Eight-Day Ladakh Birding Tour: Tso Kar, Tso Moriri and Hanle
Follow an eight-day Ladakh birding route from Leh to Tso Kar, Tso Moriri and Hanle, with Indus Valley marshes, high lakes and time for acclimatization.
About this tour
This eight-day route extends beyond Leh and the Indus Valley to three contrasting high-altitude birding areas. The first day is reserved for arrival and acclimatization at about 3,500 metres, with light sightseeing in Leh. A day among the Shey, Thiksey, Chuchot and Spituk marshes follows before the journey turns east.
Tso Kar is reached by a drive of about 170 kilometres and five to six hours. An evening walk and a full day around its saline lake allow more time to observe birds in the open basin. The route then crosses Polokongka La and Namshang La to Tso Moriri, listed by the operator at about 4,520 metres. From there it continues via Mahe to Hanle, before returning along the Indus River to Leh.
Accommodation changes with the route: Leh hotels, camps or hotels by the lakes, and local homestays in Hanle. Airport transfers, meals, itinerary transport, applicable permits and field optics are included in the published programme. Travel includes remote roads and high elevation, and wild sightings remain uncertain. The displayed rates are the operator’s 2026 per-person prices for groups of one to four; dates are arranged by inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive and acclimatize in Leh
Transfer from Leh airport to the hotel and keep the day light at approximately 3,500 metres. The source includes afternoon visits to Shanti Stupa, Tsemo Castle and Leh bazaar.
Day 2
Indus Valley marshes
Bird around Shey, Thiksey, Chuchot and the Spituk marshes before returning to the Leh hotel.
Day 3
Drive to Tso Kar
Travel approximately 170 kilometres from Leh to Tso Kar, a five-to-six-hour drive. Take an evening nature walk around the lake and stay in a camp or hotel.
Day 4
Explore the Tso Kar basin
Spend the day birding the saline lake and surrounding open mountain basin. Other wildlife may also be seen; overnight again in a camp or hotel.
Day 5
Cross to Tso Moriri
Drive for roughly three to four hours via Polokongka La and Namshang La to Tso Moriri, at about 4,520 metres. Watch for birds and other wildlife during the transfer, then stay in a camp or hotel.
Day 6
Tso Moriri to Hanle
Continue via Mahe toward Hanle, approximately 160 kilometres and four to five hours away. Birding opportunities occur along the route. Stay in a local homestay.
Day 7
Return along the Indus to Leh
Drive about 250 kilometres from Hanle to Leh, typically six to seven hours. There may be opportunities to watch birds along the Indus River. Overnight in a Leh hotel.
Day 8
Depart Leh
Transfer to Leh airport for the onward flight.
Locations & map
- Leh - Ladakh India
- Indus Valley birding sites - Ladakh India
- Tso Kar Lake - Ladakh India
- Tso Moriri Lake - Ladakh India
- Hanle - Ladakh India
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Birding is possible year-round; the operator highlights March–April and mid-August to mid-October.
Included
- Leh airport arrival and departure transfers
- Accommodation and all meals on the itinerary
- Surface transport along the itinerary
- Applicable inner-line and wildlife permits
- Spotting scope and binoculars
Not included
- Personal expenses, drinks, room service, laundry and tips
- Travel insurance and costs arising from disruption beyond the operator’s control
- Camera fees and items not specifically included
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.