: Ladakh 2025
Bird-Photo-Tours Asia Ladakh trip has been designed specifically around obtaining images of three difficult-to-photograph birds: (i) Himalayan Snowcock (ii) Tibetan Snowcock and (iii) Tibetan Sandgrouse. Even seeing these birds can be tough but obtaining close photographic encounters can be exceedingly challenging. Bird-Photo-Tours Asia Ladakh expedition aims to put the bird photographer into a position where photographers can enjoy close encounters with each of these species with a high chance of obtaining portrait-quality images. Having spent considerable time in Ladakh enjoying pleasing images of these birds on numerous occasions, Bird-Photo-Tours Asia has accumulated significant local experience to put the bird photographer in prime position to enjoy close photographic encounters with these birds.
But this trip is not only about these three species. Ladakh is situated on the western edge of The Tibetan Plateau and has landscapes which are simply stunning and must surely rank as one of the outstanding locations in Asia. With wide-open habitats, fabulous light, and a high diversity of specialist Western Himalayan birds that have carved a living for themselves in such a unique environment, Ladakh has so much to offer the bird photographer. Fabulous images can be enjoyed of a supporting cast of birds that includes Chinese Rubythroat, Mountain Chiffchaff, Blanford’s Snowfinch and Tibetan Lark. With guesthouses literally on or adjacent to the photographic locations we will enjoy photographing birds around dawn and dusk breaking at midday when the light is at its harshest to download and edit images and rest and recuperate, providing ideal logistics for obtaining high-quality images of the Birds of Ladakh.
Tanglang La: Himalayan Snowcock / Tibetan Snowcock / White-winged Redstart / Horned Lark / Rufous-breasted Accentor / Twite.
Tso Kar: Tibetan Sandgrouse / Ground Tit / Streaked Rosefinch / Great Rosefinch / Blanford’s Snowfinch / Bar-headed Goose / Northern Raven.
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 1-4 Leh District, Leh Town [3N, 2D, 2S]: Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh Ladakh, check into guesthouse [Overnight: Leh Town]. Photographic Targets: Mountain Chiffchaff / Ibisbill / Bluethroat / Indian Golden Oriole / Hume’s Whitethroat / Common Rosefinch.
Key: N: Night / D: Full Day / S: Session / Half-Day
Lobsang is an experienced guide with a first-class understanding of the needs of the bird photographer. One of India's top bird guides and currently serving as President of the Arunachal Pradesh Bird Club, Lobsang has a wealth of bird photography experience throughout India, particularly the bird-rich Himalayan region, growing up in Dirang and living not far away today in the mountains surrounding the Tenga Valley. Appointed as a Director and Shareholder of Bird-Photo-Tours Asia, Lobsang is 'India Managing Director' with particular responsibility for both India inbound and outbound Bird-Photo-Tours.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) Many of the locations are at altitude from 3,500-4,500m (v) There is no camping. Summary: because this trip is at altitude, it has been therefore been graded as 'Medium'.
