Delhi, Pangot, Sat Tal, Jageshwar, Munsiyari, Kausani, Ranikhet and Corbett National Park
Himalayan Birding Tour
Overview
The Central Himalayan Birding Tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers. Not only does it cover multiple locations, but also multiple landscapes and terrains, in order to maximise your number of species.
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett is not only home to tigers, but also Asiatic Elephant, several deer species, and other animals like Jungle Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, and more. Birdwatchers are drawn to the abundant bird diversity of the park, with species like Great Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Lineated and Brown-headed Barbets, Indian and Hooded Pittas, Black Francolin, Red Junglefowl, and many more.
Apart from Corbett, you also get the chance to explore multiple locations further up in the mountains, including the birding Edens of Sat Tal, Pangot, and Munsiyari, the lush deodar pine forests of Jageshwar, and everything in between!
From lush oak and pine forests, to farmland, riversides, and alpine meadows, these locations not only vary in habitat, but also in altitudes, meaning that you can cover the maximum number of species, like Blue Whistling and Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrushes, Eurasian and Black-headed Jays, Western Tragopan, Kalij, Koklass and Cheer Pheasants, and more, in the least amount of time, optimising your birdwatching checklist.
Meals: On Own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or similar
Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, an Asian Adventures representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
You will be met and driven to Pangot (306 km / 8 hrs), a journey that takes you along one of the world's most spectacular mountain roads. As you ascend into the scenic Kumaon Hills, you'll pass through the charming 'lake city' of Nainital. In the afternoon, enjoy birdwatching with a guide near the lodge.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Enjoy birdwatching at Pangot, Baggar, Timla Pani, Cheena Peak, and Nainital, where you will explore diverse habitats and spot a variety of bird species with your guide.
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 Niltava 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
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: V Resort or similar
In the morning, drive to Sat Tal (39 km / 2 hrs). Spend the rest of the day birding in Sat Tal, exploring its natural surroundings and observing various bird species in their habitats. Overnight stay in Sat Tal.
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, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Van Sarai
In the morning, embark on a drive to Jageshwar (97 km / 3.5 hrs). This scattered and intentionally undeveloped area is one of the most serene destinations. The area is covered with deodar trees and remains relatively unexplored by birdwatchers. In the evening, enjoy birding around the temple, keeping an eye out for birds such as the Crested Kingfisher, Spotted Forktail, White-capped Redstart, and Brown Dipper.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch on own on the way)
Accommodation: The Last Frontier’ in thatch & stone cottages.
Set off in the morning for Munsiyari (194 km / 7 hrs), stopping along the way for birding opportunities.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Last Frontier in thatch & stone cottages.
You have two full days in Munsiyari dedicated to birding adventures, exploring its diverse avian habitats and observing a variety of bird species.
Overnight stay
Key Species: Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Vulture, Satyr tragopan, Green-backed Tit, Himalayan Woodpecker, Great Barbet, Eurasian Jay, Hill Partridge
Meals: Breakfast in Munsiyari, and Dinner in Kausani
Accommodation: Chevron Eco Lodge
After your morning birding session, check out and proceed to Kausani (165 km / 6 hrs). Upon arrival in Kausani, enjoy a late lunch. After freshening up, soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas with a panoramic view spanning 300 km. Explore the surrounding areas of Kausani. In the evening, indulge in birding 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 and Dinner
Accommodation: Chevron Eco Lodge
You have a full day dedicated to birding in Kausani. Enjoy exploring the area and observing bird species throughout the day. Overnight stay
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, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Holm Farms
In the morning, drive to Ranikhet (58 km / 2 hrs), making stops for birding along the way. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day birding around Ranikhet, known for its variety of raptors.
Overnight stay
Key Species: Mountain Hawk Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Black Eagle, Eurasian Kestrel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tiger Camp
In the morning, drive to Corbett National Park, stopping en route at Kumeria for birding. Corbett Tiger Reserve boasts spectacular diversity of avifauna.
Overnight stay
Key Species: Brown fish owl, Chestnut-bellied nuthatch, Bar-winged flycatcher-shrike, Lesser fish eagle
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tiger Camp
Today's two safaris into the park will primarily focus on birdwatching, while also keeping an eye out for any signs of Tiger presence that could lead to a remarkable sighting of this magnificent big cat.
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
Accommodation: Shanti Palace or similar
Enjoy a morning safari in Corbett National Park. Depart for Delhi around noon, with an estimated 7-8 hours' drive. Arrive in Delhi in the late evening.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Transfer to Delhi airport in the morning for your flight back home. The tour concludes with fond memories.
Highlights
- Explore the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.
- Enjoy excellent birding and photography opportunities.
- Savor great food with local flavors.
- Stay in quaint lodges and camps.
- Experience thrilling Himalayan road trips.
- Embark on short walks and hikes.
- Marvel at the ever-changing landscape.
- Discover local sights and lifestyle.
- Go on an exhilarating tiger safari.
Included
- Accommodation for 02 nights in Delhi Accommodation for 02 nights in Pangot
- Accommodation for 01 night in Sat Tal Accommodation for 01 night in Jageshwar
- Accommodation for 03 nights in Munsiyari Accommodation for 02 nights in Kausani
- Accommodation for 01 night in Ranikhet Accommodation for 02 nights in Corbett National Park
- Meals as per the itinerary Two Jungle visits in Corbett National Park in 4WDs
- Dedicated Birding Guide All surface transfers by a private vehicle | All taxes
Video
Location
Stories
Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.
Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.
Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.
Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown
