Pheasant Photography Tour
- Tour Overview
Taking place in the lofty hills of the Himalayas, the Pheasant Photography Tour is all set to unfurl the secret lives of Pheasants dwelling in the verdant hills of the Himalayas. After learning about the diverse birdlife settled across the untamed landscape of Uttarakhand, we have devised an eventful journey that will not only ensure a closer sight of these rare birds but also fuels your passion for bird photography. The tour will kickstart in the tranquil hamlet of Pangot, located at an altitude of 6,510 feet above the sea level, the place is a beautiful abode for the Himalayan birds. Pangot is one of Uttarakhand’s peaceful villages surrounded by the thick canopies of Oak, Pine, and Rhododendron trees. In recent times the place has garnered name amongst the birdwatchers for housing many rare species including the critically endangered Grey-crowned Prinia, Himalayan rubythroat, Siberian rubythroat, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Blue-winged Minla, etc. While the call of these gorgeous species echoes the valley, it is the undisturbed colonies of the Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, and Khalij Pheasant attracting birdwatchers from all corners of the world. Sattal is the second destination of this enthralling journey.
Dotted with seven freshwater lakes, Sattal is yet another hidden gem of Uttarakhand harboring a rich and diverse avian life. Trailing inside its virgin forest and along the coast of pristine lakes will make you unfold the beautiful lives of Hill partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Black Francolin, Red-billed Leiothrix, Great Barbet, Chestnut-billed Rockthrush, Himalayan Bluetail, Yellow Fantail, Long-tailed broadbill, etc. From the lush green hills of the Kumaon, you will head towards the majestic mountains of the Garhwal region to continue the trail of Pheasant spotting. Chopta- a small village of lush green meadows and evergreen forest is the place where you will be spending the last three days of the tour. Besides carrying ancient temples and acting as a basecamp for several Himalayan treks, Chopta is an ultimate hotspot for birdwatching and bird photography. The place is a roosting point for many rare winged species including Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Snow Patridge, Himalayan Griffon, Scarlet Finch, Brown Dipper, Chukar, Speckled piculet, Slaty-backed Forktail, etc
Tour Factsheet
Tour Dates | November (15th-21st),2023 |
Tour Price | USD 595 |
Tour Category | Bird Photography |
Single Supplement | USD 1058 |
Space Available | 7 |
- Target Species
Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Black Francolin, Hill Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Chukar, Snow Partridge, Grey-crowned Prinia, Scarlet Finch, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Red-billed leiothrix, Long-tailed Broadbill, Great barbet, Himalayan Rubythroat, Siberian Rubythroat, Blue Winged Minla, Slaty-backed Forktail, Rosefinch, etc
Weather
Cold
Places to Stay
Ecolodges
Best time to visit
November to April
Today is the kickstart to the much-awaited pheasant Photography Tour. From Delhi you will drive towards the verdant hills of Uttarakhand. Pangot is the first destination in focus. Lying at an altitude of 6,510 feet, Pangot has garnered name all across the world for Pangot has garnered name all across the world for carrying a wide diversity of winged species. On arriving at this picturesque destination you will check-in at your accommodation. In the evening you will go for a short trail in neighbouring region. Overnight stay in Pangot.
Species: Red-billed blue magpie, White-throated Laughingthrush, Rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler, Great Barbet, White-tailed Nuthatch, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, and Long-tailed Minivet
Today with the break of dawn you will head towards Cheer Point, one of the notable places to spot the critically endangered Cheer Pheasant, and Koklass Pheasant. In the evening you will explore the virgin forest of Kilbury which is harbouring many beautiful winged species. Overnight stay in Pangot.
Species: Green-tailed Sunbird, Mountain Hawk Eagle, White Browed Shrike- Babbler, and Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Himalayan Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey Headed Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Warbler, Common Rosefinch
Today you will be driving towards Sattal, a sleepy hamlet in Kumaon which has derived its name from the seven freshwater lakes that ring this picturesque place. The place is one of India's wonderful hotspot for birdwatching. Navigating through its virgin forests and pristine lakes will make you unlock many undisturbed bird colonies. Overnight stay in Pangot.
Species: Rufous-throated partridge, Hill Patridge Red-billed leiothrix, Long-tailed broadbill, Crested Kingfisher, slaty-backed Forktail, Blue-throated Barbet, Hill Patridge, Siberian Rubythroat, Black-headed Jay, Eurasian Jay
Today you will drive towards Chopta. Lying in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a hotspot for birding and bird photography. Being surrounded by majestic hills and lush green meadows, the place is acknowledged amongst the birdwatcher for carrying a rich avian life. Overnight stay in Chopta
Today you will cover Dugalbitt and Makku region of Chopta. Blessed with serene landscape and diverse birdlife, these places will make you sight many species that are rarely found in other parts of the world. Overnight stay in Chopta.
Species: Himalayan Griffon, Scarlet Finch, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Hill Patridge, Tickell's Leaf Wabbler, Brown Dipper, Snow Patridge, Mrs Gold's Sunbird
Today you will go for a full day birding in Tungnath. Popular amongst the pilgrims for housing the ancient old temple, the region is also a perfect hotspot for birdwatching and bird photography. While getting the imposing views of the Himalayan range, you will get a chance to spot a lot of rare Himalayan birds. Overnight stay in Chopta.
Species: Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Chukar Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Hill Partridge, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Spotted Fork tail, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Speckled Piculet
Today is the last day of your tour, after lunch you will head for the onward journey to Dehradun.
- Nusa Penida, Bali
Package Inclusions
- 3 Nights accommodation in Pangot
- 3 Nights accommodation in Chopta
- 6 days birding tour
- Expert Naturalist
- Vehicle for 7 days
- Meals as per the itinerary
- All Taxes
Total Package Price: INR 93,000/-
- Tour's Location