Expedition Birdwatching Trekking Tour Near Gangtok
This birding tour in east Sikkim would cover two major IBAs (Important Bird Areas in Sikkim) i.e. Fambong Lho - Pangthang complex and Tsomongo - Nathula complex. Both of these two places comprise varied avian fauna habitats. From the high-altitude rocky outcrops to high-altitude lake regions to alpine conifer belts to bamboo thickets and mixed montane forests. Nearly 80% of the entire avian fauna of Sikkim can be seen here. It is placed at a crossway between two major bird migration flyways as well. So it has zoo-geographic importance as well.
| Day-1 | From day one, you would be accompanied by our bird guide in Sikkim. He will receive you from the airport. After having a morning meal, we would bring you to Gangtok. You won’t mind some birding in Gangtok or its outskirt at Pangthang. We would have our lunch here and an afternoon session before we call it a day. Later by daybreak, we would check in at Pangthang. For tonight only, we would be staying here. |
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| Day-2 & 3 | On the second day of birding, we would check out early morning from homestay and would continue birding in Fambong Lho WLS. We would arrange for bringing your luggage to the forest rest house. Here inside the forest rest house (FRH) at Golitar, you would spend two nights and we will explore the pristine Fambong Lho on foot. You would be accompanied by our expert bird guide as well as a forest department-appointed trail guide. Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Brown Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Black-throated Parrotbill, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Gray-throated Babbler, Golden Babbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler, Pygmy Cupwing, Lesser Shortwing, White-throated Flycatcher are to name the few which are expected to be found from our recorded checklist. Some nocturnal birdwatching in east Sikkim would be best experienced from Fambong Lho. Specially Himalayan Wood Owl in Sikkim, for which many bird photographers visit this place. Overnight we would be staying at FRH. |
| Day-4 | On both days, we would cover till Tinjuray top. Today, we would do the last morning session here. After having breakfast, we would check out from the Golitar forest rest house and drive for a full day of birdwatching in the Nathula - Kyongnosla - Sherathang area. These places have some lake complexes and some river drainage basins. Solitary Snipe, Tufted Duck, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Geese, and Eurasian Wigeon are commonly seen mostly in the spring-summer-monsoon period. Later, we would drive back to Upper Chandmari and stay overnight at a hotel. |
| Day-5 | Today in the morning session we would go to Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park for birdwatching. It is one of the most famous birding hotspots in Gangtok. So one must not miss the opportunity of birding at Gangtok Zoo! Later in the afternoon, we would visit some feeders in the temple areas and would watch and photograph some of the rarest skulkers. Tonight we would stay at Upper Chandmari. |
| Day-6 | Just like the previous afternoon, this morning as well we would conduct another feeder station birding at the temple complexes. By 9-10 AM, when the sun is high and birds stop visiting the feeding station, we will wind up our birding. From here, till Rangpo it would take nearly two hours before we will have our lunch. Post lunch we would take you to the Airport (or Darjeeling) depending on your travel plan. You can always combine this tour with another birding travel itinerary. Ask us to concise, another birding itinerary for you. |
Inclusions
- Fambong Lho WLS has a Forest Rest House and Eco Hut within the campus of the wildlife sanctuary
- Stay plans can be on single or double occupancy, as per guest's choice
- AEP, AP, CP, and MAP plans for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options there
- Surface transfer by Innova Crysta or Xylo
- Bird tour guide for all days with all necessary types of equipment - Binoculars, Digiscope, etc.
- Man Entry Permit, Camera Charges are included for Fambong Lho WLS
- All professional taxes
Exclusions
- Travel Insurances for the tour
- VISA Charges for the tour
- Any food items and beverages additionally asked for after the final itinerary
- Anything not included in the inclusions of the itinerary