Overview
Our tour begins in the picturesque hamlet of Pangot. Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, Pangot is a birder’s paradise. There are over 240 species of resident and migratory birds that can be spotted here. There are also plenty of amazing nature trails around the hamlet that are worthy of being explored.
Mukteshwar is a spectacular hill station situated at an altitude of 2286- in Uttarakhand Located 51 km from the hill station of Nainital this place is associated with a legend that Lord Shiva gifted immortality or “Mukti” to a demon that he slew.
In the lap of nature in the Kumaon Himalayas lies Abbott Mount. On top of Abbott Mount is a big playground and on its slopes are European bungalows with well-maintained gardens and orchards, the best among them being Abbott Mount Cottage.
Ranikhet is a place related to the legends of the Himalayas. Historical accounts tell us the Queen Padmini of Kumaon was enchanted by this tiny hill paradise. King Sudhardev obliged her, building a palace here for the queen and naming the place Ranikhet. Lost into oblivion for long, the picturesque hill station was rediscovered by the British and has been a popular holiday retreat ever since.
Our final destination is the Corbett National Park. Established in 1936 by hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, Corbett National Park has been a safe haven for tigers ever since. Besides Tigers, the park also plays host to over 600 species of birds and is, therefore, one of the highlights of our trip.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
The train reaches Kathgodam at 1155 hours from Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal. You will be met by our driver. Drive to Pangot via Nainital (50 km). The entire drive is through the delightful lake city of Nainital and the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent flora and fauna.
Overnight at the quaint and idyllic Jungle Lore Birding Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Today you may opt for an exciting half-day trek to Cheena Peak with a picnic lunch. We take you to a local house to see a magnificent view of Corbett National Park area and villages (where Jim Corbett killed a 10ft long Tiger called ‘Bachelor of Powalgarh’). Admiring unique local architecture on the way, we stop at ‘Dhamdhamiya’ for excellent views and 'Akhorwadi’, home to a lot of walnut trees for spotting various woodpecker species and other birds
Along the trek, we also find a lot of diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna. There are deep ravines and small spring water streams created in the monsoon seasons like the one at Ghorgatti. Salim Dhar (named after Salim, a type of grass) is especially spectacular when the fog covers the whole area making you feel like you are walking in the clouds
Reaching Naina Peak (2311 m) you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas and get a chance to see close up of the peaks. On the downward journey, we get lovely views of the lake city ‘Nainital’. We then head back to Pangot via Kilbury forest which is full of oak and rhododendron trees, it’s a great area to spot many birds like Koklas, Kalij Pheasants, Common Kestrel, Grey Winged Blackbird, Black Red Start, Bar-Tailed Tree Creeper, etc. You may also spot some animals like Leopards, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet, Deer, and Wild Boar, etc
Trekking through the forests, you can see lovely sights of traditionally dressed villagers collecting fodder and firewood
A campfire is a perfect end to the evening, around which the experiences of the trek can be shared
Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Trail
Drive to Mukteshwar (64 km / 2.5 hr.) visiting Nainital and Sattal en route. Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Trail
Wake up early morning to experience the awe-inspiring sunrise from behind the mountain ranges. Mukteshwar is a sleepy little hill hamlet perched atop a 5 Km long ridge at a height of approx. 8000Ft ASL. from here you would get to experience panoramic views of the deep valleys, sunrise / sunset and the great Himalayan Range. After a satiating breakfast today you may head off for a local site seeing tour of the Mukteshwar Town, established by the British about 120 years ago, where you get to visit the Jim Corbett’s Bungalow, a famous cliff with straight drop of approx. 2000 Ft. called “Chauli Ki Jaali” and the Century old Shiva Temple which is at the peak of Mukteshwar. Mukteshwar also has one of the dense most conserved forests in the hills, lush green with a mix of Silver Oak, Deodar and Pine, rich in fauna and home to the Leopard, Stag, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Himalayan Black Bear and a long list of Birds. The adventurous few can also opt. for a Rock Climbing / Rappelling session at the Cliff which offers tethers of 35’ to 85’. Return for Lunch to the Resort (optional). Relax at the Resort & feel free to use the recreation area where you may try your hands on the T.T. Table, Carom or Foozeball and some other board games. In the evening you could choose to relax by the Bon-Fire and share your respective memoirs for the day.
Overnight at Mukteshwar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Abbott Mount Cottage
Drive to Jageshwar in the morning (76 km / 3 hr.). Morning free to explore Jageshwar and its surroundings.
The spiritual hamlet of Jageshwar is where you can explore its ancient 8-12th century Shiva temples. Counted among the 12 Jyotirlings in the country, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful narrow valley hedged by monarch-sized, ancient deodars. Exquisite ancient temple ruins, beautiful Himalayan vistas, gurgling stream nearby, Jageshwar offers a spiritual retreat. With morning Yoga sessions and options for massage as well, you can choose to soak in the spiritual energy of this holy area or go for hikes in the surrounding woods. A picnic on the cool riverside is also a very enticing option. You may also visit the old Jageshwar. Drive from Jageshwar to Abbott Mount (86.5 km / 4 hr.) via Ghat.
Overnight stay

Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Accommodation: Abbott Mount Cottage
This historic hamlet of Abbott Mount is situated at an altitude of about 7,000 ft above sea level in the eastern part of the Kumaon Hills near the small town of Lohaghat in Champavat District. Abbott Mount was founded by and named after Mr. John Harold Abbott of Jhansi. An English businessman who wanted to start a hill station for the European community at the turn of the 20th century. Unlike many Indian hill stations Abbott Mount has changed little since its inception. There are only thirteen secluded cottages spread over this private hill. There is a picturesque church set amidst the forest and an ancient cricket pitch with an unsurpassed view of the mountains. Visit Mayawati Ashram, the headquarters of Adwait Ashram, it was sanctified by Swami Vivekanand and is also known for its charming surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Wayfarer Resort
Drive Munsyari (186 km / 7 hr.) via Takula & Thal. Munsyari is hidden away amongst the mountains in India's border district of Pithoragarh at a height of 7000 feet this Himalayan settlement is probably the closest you can get to experience the Greater Himalayas from hand shaking distance. At Munsyari you have the majestic Panch Chulli peak looming all of 22600 feet right in front of you. This last outpost in Kumaon is the gateway to the famous Milam and Ralam glaciers. It is also your only access to one of India's highest mountain - Nanda Devi East (7434 mt). The valley is dotted by several beautifully laid out hamlets with a cultural lifestyle steeped in traditional Hinduism. Almost every village, populated by a cross section of Indo-Tibetan tribals called Bhotias, is rich with handicrafts: hand woven woollen carpets, pashmina shawls and sheep wool blankets. Traditional folk dances like the Jhora, Cholia and Chhapeili are great to watch.
Overnight stay in ‘The Last Frontier – Wayfarer Resort’ which is set along a terraced ridge which is around sixty feet above the motorable road.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Wayfarer Resort
Day visits to Darkot village, Jimi Ghat waterfall, Goriganga river, Maheshwari Kund are worth trying.
Activities that one can undertake:
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Nature Walks and Short Treks
Half-day treks to nearby destinations. Maheshwari Kund: A natural lake at a mountain top and 1.5 km. from the Wayfarer Resort.
Munsiyari Bugyal: Just 4 km. from the resort Munsyari Bugyal is a picturesque meadow covered with alpine grass. From this place, one gets to see the entire Munsiyari valley and much beyond.
Local Tea Nursery: Located on the top of the hill and 3.5 km. from the Wayfarer Resort this is a nice place to relax and indulge in photography. Also ideal to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Daylong treks to select destinations.
Balati Farm: Located approximately 6 km from the resort at a height of 9000 ft. this farm grows high yielding potatoes. Surrounded by lush green forests the farm presents a magnificent view of Panchachuli Peaks. An ideal one-day trek for all nature lovers.
Thambri Kund: Located approximately 8 km from the resort at a height of 8000 ft. this is a natural lake in the forest Occasional wildlife can be sighted.
Exciting daylong trek with an overnight stay
Khaliya Top: Situated approximately 11 km from the resort at a height of 11500 ft. this hilltop offers an incredible view of the Panchachuli Peaks. The highly popular trek of Khaliya is through dense forest and overnight stay in alpine tents is a must. A supplementary package can be provided to include a tent, additional food, local guide and porter hire charges.
Lilam Village: Situated approximately 13 km. from the resort. This trek is part of the Milam Glacier route along the bank of the Gori Ganga through the villages of Darkot, Dumar, and Jimighat. The trek offers an initial experience of the flora and fauna of the Johar valley. A supplementary package can be provided to include tent hire, additional food, local guide and porter charges.
II) Village Visits
The valley is dotted by several tiny hamlets with a cultural lifestyle steeped in Hinduism. Guided treks through nearby villages like Darkot (4 km), Daranti (7 km) and many others let you capture a canvas of several forms of human life. Alpana designs executed in rice paste on the floor, the Jyoti Patta (a picture of life-giving female spirits) and Ganesh (the remover of all obstacles) painted on house walls or cloth are a familiar sight. Almost every village is rich in handicrafts: hand-woven woolen carpets, pashmina shawls, and thulmas can turn out to be lovable purchases!
Don't forget to visit Prof. S S Pangti's 'Bhutia museum'.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Snow View
Drive to Ranikhet via Thal and Kausani (206 km / 8 hr.). On a clear day the place offers one of the most breathtaking views of the entire range from Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth, Hathi Parvat, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, to Panchchuli and Appi (Annapurna) peaks. Tea gardens carpet the slopes of Chaukhori while the surrounding ridge is completely covered by rows and rows of pine.
Overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tiger Camp
Visit Ranikhet in the morning
Thereafter drive downhill to Corbett National Park (87.5 km / 3 hr.)
Overnight stay
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: None
Morning jungle safari. Later proceed to Ramnagar Railway Station for onward journey. Tour Ends
Highlights
- Splendour of the Himalayas
- Wildlife experience of sighting of Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Muntjac and other fauna
- Great birding, fishing option
- Short Treks and overnight camping
- Campfires
- Traditional cuisine and glimpse of the culture of Uttarakhand
- Pristine forests
- Amazing landscape
- Excellent food
- Comfortable lodging
- Cooking classes
- Ancient temple architecture
Included
- Accommodation on twin / triple sharing basis Meals: half board i.e. breakfast and dinner included
- One Jungle visit in Corbett National Park in a 4WD All surface transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
Video
Location
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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