Ladakh is a dream destination for travel lovers. This time it's going to be even more dreamy, because India's First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari is starting in Ladakh, where you can see the 'ghosts of the mountains'! Wondering if there is a ghost safari? Actually these ghosts are flesh and blood animals, dressed as snow leopards or snow leopards.
This cheetah with soft white fur suddenly disappeared in the snow that stretched the horizon, and suddenly came forward again. Hence his name is 'Mountain Ghost' to the locals. Not only this animal, but many other wildlife and birds living in the highlands of Ladakh can be seen on this safari.
The initiative aims to make wildlife tourism safer and more organized. On this safari, tourists can explore the famous high-mountain region of Ladakh under the guidance of trained local experts. Safaris will operate in specially designed open-back jeeps on specific routes instead of free access to private vehicles in sensitive areas. It will be a bit like a national park safari like Kaziranga and Ranthambore.
Another important objective of this initiative is to stop illegal off-roading. Uncontrolled vehicular traffic can harm Ladakh's sensitive natural environment as well as wildlife. The aim of this initiative is to reduce it.
Ladakh Forest Department has identified potential safari routes. The list includes Hemis National Park, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil, Dras etc. These areas are especially known for snow leopards as well as various species of birds.
Ladakh is known to have an estimated 477 snow leopards, the highest in the country. The total number of snow leopards in India is estimated at 718—meaning that Ladakh is home to a large proportion of the country's snow leopard population. There are also more than 38 species of mammals, about 340 species of birds and about 1,800 species of plants.
As per the initiative, 20 selected local youths will be trained in bird watching, bird identification and bird-spotting. The initiative will be implemented through the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation Society.
Plan this high-altitude wildlife safari on your upcoming trip to Ladakh.