Dehradun & Chopta
Chopta Birds Photography
Overview
Chopta in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary provides some excellent winter and spring birding, and fantastic landscapes. A mix of pine and deodar forest with rhododendrons, amidst lush 'bugyals' or grassy meadows, it is probably the best and most easily accessible place in India to see the stunning 'nine-colored' state bird of Uttarakhand, the Himalayan Monal. That alone would be worth the long drive, but the area has much more to offer.
Chopta, in the Garhwal Himalayas, has such a wonderful variety of habitats, combined with several altitude changes, that it has become one of the most popular birding destinations for birdwatchers and photographers of all skill levels. With species like Himalayan Monal, Koklass, and Kalij Pheasants, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, a variety of laughing thrushes and woodpeckers, and many many more, plus the opportunity to meet and interact with friendly local communities, a visit to Chopta is truly a special experience.
Chopta, in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary of the Garhwal Himalayas, has seen a relatively recent rise in fame among birdwatchers. Apart from being one of the best places to spot the beautiful Himalayan Monal, and other amazing Himalayan birds like Koklass Pheasant, Scarlet Finch, a variety of woodpeckers and laughing thrushes, and more, the region is home to a variety of landscapes and mini-habitats, translating to a rich diversity of wildlife, making it a paradise for birders and photographers of all levels.
Meals: on own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace
Arrive at Delhi airport. You will be met and transferred to the hotel. You have the evening free for rest or visit the local market. You may ask us for tours (optional) covering various monument sites, museums, bird watching habitats, tourist market, food joints, theater, performance venues,s, etc.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Kachnar Homestay
After an early breakfast, you will check out and drive to Dehradun. Spend the rest of the day birdwatching in the Doon Valley.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kachnar Homestay.
Key species: Indian White-eye, Crimson Sunbird, Nepal Cupwing, Himalayan Bulbul, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Whistler’s Warbler
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: The Bunker House
We will check out after an early breakfast and head 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 lodge, we will have 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 walk.
Key species: Green-tailed Sunbird, Rock Bunting, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Siberian Stonechat, Grey Bush Chat
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: The Bunker House
A full day of 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: 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
We have a full day 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 laughing thrushes.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Kachnar Homestay
After a morning birding session around Chopta, drive to Kachnar Homestay.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Variegated Laughingthrush, White-throated Laughingthrush, Himalayan Bulbul, Himalayan Bluetail, Blue-fronted Redstart
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Post breakfast, check out and drive to Delhi for your flight back home.
Highlights
- Himalayan Panorama
- Easy Birding in Doon Valley and Chopta
- Glimpses of the beautiful landscape, Architecture and Lifestyle of North India
- Quaint Lodges, Hotels and Camp stays
Included
- Accommodation for 01 night in Delhi Accommodation for 02 nights at Dehradun
- Accommodation for 03 nights in Chopta Meals as per itinerary
- Birding guide Dedicated transportation for 07 days
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
