East Sikkim : Pangolakha Bird Photography Tour

Tour At A Glance

The unsullied ambience of the beautiful Himalayas is free from the shackles of human disturbance; the landscapes, the exotic species of birds sitting on rocks, trees, here and there everywhere and the peace prevailing in this birding heaven tickle your imaginations and senses. The place is a painting by god on the canvas of earth. Gliding clouds, misty forests and the wet wind wait patiently to greet the nature enthusiasts from across India.

Pangolakha wildlife sanctuary is the perfect destination for the bird lovers, the varied bird species and the mammalian fauna will surely cast a spell on you. The beauty of this place is enchanting.

In Pangolakha bird photography tour we cover various altitudes ranging from 1000 ft. to 15000 ft. We do bird photography and bird watching on the famous Old Silk Route, our motto in all our bird photography tours is to photograph the lifeforms and the exotic bird species of the respective areas, which have been dwelling in the areas for ages. Birds are everywhere in the open waiting for you to photograph them. Tracking birds, understanding their behavior, calls and all other nitty-gritties require skill and experience so it is advisable to go for bird photography tours in these regions with experts having years of experience in this vertical who in true sense understand the birds very well and are willing to share their knowledge with you in turn guiding you to ensure that your bird list becomes ever increasing even in the toughest conditions.

In higher parts of Pangolkha birding and bird photography is comparatively easier than other places in North-East India... why? Well travel with us to know about everything in detail.

Why take this tour with us? Our Team boasts of a combined wildlife experience of over 35 years Our ground support personnels at every destination is among the best and they have extensive knowledge and understanding of their respective locations.... AND MORE

Important steps to follow

1.Picking up our guests from their respective locations such as New Jalpaiguri railway station, Bagdogra airport and Siliguri town (at or anywhere near these locations, as told to us by our guest/guests).

2.A quick introduction followed by KNOW YOUR MENTOR sessions respectively.Interacting with each other is the most important part of this stint.

3.Embarking on the journey together and working as a team. 

Day-Wise Summary

• Day 1 - We will get into Sikkim Via Rongpo, and drive up directly to Pakyong. After cherishing some local cuisine, we would head out for an afternoon birding session as well as a night owling session in the nearby village. When the sessions are over, we would return back to Pakyong Homestay and retire dfor the day. We would spend our next few days at Pangolakha complex.
• Day 2 - We spend a very good time with birds of East Sikkim at Pakyong. After a wholesome birdwatching morning birding session, we would drie to Gangtok at stay close to Fambong Lho WLS at Pangthang. Here, in the afternoon we would have another birding session. At Gangtok, get our inner line permit for security purposes and start birding, bird watching, Bird photography and understanding the prevailing conditions and the behavioral pattern of the birds from this point onward and today we shall try our luck at the different potential birding zones. Rest here at night. (L,S,D)
• Day 3 -In summer season we start the peregrination at 5:00am but yeah, we understand winters demand a little bit of leniency so we start at 5:30am. Today we will move uphill covering areas Tsomongo Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and drive to Zuluk via Bedang Tso, Tukla Valley, Nathang Valley, GasGodam, A.P.Salami, Tambhi, the entire stretch is just like a dreamland;the zig-zag roads, The famous silk route, The small streams, the panorama, the ambiance... and everything adds to the charm of this place. One remains engulfed in its serenity and resplendence all throughout.
  Evening scenes are pretty much interesting in Sikkim because one,if he/she wants to, can indulge in a lot of local products like Chang- this is a type of local drink;a substitute of beer, tastes sweet and is made from millet;then there is ginger wine, passion fruit wine, the local delicacies are lip smacking etc. and of course like in our other tours there will be a "KNOW THE BIRDS" or bird identification session in the evening. (B,L,S,D)
• Day 4 -  A new day, new hopes, new expectations, vigour and a lot of birding. Today we will start moving downhill via Nimachen,Keukhola;in Nepali "Khola" means falls, there is a cataract in Keukhola which makes the place more alluring and beautiful and the water body attracts many hill waders therefore making it a potential birding zone, then we'll move to Lingtham; another roaring cataract  called the Lingthamkhola is one of Lingtham's majestic sights here we will do riverside birding, it is worth mentioning here that there is a beautiful iron cable bridge in Lingtham, the catch is that it is a hanging bridge. We may also explore the following birding hotspots :- Sisney, Lingtham, Nimachen and Padamchen in the afternoon. 

  In the evening we will plan our course of action for the next day, then there is going to be an ethno-ornithological seminar where we will observe the cultural and literary aspects of the local tribal community and their relationship with the birds, other animals and how they have developed a perfect harmonious relationship with mother nature followed by the mandatory bird identification session.After the events we will rest for the night to start early in the morning on the next day. (B,L,S,D)

  Day 5 -  Like all the other days today also we will start at 5:00am. In the morning we will cover the upper reaches of Pangolakha. By evening we will start moving towards the lower reaches. The cause for doing so is because during the first half of the day the birds fly to the uphill regions following the temperature and after 12 noon the Temperature gradient lowers down all over but the birds move to the lower parts for the lower parts remain comparatively warmer. After coming back to the homestay we shall freshen up and like other days bird identification session will be held. (B,L,S,D)

  Day 6 -Today we shall do birding till 9:00am in some of the nearby birding trails and in the upper ridges and since today is the last day of our tour we won't be able to devote much time to birding. We will take the same route to return i.e. via Rongli and Ronpo. Then all the guests will be dropped off at their respective locations like New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, Siliguri town and Bagdogra Airport(as told to us by our guest/guests)by evening. (B,L) 

   

  Very Important

  • For pick up from Bagdogra, participant(/s) will have to arrive one day prior to the commencement of the tour (staying one night at hotel in Bagdogra); since we will pick up by 0900 hrs and no flights arrive before 1130 hrs.
  • For drop at Bagdogra, participant(/s) will have to leave one day after the end of the tour (staying one night at hotel in Bagdogra); since we will drop them by 1800 hrs and no flights depart after 1630 hrs.

   

Tour cost for one participant is Rs 40,990/-; for 2 participants is Rs 68,990/- and for 3 pax is Rs 94,990/- only for Indian Nationals. Ask for a group quotation!

This is an indicative cost that might increase if the administrative charges etc. are increased for the next season.

Tour cost includes:

• All stay on the home stay on twin sharing basis
• All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• All pickup and drop from/to New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra/ Siliguri in non-AC vehicle
• All surface transfer during birding
• Inner line state permits
• All park entry fees, guide charges, still camera charges
• Service of a dedicated professional wildlife photographer and naturalist
• All applicable taxes

Tour cost excludes:

• Travel expenses between New Jalpaiguri/Bagdogra/ Siliguri and home town of the tour participant
• Any extra food item not included in the meal as per the itinerary
• Any alcoholic beverage
• Any non-alcoholic beverage not included in the meal as per the itinerary
• Laundry, phone call, etc. personal charges
• Tips
• Anything which is not mentioned in "Tour cost includes"

TOURS - TERMS & CONDITIONS

PAYMENT TERMS & REFUND POLICY