Despite its small size, Sikkim is one of India’s most diverse states due to its location in the Himalayas. With a total area of 7,096 square kilometres, Sikkim is the country’s second-least populous state after Goa. Due to its rich biodiversity, Sikkim is now a favourite destination for birdwatchers and photographers.
Sikkim is sandwiched on all sides by mountains. The elevation ranges from 225m to 8600m in a small area. Sikkim is also home to Kanchendzonga, India’s highest mountain, and the world’s third-highest peak. Separated by the Singhalila Range from Nepal in the west and the Tibetan Dongkya Range to the east, Sikkim, is like a “bird catchment area.” Nowhere in the world can one find flora and fauna in such a small area, with such a variety of habitats, from tropical to alpine.
This Northern Sikkim winter birding tour will offer you the opportunity to see Grandala. During winter, a sight of 900 to 1,500 Grandala at one time is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Cold temperatures and high elevations may make this area difficult, but there are many Grandala. From mid-December to the first week of March, Grandalas descend to the lower valleys when there is a lot of snow at their home ground. We may reach them by car and see them feeding on wild berries.
Furthermore, this is also the best time to see Blood Pheasants in flocks of 60 to 70 at a time. This winter birding highlights some of the winter visitors including White-throated Redstart and Red-throated Thrush.
Bagdugra Airport.
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Pay heed to tour leaders or instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound experience.
Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the tour.
Avoid roaming during the night.
Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
You will be met by our representative and driven to Gangtok (4-5 hours), Sikkim’s capital and largest city, where you will be transferred to your accommodation. Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delight Lachen Heritage
Be prepared to drive to Lachen, our main destination for this trip. Lachen is in northern Sikkim, a restricted area. We must line up at the permit office early the next morning to obtain the necessary permissions. Once everything is ready, we’ll head to Lachen. It will take us almost a day to get to Lachen because we’ll stop frequently to see birds as we travel as well as to see some of the valley and waterfalls. We will arrive at Lachen, a bird watcher’s paradise in Sikkim, where we will stay for the next three nights, in the evening. Overnight stay.
Key species: Black-throated Parrotbill , Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Bay Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Scaly, Black-faced, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Blyth’s Leaf , Ashy-throated, Chestnut-crowned, Buff-barred Warbler
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delight Lachen Heritage
In the morning, we will begin our exploration of Lachen, with a birding visit to Thangu. Depending on our permit, we may also be able to visit Gurdongmar Lake and also drive further for some birding in Thangu Valley. We will spend the whole day birding in this area, of which our entire morning can be dedicated to watching our prime bird, the Grandala. Overnight stay.
Key species: Grandala, Blood Pheasant, White-throated Dipper, Northern Raven, Red-throated Thrush, Alpine Accentor.
Birding around Lachen and Thangu valley
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delight Lachen Heritage
Another full day of birding in and around Lachen and Thangu. Today, we can spend more time around Lachen where there are several resident birds that are worth seeing.
Key species: Altai and Rufous-breasted Accentor (R), Black-throated Parrotbill, Golden-breasted and White-browed Fulvettas, Little Owl, Bearded Vulture
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Delight The Fortuna
As it is our last day in North Sikkim today, we can look for Grandala once again, or else we do forest birding on the way back. There are some bamboo habitats where we try for Parrotbills and Fulvettas. Overnight stay.
Key species: Fire-tailed Myzornis , Himalayan Cutia, White-browed Fulvetta, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Stripe-throated Yuhina, and Rufous-vented Yuhina, Scaly-breasted Cupwing
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Today, on our last day of the trip, we shall decide our departure from Gangtok depending on our flight timing. You will need to report at Bagdogra airport 2 hours prior to your flight departure. Tour Ends.
