1 Week of Guided Himalayan Birding Tour In Sikkim For 150 Species

Once a sovereign kingdom, Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state after Goa in total area, covering approximately 7,096 sq. km. Sikkim is nonetheless geographically diverse due to its location in the Himalayas. This rich biodiversity has ensured that Sikkim is now among the favorite locations for birdwatchers and photographers.

Sikkim is sandwiched on all sides by mountains. The elevation ranges from 225m to 8600m in a small area. Sikkim is also home to Kanchendzonga, India's highest mountain, and the world's third-highest peak. Separated by the Singhalila Range from Nepal in the west and the Tibetan Dongkya Range to the east, Sikkim, is like a "bird catchment area." Nowhere in the world can one find flora and fauna in such a small area, with such a variety of habitats, from tropical to alpine.

We have recently introduced this birding tour in the Northern part of Sikkim, based on our experiences. While we usually visit Northern Sikkim in the winter for birds like Grandala and Blood Pheasant, this summer tour aims to highlight the beautiful resident birds of the region, including Speckled Wood Pigeon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, a variety of babblers and leaf warblers, and more.

My search for the Grandala

Although I am a passionate birder who loves birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors, it’s only human nature that I find the prettier ones more attractive. One bird that had captured my imagination ever since I first saw it in my field guide was the Grandala. Over the years, I’ve dreamed of finding and watching this bird (and photographing it if possible).

My dream seemed to come true when I came across this North Sikkim birding tour. The promise of large flocks of Grandalas, looking almost like fruits or flowers on trees gave me sleepless nights, and I just had to travel here!

Finally, the opportunity came to make my way to some amazing birding in Lachen, home of the Grandala. Our journey began at Bagdogra airport, from where we drove to Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital and largest city. Although I would have loved to spend a few days in beautiful Gangtok, just soaking in the culture and sights, and sounds of the city, my main objective awaited me. I made a mental note to visit Gangtok on a purely recreational trip sometime with family in the future.

So it was that we traveled the very next day to Lachen in Northern Sikkim. Much of this area is restricted, and permits are required to travel here, meaning an early morning wait at the permit office. This, however, was the only irritating part of the day, even though we spent almost the entire day traveling. The stunning views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, coupled with the frequent birding stops for birds like the Black-throated Parrotbill, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, and more, made the drive enjoyable.

We spent three full days in Lachen, exploring the areas of Thangu Valley, Gurdongmar Lake, and bamboo habitats around Lachen. Needless to say, we all managed to have a gala time, watching and photographing Blood Pheasant, White-throated Dipper, Red-throated Thrush, various parrotbills, and fulvettas, and, of course, our main target here - Grandala. What a stunning avian spectacle! To see almost a thousand brightly colored birds gathering together to feed in one single place. There have been very few better sights that I’ve seen, and this will be high on my list of favorites.

So it was that my quick and target-specific Sikkim birding tour came to an end. Yes, this was probably one trip where I hardly traveled anywhere, but the sights and sounds of the beautiful birds of Sikkim will stay with me. Needless to say, I will visit Sikkim again, with the objective next time of experiencing the wonderful culture of this place, something I could only get a short glimpse into on this visit.