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A visit to a wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh is an unbridled nature experience, with threatened wildlife and stunning Himalayan scenery. The “Land of High Passes,” Ladakh’s harsh mountains, meadows at high altitude, and wetlands have transformed it into the perfect sanctuary for distinctive biodiversity. From the mystical snow leopard ranging across granite ridges to Tibetan wild asses (kiang) grazing across expansive plateaus, the area has wildlife experiences that are possible nowhere else. Birdwatchers observe migratory birds like bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, and golden eagles flying high over pristine valleys. Each of the sanctuaries, a national park, alpine reserve, or highland wetland, is a distinct experience with Ladakh’s pristine wilds.
10 Best Wildlife Sanctuary In Ladakh
Visit ten fantastic Ladakh wildlife places from snow leopard dens to bird sanctuaries, ideal for adventure enthusiasts, nature enthusiasts, and ecotourists.
1. Hemis National Park
Photo: Prithwiraj Dhang / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis National Park is the most sought-after wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh and generally the first choice by wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning over 4,400 sq km, it is India’s biggest national park and internationally renowned for harbouring the largest number of snow leopards. Its rugged terrain, comprising alpine grasslands, deep gorges, and rock faces, is the ideal terrain for resilient wildlife. Aside from the occasional “grey ghost,” Hemis harbours Asiatic ibex, Ladakhi urials, blue sheep or bharal, and Tibetan wolves. Birdwatchers delight in spotting golden eagles, lammergeiers, and Himalayan griffon vultures soaring overhead.
Main Attractions: Snow leopards, Hemis Monastery, trekking routes.
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians & ₹500 for foreigners.
2. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Christie Greene / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Covering east Ladakh, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh, renowned for its high-altitude plains and lakes. Covering nearly 4,000 sq km, it comprises the vast Changthang Plateau and is flanked by Tibet. The grasslands, hills, and saltwater lakes of the sanctuary, such as Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, and Pangong Tso, are said to have a rich diversity of wildlife in the form of kiangs (Tibetan wild asses), Tibetan gazelles, Himalayan marmots, and black-necked cranes. Wetlands are also significant for birdwatchers, attracting bird lovers from all over the world. Trekking and camping on the lakes give experience, and the visitor becomes well acquainted with Ladakh’s natural environment.
Main Attractions: Kiangs, migratory birds, high-altitude lakes.
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians & ₹400 for foreigners.
3. Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Geraldine Dukes / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, in northern Ladakh, is the most neglected but important wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh. It lines the Nubra Valley along the China-Pakistan border and contains rugged terrain like rivers, glaciers, and cliffs. Its high-altitude landscape gives shelter to endangered and rare flora and fauna like Tibetan antelope (chiru), long-tailed marmots, Asiatic ibex, and snow leopards. The birdlife has bar-headed geese and brahminy ducks nesting within the high-altitude grounds. Since it is off the tourist map, a trip is often combined with a visit to the sanctuary as well as Nubra Valley outings like camel treks in Hunder and dune treks.
Main Attractions: Snow leopards, Tibetan antelope, panorama of Nubra Valley.
Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indians & ₹250 for foreigners.
4. Chang Chenmo Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Fulvio Spada / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The remote Chang Chenmo Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Ladakh lies on the India-China border along Pangong Tso Lake. The desert rocks and upland grasslands in the sanctuary provide shelter to Tibetan wolves, Himalayan blue sheep, and snow leopards. Seasonal marshes of the sanctuary are home to migratory birds like ruddy shelduck and bar-headed goose, and the sanctuary is a haven for bird-watchers. Himalayan trekking routes of the sanctuary are desired by adventure lovers who want to be alone and in pristine wilderness. Trekking and camping in the remote places enable one to be close to nature and be capable enough to witness the austere beauty of eastern Ladakh.
Main Attractions: Snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, off-beat trekking trails.
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians & ₹300 for foreigners.
5. Lungnak Valley Sanctuary
Photo: Sandra Lind / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Lungnak Valley Sanctuary is home to snow leopard habitats, brown bears, Himalayan ibex, and blue sheep, set against the backdrop of deep gorges, rock outcrops, and river valleys. The scenic countryside not only provides the tough terrain for trekking and the sighting of wildlife, but it is also perfect for adventure travellers. Besides, the chance to experience the affluent Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle of Zanskar in the sanctuary is reachable since the secluded villages have retained old ways of living. Spending time in homestays with villagers allows tourists to interact with the villagers and watch their lifestyle. Valley trekking trails reveal cultural and natural treasures, fusing wildlife watching with immersive travel.
Main Attractions: Snow leopards, brown bear, trekking and Zanskar scenery.
Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indians & ₹200 for foreigners.
6. Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve
Photo: Tanay Kibe / Wikimedia Commons
The Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve at 4,522 m just south of Tso Moriri Lake is the most beautiful high-altitude wetland haven of Ladakh. It is perhaps best known for the summer migration of black-necked cranes, while bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls, and grebes trail behind. There are Tibetan gazelles, blue sheep, and Himalayan wolves, too, in the vicinity. Blue waters of the lake reflect snow-capped peaks, with an ideal background to shoot through the viewfinder and observe in the wilderness. Trekking and camping around the lake allow one to soak in the virgin wilderness. The sanctuary is accessible from Leh via Chumathang Valley, 220 km away.
Main Attractions: Black-necked cranes, migratory birds, Lake Tso Moriri.
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians & ₹400 for foreigners.
7. Tso Kar Basin Sanctuary
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
The Tso Kar Basin Sanctuary, created on the high-altitude salt lake Tso Kar, is over 4,500 m and a unique ecological location in Ladakh. The sanctuary is renowned for its water salinity habitat and as a breeding place of black-necked cranes. There are kiangs in the wild, snow leopards and Tibetan wolves, and bird spotters have the possibility of seeing bar-headed geese and great crested grebes. White salt flats form a striking contrast to mountains and grasslands, which offer breathtaking panoramic settings for photography. Wildlife spotting comes next for thrill seekers, after which trekking and camping are done under the starry open Ladakh night sky.
Main Attractions: Kiangs, black-necked cranes, and the scenery of the salt lake.
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians & ₹300 for foreigners.
8. Markha Valley Conservation Area
Photo: Héctor Berganza / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Markha Valley Conservation Area, part of Hemis National Park, is the most thrilling trek and wildlife adventure of Ladakh. Panoramic vistas of cliff faces, river valleys, and white peaks in the valley provide natural habitat to snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan marmot, and various high-altitude birds. Trekkers might walk on the specified routes through villages, Buddhist monasteries, and rivers and get a quiet, safe, and unique cultural and ecological understanding. Visitors frequently meet animals such as ibex grazing on the mountains and sometimes see colourful migratory birds that stop for a rest among the valleys while they are going along these trails.
Main Attractions: Snow leopard sighting, Buddhist monasteries, trekking.
Entry Fee: Permit Charges
9. Zanskar Valley Sanctuary
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Zanskar Valley Sanctuary, nestled in Ladakh’s inaccessibility, is a virgin paradise famous for its harsh landscape and threatened wildlife. Surrounded by gorges, clifflike hills made of rocks, and snow-peaked mountains, the sanctuary serves as a haven for snow leopard, brown bear, Himalayan blue sheep, and alpine bird species. The valley’s diverse environment also hosts other cultural villages where tourists catch a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhism and isolated Zanskar life. During winter, the sanctuary is the focal point all over the world for the Chadar Trek, a difficult trek on the frozen Zanskar River over stunning ice gorges. Natural and cultural richness of the sanctuary make it a place for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers.
Major Attractions: Chadar Trek, spotting of snow leopard, and hidden monasteries.
Entry Charge: ₹200 per person.
10. Pangong Tso Conservation Area
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pangong Tso Conservation Area, situated in the middle of the famous Pangong Tso Lake, is Ladakh’s most beautiful and ecologically most lively place. At over 4,200 m elevation, the nature reserve is inhabited by Himalayan mammals such as kiangs and marmots, and summer migratory birds such as the bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks, and gulls that migrate to the lake for summer. The lake is famous for its changing hues, the turquoise to deep blue, mirror-like finish of the mountains and the sky, and hence offering a unique landscape for wildlife observation and photography. The conservation area is also bounded by high-altitude grasslands and boulder fields that offer a range of flora and fauna.
Main Attractions: Migratory birds, camping, thrilling views of the lake.
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Indians & ₹400 for foreigners.
Explore the breathtaking wildlife sanctuary in Ladakh this summer! From snow-draped peaks to high-altitude marshes alive with migratory birds, each sanctuary reveals the region’s rich natural heritage. Spot elusive snow leopards, kiangs, Himalayan ibex, and black-necked cranes in their pristine habitats. These untouched landscapes, combined with warm local hospitality and a commitment to conservation, promise a truly unforgettable adventure. Discover the wild heart of Ladakh—book now with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Gozitano / Wikimedia Commons
