Wild Ladakh

In Ladakh, picture-perfect gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) dramatically crown rocky outcrops next to fluttering prayer flags and whitewashed stupas. At the same time, prayer wheels spun clockwise release merit-making mantras in Gompas that are home to red-robed monks. It’s a little corner of Tibet marooned in the furthest reaches of India.

And while very few ventures here are in search of wildlife, those who do are richly rewarded. The Zanskar, Karakoram and Ladakh ranges, situated at an altitude of above 14,000 ft, boast of nearly 310 rare animal and avian species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These animals have adapted to the sub-zero temperatures of the alpine terrain that is almost constant throughout the year. Unfortunately, many of them now face extinction mainly due to changes in their habitat as well as human interference. Yaks, ibex, Himalayan marmots, wild asses, Ladakh urials, bharals and the elusive snow leopard are among a few of the animals that can be spotted in Ladakh. Have you visited yet?