West Sikkim : Vershay

Vershay is located at 3300 m, on a massive ridge covered with protected forests of Silver Fir, hemlocks, magnolia, and Rhododendrons. It is one of the best birding areas in Sikkim. Starting from the road head at the small village of Hilley at 2700 m, it is an easy walk up to the ridge top. As you climb higher it is the Rhododendrons that reign supreme. Branches of trees twine together to form a leafy canopy. Sunlight filtering through a fretwork of rich green foliage lights up flowers in splashes of colors. Butterflies of many hues dance from flower to flower. There is bird song in the air, and all the species of this zone can be spotted. Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Amur Falcon, Kalij Pheasant, Rufus belied woodpecker, Fire-tailed Myzornis, and Brown Parrot bills, Slaty-backed Flycatchers, Golden Robin, Long Tailed thrushes, Grey-crested tits, Streak breasted, Rusty cheeked, and slender billed Scimitar Babblers, various Laughing thrushes, Red-tailed Minla, and many others have been spotted. There is also the attraction of breathtaking views of Mount KhangchenDzonga, apart from the delightful Rhododendrons in bloom in Feb-March. The down hill trek to Dentam in the Khalij Valley (elevation 1500 m) requires walking for 4 hours. The route passes through a mixed forest of rhododendron, magnolia, and other flora. In the lower regions as you walk through cardamom fields, wild orchids, and ethnic villages, you can spend a day birding.

Hilley is 79 Kms from Darjeeling (04 hrs). It can also be reached from Kalimpong in 04.30 hours, and from Pamayangtse also in 04 hours. If moving directly from Bagdogra Airport it will take 06 hours. From Dentam after the birding trek it is a 1.30 hours drive to Pelling / Pamayangtse.

We provide fully serviced camping on this circuit, with the possibility of staying at trekkers hut at Vershay.

Four days are required. to do this circuit. On the first day drive to Hilley from Darjeeling or Kalimpong or Bagdogra, for overnight camping. Spend the next day birding along the trail to Vershay, and spend the second night there. On the third day bird along the trekking trail to Dentam, spending the night there. Finally on the fourth day try the birding sites along the Khalej Valley, reaching Pelling /Pamayangtse by the evening.

Top  

West Sikkim : Pamayangtse - Yoksom

The Pamayangtse Monastery stands on a lovely site at 2085 m altitude with breathtaking views of Mount Khangchendzonga. It is the second oldest in Sikkim, and the main attraction of West Sikkim. Around Pamayangtse and the nearby village of Pelling there are several excellent birding sites and hikes. Best species from Pamayangtse area are:Mountain Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Common, Oriental and Indian Cuckoo, White-throated Needletail, Great Barbet, Grey-headed and Bay Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Grey Treepie, Striated Bulbul, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-capped and Black-chinned Babbler, Hoary-throated and Rusty-fronted Barwing, Striated, Grey-sided and Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush, Rufous-winged and White-browed Fulvetta, Whiskered Yuhina, Cutia, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Rufous Sibia, Pygmy Blue, Verditer, Snowy-browed and Sapphire Flycatcher, Grey-sided and Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Blyth’s, Ashy-throated, Lemon-rumped and Yellow-browed Warbler, Grey-hooded, Golden-spectacled and Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Blue-fronted Redstart, Grey-winged Blackbird, Green-backed and Black-throated Tit, White-tailed Nuthatch, Fire-tailed and Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, White-tailed Robin, Dark-breasted Rosefinch and Red-headed Bullfinch.

Grey-winged Blackbird, Green-backed and Black-throated Tit, White-tailed Nuthatch, Fire-tailed and Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, White-tailed Robin, Dark-breasted Rosefinch and Red-headed Bullfinch.

Standard Tourist hotels are available at Pelling (02 kms from Pamayangtse), Gyalshing (10 Kms from Pamayangtse), and at Yoksom. We stay at the Hotel Phamrong at Pelling or the Tashigang Resort at Gyalshing.

The Khechepheri Lake at an altitude of 1980 m is 28 Kms from Pamayangtse. It is a sacred lake located in a natural crater-like basin. The lake hosts migrant ducks and occasionally some rare species such as Black necked Grebe, Baer's Pochard or Greater Sccaup. Other birds spotted have been Speckled wood pigeon, Emerald Cuckoo, Blue winged and Scaly Laughing Thrushes; White napped Yuhina and many of those at Pamayangtse. Khochipheri Lake is 28 Kms and Yoksom is another  32 Kms. It is feasible to drive from Pamayangtse/Pelling to Yoksom with a days birding at Khechepheri Lake.

Yoksom Village at 1780 m is as far as you can go by jeep. Around Yoksom some of the birds recorded are Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Maroon Oriole, Short-billed and Grey chinned Minevets, Himalayan Bulbul, Red -tailed Minla, White-naped Yuhina, various Thrushes, Grey winged Blackbird, various Tits, White tailed Nuthatch, and various sunbirds, and varios bushcats.. We stay  at the Tashigang Hotel at Yoksom.

04 days are suggested with 02 nights stay at Pelling for 02 days birding around Pamayangtse, 02 nights, at Yoksom with one days birding enroute at Khechepheri Lake, and another days birding around Yoksom.

West Sikkim : Dzongri & Prek Chu Valley , Elevation up to 4400 m

For those who are enthusiastic about trekking in the high Himalayas, the best way to see higher altitude birds is to take the 08 days Dzongri trek along the circuit Yoksom-Tshokha-Dzongri - Thanshing - Tshoka - Yoksom. Some of the birds recorded on this trip are Blood Pheasant, Brown Parotbill, Fire-tailed Myzorinas, Cutia, Sapphire flycatcher, White browned Bush Robin, Grandala, Rufous - breasted Accentors, White winged and collared Grosbeaks, Spot-winged Rosefinch, Scarlet finch, and Khalij Pheasant. For details of this trek go to http://www.gurudongma.com/sikkim_darjeeling/trekking.html.

Top  

North Sikkim : Tholung Valley

Located in the shadow of the 6888 Meters high Siniolchu, and the 5200 Meters Lamo Anden, this is virtually an uninhabited valley with a miniscule population ( less than 50 ) of Lamas, yak herdsmen, wood cutters, cow and sheep graziers. Due to restricted entry there is no tourist traffic.

It is the domain of glaciers, snow clad peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, bio-diverse forests, cascading rivers and streams, and twittering birds, The altitudinal variation ranges between 1000 meters to 4500 meters. The lower valley has mixed open forest with amazing biodiversity. The variation in altitude, variety of trees and shrubs, lack of human population and vehicular traffic combine to make it a haven for birds, and a prime birding site. The mossy oaka and Rhododendron forests, coniferous forests and bamboo stands in the Tholung Valley support some beautiful East Himalayan specialities. A very good walking trail with offshoots of grazing trails provides access for birding. The entire length of the walking trail of 15 kms is a birding hot spot. Not yet on the birding map, the area is mainly unexplored. In November 2001,  we recorded 67 species in two days. Our first birding tour to this area recorded the following species:-Crested Serpent Eagle, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Northern Goshawk, Upland Buzzard, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Whimbrel, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Asian Koel, Greater Coucal, Brown Wood Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Fork tailed Swift, House Swift, Great Barbet, Golden throated Barbet, Rufous bellied Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Yellow rumped Honeyguide, Nepal Martin, Citrine Wagtail, Olive backed Pipit, Rosy Pipit, Black winged Cuckoo Shrike, Short billed Minivet, Striated Bulbul, Red vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Orange bellied Leafbird, Winter Wren, Blue capped Rock Thrush, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plain backed Thrush, Long tailed Thrush, Scaly Thrush, White collared Blackbird, Grey winged Blackbird, White browed Shortwing, Striated Prinia, Hill Prinia, Chestnut headed Tesia, Slaty bellied Tesia, Brownish flanked Bush Warbler, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Buff barred Warbler, Ashy throated Warbler, Lemon rumped Warbler, Large billed Leaf Warbler, Blyth’s LeafWarbler, Yellow vented Warbler, Golden spectacled Warbler, Grey hooded Warbler, Chestnut crowned Warbler, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Rufous gorgeted Flycatcher, Snowy browed Flycatcher, White gorgeted Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Slaty blue Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Small Niltava, Rufous bellied Niltava, Grey headed Canary Flycatcher, Blue fronted Redstart, White capped Redstart, Plumbeous Redstart, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Common Stonechat, Grey Bushchat, Yellow bellied Fantail, White throated Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Black faced Laughingthrush, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Spotted Wren Babbler, Rufous capped Babbler, Golden Babbler, Cutia, White browed Shrike Babbler, Black eared Shrike Babbler, Hoary throated Barwing, Blue winged Minla, Chestnut tailed Minla, Redtailed Minla, Rufous winged Fulvetta, White browed Fulvetta, Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous Sibia, White naped Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Stripe throated Yuhina, Rufous vented Yuhina, Black throated Tit, Green backed Tit, Yellow cheeked Tit, Yellow browed Tit, White tailed Nuthatch, Rusty flanked Treecreeper, Wallcreeper, Gould’s Sunbird, Green‑tailed Sunbird, Black throated Sunbird, Fire tailed Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Streaked Spiderhunter, Fire breasted Flowerpecker, Maroon Oriole, Grey backed Shrike, Black Drongo, Ashy Drongo, Gold billed Magpie, Grey Treepie, White rumped Munia, Plain Mountain Finch, Black headed Mountain Finch, Dark breasted Rosefinch, Scarlet Finch.

We offer two birding options. A leisurely birding walk to the Tholung Gompa is a rare opportunity to bird watch in the open mixed forest ranging  in altitude from 1000 meters to 3000 meters and explore Tholung - the "secret hidden Valley of Sikkim", which is still a restricted area, even for domestic tourists. The whole family can enjoy nature’s bounty - far from crowds.

For the energetic we extend the birding up to Kishong Chu, 4228 meters looking for high altitude birds and enjoying the splendid views of Himalayan peaks, Alpine lakes, cascading streams, and grazing yaks.  The spring period Feb-April is usually snow covered, and May has regular rainfall. The ideal time for this trek is in Oct-Nov.

Mangan is located on the North Sikkim High way. It is 70 Kms ( 2.30 hrs) from Gangtok and 153 kms (5.30hrs from Bagdogra Airport/NJP rail station via Singtam and Dikchu. After an overnight stay at Mangan you have to drive by jeep 14 Kms( 1.30 hrs) to Lingsha which is the start point of the trail toTholung Valley.

A special entry permit is required to proceed beyond Mangan.

At Mangan Tourist Lodge at Singhik is suitable for transit halts. For the birding, fully serviced camping arrangements are provided by us.

7-10 days are required for productive birding in this area.

Birding opportunities en route to North Sikkim

Teesta River Valley

The main highway connecting Siliguri in the plains with North Sikkim runs along the Teesta Valley.  Birds recorded whilst travelling along the valley on one trip are: Great Cormorant, Great Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Eurasian Buzzard, Shikra, Red Junglefowl, River Lapwing, Green billed Malkoha, White throated Kingfisher, Crested Kingfisher, Chestnut headed Bee eater, Indian Roller, Dollarbird, Great Barbet, Greater Yellownape, Black backed Wagtail, Small Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Black crested Bulbul, White cheeked Bulbul, Red vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Golden fronted Leafbird, Orange bellied Leafbird, Common Iora, Blue Rock Thrush, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, White capped Redstart, Hair crested Drongo, Green Magpie, Himalayan Swiftlet, Oriental White eye.

Damthang Forest

Damthang Forest is a reserve forest , with a good birding trail of 14 kms upto Tendon Peak, 2700 meters. It is a round trip of 04 hrs. Birding is slow due to interwining forests. The following birds have been recorded in a 03 hrs walk: Eurasian Buzzard, Eurasian Kestrel, Green billed Malkoha, Dollarbird, Black winged Cuckoo Shrike, Short billed Minivet, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Grey winged Blackbird, Buff barred Warbler, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Golden spectacled Warbler, Grey hooded Warbler, Black faced Warbler, Rufous gorgeted Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous bellied Niltava, Grey headed Canary Flycatcher, Red flanked Bluetail, Blue fronted Redstart, Grey Bushchat, White throated Fantail, White crested Laughingthrush, Chestnut tailed Minla, Red tailed Minla, Rufous Sibia, Whiskered Yuhina, Rufous vented Yuhina, Black throated Tit, Green backed Tit, Chestnut bellied Nuthatch, Green tailed Sunbird, Ashy Drongo, Maroon Oriole, Brown Bullfinch. There are many more.

Previous