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Situated along the Drass River, the historic town of Drass is often regarded as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’ and is one of the best places in India to spot Himalayan brown bear.

Cradled in the Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir, this area first garnered attention due to armed conflict between Indian and Pakistani troops during the Kargil war. Now the peaceful town, surrounded by spectacular scenery, is the perfect base for a range of outdoor activities including hiking and wildlife watching.

The town is the second-coldest inhabited place on Earth, with temperatures dropping to around minus 40 degrees Celsius at their coldest. Therefore, it will come as no surprise that many of the species that reside here are well adapted to their inhospitable environment, such as long-tailed marmot, Himalayan wolf and Himalayan brown bear.

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Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Himalayan brown bear, long-tailed marmot, Himalayan red fox, Asiatic ibex, golden eagle
  • Where: Ladakh State, India

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itinerary:

Wildlife of Ladakh

Travel across the north Indian region of Ladakh with incredible opportunities to see a wealth of remarkable species. Pallas’s cat, snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear are all possible amongst a plethora of birdlife as you traverse through rugged Himalayan landscapes with outstanding views. Find out more about Wildlife of Ladakh

  • Price (inc. flights): 18 days from £8,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Drenmo Lodge

Drenmo Lodge

A renovated local home, Drenmo Lodge is the first exclusive lodge in western Ladakh, India, to be dedicated to Himalayan brown bear tourism. Equipped with expert in-house naturalists and spotters, it's one of the best places in Ladakh to observe these majestic omnivores. Find Out More about Drenmo Lodge