Within the Gateway to Ladakh in the picturesque valley of Drass, experience the town’s unique landscape and wildlife at Drenmo Lodge, Ladakh. Opening their gates from April to December, here is why this quaint destination is not to be missed.
PIONEERS OF BROWN BEAR TOURISM
Established in 2016, Drenmo Lodge is the first ever exclusive lodge in western Ladakh dedicated to the majestic Himalayan Brown Bear – the largest land carnivore in India. Located in the remote Holiyal village in Mushkow valley – a prime brown bear country, Drenmo is undoubtedly the best location in India for sighting this magnificent mammal.
With a vision to introduce wildlife and experiential tourism in Drass – ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’ – the picturesque valley and lodge is a welcoming playground not only for wildlife lovers but also for those seeking to engage with nature and the outdoors.
COMFORT IN THE WILD
With summer temperatures of 20-30 degree celsius and those in winter dropping to below 40, the lodge’s warm and cozy rooms are the perfect place to come back to after spending long hours outdoors viewing bears and other wildlife. A comfortable lounge space to leisure at pulls the stay together, and a dedicated kitchen team shall prepare simple homestyle foods whether you are dining at the lodge or in the outdoors. An in- house host with all knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of the region and fluent in Ladakhi, Hindi and English shall guide you with all your needs.
BEYOND JUST BEARS
Depending on the time of the year, the brown bear experience can also be clubbed with various other wildlife experiences such as the Himalayan Black Bear and Kashmir Stag in Kashmir and the Snow Leopard, Lynx, Pallas Cat and more in Eastern and Central Ladakh.
While one can enjoy watching wildlife here, there are plenty of other activities to experience during different times of the year ranging from village and nature walks, hiking, birding, fishing, local food experiences, to glamping. Challenge yourself to a wildlife excursion up the valley, visit the apricot flower blossom in April and wild tulip bloom in May and June, or the apricot and apple harvest.
THE SUMMER PROGRAM
A unique wildlife excursion of six nights and seven days, experience the western reaches of Ladakh featuring close sightings of Himalayan Brown Bears in their natural habitat, Hiking and campout in the picturesque Suru valley, scenic walks across blooming tulips, and taste authentic Kargili food.
BROWN BEAR PROGRAM
If you’re interested specifically in venturing Ladakh’s wildlife, especially the Brown Bear, this program is an adrenaline packed adventure of four nights and five days.
Start the day with an early walk along the Mushkow river. On a good day, you will be able to spot over 30 varieties of resident and migratory birds including marmots, ibex, fox and wolves. Spend early mornings and evenings brown bear tracking amongst trained spotters, trailing through apricot orchards, then camp together for leisurely local meals.
A local team with a decade of field experience will ensure you have a comfortable and memorable stay here, at Drenmo Lodge.
