Private 10-Day Kumaon and Munsyari Bird Photography Tour
Travel for ten private birding and photography days from Delhi through Kumaon foothills, Manila and Munsyari before finishing among the forests of Sattal.
About this tour
This private ten-day route travels from Delhi into several elevations of the Kumaon Himalaya with Ankit Das. Kaladhungi and Baur Reservoir introduce foothill forest and water habitat before the journey climbs through Manila and Chaukori to Munsyari, then turns west for the final field time in Sattal.
The changing landscape supports different search priorities. Spotted Forktail and Grey-crowned Prinia represent river-linked or lower-country possibilities, with Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush another goal. Higher and forest sections may bring Crimson Sunbird, Lineated Barbet, Mountain Scops Owl or Cheer Pheasant. These names guide field attention but are never promises.
Several days combine an early outing with a substantial mountain transfer and, when practical, another session near the next base. Around Munsyari, the programme can use Khalia Top, Darkot, Maheshwari Valley, Thamari Kund or the Nanda Devi viewpoint according to access, weather, walking conditions and recent activity.
Pickup begins at the agreed Delhi accommodation or airport, and day ten returns to Delhi Airport. Price, actual capacity, accommodation, meals, transport specification, hides, entrance charges and other package terms remain part of the final quotation. Professional birding and photography guidance is the only inclusion currently stated.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Delhi to the Kumaon foothills
Meet at the agreed Delhi location and travel roughly six hours to Kaladhungi. Use the remaining light for a first local birding session when arrival time and road conditions allow.
Day 2
Two sides of Kaladhungi
Bird around Ranikota during the morning, then take an evening field session along the Nainital road. The day explores foothill forest at different hours rather than following a fixed species checklist.
Day 3
Baur Reservoir and the climb to Manila
Begin beside Baur Reservoir before travelling into the mountains toward Manila. An evening session may include a careful nocturnal search when arrival time, weather and safe access permit.
Day 4
Manila field time before Chaukori
Use the early hours in Manila, then follow the mountain road toward Chaukori. Stops and arrival time respond to road conditions while preserving the planned transfer.
Day 5
From Chaukori to Munsyari
Bird around Chaukori in the morning before continuing deeper into the mountains to Munsyari. If daylight and conditions remain suitable, add a short evening session near the new base.
Day 6
A full Munsyari mountain day
Choose among Khalia Top, Darkot and Maheshwari Valley for a full day of birding and photography. Access, walking demands, cloud and recent activity determine the exact field site.
Day 7
Trails and viewpoints around Munsyari
Choose a morning route for Thamari Kund, or instead work near the Nanda Devi viewpoint. The afternoon can be used for rest or a second local session, depending on the group and current conditions.
Day 8
The long return to Sattal
Use a brief early outing near Munsyari, then make the scenic but substantial drive to Sattal. Road and arrival conditions determine whether any field time is practical that evening.
Day 9
A complete Sattal field day
Spend the day across productive Sattal woodland, lake-edge and photography settings. Ankit adjusts the sequence to current bird movement, light and any remaining priorities.
Day 10
Morning birding and Delhi Airport
Take a short final Sattal session if the confirmed flight schedule allows, then begin the road transfer to Delhi Airport for drop-off.
Locations & map
- Kaladhungi - Uttarakhand India
- Manila - Uttarakhand India
- Munsyari - Uttarakhand India
- Sattal - Uttarakhand India
4 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available by request; seasonal targets and route conditions are confirmed before travel.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Birding and photography guidance - Private guiding by Ankit Das
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are price and inclusions fixed?
No current price or package was supplied. BirdWatch confirms all commercial terms with Ankit after inquiry.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No. Bird activity varies with season, weather and habitat conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.