Sattal - Chopta Winter Birding Tour 7Nights/8Days
Sattal - Chopta Winter Birding Tour 7Nights/8Days
No. of days
8
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
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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.
Image Galllery
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.)
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.
Image Galllery
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.)
