Haryana and Punjab
Overview
A trip that takes us into the higher reaches of Ladakh to track and view the elusive Snow Leopard and other high-altitude wildlife.
Set against the stark and sweeping beauty of the Trans-Himalayas, this journey brings us deep into the wild heart of Ladakh – across windswept valleys, dramatic ridgelines, and remote plateaus. We begin by exploring the landscape of Leh, its ancient monasteries perched above the river, and habitat that is home to wildlife such as the Woolly Hare, Red Fox, and, with luck, the elusive Eurasian Lynx. From here, we move into Uley, known for its high density of Snow Leopards, spending days scanning rugged slopes for this elusive cat, while also encountering Ibex, Urial, and Tibetan Wolves. High above, Golden Eagles and Lammergeiers soar on thermal currents, and the hills echo with the calls of Snowcocks and Chukars. Continuing into Ladakh’s remote eastern plateau, we venture into the marshes and plains of Hanley, where Black-necked Cranes breed and Pallas’s Cats silently stalk through the scrub. Accommodations at the Snow Leopard Lodge and similar premier properties offer a perfect balance of comfort, convenience, ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and insights into the local way of life. This is a journey into one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildernesses, where each day brings new encounters and unforgettable moments.
Itinerary
Day 1: Gurgaon and Rewari
Depart early in the morning with a packed breakfast for full day of birding in the Rewari area in the outskirts of Delhi. The Acacia scrub-covered hillock at Manethi is home to the White-naped Tit, White-tailed Iora, Indian Spotted Creeper, Whitebellied Minivet and sought-out migrants such as the Brook’s Leaf Warbler and Pallid Scops-Owl. Lunch at Rewari, followed by a late afternoon return to Gurgaon for dinner and an overnight stay at the Lemon Tree Hotel or similar.
Lemon Tree Hotel, Gurgaon or similar
DAY 2 : Amritsar and Harike
Fly out in the morning from Delhi Airport to Amritsar and transfer to the Ritz Plaza. Lunch at the Ritz followed by an afternoon of birding at Harike Wetland for the floodplain specials and some migrants: Rufous-vented Grass-Babbler, Jerdon’s Babbler, Sind Sparrow, White-tailed Stonechat, Striated Grassbird, Yellow-bellied Prinia, StriatedBabbler, Cetti’s Warbler, White-crowned Penduline-Tit, and others. Harike is also home to vast congregations of waterfowl. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Ritz Plaza, Amritsar
DAY 3 : Amritsar and Harike
Post an early breakfast, travel to Harike with a packed lunch for a full day of birding inthe wetland. An optional visit to Golden Temple in Amritsar in the evening, followed by a return to the Ritz plaza for dinner and overnight stay.
Ritz Plaza, Amritsar
Day 4: Amritsar to Delhi
Post breakfast at Amritsar, fly back to Delhi and transfer to the Lemon Tree Premier Hotel or similar at Aerocity for dinner and repacking.
Lemon Tree Premier, Aerocity or similar
Other Info
Cost Estimate: ₹ 20,000
Trip Inclusions:
- Accommodation for all hotels mentioned, unless booked separately by the client
- Meals at all places of accommodation, unless mentioned
- Local guides and support at birding/wildlife sites
- Internal flights, unless indicated otherwise by client
- All entry fees in sanctuaries, monuments, safari drives, birding walks and
excursions as per the itinerary. - All road transfers by air-conditioned SUV or Tempo Traveler (Urbania).
- Taxes.
Trip Exclusions:
- Expenses of personal nature (beverages, laundry, telephone, souvenirs, etc.).
- Meals/snacks and flights beyond what is mentioned in the itinerary.
- Gratuities for local staff, guides and drivers.
