Sattal - Pangot Winter Birding Tour 5Nights/6Days
Sattal - Pangot Winter Birding Tour 5Nights/6Days
No. of days
6
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
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Overview
We will explore the stunning birding landscapes of Nainital district in Uttarakhand, a jewel of the western Himalayas. This region beautifully combines oak, pine, and mixed broadleaf forests with vibrant rhododendron patches and terraced farmlands, providing an unmatched habitat for a remarkable variety of birds.
We will begin our journey at Sattal, named for its seven interconnected freshwater lakes surrounded by dense oak and pine forests. This area hosts over 500 bird species, making it one of India’s richest birding hotspots. The nearby valleys of Chanfi, Shyamkhet, and Ramgarh offer excellent chances to encounter specialists such as fish owls, laughingthrushes, sunbirds, and winter migrants.
As we ascend, Nainital and Pangot at higher elevations will welcome us with temperate oak forests and breathtaking Himalayan views.. Here, we will seek elusive pheasants, thrushes, accentors, and finches, expanding our Himalayan birdwatching experience.
Throughout the tour, we will enjoy a perfect blend of engaging trail walks and dedicated hide sessions, ensuring intimate encounters with both the lowland and high-altitude Himalayan Birds, guided by expert naturalists well-versed in the local habitats.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the most rewarding birdwatching hotspots in the Kumaon Himalayas of India.
- The birding is a mix of bird hides and forest trails, giving you varied experiences.
- Look out for dazzling Himalayan species – from the iconic Tawny-fish owl and vibrant sunbirds to the striking Finches and many more.
- Encounter rare and endemic pheasants of the region, including Kalij, Koklass, and the endangered Cheer Pheasant.
- Be guided by a local expert Bird Guide who knows the best birding spots and try its best to tick off your all targeted species.
- Witness Breathtaking Himalayan landscapes 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 involves an easy level of walking, suitable for everyone from kids to seniors.
Image Galllery
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Sattal
We will begin with an early morning arrival at Sattal and head straight to a bird hide session designed for close-up views and exceptional photographic opportunities. We will focus on spotting species such as the Black Francolin, Common Green Magpie, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Russet Sparrow, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Common Rosefinch, and Rufous-throated Partridge.
In the evening, we will explore the river valley habitats of Chanfi and Padampuri. Here, we will look for nocturnal and waterside birds including the elusive Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Tawny Fish owl, (Largest Fish Owl of India) Himalayan & Siberian Rubythroat, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Brown Dipper, Crested Kingfisher, Little Forktail, and various thrush species.
We will overnight at Sattal.
Day 2 – Sattal Bend Trail & Evening Owls
We will start the day with a morning walk along the Sattal Bend Forest Trail, covered by the beautiful oak and rhododendron canopy. We will seek out birds such as the Grey-winged Blackbird, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Red Junglefowl, Rufous-bellied Niltava, White-throated Laughingthrush, Speckled Piculet,(One of the smallest Woodpecker of India) Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, and Himalayan Parakeet and many more.
After the breakfast, in the late morning session, We will go to the Studio Trail for Chestnut-headed Tesia, Brown Wood Owl, Red-billed Blue Magpie, White-crested Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Siva, Himalayan-shrike Babbler, Himalayan Bluetail, and
As evening approaches, we will return to the Chanfi riverbelt for a magical session of owl and waterside birdwatching. We will look for Asian Barred Owlet, Brown Fish Owl, Slaty-backed Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Little Forktail, Small Niltava, plus several tits and migrating warblers.
Overnight stay at Sattal.
Day 3 – Shyamkhet & Ramgarh
In the morning, we will bird the forested slopes near Shyamkhet close to Bhowali, where we can expect to see species like the European Goldfinch, Maroon Oriole, Grey-winged Bluebird, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Great Barbet, Blue-throated barbet, Green-tailed Sunbird, Brownish-flanked bush warbler, Crimson Sunbird.
Later, we will spend the evening in Ramgarh, exploring its beautiful orchards and wooded valleys. We will search for forest birds such as the Black-chinned Babbler, Black-faced Warbler, Collared Owlet,(Asia’s Smallest Owlet) Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Mountain Bulbul, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Black-throated Tit, Striated Laughingthrush, Buff-barred Warbler, and Ashy-throated Warbler.
Overnight stay at Sattal.
Day 4 – Nainital Ridge Trails & Transfer to Pangot.
We will set out early to the high ridges of Nainital, where wintering Himalayan migrants like the rare Vinaceous Rosefinch can be spotted. We will also search for notable winter residents such as the Brown Bullfinch, Golden-bush Robin, Pink-browed Rosefinch, and Rufous-breasted Accentor.
After a refreshing breakfast en route, we will proceed to Pangot (2100 m), known as one of India’s top birding destinations. Surrounded by dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, Pangot is home to over 250 bird species.
In the evening, we will explore the mixed oak forest trails near the Ghughukham Road Patch, targeting species such as the European Goldfinch, Yellow-Breasted Greenfinch, Green-tailed Sunbird, and Scaly Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Long-billed Thrush, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Black Eagle, and Scaly-bellied Woodpecker.
Overnight at Pangot.
Day 5 – Pangot Pheasant Walk & Evening in Nainital
We will dedicate the morning to a special Pheasant Walk, focused on the endemic and endangered Cheer Pheasant. Throughout the morning, we will also be on the lookout for the elusive Koklass Pheasant, along with Hill Partridge.
In the evening, we will do Pink-browed Rosefinch, Rufous-breasted Accentors, Altai Accentor, Black-throated Accentor, Long-tailed Minivet, Himalayan Griffon..
After the session we will visit the charming town of Nainital to enjoy its cultural richness and scenic lakeside ambiance and local markets.
Overnight stay at Pangot.
Day 6 – Morning Birding & Departure
We will spend our last session around Pangot peaceful forest, searching for Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Cuckoo, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Eyebrowed Thrush, and many others.
After a great birding session we will have a good breakfast.
Afterwards, we will check out and transfer you to your onward travel point—whether Pantnagar airport, Delhi, or Kathgodam railway station—ending an amazing Himalayan birdwatching trip.
No. of days
6
Trip Type
#
Activity Level
Moderate
Experiences
Best time
October to April
Region
Overview
We will explore the stunning birding landscapes of Nainital district in Uttarakhand, a jewel of the western Himalayas. This region beautifully combines oak, pine, and mixed broadleaf forests with vibrant rhododendron patches and terraced farmlands, providing an unmatched habitat for a remarkable variety of birds.
We will begin our journey at Sattal, named for its seven interconnected freshwater lakes surrounded by dense oak and pine forests. This area hosts over 500 bird species, making it one of India’s richest birding hotspots. The nearby valleys of Chanfi, Shyamkhet, and Ramgarh offer excellent chances to encounter specialists such as fish owls, laughingthrushes, sunbirds, and winter migrants.
As we ascend, Nainital and Pangot at higher elevations will welcome us with temperate oak forests and breathtaking Himalayan views.. Here, we will seek elusive pheasants, thrushes, accentors, and finches, expanding our Himalayan birdwatching experience
Throughout the tour, we will enjoy a perfect blend of engaging trail walks and dedicated hide sessions, ensuring intimate encounters with both the lowland and high-altitude Himalayan Birds, guided by expert naturalists well-versed in the local habitats.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the most rewarding birdwatching hotspots in the Kumaon Himalayas of India.
- The birding is a mix of bird hides and forest trails, giving you varied experiences.
- Look out for dazzling Himalayan species – from the iconic Tawny-fish owl and vibrant sunbirds to the striking Finches and many more.
- Encounter rare and endemic pheasants of the region, including Kalij, Koklass, and the endangered Cheer Pheasant.
- Be guided by a local expert Bird Guide who knows the best birding spots and try its best to tick off your all targeted species.
- Witness Breathtaking Himalayan landscapes 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 involves an easy level of walking, suitable for everyone from kids to seniors.
Image Galllery
5 Nights / 6 Days Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Sattal
We will begin with an early morning arrival at Sattal and head straight to a bird hide session designed for close-up views and exceptional photographic opportunities. We will focus on spotting species such as the Black Francolin, Common Green Magpie, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, Russet Sparrow, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Common Rosefinch, and Rufous-throated Partridge.
In the evening, we will explore the river valley habitats of Chanfi and Padampuri. Here, we will look for nocturnal and waterside birds including the elusive Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Tawny Fish owl, (Largest Fish Owl of India) Himalayan & Siberian Rubythroat, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Brown Dipper, Crested Kingfisher, Little Forktail, and various thrush species.
We will overnight at Sattal.
Day 2 – Sattal Bend Trail & Evening Owls
We will start the day with a morning walk along the Sattal Bend Forest Trail, covered by the beautiful oak and rhododendron canopy. We will seek out birds such as the Grey-winged Blackbird, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Red Junglefowl, Rufous-bellied Niltava, White-throated Laughingthrush, Speckled Piculet,(One of the smallest Woodpecker of India) Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, and Himalayan Parakeet and many more.
After the breakfast, in the late morning session, We will go to the Studio Trail for Chestnut-headed Tesia, Brown Wood Owl, Red-billed Blue Magpie, White-crested Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Siva, Himalayan-shrike Babbler, Himalayan Bluetail, and
As evening approaches, we will return to the Chanfi riverbelt for a magical session of owl and waterside birdwatching. We will look for Asian Barred Owlet, Brown Fish Owl, Slaty-backed Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Little Forktail, Small Niltava, plus several tits and migrating warblers.
Overnight stay at Sattal.
Day 3 – Shyamkhet & Ramgarh
In the morning, we will bird the forested slopes near Shyamkhet close to Bhowali, where we can expect to see species like the European Goldfinch, Maroon Oriole, Grey-winged Bluebird, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Great Barbet, Blue-throated barbet, Green-tailed Sunbird, Brownish-flanked bush warbler, Crimson Sunbird.
Later, we will spend the evening in Ramgarh, exploring its beautiful orchards and wooded valleys. We will search for forest birds such as the Black-chinned Babbler, Black-faced Warbler, Collared Owlet,(Asia’s Smallest Owlet) Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Mountain Bulbul, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Black-throated Tit, Striated Laughingthrush, Buff-barred Warbler, and Ashy-throated Warbler.
Overnight stay at Sattal.
Day 4 – Nainital Ridge Trails & Transfer to Pangot.
We will set out early to the high ridges of Nainital, where wintering Himalayan migrants like the rare Vinaceous Rosefinch can be spotted. We will also search for notable winter residents such as the Brown Bullfinch, Golden-bush Robin, Pink-browed Rosefinch, and Rufous-breasted Accentor.
After a refreshing breakfast en route, we will proceed to Pangot (2100 m), known as one of India’s top birding destinations. Surrounded by dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, Pangot is home to over 250 bird species.
In the evening, we will explore the mixed oak forest trails near the Ghughukham Road Patch, targeting species such as the European Goldfinch, Yellow-Breasted Greenfinch, Green-tailed Sunbird, and Scaly Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Long-billed Thrush, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Black Eagle, and Scaly-bellied Woodpecker.
Overnight at Pangot.
Day 5 – Pangot Pheasant Walk & Evening in Nainital
We will dedicate the morning to a special Pheasant Walk, focused on the endemic and endangered Cheer Pheasant. Throughout the morning, we will also be on the lookout for the elusive Koklass Pheasant, along with Hill Partridge.
In the evening, we will do Pink-browed Rosefinch, Rufous-breasted Accentors, Altai Accentor, Black-throated Accentor, Long-tailed Minivet, Himalayan Griffon..
After the session we will visit the charming town of Nainital to enjoy its cultural richness and scenic lakeside ambiance and local markets.
Overnight stay at Pangot.
Day 6 – Morning Birding & Departure
We will spend our last session around Pangot peaceful forest, searching for Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan Cuckoo, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Eyebrowed Thrush, and many others.
After a great birding session we will have a good breakfast.
Afterwards, we will check out and transfer you to your onward travel point—whether Pantnagar airport, Delhi, or Kathgodam railway station—ending an amazing Himalayan birdwatching trip.
