North India Birding Tour 14 Nights/15 Days
Sattal - Chopta Winter Birding Tour 7Nights/8Days
No. of days
15
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
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Overview
The North India Birding Tour is one of the most diverse birdwatching trips in India, carefully designed to give birders and wildlife photographers a chance to experience the outstanding birdlife, mammals, and cultural richness of this region. North India is home to a spectacular variety of birds because of its diverse ecosystems—lush wetlands, meandering rivers, dry scrublands, dense sal forests, and the cool oak and rhododendron slopes of the Himalayas. On this single birding trip, you will travel from the bustling plains of Delhi to the renowned wetlands of Bharatpur, the Chambal River, lush forests of Corbett National Park, and the tranquil Himalayan birding havens of Pangot and Sattal.
This route covers multiple habitats, making it possible to record an incredible 350–400 species of birds during the trip. From waterfowl, cranes, and storks at Bharatpur to raptors like Steppe Eagles and Peregrines overhead, to the rare Indian Skimmer at Chambal, to forest jewels like the Ibisbill, Tawny-fish Owl, and Great Slaty Woodpecker in Corbett, and finally to Himalayan specialties like endangered Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Vulture, Red-billed Leiothrix, and Chestnut-headed Tesia —every destination offers new birding treasures.
This birding trip is not just about birds—the Chambal River safari introduces you to unique wildlife like Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, and Gangetic Dolphins, while the Corbett landscape holds chances to encounter Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, and Tigers. Cultural exploration is also a key part of this program. Halfway through the trip you will witness one of the world’s greatest wonders, the Taj Mahal, a sublime monument of Mughal architecture. You will journey from vibrant cities to peaceful villages, from historical forts to Himalayan hamlets, allowing you to experience authentic north indian life, art, history, and hospitality.
By the end of this 15-day North India Birding Tour, you will carry with you not just an impressive checklist of birds—often close to 400 species—but also the joy of experiencing India’s wildlife, heritage, and warm hospitality across its diverse landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Explore North India’s best birding destinations in one trip: Bharatpur, Chambal, Corbett, Pangot & Sattal.
- Spot up to 400 species of birds, from raptors, owls, wetland birds and Himalayan birds.
- Enjoy a boat safari on Chambal River with chances to see Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, Gharials, and Gangetic Dolphin.
- Explore Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, one of the top bird reserves in Asia.
- Experience safaris in Corbett National Park, India’s first Tiger Reserve.
- Birding in the Himalayan villages of Pangot and Sattal, home to many western Himalayan mountain birds.
- Discover India’s culture with a visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Upon your arrival at Delhi airport, our team will warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel, where you can check in and rest comfortably.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: Delhi to Bharatpur via Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
In the morning we will visit Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, just outside Delhi. Famous for its rich diversity of migratory and resident birds, this sanctuary attracts thousands of waterbirds and waders, a great place to start birding. Target species: Black-necked Stork, Painted Stork, Purple Heron, Indian Courser, and seasonal migrants like Northern Pintail and Common Teal.
Later, we will drive approx 5 hours to Bharatpur (Keoladeo National Park). The evening is at your leisure to rest and recharge.
Overnight in Bharatpur.
Day 3: Birding in Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)
A full day exploring Bharatpur, one of the world’s best bird sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its incredible diversity of resident and migratory birds, drawing birdwatchers from around the globe. It serves as a crucial wintering ground for thousands of winter migrants.
- On wetlands: Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Comb Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Pochards, Painted Stork, Openbill Stork, Spoonbill, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew.
- Raptors: White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Greater & Indian Spotted Eagles, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Shikra, Peregrine Falcon.
- In scrub and woods we will look for Bluethroat, Siberian Rubythroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Spotted Redshank, Lapwings, Little Ringed Plover, and—if lucky—the rare Sociable Lapwing.
On a good day, 100+ species may be noted.
Overnight in Bharatpur.
Day 4: Bharatpur – Chambal River Birding – Agra Visit
We drive to Dholpur (90 km) for a day along the Chambal River Sanctuary. Its pristine riverine habitat is famous for its rich birdlife and rare wildlife. The sanctuary is especially known for being one of the best places in India to see the Indian Skimmer, a striking and endangered waterbird that skims the river surface to catch fish.
Target species: Indian Skimmer, Black-bellied Tern, River Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Sarus Crane, Bar-headed Goose, Red-crested & Ferruginous Pochard, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Flamingos, Darters.
Wildlife: The sanctuary is also home to incredible wildlife, including the critically endangered Gharial, Marsh Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphin, Jackal, and Striped Hyena.
In the evening we will visit Taj Mahal, widely recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the crown jewel of Mughal architecture, followed by exploration of the historic Agra Fort..
Overnight in Dholpur.
Day 5: Morning Birding at Chambal – Drive Back to Delhi
One more morning session at Chambal. Look out for Indian Courser, Thick-knee, larks, and other dryland birds. After lunch, we return to Delhi (4 hrs).
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 6: Delhi to Corbett National Park
Morning drive to Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. Evening birding around the lodge where Collared Falconet, Lineated Barbet, and Kalij Pheasant may be spotted. Overnight at Corbett.
Day 7: Birding in Corbett National Park
Morning and afternoon safari inside the park exploring its diverse habitats that offer excellent wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
- River habitats: Crested Kingfisher, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper.
- Forest: Green Magpie, White-throated Laughingthrush, Himalayan Rubythroat, Great Slaty Woodpecker.
- Other wildlife: Asian Elephant, Tiger, Sambar Deer.
During your stay at Corbett, you have the good chance to stay inside the park at the famous Dhikala Zone (subject to availability) Dhikala is the largest and most famous area in Corbett, known for its open grasslands, dense forests, and the Ramganga River nearby.
Staying at Dhikala gives you early access to the park and more time for wildlife and birdwatching. The Dhikala Forest Rest House offers comfortable rooms surrounded by nature, providing an authentic wildlife experience. This stay is popular and requires advance booking and permits.
Overnight at Corbett.
Day 8: Birding in Corbett National Park
Another day birding in different zones of Corbett. Expect more raptors like Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, and Booted Eagle. Also look for Long-tailed Broadbill, Forktails, and Woodpeckers.
Overnight at Corbett.
Day 9: Corbett to Pangot
After the last morning safari we will drive to Pangot, a village near Nainital famous for Himalayan birds.
Evening birding we will look for Himalayan Vulture, Black-throated Thrush, and Streaked Laughingthrus, Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Long-tailed minivet, Rufous bellied Niltava, Green-tailed Sunbird and many more.
Overnight in Pangot.
Day 10: Birding in Pangot
Full birding around oak and rhododendron forests.
Target species: Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Lammergeier, Himalayan Vulture, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Griffon, and many Laughingthrushes
.
Over 250+ species have been recorded in Pangot. Overnight in Pangot.
Day 11: Morning Pangot Birding – Drive to Sattal
Spend the morning birding in Pangot; after breakfast, transfer to Sattal. Evening birding near the Chanfi.
Overnight in Sattal.
Day 12: Birding in Sattal
A full day at Sattal, where colorful Himalayan forest birds are abundant.
Expect: Red-billed Leiothrix, Rufous Sibia, Blue-winged Minla, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and over 20 species of flycatchers.
Overnight in Sattal.
Day 13: Birding in Sattal
Another day here to maximize our checklist.
Target the Slaty-headed Parakeet, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Black-throated Sunbird, and various warblers.
Overnight in Sattal.
Day 14: Morning Birding in Sattal – Return to Delhi
Morning walk for final sightings. After breakfast, drive back to Delhi (7 hrs). Evening free for rest.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 15: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your international or domestic flight. Tour ends with an incredible bird checklist and beautiful cultural memories
No. of days
8
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
Overview
This tour takes you through two of North India’s premier birding destinations—Sattal and Chopta—offering an extraordinary Himalayan birdwatching and wildlife experience in the Western Himalayas.
Surrounded by seven serene lakes and lush oak-pine forests at 1,370 meters, Sattal is a rich habitat home to over 500 resident and migratory bird species. Including the diverse avian population of owls, laughing thrushes, woodpeckers, and colorful finches. Birding here includes a blend of hide sessions, forest trails, and peaceful riverside walks.
Rising to an altitude of 2,680 meters, Chopta is located within the renowned Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It is surrounded by dense forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron, and offers stunning panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. The varied habitats of Chopta range from mid-altitude forested slopes to alpine meadows, supporting over 240 bird species. Recognized as an Important Bird Area by BNHS and BirdLife International.
Chopta is especially famous as the best place in India to spot the iconic Himalayan Monal, particularly in winter when the bird is more easily seen against the pristine snowy backdrop—making it a true dream destination for wildlife photographers. The snow-covered landscape also attracts a variety of spectacular winter birds including finches, Snow Partridge, Collared Grosbeaks, Red-fronted Rosefinch, and Altai Accentor. Aside from birds, the region is home to notable mammals such as the Himalayan Tahr and Musk Deer, adding to the richness of this Himalaya birding tour.
Alongside vibrant birdlife, you’ll also experience breathtaking snow-capped mountain views, authentic village culture, and tranquil forest trails, leaving you with lasting impressions of the Himalayan wildlife.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the North India’s Top Two birdwatching hotspots in Uttarakhand.
- The birding Trip is a mix of bird hides and forest trails, giving you varied experiences.
- Encounter Himalayan species – like the Tawny-fish owl, Himalayan Monal, Bearded Vulture, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Scarlet Finch and many more.
- Witness and Photograph some of the rare and endemic pheasants of this region, including Kalij, Koklass, and the endangered Cheer Pheasant.
- Be guided by a local expert Bird Guide who knows the best birding spots and attempt their best to tick off your all targeted species.
- Witness Breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and Majestic Peaks throughout the trip.
- Explore the hill town of Nainital, known for its scenic lakes, vibrant culture, and bustling local markets.
- This tour is designed with flexibility, to extend or shorten the duration. Share your target species with us, and we’ll design the plan around your interests.
- The trip is suitable for birders of all ages with moderate walks and optional trekking at Tungnath.
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Sattal & Garud Taal Region Birding
We will start our journey with an afternoon arrival at Sattal, settling in before heading out to explore the Garud Taal region and forest trails. These areas are prime for spotting Himalayan residents and winter migrants such as Black Francolin, Common Green Magpie, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Russet Sparrow, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Greater and Lesser Yellownape Woodpecker, Common Rosefinch, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava.
Overnight at Sattal.
Day 2 – Bird Hide Session & Sattal Bend Trail, Evening at Chanfi
We will start the morning with a bird hide session and a walk on the Sattal Bend Trail, chances of spotting Rufous-throated Partridge, Gray-winged Blackbird, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Red Junglefowl, Small Nitava, White-throated Laughingthrush, Speckled Piculet, Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Red-billed Leiothrix, Hume’s Warbler, Plum-headed and Himalayan Parakeets and many more.
In the evening, explore Chanfi—where streams and riverside thickets are great for owls and forktails such as Asian Barred Owlet, Brown Fish Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Crested Kingfisher, Slaty-backed Forktail, Brown Dipper, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, plus small tits and migrating warblers.
Overnight at Sattal.
Day 3 – Shyamkhet & Ramgarh Birding, Drive to Chopta
We will start the day birding in Shyamkhet, a quiet village rich in fruiting trees and songbirds like European Goldfinch, Maroon Oriole, Gray-winged Bluebird, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Green-tailed Sunbird, Scaly Thrush, White-tailed Nuthatch, Black Eagle, and Gray-headed Woodpecker, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Gray Treepie and many more.
After the morning session, we drive towards Chopta, reaching Mandal village in the evening.
Overnight at Mandal (Chopta region).
Day 4 – Mandal Village Birding (Morning & Evening)
We will start birding in Mandal village and nearby valleys, where dense forest, bushes and streambanks attract high-altitude species. Our Targets will be Speckled Wood Pigeon, Scarlet Finch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Spot-winged Rosefinch, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Rock Bunting, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Golden Bush Robin, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Little Forktail, and Speckled Piculet.
Overnight at Mandal.
Day 5 – Chopta Birding & Walk to Monal Point
We will start birding around Chopta’s alpine meadows, forest trails, and high ridges, home to sought-after Himalayan birds. Our primary target is the vibrant Himalayan Monal. Also keep a lookout for Koklass Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Red-fronted Serin, Red-headed Bullfinch, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Altai Accentor, Green-tailed Sunbird.
After lunch in Chopta, enjoy an afternoon walk toward Monal Point, offering good chances to see finches, bullfinches, winter wrens and Collared Owlet.
Overnight at Mandal.
Day 6 – Tungnath Trail Birding
We will start the morning birding on the renowned Tungnath Temple Trek, which rises toward the temple at over 3,600m and is surrounded by alpine slopes and rocky meadows. Highlights here include Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Snow Partridge, Collared Grosbeak, Brown Bullfinch, Bearded Vulture, Black-throated Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Himalayan Buzzard, Pink-browed & Dark-breasted Rosefinches , Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, and Fire-tailed Sunbird.
Enjoy lunch on the trail and, as evening descends, bird while returning down the path for Himalayan Griffon, Plain Mountain Finch, Red-billed and Yellow-billed choughs, and buntings.
Overnight at Chopta.
Day 7 – Return to Sattal via Ukhimath
We will start the day birding along the road to Ukhimath, searching out specialties like Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and Wallcreeper before heading back to Sattal by evening.
Overnight at Sattal.
Day 8 – Sattal & Nainital Birding, Departure
We will start our last morning session with birding in Sattal and a short visit to forest patches around Nainital for winter visitors such as Vinaceous Rosefinch, Rufous- breasted Accentor, Chestnut Thrush, Black-throated Thrush, and other seasonal specialties. (Schedule for this session may be adapted depending on sightings and local updates.)
