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Together, Kashmir and Ladakh offer some of India’s most dramatic and contrasting birding terrain—from lush wetlands in the Kashmir Valley to stark high-altitude lakes in Ladakh. The region is home to a unique mix of Palearctic migrants, Himalayan endemics, and high-altitude breeders. Key birding destinations include Srinagar’s wetlands, the Indus Valley near Leh, and the spectacular lakes of Tso Moriri and Tso Kar. The best time to visit is May to September, with Leh and Srinagar as the main access points. Birding here is immersive, scenic, and full of surprises.
At A Glance
Nearest Airports
Srinagar, Leh
Best Time
May–September
Habitats
Alpine Lakes, River Valleys, Wetlands, Cold Desert
Min Recommended Stay
04 Days
Main Destinations
Tso Moriri–Tso Kar, Indus Valley (Leh), Srinagar & Surroundings
These three regions form the core of high-altitude birding in India. For deeper explorations, we can add Hanle, Nubra, or Gurez based on time and interest.
Places to Go:
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Indus Valley (around Leh) (~3,500 m; river cliffs & dry ridges): Ibisbill, Solitary Snipe, Hill Pigeon, Guldenstadt’s Redstart; productive mix of monastery backdrops and alpine riverine birding..
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Srinagar & Surroundings (~1,600 m; valley wetlands & forest edge): Ferruginous Duck, Common Pochard, Greylag Goose, Kashmir Flycatcher; birding on shikara rides and marsh trails around Dal and Hokersar wetlands..
Suggested Itineraries
High Passes & Crying Rivers: Birding Kashmir & Ladakh
14 nights, 15 days
Kashmir Valley’s Forest & Valley Specialists – In Dachigam, Aru, Sonmarg, and Zabarwan, spot Kashmir Flycatcher, White-cheeked Nuthatch, Kashmir Nutcracker, Orange Bullfinch, and Spectacled Finch.
Along shingle beds and brooks, Ibisbill and White-throated Dipper thrive, especially on the Srinagar–Leh highway stretches.
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Explore Ladakh
12 nights, 13 days
Drive up to Khardung La Pass
Visit ancient monasteries in Leh
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Western Himalayas
11 nights, 12 days
Ride the Toy Train to colonial Simla
Visit the serene Golden Temple in Amritsar
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Song of the Hills: Uttarakhand Birding Trails
7 nights, 8 days
Corbett, Rajaji and the Terai belt host Pallas’s fish eagle, great hornbill, red-headed trogon, and rich waterbird congregations.
Around Sattal, Pangot, and the Dehradun valley, expect laughingthrushes, forktails, sunbirds, and flocks of barbets.
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Kingdom of Clouds: Bhutan’s Living Heritage
7 nights, 8 days
Hike to iconic Tiger’s Nest and explore hidden gompas echoing with chants.
Traverse Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha, each with its own character and charm.
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Enchanting Sikkim
7 nights, 8 days
Drive to Gangtok with stunning Himalayan views
Visit Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
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Silent Peaks & Cloud Forests: The Wildlife of Sikkim
7 nights, 8 days
Over 550 bird species, including blood pheasant, Himalayan monal, great pied hornbill (hongraio), crested serpent eagle, and many restricted-range species in sanctuaries like Kitam, Shingba, Barsey
Spring (March-May) brings blooming rhododendrons, orchids, primulas in Shingba, Barsey, Maenam, and high alpine ridges colour-soaked trails made for walking and photography.
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Nepal’s Journey Of Wildlife and Culture
11 nights, 10 days
Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park
Birdwatching along Rapti River
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Where the Himalayas Meet the Plains
7 nights, 8 days
Discover Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Himalayan foothills.
Immerse in Bodo community culture with village walks and traditional crafts.
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Nepal’s Wildlife & Trekking Escape
12 nights, 11 days
Trek in Langtang or Annapurna
Mountain teahouse stays
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