Chopta-Tungnath Bird Photography Tour

Overview

Chopta is a village located in Uttarakhand state of India and a base for trekking to Tungnath, third temple of Panch Kedar which is at a distance of 3.5 km. Chopta offers amazing views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. It is located at an elevation of 2680mts above sea level. Chopta is surrounded by forest of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in variety of flora and fauna.

This place is popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ in Uttarakhand. Chopta region has many treks and trails through jungle and grasslands. Because of abundance of birds Chopta is becoming popular among bird watchers.

Target birds: Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Snowcock, Bearded Vulture, Snow Pigeon, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Grey-crested Tit, Fire-capped Tit, White-browed Fulvetta, Variegated Laughingthrush, Winter Wren, Golden Bush Robin, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Black-throated Accentor, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Scarlet Finch, Red-headed Bullfinch

Inclusions

Conveyance charges from Kathgodam Railway Station and back to Ramnagar Railway Station
One night stay at Mandal, three nights stays at Magpie Eco-camp, Dugalbitta and one night stay at Camp Milieu- A Birding Paradise with neat and comfortable rooms/tents on twin/triple sharing as per itinerary
All meals (vegetarian only) as mentioned in the itinerary
All entry fees, guide charges, pony charges, taxi and driver charges
Service of a dedicated professional wildlife photographer and naturalist for the entire tour
All applicable taxes

Itinerary

This 6-day specialized birding circuit delves into the dense forests and alpine meadows of the Garhwal Himalayas. Starting from Haldwani, you will undertake a scenic drive up to the Chopta region, serving as your base for the expedition. Spend your days navigating varied elevations—from the broadleaf forests of Mandal and Makkumath to the high-altitude trekking path of Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The itinerary perfectly balances deep forest birding with high-altitude pheasant tracking, ensuring a comprehensive portfolio of Western Himalayan avian life before a comfortable descent back to the plains.

Day 1: Arrival at Haldwani & Drive to Chopta / Makkumathclose

Ascend to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Scenic Travel

Arrive at Haldwani or Kathgodam Railway Station early in the morning, where our expert birding guide and driver will welcome you. Embark on a long, highly scenic drive alongside the winding Himalayan rivers, transitioning from the lower foothills into the majestic Garhwal ranges. Arrive in the Chopta or Makkumath region by late afternoon and check into your premium eco-lodge. Freshen up and enjoy a brief introductory birding walk around the lodge grounds to spot Blue Whistling Thrushes, Himalayan Bulbuls, and Verditer Flycatchers before a warm dinner.

Day 2: Mandal Valley & Makkumath Birdingclose

Woodpeckers, Sunbirds, and Broadleaf Forests

Wildlife Nature

Wake up before dawn and drive towards the lush, broadleaf forests of Mandal Valley and Makkumath. This mid-altitude belt is incredibly rich in avian diversity. Spend the day walking the quiet forest trails, scanning the canopy and undergrowth. Target species today include the Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, the vibrant Scarlet Minivet, and various species of Laughingthrushes and Tits. Enjoy a packed breakfast and lunch in the forest to maximize your photography time. Return to your lodge in the evening to review your captures.

Day 3: Chopta Meadows & Baniyakund Birdingclose

Finches, Bushchats, and raptors

Wildlife Photography

Dedicate the day to exploring the undulating alpine meadows (bugyals) and dense rhododendron patches of Chopta and Baniyakund. The open landscapes provide excellent lighting for wildlife photography. Walk along the forest edges looking for the Golden Bush Robin, Pink-browed Rosefinch, and the elusive Koklass Pheasant. Scan the skies and tall pines for majestic raptors such as the Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), and the Mountain Hawk-Eagle. Spend a quiet evening at your mountain camp under a sky full of stars.

Day 4: Trek to Tungnath & High-Altitude Birdingclose

Tracking the Himalayan Monal

Adventure Wildlife

Start early for the highlight of the tour—the birding trek to Tungnath (12,073 ft), the highest Shiva temple in the world. The paved 3.5 km trail ascends sharply above the treeline into stark alpine terrain. This route is famous for incredibly close encounters with the magnificent Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. Move slowly and silently to photograph these brilliantly colored pheasants foraging on the mountain slopes. Also look out for the Snow Partridge, Alpine Accentor, and White-collared Blackbird. Return to Chopta by late afternoon.

Day 5: Deoria Tal Trek & Forest Fringesclose

Emerald lakes and woodland birds

Nature Wildlife

After breakfast, take a short drive to Sari village and embark on a gentle 2.5 km trek up to Deoria Tal, a pristine emerald lake offering spectacular reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks. The trail leading to the lake, covered in dense oak and rhododendron, is a fantastic birding hotspot. Target the Rufous Sibia, White-throated Tit, and various warblers. Spend the afternoon quietly staking out water edges and fruiting trees before descending back to Sari and returning to your lodge for a farewell dinner.

Day 6: Chopta to Haldwani Departureclose

Final trails and farewell

Transfer Travel

Utilize the golden morning hours for a final, relaxed birding session around the Chopta meadows, capturing the vibrant morning activity of the resident mountain birds. Return for a hearty breakfast, pack your gear, and check out. Embark on your scenic descent from the Garhwal Himalayas back to the plains. Our driver will ensure a comfortable and timely transfer to Haldwani or Kathgodam Railway Station for your onward journey, leaving you with an incredible portfolio of high-altitude Himalayan bird photographs.

Gallery

Immerse yourself in the spectacular avian diversity and pristine landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas through our gallery. Gaze upon the breathtaking, snow-covered paths leading up to the ancient Tungnath Temple, situated beautifully above the treeline.Keep your telephoto lenses ready on the Tungnath trail to capture the incredibly vibrant, iridescent plumage of the elusive Himalayan Monal, a prized sighting for any nature photographer.Witness the breathtaking beauty of these rare high-altitude pheasants in flight against the dramatic backdrop of the deep Himalayan valleys.

Exclusions

Travel cost from participant’s home town to Kathgodam and back
Any extra food item not included in the meal as per itinerary
Any alcoholic beverage
Any non-alcoholic beverage not included in the meal as per itinerary
Laundry, phone call, etc. personal charges
Tips
Anything which is not mentioned in “Tour cost includes”

Important Notes

Payment Terms

50% amount as advance to book your seat as it is a limited seats tour
Rest 50% amount by ………….

Cancellation Policy

75 % of total deposited amount – 30 to 59 days before commencement of tour
50 % of total deposited amount – 16 to 29 days before commencement of tour
No refund of total deposited amount – 15 days or lesser before commencement of tour

Essential trip

information!

Description:
Pack a highly functional wardrobe designed for birding and extreme alpine climates: neutral, earth-toned clothing (olive green, brown, grey) is strictly recommended to blend into the forest environment and avoid startling the birds. Bring heavy thermal inners, fleece jackets, windproof outer shells, woolen caps, and insulated gloves, as temperatures in Chopta and Tungnath can drop near freezing, especially during early morning birding sessions. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes with deep traction are absolutely essential for the steep and often snow-patched Tungnath trail. Bring extra camera batteries (cold weather drains batteries faster), large-capacity memory cards, lens cleaning kits, and a sturdy tripod/monopod. The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR); carrying ample cash is critical, as ATMs and digital payment networks are completely non-functional in the remote Chopta and Mandal regions.

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