Delhi, Corbett National Park, Pangot, Sat Tal
200 Birds and 20 Mammals in Himalayan Tiger Country in 1 Week
Overview
This tour takes you to the best birding and wildlife sites of North India, including the Corbett National Park, one of India’s premier wildlife destinations, and the western Himalayan foothills. Your life list will be able to get a major boost with the abundant wildlife and relatively easy birding. Not only will jungle safaris in Corbett help you see iconic Indian mammals like Tiger and Asian Elephant, but with the help of your guide you will get great pictures and sightings of birds like Brown and Tawny Fish Owls, Kalij, Koklass and Cheer Pheasants, Greater and Lesser Yellownapes, Brown Wood Owl, Himalayan and Black Bulbuls.
Established as the Hailey National Park in 1936, Corbett is India’s oldest national park and tiger reserve. Located in the western Himalayan foothills, Corbett is one of India’s premier wildlife destinations. Apart from a healthy population of tigers, Leopard, Asian elephants, Indian Muntjac, Sambar Deer, Chital, and more, Corbett is also home to a wide variety of birds. One may expect to see birds like Lesser Fish Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Tawny Fish, and Spot-bellied Eagle-Owls, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Golden-headed Cisticola, Rosy Minivet, and Himalayan Rubythroat to name a few. The park is home to a wide variety of habitats, from riverine belts, marshlands, and lakes, to forests and grasslands, adding to both its natural beauty and biodiversity
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.
Apart from being India’s oldest birding lodge, and one of the earliest resorts in Pangot, Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is also at the forefront of the Zero Waste Pangot project, a project that aims to reduce waste by adopting responsible waste and water management practices, and teaching them to other lodges in Pangot. Through village walks, Jungle Lore also showcases local rural village life, while activities like cooking classes help traditional practices endure and spread.
Sat Tal, the land of Seven freshwater lakes connected mysteriously, is a beautiful haven, an abode set amid the Himalayan landscape, crisscrossed 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 in December 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.
My wild week in the Himalayas!
Each time I visit the Himalayan foothills I get enthralled by its quiet surroundings in the Himalayas, lush meadows, tall Deodar and Oak trees, and, of course, the variety of bird species. From the wildlife-filled forests of Corbett National Park to Pangot and Sat Tal, whose very approach is a scenic winding road with lush forests on either side, almost a stairway to heaven.
Corbett has always held a special place in my heart. From reading the stories of hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, to actually visiting India’s oldest park, one named after him, was like a dream come true. My safaris in Corbett helped me explore these lush habitats, from the forests to grasslands. Asian Elephants, Tigers, a variety of deer, and a plethora of birds made my Corbett visit special, and I almost spent my entire camera memory card clicking everything wondrous I could lay my eyes on.
While just a Corbett safari package is enough to fill my birding and wildlife appetite, it would be a crime for me to come so far and not visit Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
To say Pangot is a birding paradise is something of an understatement. The birds of Pangot find their homes in the lush montane forests and fields surrounding the region. With the help of the amazing guides here, I’ve had the luck to see a variety of Himalayan species such as Himalayan Vulture, Blue-winged Minla, Spotted and Slaty-backed Forktails, Black-throated Bushtit, Small Niltava, Kalij, and Koklass Pheasants, a variety of laughing thrushes including Streaked, Striated, White-throated, and more. In fact, almost 150 bird species have been recorded at Pangot and the surrounding areas.
The meals here are of another level altogether. Simple, yet farm-fresh and made with love, I always feel like I can taste the love. Not to mention the chai and pakodas, which are almost a staple for me here.
Occasionally, I have also had the chance of spending time at a local family’s home, sharing a precious cup of tea with them, sharing in their stories and experiences, and dining on the wholesome local cuisine. The Governor’s House (Raj Bhawan) is another excellent site to learn more about the old-world charm of Pangot and its surrounding areas, and the Tibetan Market in the city of Nainital is a place where I can easily spend hours walking around the streets. Observing the way of life and understanding the heritage and cultural values of Pangot and its neighbors takes me back to the olden days, almost as if I was there then.
Another popular site I love visiting in the area is Sat Tal, named after the seven freshwater lakes in this beautiful haven. It is an abode set amid the Himalayan landscape, crisscrossed with lush meadows and tall trees. Sat Tal is home to the Sattal Mission Estate and Methodist Ashram, better known as the Sattal Christian Ashram, which was established in the early 20th Century by a Christian evangelist and missionary. It is one of the heritage places in Sat Tal and provides an insight into the olden times. For me personally, these places are a place of peace, that reminds me how tranquil life here can be. Another favorite site in Sat Tal is the beautiful waterfall, Subhash Dhara, which is a natural spring of crystal clear water that cascades down from the lush oak forest. And after all this exploring, a freshly prepared plate of local traditional delicacies is always welcome. Another popular site I love visiting in the area is Sat Tal, named after the seven freshwater lakes in this beautiful haven. It is an abode set amid the Himalayan landscape, crisscrossed with lush meadows and tall trees. Sat Tal is home to the Sattal Mission Estate and Methodist Ashram, better known as the Sattal Christian Ashram, which was established in the early 20th Century by a Christian evangelist and missionary. It is one of the heritage places in Sat Tal and provides an insight into the olden times. For me personally, these places are a place of peace, that reminds me how tranquil life here can be. Another favorite site in Sat Tal is the beautiful waterfall, Subhash Dhara, which is a natural spring of crystal clear water that cascades down from the lush oak forest. And after all this exploring, a freshly prepared plate of local traditional delicacies is always welcome.
Sat Tal is also well-known for its rich biodiversity. The birds of Sat Tal, especially, are a big draw, with 150 species of resident and migratory species, and if you are a birder or photographer, or both, I would definitely recommend a combined Pangot-Sat Tal birding tour for the best birding experience. Some of the beauties I’ve managed to see here include Green-tailed Sunbird, Griffon Vulture, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, various kingfishers, Blue-throated, Brown-headed, Lineated, and Coppersmith Barbets, Plum-headed and Slaty-headed Parakeets, and more. Many of the hotels and hides in Sat Tal are run by local birding guides and make for the best experiences.
Please Note, the Acronyms in Bird Species
R stands for Resident Birds
S stands for Summer
W stands for Winter
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Wildlife Lodge
In the morning, you will be picked up from Delhi, and driven to Corbett National Park (7 hours). After arriving at your resort and checking in, you will be heading for an afternoon safari into the national park. The duration of the safari is about three hours each and is conducted till sunset. You will have a private jeep to yourself, accompanied by an expert driver and guide. These experts are well-versed in the region and are a treasure trove of knowledge.
Overnight stay.
Key Species: Tiger, Asian Elephant, Tawny Fish Owl (R), Brown Fish Owl (R), Great Hornbill (R), Oriental Pied Hornbill (R), Lineated Barbet (R), Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (S), Rufous-breasted Accentor (W), Grey-sided Bushwarbler (W), Common Merganser (W), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (W).
Meals: Breakfast in Corbett, Lunch, and Dinner in Pangot
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Explore the jungle further with a morning safari into the park. Besides the mammals of the park, a morning safari is also great for birdwatching. Corbett’s variety of habitats is home to a great diversity of avifauna. Return to the lodge post-safari. Check-out at 12 noon. After lunch, drive to Pangot, with stops along the way for birdwatching at places like Kaladhungi. Reach Pangot. You can spend the remainder of the day birdwatching in and around Jungle Lore Birding Lodge with your guide.
Overnight stay
Key Species: Greater Yellownape(R), Himalayan Black Bulbul (R), Pied Myna (R), White-throated Laughingthrush (R), Streaked Laughingthrush (R), Striated Laughingthrush (R), Red-billed Blue Magpie (R), Oriental Turtle Dove(R)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Spend a full day birding at Pangot village, Baggar, and Gughu Khan. Trek to Cheena Peak - a very enjoyable half-day trek with a packed picnic lunch. These walks can be very rewarding. You have the afternoon free to visit the local villages and observe the remote lifestyle of the hill folk with a guided village walk.
Overnight stay
Key Species: Cheer(R), Koklass and Kalij Pheasants(R), Crested Serpent Eagle(R), Mountain Hawk-Eagle(R), Brown-fronted and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker(R), Mistle Thrush (R), Striated Prinia(R), Rufous-bellied Niltava(R), Himalayan Bluetail (W), Blue-capped Redstart (W), White-throated, Striated and Streaked Laughingthrushes (R), Upland Pipit (R), Whiskered Yuhina(R), Slaty-headed Parakeet(R), Red-breasted Parakeets (S), Grey Bushchat (R), Long-tailed & Grey-backed Shrike (R), Common Kestrel (R), Besra (W), Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush (R). Black-throated Thrush (W)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Spend the full day birding at Pangot village, Baggar, and Gughu Khan with your guide. Explore the campus of Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, as well as the surrounding woods and streams for targets.
Overnight stay
Key Species: Black-throated Bushtit (R), Black-throated Sunbird(R), Streaked Laughingthrush(R), Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon(S), Spotted Dove (R), Mountain Scops Owl (S), Eurasian Jay(R), Large-tailed Nightjar(S).
Meals: Breakfast in Pangot, Lunch, and Dinner in Sat Tal
Accommodation: Lavanya Resort
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(R), Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (W), Red-billed Leothrix(R), Siberian Rubythroat (W), Rock Bunting (W)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Lavanya Resort
Spend the day in Sat Tal enjoying bird watching and nature trails with your guide, exploring the wild side of this place. If time permits, go for a guided village walk, exploring how life is both similar and different to the rural scene in and around Pangot.
Overnight stay.
Key Species: Blue-winged Minla(R), Himalayan Bulbul(R), Black Bulbul(R), Ashy Bulbul(R), Mountain Bulbul(R), Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush(R), Kalij Pheasant(R), Slaty-backed Forktail (R)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Spend the morning with a birding session in Sat Tal. Check-out from your hotel at 1100 hrs and drive back to Delhi (7 hours), arriving in the evening.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Ashy Bulbul(R), Mountain Bulbul(R), Himalayan Bulbul(R), Black Bulbul(R), Blue-winged Minla(R), Rufous-bellied Niltava(R), Small Niltava(R), Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush(R)
Highlights
- Stunning landscapes of the Himalayan foothills
- Piping hot and farm-fresh delicious meals
- Stay in some of the best ecolodges 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 as per the itinerary 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
Video
Location
Tour Experience
Are you ready to embark on a birding adventure like no other?
Join Mahesh Rajpoot, our birding expert as he recounts his incredible journey through Pangot, Sattal, and Corbett, immersing our client Januz Siatkowski in the captivating world of birds. This trip promises an abundance of avian wonders and unforgettable experiences.
His account of this trip goes like this:
From the moment we arrived, the forests of Pangot embraced us with their rich birdlife. As we trekked through the picturesque landscapes, we were greeted by the melodious calls of the Grey-sided Bush Warbler and the vibrant hues of the Blue-fronted Redstart. Our binoculars captured the elusive Black-throated Accentor and the exquisite Spot-winged Grosbeak, leaving us in awe of their beauty.
Continuing our expedition, Sattal revealed its treasures, with the majestic Rufous-throated Partridge and the Tawny Fish Owl making appearances near the tranquil lakes. The enchanting melodies of the White-crested Laughingthrush and the rhythmic tapping of the Brown Wood Owl echoed through the dense foliage, creating an atmosphere of pure birding bliss.
Our adventure reached its climax in Corbett, where the wilderness unfolded before our eyes. The magnificent Wallcreeper, with its stunning crimson plumage, danced across rocky cliffs, while the elusive Brown Fish Owl and Ibisbill rewarded our patience. Moments of sheer excitement ensued as we spotted the Black Francolin and the regal Crested Kingfisher, adding to the thrill of our birding expedition.
Throughout our journey, we encountered a myriad of other remarkable species, including the Lesser Yellownape, Himalayan Griffon, and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler. The Himalayan landscape seemed to come alive with the vibrant hues of the Pink-browed Rosefinch and the charming presence of the Slaty Blue Flycatcher.
As our birding trip drew to a close, we couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the unique experiences we had shared. Pangot, Sattal, and Corbett had revealed their avian treasures to us, leaving us with memories that would last a lifetime.
Join us on one such journey. Write to us and we’ll send you a handcrafted tour itinerary.
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