Delhi, Surajpur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Sonkhalia, Delhi, Srinagar, Kargil, Leh and Tso Kar
Rajasthan, Kashmir and Ladakh Tour
Overview
Kashmir and Rajasthan are two regions in India with rich histories and fascinating people and cultures. They are also great birding destinations for those wanting to increase their life list. This tour takes you to some of the best wildlife sites of Rajasthan and Kashmir, each with something
unique to offer.
Our tour starts in Delhi, the capital of India. From here we move to the royal city of Jaipur, where we will proceed for jeep safaris in the nearby Jhalana Safari Park to look for Leopards and birds.
From Jaipur and Jhalana, we move to the city of Ajmer and the Sonkhaliya grasslands, one of the best places to spot an endangered beauty: Lesser Florican. The grasslands are also home to other dry-habitat species such as Rock Bush and Rain Quails, and Painted Francolin, to name a few.
After exploring Rajasthan, we move via Delhi to the Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir, namely the areas around Srinagar, Dachigam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg. Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay in a traditional Kashmiri houseboat while you explore the area for your targets. These areas are home to a wide variety of bird species, such as Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Blue Whistling Thrush, White-capped Redstart, and many more. From Kashmir, we move even higher to the region of Ladakh, also in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas on the Tibetan Plateau, more than 300m above sea level. As you wander into Leh, the capital of Ladakh, expect to see some of the unique species here like Eurasian Magpie. Along the stream in winter look for Solitary Snipe and White-throated Dipper. Other birds found in this region are Red-billed Chough, Robin and Brown Accentors, and Red-fronted Serin.
Meals: On own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace
Arrive in Delhi in the morning. You will be met by an Asian Adventures representative and transferred to the hotel. Leave your luggage at the hotel and drive to Surajpur (1.5 hours with normal traffic) to look for Bristled Grassbird. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay.
Key species: Sarus Crane, Bristled Grassbird, Bengal Bush Lark, Red Avadavat, Indian Silverbill, Black-breasted Weaver
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Umaid Bhawan or Similar
After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Sultanpur for a couple of hours of birding. Continue to drive to Jaipur (we have to reach Jaipur at 1500 hrs). Arrive in Jaipur and opt for afternoon (1515 - 1745 hrs) jeep safaris in Jhalana Safari Park to look for Leopards and birds. Overnight stay
Key species: Leopard, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Nilgai, Indian Peafowl, Indian Pitta, Jacobin Cuckoo, Sind Sparrow, Red Collared Dove, Indian Courser
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clarks Resort Bandanwara
Drive from Jaipur to Ajmer. Arrive in the evening, with a possibility of a birding session if time permits. You have the full day for birding at Sonkhaliya to look for Lesser Florican, Rock Bush Quail, Rain Quail, and Painted Francolin.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Ibrahim Houseboat or similar
Three full days to look for your targets in the Dachigam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg areas.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Gulmarg: Kashmir nuthatch, Kashmir nutcracker, White-cheeked nuthatch, Rufous-naped tit, Bar-tailed treecreeper
Sonmarg: Red-fronted serin, European goldfinch, Jackdaw, Western crowned warbler, Rock bunting
Dachigam, Shankaracharya: Kashmir flycatcher, Brown-flanked bush warbler, Rusty-tailed flycatcher, Himalayan woodpecker, Cinereous tit
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Ibrahim Houseboat or similar
In the early morning, drive to Delhi Airport for a flight at 1510hrs for Srinagar. Reach Srinagar at 1640 hrs. Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Ibrahim Houseboat or similar
Three full days to look for your targets in the Dachigam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg area.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Gulmarg: Kashmir nuthatch, Kashmir nutcracker, White-cheeked nuthatch, Rufous-naped tit, Bar-tailed treecreeper
Sonmarg: Red-fronted serin, European goldfinch, Jackdaw, Western crowned warbler, Rock bunting
Dachigam, Shankaracharya: Kashmir flycatcher, Brown-flanked bush warbler, Rusty-tailed flycatcher, Himalayan woodpecker, Cinereous tit
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Zojila Residency or similar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kargil. Arrive at Kargil in the evening, check-in at the hotel, and enjoy the ambiance of the resort.
If time permits, you can visit the Dras War Memorial, Lamayuru monastery, or Mulbekh Monastery. Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Kargil, Lunch and Dinner in Leh
Accommodation: Hotel Lotus or similar
Post breakfast, drive from Kargil to Leh. Arrive in Leh in the afternoon. You will be met and transferred to the hotel. Half-day rest for acclimatization.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tso-Kar Eco resort
After breakfast, check out and drive to Tso Kar. Rest of the day birding in Tso Kar to look for targets. Overnight stay.
Key species: Upland buzzard, Horned lark, Blanford's Snowfinch, Black-necked Crane, Hill Pigeon, Little Owl, Alpine Chough, Chukar Partridge, Tibetan Sandgrouse.
Kindly Note: Tso Kar is one of the remote destinations, as the weather is very cold. There are no proper hotels. We shall arrange the best available and comfortable tented accommodation in a camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tso-Kar Eco Resort
Two full days of birding in Tso Kar to look for targets.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Tibetan Sandgrouse, Chukar Partridge, Streaked Rosefinch, Güldenstädt's redstart, Bearded vulture, Saker falcon, Gulls, Terns, Goose and many waders
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lotus or similar
Morning birding in Tso Kar. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Leh. En route birding in Taglang La Pass and find Snowcock. Arrive in Leh in the late afternoon. The rest of the birding around Leh.
Overnight stay
Key species: Alpine Accentor, Himalayan Vulture, Mountain Chiffchaff, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Black-headed Mountain Finch
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Transfer to Leh Airport for a flight back to Delhi at 1200 hrs. Arrive in Delhi at 1330 hrs. and connect to your flight back to home. In case of a late evening flight back home, airport transfer and a hotel close to the Airport can be arranged at an extra cost.
Tour Ends
Highlights
- Birding
- Wildlife and Nature
- Jungle Safari
- Leopard Sighting
- Landscapes of Leh and Ladakh
- Photography
- Local Cuisine
- Quaint Accommodation
Included
- All accommodation on double / twin sharing basis Dedicated private vehicle for the entire tour
- Birding in Delhi, Jaipur, Sonkhalia, Kashmir and Ladakh 01 Jeep safari at Jhalana Leopard Sanctuary
- Asian Adventures birding guide the entire trip All permits and entry fees at Jhalana Safari required
- Delhi – Srinagar flight tickets Leh – Delhi flight tickets
Video
Location
Stories
Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.
Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.
Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.
Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown
