Scouting Maenam Hills Ravangla Kewzing
This birding tour would conduct for the first two days out of Kewzing and later three days by staying overnight at Ravangla. The lower elevation birds like Rusty-bellied Shortwing is the most sought-after bird from Kewzing village. However, for mid and high-elevation birds we prefer to stay at Ravangla and cover Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary for birding. Birding in Maenam hills would be done entirely by foot hiking. Birds like Black-throated Parrotbill, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, and Yellow-throated Fulvetta are some of the magnificent sought-after birds from this part of birding in Sikkim. White-naped Yuhina, Scaly Laughingthrush, and Blue-winged Laughingthrush all harbor in this magnificent forest of South Sikkim. It is important to note that birdwatching in Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary would be done only by foot through the trekking trails. There are no options for entering the park by vehicle. This six-day of birding travel plan for south Sikkim goes as follows:
| Day-1 | Our Bird guide would receive guests from the Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or Pakyong (PYG) airport, depending upon their travel plan. The lunch would be done on the way. From both of the airports, the driving distance would be roughly three hours. There won’t be any birding on the way, since most of the roads have heavy traffic. After reaching Kewzing village, you would go out for an afternoon birding session in Bakhim or the Lower ridges of Kewzing village. Overnight you stay at Kewzing. |
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| Day-2 | For the entire day, you explore Kewzing-Bakhim and Dalep villages. At night we would try for Scops Owl as well. Mountain Scops Owl and Collared Scops Owls are very active at night. Sometimes, you hear Brown Boobok as well. Overnight we would stay at Kewzing. |
| Day-3 | After doing some fruitful birding activity we conclude Kewzing birding and post breakfast we would check out from Kewzing and drive a little ahead in the northeast direction to Ravangla. Ravangla is at the base of Maenam Hill. From here hiking inside Maenam Hills starts. Kewzing and Ravangla are just half-an-hour driving distance. After having lunch at the hotel, we can go after an afternoon birding session in Maenam Sanctuary. We can stay for three nights either in the resorts at Ravangla or camp in the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary at Bhaleydhunga. |
| Day-4 & 5 | Instead of staying at hotels or resorts for these three nights, we can camp in Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary as well with proper forest permits. The more time we spend in the sanctuary, the better chances we have for bird sightings. Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-throated Partridge, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Yellow-throated Fulvetta. All four species of Parrotbills found in Sikkim - Great Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Brown Parrotbill, and Black-throated Parrotbills are found in the pristine bamboo patches of Maenam hills. If we camp inside Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, chances of nocturnal birdwatching would also be better. Himalayan Wood Owl and Gray Nightjars can also be targeted from nocturnal birding sessions at Bhaleydhunga in Maenam WLS. |
| Day-6 | If we are staying in Maenam, we can do a short birding session there and post breakfast check out from the sanctuary; otherwise, if we are staying in Ravangla as well, we can definitely have a morning birding session. Post breakfast, we would drive to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or Pakyong (PYG) depending on your birding itinerary. You are always welcome to club this tour with other parts of birding tours in Sikkim. |
Inclusions
- Our stays at Kewzing Village will be at the resort, while in Maenam WLS we will be staying in Tented accommodation or in Forest Rest Houses
- The choice of stay plan can be single occupancy or double occupancy; we don't offer three-person accommodation in a single room unless it is a family
- All Foods as mentioned in the travel plan in the final itinerary
- All surface transfer by Innova Crysta or Xylo
- Entry Fee to Maenam WLS, Camera Charges
- Porter Charges and Tenting Charges in the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bird tour guide for all days with all necessary types of equipment - Binoculars, Digiscope etc.
- All professional taxes
Exclusions
- No VISA processing or Travel Insurance for the tour
- No additional food items that are ordered out of the food plan of the final birding itinerary
- Arrival and Return journey from the hometown to the Bagdogra Airport
- Tips and Gratuities to the support team