentials for Wildlife Spotting in Ladakh
Explore Ladakh’s Wild Side with WanderOn
From the majestic snow leopards of Hemis to the kiangs of Changthang and migratory birds at Tso Moriri, Ladakh is truly a destination where nature unfolds in its purest form and with the best routes for wildlife spotting, the journey is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who seek to blend adventure with conservation- conscious exploration.
To make your journey unforgettable, trust experts like WanderOn, who offer customized Ladakh bike trip packages covering wildlife spotting routes, permit handling, and on-ground support.
So what are you waiting for? Ride wild and fall in love with the uniqueness of Ladakh with every curve offering views of rare creatures, to build memories for a lifetime.
