Himalayan Birding Tour

Meals: On Own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or similar

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, an Asian Adventures representative will extend a warm welcome and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and unwind from your journey. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace or simply enjoy the comforts of your accommodation.

Overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, Lunch & Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Pangot (306 km / 8 hrs), a journey through one of the most picturesque mountain roads in India. As you ascend into the scenic Kumaon Hills, you’ll pass through the enchanting ‘lake city’ of Nainital, offering glimpses of its serene lakes and lush landscapes. Upon arrival at Pangot, settle into your lodge and soak in the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, embark on a guided birdwatching session near the lodge, where you may spot vibrant Himalayan species in their natural habitat.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge

Dedicate this full day to birding in the scenic locales of Pangot village, Baggar, and Gughu Khan, guided by a local expert who will help you spot and identify the region's rich avian diversity. Start your day early to make the most of the prime bird-watching hours, as you head into the serene trails and forested areas surrounding these picturesque spots.

Your guide will take you through the verdant campus of Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, an ideal place for birding due to its dense forest and proximity to various habitats. You’ll explore nearby woods and stream areas, which provide excellent cover and feeding grounds for a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out for favorites like the Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, and Hill Partridge, along with other Himalayan avifauna. The streams and wooded areas may also reveal smaller bird species and other wildlife.

After a day filled with rewarding sightings and peaceful immersion in nature, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the wonderful sightings and experiences shared throughout this immersive birding day.

Overnight stay

One can see Cheer, Koklaas and Khalij, Crested Serpent-eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Woodpeckers such as Brown-fronted, Stripe Breasted, Rufous-bellied etc. Thrushes such as Dark- throated, Mistle, etc. Striated Prinia can be see in the terraced fields. Warblers such as Tickell's Leaf-warbler, Greenish, Golden-spectacled, Grey-hooded. Flycatchers such as Asian Brown, Rusty Tailed, Ultramarine, Verditer, Tickell's Blue, Rufous-bellied Niltav, etc., Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Blue-capped Redstart Laughingthrushes such as White-throated, Striated & Streaked, Chestnut-crowned etc. Look for Accentor, Upland Pipit, Blue Winged Minla, Whiskered Yuhina etc. Slaty-headed & Red-breasted Parakeet, Grey Bushchat, Long-tailed & Grey-backed Shrike, Common Kestrel, Besra, Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush etc. Streaked Laughingthrush is a common garden bird here

Meals: Breakfast in Pangot, Lunch & Dinner in Sattal
Accommodation: Hotel Harshikhar or similar

Spend the morning exploring Pangot’s serene surroundings, focusing on birding opportunities in the area’s forests and streams. After a leisurely late breakfast, check out and begin your drive to Sat Tal, a journey filled with picturesque landscapes and en-route birding stops to make the most of the journey.

Arrive in Sat Tal in the early afternoon and check in to your resort, where a delicious lunch awaits you. The rest of the evening is dedicated to birding in the lush environs of Sat Tal. Known for its untouched beauty and dense woods, Sat Tal offers an immersive experience in nature. Even without birding, the area’s trails provide a tranquil setting for leisurely walks, allowing you to enjoy the serene and unspoiled charm of this destination.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your resort.

The habitat offers species such as:
White-crested Laughing Thrush, Rufous-Gorgeted Flycatcher, Red-billed Leothrix, Siberian Rubythroat, Rock Bunting etc. This scattered and deliberately undeveloped area is one of the most pleasant destinations. Look for Rufous-chinned & White Crested Laughing Thrush, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Greater Yellow-naped Flameback, Speckled Piculet, Golden Bush Robin etc

Meals: Breakfast in Sattal, Lunch & Dinner in Jageshwar
Accommodation: Van Sarai

Start your day with an invigorating morning birding session in Sattal, where you can take advantage of the region’s rich avian diversity. 

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Jageshwar (97 km / 3.5 hrs), a peaceful and untouched gem nestled in the Kumaon region. Surrounded by dense deodar forests, this ancient temple town exudes serenity and remains a hidden treasure for birdwatchers. Upon arrival, take in the tranquil atmosphere and explore the breathtaking landscape. In the evening, enjoy birdwatching around the historic temple complex, where you may spot avian beauties like the Crested Kingfisher, Spotted Forktail, White-capped Redstart, and Brown Dipper as they thrive in the pristine surroundings.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast in Jageshwar, (Lunch on own on the way) & Dinner in Munsiyari
Accommodation: The Last Frontier

Set off in the morning for Munsiyari (194 km / 7 hrs), a breathtaking journey through winding mountain roads and ever-changing landscapes. Along the way, make strategic stops at prime birding locations to observe a variety of Himalayan species. Keep an eye out for the Himalayan Vulture, Golden Eagle, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and the elusive Koklass Pheasant. As you ascend, the majestic snow-capped peaks of Panchachuli gradually come into view, offering a spectacular backdrop. Upon arrival in Munsiyari, settle into your accommodation and soak in the crisp mountain air.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Last Frontier

Spend two full days in Munsiyari immersing yourself in its rich birdlife, exploring diverse avian habitats ranging from dense oak and rhododendron forests to alpine meadows. With the breathtaking Panchachuli peaks as your backdrop, venture into prime birdwatching trails in search of Himalayan specialties.

Look out for iconic species such as the Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Vulture, Satyr tragopan, Green-backed Tit, Himalayan Woodpecker, Great Barbet, Eurasian Jay, and Hill Partridge. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best opportunities to spot these elusive birds in their natural surroundings.

Between birding excursions, take in the stunning vistas, interact with local communities, and enjoy the serene mountain atmosphere. Evenings can be spent reviewing your sightings, discussing birding techniques, or simply unwinding under a star-lit sky.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast in Munsiyari, (Lunch on own) and Dinner in Kausani
Accommodation: Chevron Eco Lodge

After an early morning birding session in Munsiyari, check out and begin your scenic drive to Kausani (165 km / 6 hrs). The journey takes you through picturesque mountain roads, charming villages, and lush forests, offering ample opportunities to spot high-altitude bird species along the way.

Upon arrival in Kausani, settle into your lodge and enjoy a late lunch while taking in the breathtaking 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. After freshening up, explore the serene surroundings of Kausani, known for its tranquility and stunning vistas.

As the day winds down, indulge in an evening birding session in and around the lodge.

Overnight stay.

Key Species: Asian Barred Owlet, Ultramarine Flycatcher, White-throated Fantail, Blue-throated Barbet, Long-tailed Minivet, Streaked Laughingthrush, Kalij Pheasant

Meals: Breakfast, (Lunch on own) and Dinner
Accommodation: Chevron Eco Lodge

Spend the entire day immersed in the birding delights of Kausani, a haven for avian enthusiasts. Begin your morning with a guided birdwatching session through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, where you may encounter various species.

As the day unfolds, explore different birding hotspots around Kausani, from lush valleys to terraced fields, offering diverse habitats for a variety of bird species. Keep your binoculars ready for beautiful sightings of the birds.

In the late afternoon, relax at a scenic viewpoint to enjoy the golden hues of the setting sun over the snow-capped Himalayas. Conclude the day with an evening birdwatching session near the lodge, spotting nocturnal species and listening to the soothing calls of the wilderness.

Key Species: Lesser Yellownape, Himalayan Buzzard, Blue-fronted Redstart, Gray-winged Blackbird, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Black-throated Tit, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush, Long-tailed Shrike,Himalayan Prinia, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Himalayan Bulbul, Red-rumped Swallow

Meals: Breakfast in Kausani, Lunch & Dinner in Renz
Accommodation: Renz Himalayan Retreat

In the morning, set off on a scenic drive to Renz Himalayan Retreat (68 km from Corbett & 30 km before Ranikhet), making strategic stops en route for birdwatching. The route passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and riverbanks, offering excellent opportunities to spot species.

Upon arrival at the retreat, check in and soak in the peaceful surroundings of this offbeat location. After a refreshing break, spend the afternoon exploring the bird-rich areas around the retreat. This region is particularly known for its raptor diversity.

As the day winds down, enjoy the serene atmosphere of the retreat, with the calls of owls and nightjars marking the onset of dusk.

Overnight stay

Key Species: Mountain Hawk Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Black Eagle, Eurasian Kestrel

Meals: Breakfast in Renz, Lunch & Dinner in Corbett
Accommodation: Tiger Camp

In the morning, depart for Corbett National Park, one of India’s most renowned wildlife reserves, making a stop at Kumeria en route for birding. Kumeria, with its riverine forests and hilly terrain, is an excellent birding hotspot.

Continue your journey to Corbett Tiger Reserve, which boasts a spectacular diversity of avifauna with over 600 recorded bird species. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon birdwatching session in the buffer zones of the park. Explore the surrounding riverbanks, grasslands, and dense Sal forests.

As the sun sets, return to your lodge and unwind amidst the sounds of the jungle.

Overnight stay

Key Species: Brown fish owl, Chestnut-bellied nuthatch, Bar-winged flycatcher-shrike, Lesser fish eagle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tiger Camp

Start your day with an exhilarating morning safari, venturing deep into the rich wilderness of Corbett National Park. This safari provides an excellent opportunity to track the park’s diverse wildlife, including majestic mammals and vibrant bird species. Corbett's varied habitats—ranging from riverine belts and grasslands to dense forests—make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Return to your accommodation after the morning safari to enjoy a hearty breakfast and some relaxation time. In the afternoon, head out for another thrilling safari. As the sun begins to set, the park’s inhabitants become more active, offering a unique perspective on their behaviors. Whether it's the sight of a tiger on the prowl or the call of birds echoing through the forest, every moment is a treasure.

Conclude the day with a relaxing evening at your accommodation, reflecting on the wonders of Corbett’s wildlife.

Overnight stay

Key Species: Great Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Red-collared Falconet etc. are some of the rare birds that are found in Corbett. More birds include Jungle Owlet, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Red-breasted Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Stork-billed & Crested Kingfisher and White-tailed & Siberian Rubythroat

Meals: Breakfast in Corbett, (Lunch & Dinner on own)
Accommodation: Shanti Palace or similar

Begin your day with an early morning safari in Corbett National Park, exploring its diverse landscapes of grasslands, riverine forests, and dense Sal woodlands. This is the best time to spot elusive wildlife, including Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, and an array of bird species. The morning light also offers excellent photography opportunities as the jungle awakens.

After an immersive wildlife experience, return to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. Around noon, check out and begin your journey back to Delhi (approximately 7-8 hours’ drive). En route, take in the changing landscapes as you transition from the Himalayan foothills to the plains.

Arrive in Delhi by late evening, marking the end of your birding and wildlife adventure. Drop off at the airport or your hotel.

Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None

In the morning, after breakfast, you'll be transferred to Delhi Airport for your onward flight back home. As you bid farewell to the incredible landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable birding experiences, the tour concludes with cherished memories of nature's wonders and your adventure through some of India's most iconic wildlife destinations. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!