S/02: 14 days Lava, West Sikkim & Mahananda Birding circuit
Featuring Mahananda WLS, Lave Forests, Damthang Forests, Menam Forests, Psamayangtse, Khichepheri, Yoksom and Rangit River Valley
Maximum altitude 2500 m

Day 01: Fly to Bagdogra. Transfer to Siliguri.
Arrive by air from Delhi, Kolkotta, or Guwahati. Met by your guide and transffered to hotel at Siliguri.

Time permitting take a short drive to Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary for birding. Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Siliguri-Mahananda WLS - Siliguri
Full days birding at Mahananda WLS. Overnight in hotel at Siliguri. Located just outside Siliguri astride the Mahananda river, this sanctuary is well known for its large population of Elephants. As a result it has not yet been explored by birders. T he deciduous forests and riverine belt provides habitat for a rich variety of birds in the sanctuary, A hours birding foray restricted to the fringes of the sanctuary, revealed that the forests were teeming with bird life. Some of the birds we saw: Lesser Adjutant, Red Naped Ibis, Black Baza, Besra, Greater Coucal, Large Cuckoo Shrike, Black hooded Oriole, Indian roller, Green billed Malkhoa, Red Jungle Fowl, Indian Grey Hornbill,  Himalayan Griffon, Jungle and Asian Barred owlet, various Bee eaters, Egret, Common Hill Myna. We are sure to see many more species.

Day 03: Siliguri- Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary- Kalimpong
Full days birding in a different section of the  Mahananda WLS. In the evening a 02 hrs drive to Kalimpong for overnight at Gurudongma House.

Day 04- Day 07: Kalimpong - Lava - Kalimpong
Basing ourselves at Kalimpong for 04 days, we will make daily trips to Lava Forests, Rushet Forests, and Neora Forests, visiting identified hot spots.

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Lava is the prime birding destination in this region,  It is a small bazaar 0nce a halting place for caravans on the trade routes to Bhutan and Sikkim. It is now a rather ugly forest Village with a Buddhist Monastery amidst a sea of evergreen forests at an elevation of 2100 m. Surrounded by very large tracts of protected forests ranging in elevation between 1600 and 2400 m, it includes the remote and uninhabited Neora National Park, and it is a bird watcher's delight.There are several sites for bird watching and photography around Lava and the adjoining Neora National Park.The forests have rough roads and walking trails. Birding is feasible from the main roads, however for deeper entry, forest department permission and a guide is required.. Birds recorded during our first tour are:- Bar headed Goose, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Black Eagle, Mountain HawkEagle, Kalij Pheasant, Oriental Turtle Dove, Spotted Dove, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, Greenbilled Malkoha,  Greater Coucal, Brown Wood Owl,  Asian Barred Owlet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Great Barbet, Golden throated Barbet, Grey capped Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Barn Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Olive backed Pipit, Black winged Cuckoo Shrike, Short billed Minivet, Striated Bulbul, White cheeked Bulbul, Red vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Maroon backed Accentor, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plain backed Thrush, Grey winged Blackbird, Grey sided Thrush, Dark throated Thrush, Grey bellied Tesia, Brownish flanked Bush Warbler, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Buff barred Warbler, Ashy throated Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Golden spectacled Warbler, Grey hooded Warbler, Grey cheeked Warbler, Chestnut crowned Warbler, Black faced Warbler, Broad billed Warbler, Siberian Flycatcher, Rufous gorgeted Flycatcher, Snowy browed Flycatcher, Whitegorgeted Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Slaty blue Flycatcher, Sapphire Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Rufous bellied Niltava, Grey‑headed Canary Flycatcher, Red flanked Bluetail, Rufous breasted Bush Robin, Blue fronted Redstart, White capped Redstart, Plumbeous Redstart, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Common Stonechat, Grey Bushchat, Yellow bellied Fantail, White throated Fantail, White throated Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush, Grey‑sided Laughing Thrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Blue winged Laughingthrush,  Chestnut crowned Laughingthrush, Red faced Liocichla, Spot breasted Scimitar Babbler, Rusty cheeked Scimitar Babbler, White browed Scimitar Babbler, Long billed Wren Babbler, Rufous throated Scimitar Babbler, Spotted Wren Babbler, Rufous capped Babbler, Golden Babbler, Grey throated Babbler, Silver eared Mesia, Red billed Leiothrix, Black headed Shrike Babbler, White browed Shrike Babbler, Black eared Shrike Babbler, Rusty fronted Barwing, Hoary throated Barwing, Blue winged Minla, Chestnut tailed Minla, Red tailed Minla, Yellow throated Fulvetta, Rufous winged Fulvetta, White browed Fulvetta, Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous Sibia, White naped Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Stripe throated Yuhina, Rufous vented Yuhina, Black throated Tit, Black browed Tit, Coal Tit, Green backed Tit, Yellow cheeked Tit, Yellow browed Tit, White tailed Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Rusty flanked Treecreeper, Brown throated Treecreeper, Green tailed Sunbird, Fire tailed Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Bay backed Shrike, Long tailed Shrike, Ashy Drongo, Hair crested Drongo , Green Magpie, Grey Treepie, House Crow, Large billed Crow, Common Myna, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, White rumped Munia, Plain Mountain Finch, Crimson browed Finch, Dark breasted Rosefinch, Dark rumped Rosefinch, Tibetan Serin, Brown Bullfinch, Red headed Bullfinch, Gold Naped Finch, Little Bunting.

Other birds that can be seen: Hill Partridge, Rufous throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Wedge tailed Green Pigeon, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Lesser Cuckoo, Mountain Scops Owl, Fork Tailed Swift, Ward's Trogon, Great Hornbill, White browed Piculet, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Long tailed Broadbill, Mountain Bulbul, Orange bellied Leafbird, Long billed Thrush, Chestnut Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Rusty bellied Shortwing, Gould’s Shortwing, Lesser Shortwing, White browed Shortwing, Chestnut headed Tesia, Slat bellied Tesia, Russet Bush Warbler, White spectacled Warbler, Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Golden Bush Robin, White browed Bush Robin, Blue fronted Robin, Spotted Laughingthrush, Coral billed Scimitar Babbler, Scaly breasted Wren Babbler, Cutia, Golden breasted Fulvetta, Fire tailed Myzornis, Black Throated Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter, Fire breasted Flowerpecker, Maroon Oriole, Common Rosefinch, Red Crossbill.

Day 08: Kalimpong- Rangeet Valley- Damthang Forests, 2700 m - Rabangla, 2200 m

Drive through the Teesta & Rangit Valley to Damthang Forests, stopping enroute to look for 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, and  Oriental White eye.  At the Damthang Forest we will take a birding walk for 06 hrs. Some of the species we might see are: 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. and more. In the evening drive 20 Kms to Rabangla for overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09: Rabangla - Pamayangtse, 2085 meters
In the morning a 04 hrs birding walk to Menam forests of Oak, Chestnuts, magnolia and Rhododendrons. at altitude of 2900 meters.  Likely to spot the same species as seen at Damthang. In the afternoon, drive 52 kms to Pamayangtse. with birding halts enroute at selected spots. Arrive Pamayangtse / Pelling in the evening. Overnighht at hotel.

Day 10: Pamayangtse
Western Sikkim: The cradle of Buddhism in Sikkim: The legendary installation of the Namgyal dynasty, by three monks in I642, introduced Buddhism in Sikkim..On hill tops, inter - visible to each, on the fringes of the Rathang Chhu River Valley, are located a string of holy sites. The main monasteries are:- Pamayangtse—the sublime perfect lotus; built in 1705; it is paramount of the Nyingmapa monasteries of Sikkim, and regarded as most prestigious. It is well known for its seven level wooden pagoda structure of mind boggling intricacy depicting paradise, which was crafted by the late Dongzin Rimpoche, over five years of solo effort Sangacholing Monastery—the place of secret spells; located near Pelling was founded in 1697. Clay statues, dating to the 17th Century are amongst the oldest preserved in Sikkim. Kechepheri Lake and Monastery—the noble heaven reaching mountain; nestling in a forested bowl at around 2000 M, elevation, it is a holy lake, where the legendary guardian bird is always on duty to pick up dead leaves falling on its surface, to keep it clean. Yoksom Coronation Site, where three monks appointed the first king of Sikkim,, is a simple stone bench. Dubdi Monastery—The Hermits Cell; dates back to 1701, It was the monastery of the first capital of Sikkim. Rewarding views of the Rathang Valley include the Norbugang Chorten, where the monks buried offerings given by the people to the newly appointed king. Tashiding Monastery—Temple of the dharam raja (the religious king); was constructed atop a heart shaped hill, at the very spot were as per the Buddhist scriptures, Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Tibet, blessed the sacred land of Sikkim. Built in 1716, it is famous for Thong-Wa-Rang-To—the sacred Chorten, which means savior by mere sight. It is believed that the mere act of beholding it washes away all the sins of the devotee. The sacred holy water from Tashiding is distributed to pilgrims at the Bamchu festival, from an ancient bowl, which never dries up.

After viewing the awe inspiring sunrise on Moun Khangchendzonga , we bird for the full day visiting Pamayangtse & Sanga Choling Monasteries - which are prime birding sites. Birds we are likely to see 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.

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Day 11: Pamayangtse-Khichepheri Lake, 1980 m -Yoksom, 1780 m.
Drive to Khichepheri Lake for birding. Some of the best birds are: migrant ducks, Black necked grebe, Baer's Pochard, Speckled wood pigeon, Emerald Cuckoo, Blue -winged and Scaly Laughing thrush, White-naped Yuhina and many of the birds at Pamayangtse. We continue to Yoksom in the afternoon, check in at the hotel and take a stroll in the evening taking in the local buddhist sights.

Day 12: Yoksom
We spend the day birding around Yoksom. Some of the birds you are likely to see 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 various bushcats.

Day 13: Yoksom-Kalimpong
Drive along the Rangit River Valley & the Teesta River Valley to Kalimpong. On the way we will stop at identified spots for birding. If interested take a short walk to the famous Tashiding Monastery. Overnight at Gurudongma House.

Day 14: Kalimpong-Bagdogra

After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra for departure. Tour Ends

NOTE: Bird sightings depend greatly on season, timing, and patience. Sightings mentioned in the itinerary are only a guide and can not be guaranteed.

Advisory: You require a Sikkim entry permit. Please get you India visa endorsed with this permit at the time of applying for your visa.

Tour Cost: on request

The cost includes  accommodation on full board, transport and a birding guide.

Extension S/02/E 03 days Vershay & Khalij Valley Birding trek.
Featuring Hilley & Vershay Forests,  Dentam Valley
Maximum altitude: 3300

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 3-4 hours. The route passes through a mixed forest of rhododendron, magnolia, and other flora. Look out for Red breasted Tragopan, Red eared Bay Wood Pecker, Solitary snipe, Brown Wood Owl, Himalayan Cuckoo, Kaleej, and others. There are chances of encountering Barking Deer and some of the wildcat family. In the lower regions as you walk through cardamom fields, wild orchids, and ethnic villages, you can spend a day birding for Ashy Wood Pigeon, Rufous throated and Spotted Wren Babblers, Yellow throated Fulvetta, Red - faced Liocichla, Cutia, Rust belied shortwing, Blue fronted Robin and long -billed Thrush. Hosts of other species including those found around Pamayangtse have been spotted.

This extension starts on Day 09 -

Day 09: Rabangla - Hilley - Vershay
Drive to Hillay via Jorthang. Birding walk Hillay to Vershay. Overnight in camp.

Day 10: Vershay birding walk
Full day birding walk on selected trails around Vershay Forests. Overnight in camp

Day 11: Vershay -Dentam Birding Walk
Full day birding along trail to Dentam ( Khalij Valley). Drive to Pamayangtse / Pelling

Day 12- 16: Same as Day 10-14 of S/02

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