Chopta Birding Tour

Meandering through the topsy-turvy lanes of Uttarakhand can make one explore the several ancient villages and picturesque valleys, that are drawing their purity from the majestic mountains of the Himalayas. Sitting at a height of 8,557 feet, Chopta is one such place that has paved the way for many travel enthusiasts rumbling through its unsullied landscape while unearthing the mysticism that surrounds its vibrant culture and tradition.

However, Chopta Birding Tour is a manifestation of the rich avian life dwelling in the region. This lesser-explored hamlet in the mountains served as a significant gateway to the ancient temples of Tunganath & Chandrashila before garnering its position as one of the best birding hotspots in Asia and across the globe. The place is harbouring a wide range of winged species deemed as both gorgeous and vulnerable. Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Kashmir Nuthatch, Lammergerie are just to name a few.

The five-days journey is a meticulously handcrafted birding trail all set to unravel the serene realms of Chopta. The tour will kickstart at Tungnath. Part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, the place is sacred for Hindu pilgrims but it is also seen as a holy grail to sight the most sought-after Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, Koklass Pheasant etc. While traversing through the region, one can also cross paths with the endangered Himalayan Musk Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Black Bear and next to mythical Snow Leopard.

Dugalpitta and Maku are the two significant birding hotspots included in Chopta Birding Tour. Cocooned from the snowflakes covered mountains and lush green valleys, Dugalpitta is the best-kept secret of Uttarakhand providing a perfect surrounding for birds, streams, and meadows to thrive. Filled with splendid natural beauty, Makku is a fantastic birding point where one can find many rare finches including Red-headed Bulfinch, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Common Rosefinch, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, and Scarlet Finch.

Mandala and Monal Point will serve as the last leg of this tour. Both are tagged with carrying unique bird species contributing to the rich birdlife of Chopta. While Mandala is a tranquil village tucked away in the mountains, housing birds like Chukar Partridge, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Himalayan Griffon, etc. The Monal Point is an alpine forest sheltering Slaty-headed Parakeet, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Great Barbet, Rufous Sibia, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Rufous-breasted Accentor etc.

Best Time to Visit:
October to April is the best season for birding in Chopta. Winter offers excellent chances to spot Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, finches, and other high-altitude species. March to June is ideal for pleasant weather and active birdlife.

Attractions:
• Himalayan Monal Birdwatching
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tungnath Trail Birding
• Monal Point
• Rhododendron and Oak Forests
• Alpine Meadows
• Chaukhamba Peak Views
• Mandal Birding Trails
• Himalayan Wildlife Photography

Weather:
• Spring (March–May): 10°C to 20°C
• Summer (June): 15°C to 25°C
• Monsoon (July–September): 8°C to 18°C
• Winter (October–February): -2°C to 15°C, with snowfall at higher elevations.

Places to Stay:
• Birding Lodges
• Mountain Eco-Resorts
• Forest Guest Houses
• Wildlife Camps
• Boutique Himalayan Hotels
• Nature Retreats
• Traditional Village Homestays in Mandal and Chopta