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.
Arrive Delhi in the morning / late morning. You will meet by Asian Adventures representative and transferred to Hotel. Leave your luggage at the hotel and drive to Surajpur (1.5 hours with normal traffic) to look for Bristled Grassbird. Return to hotel in the evening. Overnight stay
After early breakfast, check-out and drive to Sultanpur for couple of hours birding. Continue drive to Jaipur (we have to reach Jaipur at 1500 hrs). Arrive Jaipur and opt for afternoon (1515 - 1745 hrs) jeeps safaris in Jhalana Safari Park to look for Leopards and birds. Overnight stay
full-day birding at Sonkhalia to look for Lesser Florican, Rock Bush Quail, Rain Quail and Painted Francolin. Overnight stay
Early morning drive to Delhi Airport to connect flight at 1510 for Srinagar. Reach Srinagar at 1640 hr. Overnight stay
Three full days to look for your targets in Dachigam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg area. Overnight stay
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Kargil. Arrive Kargil in the evening, check in the hotel and enjoy the ambience of resort. Overnight stay
Places to see: Dras War Memorial, Lamayuru monastery, Mulbekh Monastery
Post breakfast, Drive from Kargil to Leh. Arrive Leh in the afternoon. You will be meet and transferred to hotel. Half day rest for acclimatization. Overnight stay
After breakfast, check-out and drive to Tso Kar. Rest of the day birding in Tso Kar to look for targets. Overnight stay
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.
Two full days birding in Tso Kar to look for targets. Overnight stay
Morning birding in Tso Kar. After breakfast, check-out and drive back to Leh. Afternoon birding around Leh. Overnight stay
Transfer to Leh Airport to connect late morning flight back to Delhi at 1200 hr. Arrive Delhi at 1330 hr. and connect flight back to home. In case of late evening flight back to home, Airport transfer and hotel close to 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