South Sikkim Bird Journey : Namchi Kitam Tendong Hilley
Tendong hills are chiseled out to the north by Temi-Tinkitam ridge and in the west by lesser Rangit River, in the south by greater Rangit River, and to the east by Teesta. This hilltop is full of tribal folk tales of the Lepcha people. Mostly the mixed-montane and lower elevation birds like - varieties of Cuckoo species, riverine, and terai foothills birds are found in this part. The highest elevation is roughly 8,500 ft; it is home to most of the Laughingthrush species, Yuhinas, and allies. A short tour for five days covering Kitam, Namchi, and Tendong could be as described below
Kitam Bird Sanctuary is the lowest elevation sanctuary amongst all the protected areas of Sikkim. Mostly teak and Sal trees cover the campus of the sanctuary. There had been promotions by the Eco-tourism Department of Sikkim for this village in 2017. The best season to visit Kitam Bird Sanctuary, Tendong Hills is winter. In summer or in spring, you might expect some cuckoo species, but nothing much.
| Day-1 | Birders would be received from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and would be driven to Kitam Village. Where they would spend two nights. Birds like the Long-tailed Broadbill, Striated Yuhina, Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo, Sultan Tit, Dollarbird, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill, etc can be found in this south district jungle of Sikkim. |
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| Day-2 | For the entire day, we would explore different forest trails of Kitam Bird Sanctuary. We would go after some nocturnal bird species as well in the early evening. Species like Brown Boobook, Brown Wood Owl, and Mountain Scops Owl are expected in Kitam Bird Sanctuary. |
| Day-3 | After doing a morning birding session in Kitam village, we would have breakfast and shortly after that, we would check out from Kitam. From here an hour's drive would take us to Temi Tea Garden. Here for the next two nights, we would be destined to. In the afternoon we would do birding in the Samdruptse Monastery complex. |
| Day-4 | For the entire day, we would do birding in Namthang, Tarku, and Rukum Taar areas with a packed breakfast and lunch. We would check in at the homestay at Temi in the evening only. On some rocky slopes, today we would try for Gray Nightjars in the late afternoon. |
| Day-5 | We will check out from the Temi homestay in the early morning so that we get more time for birdwatching. In the early morning, Namchi Rock Garden, and Mamley Geoheritage Park would be our primary destinations for birding. The lower elevations of Poklok, Denchung, and Harabotey are also nice to explore. White-bellied Redstart and Emerald Cuckoo are some of the major highlight species from this area. |
Inclusions
- While we stay at Kitam village, we will be staying at local run homestays on double (or single occupancy if suggested)
- All Foods as mentioned in the travel plan as in the final itinerary - AP, EP, CP, or MAP
- All surface transfer by Innova Crysta, Xylo, or Bolero (car of your choice)
- All camera charges, man entry fees, vehicle entry fees at Kitam Bird Sanctuary
- Bird tour guide for all days with all necessary types of equipment - Binoculars, Digiscope, Call Recorders, etc.
- All professional taxes
Exclusions
- VISA & Travel Insurance for the guests
- Onward or return journey tickets from the hometown to Bagdogra / Pakyong Airport
- No additional food or beverage, in addition to the final itinerary food plan
- Tips & Gratuities