Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary near Leh in Ladakh is a small animal welfare shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for abandoned and injured donkeys and mules. Located on the outskirts of Leh near Saboo village, it was established to provide refuge for working animals left behind after construction and tourism-related work declined. The sanctuary offers visitors a quiet, compassionate environment to observe rescued animals, learn about animal welfare in high-altitude Ladakh, and support ethical tourism.

Visitors can expect a small, open enclosure and shelter area on the outskirts of Leh housing rescued donkeys and mules. The setting is arid and quiet with views of surrounding Ladakhi mountains. Visitors can walk around the enclosures, observe the animals at close range, interact gently under staff supervision, and learn from caretakers about rescue, feeding and veterinary care. The experience is low-key and educational, focused on animal welfare rather than commercial tourism.

The sanctuary was established to address the abandonment of donkeys and mules previously used as working animals for construction, road building by the Border Roads Organisation and tourism-related transport in Ladakh. As mechanization increased, many animals were left stray, prompting local animal welfare volunteers to create a dedicated shelter for their care and rehabilitation.

The sanctuary reflects growing awareness of animal welfare and responsible tourism in Ladakh. It highlights the traditional role of donkeys and mules in Ladakhi livelihood and the community effort to provide humane care for working animals in the harsh high-altitude environment.