Beginning from Sattal and Pangot, which are best known for altitudinal migrants and wide range of resident birds;- this trip will cover the buffer forests of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Geographically hemmed between the Himalayan foothills and the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Corbett area along with the adjoining hills and the wetlands is definitely one of the richest bird habitats of Asia and boasts a bird count of over 600 species including long distance and altitudinal migrants. Our birding tour covers the diverse habitats of grasslands, broadleaf tropical forest and riverine and high altitude forest of conifers and oak with a backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. Birdwatchers will encounter Palearctic and altitudinal migrants like Siberian Rubythroat, Ibisbill and Wallcreeper, whereas summer visitors (April- September) will encounter Cuckoos, Indian & Hooded Pittas and the gregarious Chestnut-tailed Starling. Accompanied by experienced guides you spend the maximum time in the field rather than travelling from lodge to bird sites and so forth.
This tour aims to base you at A1 birding spots of the area, ensuring that your birding starts the moment you wake up, and you fall asleep to the calls of Owls or Thick-knees. Focussing on the unique and rich experience of overnight stays in temperate forests of the Himalayas, there is high possibility of seeing Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Great Thicknee, Small Pratincole, Temminck's Stint, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Spotted, Little And Slaty-backed Forktail, White-Tailed Rubythroat, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Brown and Tawny Fish Owl and critically endangered vultures.
Sattal Pangot Birding Expedition Details
- Duration: 3 nights / 4 days
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Cost: Rs. 18500/- per person (Ex Delhi)
Sattal Pangot Bird Watching Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi - Pangot
Meet our host upon arrival at Delhi and transfer to Pangot. Drive is for about 6hrs from Delhi. We shall leave Delhi Station by 07am in the morning & reach Pangot by Lunch. Check In to hotel and relax. A hot refreshing tea will be served followed by a small stroll around the property until dusk. We can expect birds like White Throated laughing thrush, White crested laughing thrush, Black lore tit, Chestnut bellied Nuthatch, Rufous Bellied Niltava, Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher, Tickell’s Blue Flycather, Orange Bellied Leafbird, Orange Headed Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush and yellow eyed Babbler, etc. Return back to lodge for dinner.
Meals - Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Pangot - Kilbury - Sattal
After very early morning tea we leave with packed breakfast for the moist Oak forest of Kilbury (Pangot) with a view of the higher Himalayas on the north and a vast expanse of Corbett & adjoining reserve forests on the south. Chukar, Koklas & Khalij Pheasant, Crested Bunting & Upland Pipit could be spotted on the road early morning. Openings in the forest are foraging ground for Hill Partridge, Cheer Pheasant. Western & Satyr Trogopan & Himalayan Monal are also reported here, the Himalayan Quail was last seen in this region over a hundred years back, and awaits rediscovery. Mature oak forests are good for Speckled Wood Pigeon, Rufous, Himalayan, Brown Fronted & Fulvous Breasted Woodpeckers and about 9 species of Tits including the not so common Fire Capped Tit.
Woodpecker Point: Approximately 2Kms away from Pangot, this is a great location famous for sightings of the Himalayan Woodpecker and Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and can yield many other species as well. While returning to hotel by lunch we may come across Spotted Owlet & Mountain Scops Owl.
Reach Sattal after lunch at a place called the “THE STUDIO”, this pleasant hill station and its adjoining temperate forest of Oak, Deodar, Rhododendron & conifers with a backdrop of the higher Himalayas & open valleys, makes this region excellent for altitudinal migrants and a wide array of resident birds. Altitude varies from 1600mts to 2800mts. A small pond created by a water stream is a popular spot for photographers.
Sattal Studio: A magical place to sit with your camera or binoculars and watch the birds come to bathe in both summers and winters; a place of calm and solitude within the dense forest and company of birds. The birds come in small groups & strangely appear as they are waiting for the species ahead to make their appearance. Hence the name Studio is aptly correct. Spend a couple of hours viewing & photographing them is a treat for the eyes. Return back as dusk starts setting in. We may be lucky to see a Flying Squirrel late evening.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Pangot – Vinayak Point – Chafi – Butterfly Museum – Pangot
After breakfast leave for this beautiful town “CHAFI” which is 18Kms from Pangot. A very known birding hotspot to see & photograph birds like Brown Dipper, Crested Kingfisher, Redstarts & Forktails, etc. One might also see the Tawny Fish Owl & Fire Fronted Serin which is a pretty rare sighting. On our way back we head to the much known place for spotting the Pheasants; Vinayak point is a treat for spotting & photographing this mere beauty Cheer & Kalij Pheasant. Return to lodge by Noon & relax until lunch.
Leave after lunch to visit the beautiful Museum of Butterflies hidden in the midst of Oak & Deodar forest & guarded by Dogs. This place will leave you stunned & amazed by the collection you may see.
The Butterfly Museum of Bhimtal: The Museum is run & taken care by researcher & butterfly enthusiast Mr. Frederic Smetacek at Jones Estate, it features a collection of 2500 butterflies , including featuring one that looks like an owl and another that looks like a snake, there is as much to learn here as there is to cherish. This is one of the best experiences on this trip. Return to hotel for Dinner.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Pangot - Delhi
After breakfast a last view of the Valley ahead and the bird feeder in the property attracts about 20-30 species of birds. Leave after breakfast & en-route halt for lunch break (at own cost). Drop at Delhi by 04pm.
Meals - Breakfast
Hotel
Pangot - Pangot Birding Lodge (for 3 nights)
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in above mentioned hotel
- Ground Transportation by AC Vehicle.
- Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary.
- All birding as per itinerary
- Visit to Butterfly Museum
- Professional Wildlife Naturalist host of the tour
What is NOT included in the tour
- GST 5%
- Rail / Air / Bus fare till Delhi and back
- Additional / personal use of vehicle.
- Extended stay due to weather conditions or any situation not in human control.
- Any personal expenses, room service and special orders, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, laundry etc.
- Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above specified itinerary.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
- Camera fees.
- Adventure sports at the property.
- Anything Specifically NOT mentioned in includes.
- A Hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A dust protection mask
- Personal Bottle (To avoid plastic use – 1LtrsX2)
- Small backpack (10Ltrs)
- Bird books
- Sun screen
- Only dull coloured clothes (Green, brown, Beige, Camouflage)
- Camera (At owners risk) with proper equipment for photography (As per need)
- Fleece/Jacket (temperatures drop in the forest to below 10 degree Celsius)
- Binoculars
- Energy bars
Cancellation Policy
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 21 days prior to the event date
- 50% refund if notified via phone conversation 14 days prior to the event date
- 25% refund if notified via phone conversation 7 days prior to the event date
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 7 days.
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
Important Notes
- Wildlife safaris/Bird watching is a matter of luck and opportunity. No guarantee of any sighting is made. Neither of our associates will quote that, although we try our best to spot and show you as much as nature allows us to.
- Birdwatching is a hobby and not a race, hence request all birders to maintain discipline at all times.
- Bird watching is an art of silence and key observation.
- Avoid Pointing out directly to a bird that might flush the bird away.
- Do not get too close to a bird for a photograph that you flush it away.
- Birdwatching should be enjoyed by binoculars and the fun is to spot them, identify them and if you still have some time with the bird photograph them.
- Never enter the forest with an intention of spotting a single species, it will only disappoint you. The forest is a gift packet with a lot to surprise with. Listen to our naturalist for more wonderful experience.
- Our walks are not target species specific (Unless specified)
- We explore everything we find uncommon and need to be explained.
- Any demand for spotting a single species in any jeep will not be entertained by the guide or the tour leader as there are other travellers who would want to see the birds etc.
- Respect & honour everything that is in the forest and it has to offer you.
- Enjoy being in the forest and you will feel much happier away from the concrete chaos.
- Respect the local, tribes, guards, guides, drivers, officers and all animals.
- Front seat of the Gypsy is always reserved for the Guide or Guard.
- No extra room will be made for photographers, respecting other travellers. (For photographers it is recommended to opt for higher options)
- No littering in the forest strictly. (what goes comes back the same way)
- Camera fees & guide tips to be paid separately & directly.
- Kindly follow the instructions given by the tour leader and the guide for your own safety.
