Birding in Gangtok

Sikkim is one of the least populated states of India; where its capital Gangtok is also a birdwatchers' paradise. Unlike other state capitals, where the concrete buildings rustle against each other and very little space left for urban wildlife; Gangtok on the contrary is greener and home to several species of birds. The affluent and prosperous natural and geographical diversity in the eastern Himalayas makes it a favorite destination for bird watchers and photographers. Birding in Gangtok - this biodiversity-rich town is definitely where one commences mountain birdwatching. 

Between Rangpo to Gangtok Birding

To arrive at Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim; your arrival would be either coming from Pakyong Airport or from Bagdogra - Siliguri town. When you take the road travel from Bagdogra or Siliguri; you enter through Rangpo town. Rangpo has a reserve forest patch, which is a combination of lowland broadleaf forest and mountainous riverine habitat where you find resident bird species

• Crested Kingfisher
• River Lapwing
• Hill Myna
• Kalij Pheasant etc.

and birds like Ibisbill, and Wallcreepers mostly in winter months.  

When you choose a car to travel to Gangtok from Pakyong; a short visit to the Dikling Pacheykhani Reserve Forest would be very fruitful. The unique Pakyong valley and Chumbi gap of Tibet fall under the bird migration route. You just spend some two to three hours birding and can add up the following birds in your life list –

• Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl
• Sapphire Flycatcher
• Rufous-breasted Bush Robin
• Blue-winged Laughing Thrush
• Gray-bellied Tesia
• Hodgson's Redstart etc.

Gangtok City for Bird Lovers

Around Gantok birding hotspots are Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tso Mongo Lake (or Changu Lake). When you opt for visiting Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, the forest department issues a permit for your birding visit at the Fambong Lho entrance gate. On the other hand, if you plan to go birding in Tso Mongo Lake and Kyongnola Alpine Sanctuary, special permits need to be procured; which would be issued by the department of civil aviation. 

In Ganesh Tok - Hanuman Tok - Fambong Lho WLS complex, one can expect the following bird species

• Red-billed Leothrix
• Silver-eared Mesia
• Rusty-fronted Barwing
• Golden Babbler
• Rufous-throated Wren Babbler
• Red Crossbill
• Blue-winged Laughingthrush
• Gray-sided Laughingthrush etc.

Bird watching with the Sikkim Birds at Tso Mongo basin and Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary would help you to get high-altitude bird species from Sikkim. Here are some interesting bird species for birdwatchers and bird photographers

• Solitary Snipe
• Tufted Duck
• Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
• Collared Grosbeak
• Goldcrest
• Spotted Nutcracker etc.

The city is rich in a unique atmosphere and continues to carry a blend of tradition and modernity. Gangtok is one of the busiest cities like any other thriving city. Birding in Gangtok goes on throughout the year but is better during the summer months as well as in the post-monsoons. Other notable places that you can include in your bird itinerary are Rumtek Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point, etc.