Delhi, Pangot, Sat Tal, Gwaldam, Chopta, Rishikesh
The Great Himalayan Wildlife Tour – Birds and Mammals of the Himalayas
Overview
This tour takes you to the best birding and wildlife sites of North India, including the Pangot, Sat Tal, and Chopta.
Located about 15km from Nainital, in the state of Uttarakhand, Pangot is a quiet hamlet surrounded by the Himalayas. Lush forests surround this Kumaoni hamlet, making it the perfect place for the birds of the region to thrive. One can see a variety of Himalayan species such as Himalayan Vulture, Blue-winged Minla, Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Kalij Pheasant, a variety of thrushes, and more. Almost 150 bird species have been recorded at Pangot and the surrounding areas.
Sat Tal, the land of Seven freshwater lakes connected mysteriously, is a beautiful haven, an abode set amid the Himalayan landscape, criss-crossed with lush meadows and tall trees. With a rich diversity of mammals, birds (both migratory and resident), and butterflies, the natural diversity of Sat Tal is truly awe-inspiring.
Birding in Sat Tal is a special experience as the area plays host to many birds from higher altitudes who migrate down for the winter. With the help of a Sat Tal birding guide, you will be able to find species like Green-tailed Sunbird, Griffon Vulture, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, and many more.
Chopta, in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, provides some excellent winter and spring birding, and fantastic landscapes. A variety of montane habitats, from pine forests to alpine meadows, results in a rich diversity of birds. It is famous among photographers and birders for being the best and most easily accessible place in India to see the Himalayan Monal, as well as other pheasants, woodpeckers, laughingthrushes, rosefinches, and more. That alone would be worth the long drive, but the area has much more to offer.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
In the morning drive to Pangot, with stops along the way for birdwatching at places like Kaladhungi. Reach Pangot in the late afternoon for late lunch. You can spend the rest of the day birdwatching in and around Jungle Lore Birding Lodge with your guide.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Full day of birding in Pangot with your guide.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Striated Laughingthrush, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Slaty-headed Parakeet
Meals: Breakfast in Pangot, Lunch and Dinner in Sat Tal
Accommodation: Hotel Lavanya
After a morning birding session in Pangot, check out and drive to Sat Tal (39 km / 2 hr.), stopping en route at various birding locations. Arrive in Sat Tal and go straight up to the Studio area for birding. In the evening, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.
The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury. One can see a variety of Himalayan species along the way, such as Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Vulture, Blue-winged Minla, Spotted and Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Kalij Pheasant, a variety of Thrushes, etc. More than 200 species have been recorded at Pangot and the surrounding areas. The numerous Perennial and seasonal Creeks are home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna, including the Leopard, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet, Ghoral, Barking Deer, sambar, red fox, etc.
Meals: Breakfast in Sat Tal
Accommodation: Nature's Treat Resort
Morning birding in Sat Tal with your guide. The habitat offers species such as White-crested Laughingthrush, 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 Laughingthrush, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Greater Yellownape, Speckled Piculet, Golden Bush Robin, etc.
After breakfast, check out, and later, drive to Gwaldam with a packed lunch.
Arrive Gwaldam, evening bird walk in Gwaldam
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Gwaldam, and Dinner in Chopta
Accommodation: Bunkers House
After a morning birdwalk in Gwaldam, check out and drive to Chopta. The road to Chopta runs along the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers before turning into the Mandakini valley in Rudraprayag. On arrival at the Bunkers House and checking in, you can relax with some refreshments. In the evening, one can take a walk at the camp’s grassland patches for acclimatization or visit some of the nearby places for a short stroll.
Key species: Green-tailed Sunbird, Rock Bunting, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Siberian Stonechat, Grey Bush Chat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: The Bunker House
Spend the full day birding at Tungnath. Tungnath is the highest Shiva Temple, and part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. From a birding point of view, this trek can be very rewarding.
Overnight stay
Key species: Snow Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Hill Partridge, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Spotted Forktail, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Speckled Piculet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: The Bunker House
You have two full days of birding in and around Chopta today to look for targets. Chopta is probably the best and most easily accessible place in India to see Himalayan Monal, as well as other birds like Kalij and Koklass Pheasants, Brown Dipper, nuthatches, and laughingthrushes.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Chopta
Accommodation: Regenta Inn by the Ganges
After a morning birding session around Chopta, drive to Rishikesh.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Variegated Laughingthrush, White-throated Laughingthrush, Himalayan Bulbul, Himalayan Bluetail, Blue-fronted Redstart
Meals: Breakfast in Rishikesh
Accommodation: None
Morning at leisure. Later, check out and drive to Delhi.
Tour ends.
Highlights
- A large list of bird species
- Great birding in scrubland, wetlands, Riverine, and Himalayan Eco-system
- A large variety of mammals
- Himalayan views
- Farm fresh Indian meals
- Quaint lodges and camps
- Easy birding
- Sightseeing is possible
- Glimpses of the beautiful landscape, architecture and lifestyle of North India
Included
- Accommodation for 01 night in Corbett NP Accommodation for 03 nights in Pangot
- Accommodation for 02 nights in Sat Tal Accommodation for 01 night in Gwaldam
- Accommodation for 03 nights in Chopta Accommodation for 01 night in Doon Valley
- Meals as per the itinerary Two Jungle visit in Corbett National Park in a 4WD (with entrance fee)
- Guided Birding for all the days All surface transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle | All taxes
