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
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Reach Kathgodam Railway Station and drive straight to Pangot (52 km / 2 hr.). You will drive through the scenic hills and the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for wildlife in this region. Spend a day in leisure. Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation : Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Full day birding at Pangot. Walk through the scenic lanes of Baggar, Timla Pani. Overnight stay.
You can sight below species:
Cheer, Koklas and Khalij, Crested Serpent-eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Woodpeckers such as Brown-fronted, Stripe Breasted, Rufous-bellied etc. Thrushes such as Dark- throated, Mistle etc. Striated Prinia can be see in the terraced fields. Warblers such as Tickell's Leaf-warbler, Greenish, Golden-spectacled, Grey-hooded. Flycatchers such as Asian Brown, Rusty Tailed, Ultramarine, Verditer, Tickell's Blue, Rufous-bellied Niltava etc., Orange-flanked Bush Robin, Blue-capped Redstart Laughingthrushes such as White-throated, Striated & Streaked, Chestnut-crowned etc. Look for Accentor, Upland Pipit, Blue Winged Minla, Whiskered Yuhina etc. Slaty-headed & Red-breasted Parakeet, Grey Bushchat, Long-tailed & Grey-backed Shrike, Common Kestrel, Besra, Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush etc. Streaked Laughingthrush is a common garden bird here.
Note: From birding point of view these walks are very rewarding
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
Drive in the morning to Sat Tal (a 2½-hour drive)
We spend the days here for a great birding
We may expect some Himalayan Mammals too
Return back to Pangot in the evening
Overnight stay
The habitat offers species such as:
White-crested Laughing Thrush, 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 & White Crested
Laughing Thrush, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Greater Yellow-naped Flameback, Speckled Piculet, Golden Bush Robin etc
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: None
Drop to Kathgodam Railway Station (52 km / 2 hr.) for onward journey. Tour Ends
You should have got a long list of birds and many good photographs
Highlights
- Bird species of the Kumaon region for photography
- Spectacular view of Nanda Devi and Trishul Peaks
- Farm fresh Indian meals
- Kumaoni delicacies
- Quaint lodges
- Serene atmosphere
- Easy birding
- Nature walks
- Glimpses of the beautiful landscape and lifestyle of Kumaon
Included
- Accommodation for 03 nights at Pangot Meals as per itinerary
- 02 days guided birding Dedicated vehicle for 04 days | All taxes
Video
Location
Stories
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