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Black-throated Tit Sattal

SATTAL RANIKHET & KALADHUNGI
BIRDING

Witness the birds of Western Himalayan Foothills

Most Popular 
BEGINNER FRIENDLY DESTINATION
3 regions, 3 elevations

Tour Overview

The oak–pine forests and lush valleys of Sattal, Ranikhet, and Kaladhungi, nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, form one of northern India’s most accessible and rewarding birding circuits. Spread across the Himalayan foothills, this region offers an incredible diversity of habitats — from dense broadleaf forests and riparian zones to open hill slopes and temperate woodlands — supporting a vibrant mix of mid-altitude and Himalayan species.
 

This 5-day, 4-night BIRDING TOUR is designed to cover the best birding zones of Sattal, Ranikhet, and Kaladhungi in a shorter, well-paced itinerary — ideal for working professionals looking to experience the birding richness of Kumaon without extended travel. From photographing colourful flycatchers and nuthatches by Sattal’s tranquil lakes to exploring the pine ridges and rhododendron slopes of Ranikhet, every day brings new photographic and birding highlights.
 

Birding is conducted through guided forest walks and short vehicle excursions across varied elevations, ensuring a comfortable yet immersive experience. The blend of scenic Himalayan vistas, peaceful forest trails, and abundant birdlife makes this circuit a true gem for both serious birders and nature photographers.
 

Key species you’ll encounter during this tour include:
Birds:

Kokhlass Pheasant 

Cheer Pheasant

Rufous-throated Partridge

Mountain Bulbul

Tawny Fish Owl

Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush

Yellow-bellied Fairy Fantail

Common Green Magpie

Black Francolin
Blue-capped Redstart
Slaty-blue Flycatcher
Rufous-bellied Niltava
Bar-tailed Treecreeper
Black-throated Tit
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler
Eurasian Jay
Black-headed Jay
Great-Slaty Woodpecker

Grey-crowned Prinia
Blue-winged Minla
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
 

Mammals:
Himalayan Goral
Yellow-throated Marten
Orange-bellied Squirrel
Grey Langur
 

This is not just a birding tour — it’s an exploration of the Kumaon Himalayas, where tranquil lakes, pine-scented breezes, and forest canopies echo with birdsong. Come experience Sattal, Ranikhet, and Kaladhungi, where every dawn reveals a new melody and every trail leads deeper into the wild beauty of the Himalayas

Red-billed Blue Magpie Sattal

Itinerary

At Wild A Gram, we adapt and optimize itineraries to maximize the value of your birding experience. Here's the brief tentative itinerary we will follow

Brown fronted Woodpecker Sattal

Day-1

  • The tour starts at Kathgodam railway station or bus stop at 10am. Transfer to Sattal.

  • Check-in at the stay

  • Birding session starts post lunch exploring trails near the stay

  • Night stay at Sattal

  • Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner

Mountain Scops Owl Sattal

Day-4

  • Check-out from Sattal. Morning Session at Ranibagh

  • Check-in at the Lodge at Kaladhungi

  • Evening session at Kaladhungi for some lowland birds

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Tawny Fish Owl Sattal

Day -2

  • Day starts at 6am.Birding at Shyamkhet

  • Evening session at Chafi Salta River.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Asian Barred Owlet Sattal

Day-3

  • Morning session at Ranikhet to search for the elusive Cheer Pheasant

  • Evening session at Sattal outskirts

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Mountain Bulbul Sattal

Day-5

  • Morning session at Garjiya devi

  • After morning session, we leave back for Kathgodam where our tour ends.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast

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