Anindra Siqueira tells you about the BNHS’s ten-day trip to Ladakh this August
The BNHS is organising a camp to Ladakh, which is scheduled for next month. The land safari starts at Leh Airport, which you will have to get to on your own and will allow you to explore the lakes, a high-altitude desert and even a national park in Ladakh. Don’t let the high altitude fool you; there’s a variety of animals to see, including the golden eagle, the bearded vulture, the little owl, the Tibetan sandgrouse, the fire-fronted serin, Brandt’s mountain-finch, the Himalayan blue sheep, the mountain stoat, Royle’s pika and the Himalayan marmot. And, who could forget the rare, dazzling Apollo butterfly. Isaac Kehimkar, deputy director (Natural History) at BNHS, tells us, “Ladakh — it’s never enough! The stark, rugged landscape makes it seem as though you’re on another planet. It’s a photographer’s dream location and coming across a pair of the rare black-necked cranes or those handsome Kiang stallions is unforgettable! Running after the elusive Apollo butterflies left me breathless at 18,000 feet on the Khardunlga pass. It stands out from my all other travel experiences.”
Price Rs 41,500 for members and Rs 42,700 for non-members
When August 15 to 25
Where Leh Airport, Leh District Jammu & Kashmir
Contact 22871202/ 22821811/ www.bnhs.org