About Hanle Wetlands
Hanle Wetlands is a high-altitude wetland complex located near Hanle village in the Changthang plateau of Leh district, Ladakh, at about 4,300 metres elevation. Part of the Hanle River basin within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, it comprises marshes, streams and seasonal pools. Notable for its biodiversity, it supports migratory birds including the black-necked crane and bar-headed goose, and is an important breeding and staging habitat in the Trans-Himalayan region.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a vast, open high-altitude wetland landscape of marshes, shallow pools and braided streams of the Hanle River surrounded by arid Changthang plains and mountains. The area is known for birdwatching, with opportunities to see black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and other migratory waterbirds, as well as grazing livestock of Changpa nomads. There are no built structures within the wetland itself; viewing is from natural tracks and roadside points near Hanle village.
Key highlights
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High-altitude wetland complex at approximately 4,300 metres in the Changthang plateau
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Part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and Hanle River basin
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Important breeding and staging habitat for black-necked crane and other migratory birds
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Scenic Trans-Himalayan landscape of marshes, streams and arid mountains
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Proximity to Hanle village, Hanle Monastery and Indian Astronomical Observatory
History of Hanle Wetlands
The wetlands are part of the traditional grazing grounds of the Changpa nomadic pastoralists of Changthang. The nearby Hanle Monastery, built in the 17th century, is historically associated with the region and overlooks the Hanle valley where the wetlands are located.
Culture & Context
The wetland ecosystem supports the pastoral culture of the Changpa community who graze livestock in the Hanle valley. It is also culturally significant as a habitat for the black-necked crane, which is revered in local Buddhist tradition.
Route
| By air |
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