Pangot and Sat Tal
Birding in Himalayan Foothills
Overview
The foothills of the Western Himalayas have long been a popular destination for birdwatchers, and with good reason. Relatively leisurely birding, amazing surroundings, quaint lodges, and, of course, a stunning variety of Himalayan bird species add up to a fantastic bird-watching experience for first-timers and experienced birders alike.
Beat the heat of the city, and escape to largely unspoiled natural habitats, a stunning variety of Himalayan birds, and cozy accommodation among the beautiful backdrops of Sat Tal and Pangot for a weekend escape. A visit to these Kumaoni hamlets is a paradise for the birdwatcher or photographer in you. Amazing Himalayan birds, scenic views, delicious food, and much more, will make your getaway to the Himalayan foothills all the more enjoyable and memorable.
Pangot
Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Pangot is the epitome of natural beauty. Dotted with Oak and Pine trees and interspersed with gurgling brooks, this sleepy little hamlet plays host to a plethora of rare Himalayan species. Birds like Cheer Pheasant, Crested Kingfisher, Black-headed Jay, Slaty-backed Forktail, White-rumped Vulture, Himalayan Vulture and many different species of laughing thrush could be found playing hide and seek among the trees. Pangot also has many amazing nature trails, the trek to Cheena peak via Kilbury being the most rewarding one.
Sat Tal
Sattal or Sat Tal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes situated in the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal, a town of the Nainital district in Uttarakhand, India. The lakes sit at an altitude of 1,370m above sea level, below lush orchards in the Mehragaon valley.
Set amongst dense forests of oak and pine trees, Sattal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is home to a few camps being operated mostly by local people catering to tourists looking for outdoor vacations
Meals: Lunch and Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge / Kafal House
Arrive in Delhi or Kathgodam and drive to Pangot
Reach Pangot. You can spend the remainder of the day birdwatching in and around Jungle Lore Birding Lodge with your guide.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge / Kafal House
Full-day birding at Pangot. Walk through the scenic lanes of Baggar, Timla Pani.
These walks can be very rewarding. One can see Cheer, Koklass, and Kalij Pheasants, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, and woodpeckers such as Brown-fronted, Stripe-breasted, Rufous-bellied, etc. Thrushes such as Black-throated, Mistle, etc. Himalayan Prinia can be seen in the terraced fields. Warblers such as Tickell's Leaf, Greenish, Whistler’s, Grey-hooded, Flycatchers such as Asian Brown, Rusty-tailed, Ultramarine, Verditer, Tickell's Blue, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Himalayan Bluetail, Blue-capped Redstart, Laughingthrushes such as White-throated, Striated & Streaked, Chestnut-crowned, etc. Look for accentors, Upland Pipit, Blue-winged Minla, Whiskered Yuhina, Slaty-headed & Red-breasted Parakeets, Grey Bush Chat, Long-tailed & Grey-backed Shrikes, Common Kestrel, Besra, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush etc. Streaked Laughingthrush is a common garden bird here
Dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Pangot, Lunch and Dinner in Sat Tal
Accommodation: TAG Lavanya Resort or Similar
Spend the morning birding in Pangot. After a late breakfast, check out and drive to Sat Tal, stopping en route for birding. Arrive in Sat Tal in the early afternoon. Check in to your resort and have lunch. Spend the evening birding in Sat Tal. The deliberately undeveloped and well-wooded areas around Sat Tal are a great place for a walk, even without the intention of birding.
Overnight stay.
Key species: White-crested Laughingthrush, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Red-billed Leothrix, Siberian Rubythroat, Rock Bunting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: TAG Lavanya Resort or Similar
Spend the day in Sat Tal enjoying bird watching and nature trails with your guide, exploring the wild side of this place. The deliberately undeveloped and well-wooded areas around Sat Tal are a great place for a walk, even without the intention of birding.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Spend the morning with a birding session in Sat Tal. Check out from your hotel and drive back home.
Key species: Ashy Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Blue-winged Minla, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Small Niltava, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush
Highlights
- Stunning landscapes of the Himalayan foothills
- Piping hot and farm-fresh delicious meals
- Stay in some of the best eco-lodges of the region
- Jungle safaris in India’s oldest national park, to see tigers, elephants, and more
- Leisurely-paced and relatively easy birding
- Insights into daily Kumaoni life
Included
- Accommodation for 02 nights in Pangot Accommodation for 02 nights in Sat Tal
- All meals from first day lunch till last day breakfast Guided Birding for all the days | All taxes
Video
Location
Stories
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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
