The Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Changtang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, is a very well-known place in the district Leh, Jammu & Kashmir.
The place remains very cold for its high location and the breath taking view amazes everyone throughout the year. The Kiang, a kind of Tibetan Wild Ass is quite popular in this place, and black necked Crane which is very rare in India or somewhere else on earth.

This Wild life sanctuary is a portion of the Hindu Kush Himalaya, quite popular there.

The height of the Sanctuary is the reason of its popularity, which is 14000 to 19000 feet, as its said. The Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary is made of narrow deep hills and very large tableland. Lakes and swamps are scattered in the wildlife sanctuary, and the river Indus has divided the Sanctuary into two, passing through the place.

History

There is lot of activity going on around this nice place and the history of Changtang tells some events that affects the place very much.
Since 1962 Changtang has been experienced lot of cruelty which made the place quite a war zone, but nobody can ignore the beauty of the place that made the government approve a vast area for the Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary, which can protect its well known plants and animals. Before 1994 tourists were not allowed to visit the place, but then tourists can go to Pangong Tso and Tso Morari lakes which are not far from the sanctuary. The animals are in danger as the environment is not suitable for their survival, thanks to the militaries activities, of course. Tourisms also kind of affects their lives.

Weather and Best time to visit

As the weather of Changtang is very uncertain, so tourist should know the right time to visit the place or it would be tough to stay.

The climate of the place is very abnormal and one can face serious trouble if not taken well preparation before visit. The summer is very comfortable but it doesn’t stay for long, which is a problem as thunder storm visits there often and may ruin your fun. The winter is not a good time to visit for tourist as it is too cold at the time.

One can visit Changtang Wildlife Sanctuary between May and December, considered the best time enjoying the weather and view.

How to reach

There are three ways to go to the place but one should know about them very well and then consider the best for them.

By Air

If one wants to travel by air then there is only one option-Leh Airport.

By Rail

Udhampur Rail station is another option if one wants to travel by rail.

By Road

One has to take the road to Leh if the option is by road. If this is the case then one has twooptions, either the road from Manali or from Srinagar should be taken. There is one common thing that can be enjoyed while travelling – the breath taking view. Beside that some things are little irritating, like narrow roads and checkpoints of military. There are luxury buses available for the passengers and they are available from Manali and Srinagar.

Location Map

Wildlife

The wildlife of Changtang is quite well-known because of its beautiful plants and animals that are the specialty there.

The popular animal in the wildlife sanctuary is snow leopard. There are some animals that are quite rare in the world, like Tibetan wolf, Tibetan argali, Wild yak, and Tibetan gazelle. This sanctuary is also the home of Tibetan antelopes. There are 44 types of water bird in the sanctuary and Black necked Crane also can be seen here in summer.

Flora:

200 types of wild plants can be found here that help making the place so beautiful. These plants are the food of all the animals live here.

Fauna:

here are some mentionable animals that live here like snow leopard, Tibetan Wild Ass, lynx,wolf and wild dog etc.

Avian-Fauna:

rahminy Ducks, Brown-headed Gulls are the attraction over there. It has been seen that Black Necked Crane and migratory birds find the place very apt for living.

Where to stay

The places that have been considered the best or suitable for staying as a tourist are mentioned below, which can be helpful.

In Leh there is a fine 4 star hotel for tourists called The Grand Dragon Leh Ladakh. All kinds of comfortable stuff are available in the hotel.

Hotel Facilities

The facilities offered here are very good like conference hall, VIP lounge, shopping arcade, elevators, lawn and massage parlor etc. The hotel also offers tracking and camping.

Room Amenities

There are 53 well decorated, with all kind facilities room available there.

Address:

Old Road, Sheynam, Leh 194101, India

Hotel Holiday Ladakh is situated near the main bazaar of Leh, 2 km away from the airport. With all kinds of facilities this hotel has gained popularity. 

Room Amenities

The room services are very commendable here and have very good, comfortable rooms with facilities.

Dining & Hotel Facilities

Dining and facilities are mentionable here and they left no scope for any complains for that. Multi cuisine restaurants are good options here.

Address:

Fort Road,Lower Tukcha,, Leh 194101, India

General Information

For general information one should check or know places where one can get the information, if needed.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions play an important part when it comes to attract tourists, for it makes the place quite famous.

Tsomoriri:

Tsomoriri is the highest lake on earth and from 2002 it is known as Ramsar site which is 40 miters deep.

Pangong Tso:

This lake starts from India and finishes in china, and the water is somewhat salt.

Photo Gallery