Ladakh Fauna

Ladakh is famous for Khardungla and now MigLa at 19,400 feet, Pengongtso lake, Siachen Glacier and the like. But Ladakh is also known for the Double-humped Camels, Asian Wild Ass, Yak, Marmot and other fauna. Though we were neither fully equipped for wildlife photography nor had the time for it, but we did observe and capture some of the fauna of Ladakh. With scant vegetation and harsh winters, the animals adapt themselves. We share below few pictures along with a brief description of the associated fauna. Picture quality may not be as good, but we wanted to share with our readers and prospective visitors to Ladakh so that they are better informed about the flora and fauna.

Double Humped Camel

Double-humped camels, also known as Bactrian camels, are found in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, India. They are a popular tourist attraction, particularly for camel safaris on the sand dunes of Hunder (also spelt as Hunder), Diskit and Sumur. These camels are well-adapted to the harsh, cold desert environment of Ladakh. They are smaller and stouter than single-humped camels, with thick, woolly coats for warmth. The double-humped camel is now the main source of livelihood for natives of Ladakh, thanks to camel safari and other tourism activities. The Bactrian camel is an IUCN Red List species listed as critically endangered since 2002. These camels are largely domesticated. Based on our experience, we would prefer Sumur sand dunes and camel safari over Hundar. Because Sumur is less crowded, serene and peaceful. Sumur also hosts the National Traditional Archery Tournament in June every year. But you have to take a call whether you are visiting Siachen base camp or not. If yes, then stop over at Sumur on the return leg. See the pictures.

Kiang or Asian Wild Ass

We sighted this animal at two places. Firstly in Chushul valley while going to Rezang La and then on the return leg to Chang La. On both occasions we sighted the Kiang in pairs. or threes On Changla road, it appeared to be a family with a calf following the parents! Pictures will follow. But before that, a brief description of Kiang thanks to Britannica. Kiang, (Equus kiang), species of Asian wild ass found in the cold, arid highlands of Nepal, India, Pakistan and China at elevations above 13,000 feet. The kiang’s coat is reddish in summer and brown, and it has white underparts that do not change with the seasons. The kiang is the largest species of wild ass; it stands 55 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 250 and 440 kg and many times mistaken for a horse! Pictures follow.

Marmot

Did you know that the Marmots belong to the squirrel family? According to Britannica, Marmots are found primarily in North America and Eurasia including the Himalayas. These rodents are large and heavy, weighing 3 to 7 kgs, Marmots are well suited for life in cold environments and have small fur-covered ears, short, stocky legs, and strong claws for digging. All live in burrows that they excavate. Marmots are active during the day (diurnal) and are almost entirely vegetarian. All hibernate in winter, most of them deeply. During hibernation they live on fat reserves accumulated during the summer. Pictures shot from long distance follow.

Yak

Yaks are seen grazing at elevations above 14,000 feet above mean sea level. We observed an herd near Pengongtso as also in the Changla region. Yaks live as domesticated animals as well as in the wild. Easily identified by their jet black coat of long hair, short legged, large size (as compared to other cattle) and grazing posture. They are found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas, Central Asia and China. Their long hair and heavy undercoat can keep them warm even at -40 degrees Celsius. According to Britannica, Yaks’ lung capacity is about three times that of cattle, and they have more and smaller red blood cells, improving the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. Domesticated yaks are bred for tractability and high milk production. Yaks are also used for ploughing and threshing, as well as for meat, hides, and fur. The dried dung of the yak is the only obtainable fuel on the treeless Tibetan plateau. Few pictures shot by us follow.

Like human beings, yaks also have an ID as seen in the tag below.

Pashmina Sheep

Pashmina shawls are woven and sold in Ladakh and Kashmir region of the Himalayas. Pashmina sheep are reared. You can see a herd grazing on the road to Chang La.

Birds of Ladakh

We did not go birding in Ladakh. Few birds which we sighted are incidental. Few more for which we don't have pictures were Large wagtail and an eagle soaring high up in Diskit area. Sharing few pictures of those which we could identify.

Alpine Accentor or Robin Accentor

We sighted this bird with orange underbelly and short but pointed beak on Changla Road. We queried gen-AI and got the response, "Alpine Accentors are residents of Ladakh and are commonly found in high-altitude regions, including areas near Changla Pass, which aligns with the user's sighting location. They prefer open barren rocky slopes and valleys above the tree line. " So much for generative AI and its usage. Readers may browse eBird site for further details. Our pictures follow.

Chukar Partridge

We sighted a solitary Chukar on the road in Nubra valley while returning from Siachen Base camp. Very alert and agile, by the time I could position the DSLR in my moving vehicle, it scurried away. Therefore, both the shots are a bit blurry. Chukar partridge is easy to identify because it is boldly-patterned. It is overall pale sandy brownish-gray with bold black stripe on the face and black stripes on sides. For further details you may browse ebird. See the pictures below.

Another Bird

We sighted another bird with longish tail sitting on a rock at ground level near the road from Tangtse to Pengongtso. lake Gen-AI responded saying that it looked like White-tailed Ptarmigan. At the same time, it mentioned that the Ptarmigan was a native of North America and not likely to be sighted in Ladakh. So we are not sure which bird was it. Moreover, despite the 300mm lens, it was too far away for reasonably clear magnification. See the picture below.

Would be grateful to any reader for further help in identification.

Cormorants were sighted at many places in Ladakh. Sharing below a picture taken opposite the Shey Palace.

Other Fauna

Once the snows melt, multitude of grass and flowers sprout adding colour to the barren terrain. Sharing few pictures below.

Sia flowers grow wild. Siachen is named after Sia flower. See the picture below.

Dogs love to sleep for better part of the day. Ladakhi dogs are no exception. See the sleepy though innocent looking eyes of the dog below. His companion on the left did not get disturbed and continued to enjoy the slumber.

Trucks and Bikers

Trucks and bikers are an integral part of the roads in Ladakh. The trucks have hilarious one-liners painted on the rear. See the pictures below. 

How many messages or one-liners do you see in the picture below?

Truck Lover
Rolls Royce

Shikari; Game Over
When we walk on road, you eat at home
I Love Kashmir
Use Dipper at night
Own Power, Own Rules, Own Kingdom
Speed 60km

Bikers invade Ladakh highways once the snows melt. Hordes of them can be seen riding together and making reels. Sharing two pictures below.

Other Stories About Ladakh

We share below some of the stories of our Ladakh trip undertaken in June 2025.

High Altitude Hiking in Ladakh- Is it risky for a 73-year-old? Picture story with video clips. 

Siachen The Highest Battlefield in the World - The picture story is sure to give you goose bumps! We salute our Siachen Warriors.

Blue Skies Lift Your Spirits - Feel the blue skies as we land in Leh.

Here is another perspective of Ladakh through the lens of our daughter Akanksha who went there in June 2022.

Ladakh - Shades of Heaven on Earth - a story with breathtaking pictures

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    -   Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Ansh Bhargava/ Secunderabad/ 22nd Oct 2025

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