20-Day Northeast India Grand Birding Expedition
Cross Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on a 20-day small-group expedition linking Shillong, Nameri, Sela Pass, Eaglenest, Kaziranga, Tinsukia and the Mishmi Hills.
About this tour
This 20-day expedition follows a broad east-to-west birding arc through Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The journey begins in Guwahati and climbs to the Shillong Plateau before descending to the riverine forests of Nameri. From there, the route enters the eastern Himalayas around Dirang, Mandala and Sela Pass, then works through Tenga Valley and the forest camps of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.
Habitat changes are central to the experience. Pine and broadleaf forest around Shillong give way to lowland river systems, high-elevation bamboo and rhododendron, alpine scrub above 4,000 meters, and the steep elevational gradient of Eaglenest. The later stages add Kaziranga's grasslands and wetlands, the swamp forests around Tinsukia, and the remote bamboo slopes of the Mishmi Hills.
The program focuses on regional specialties and difficult forest birds rather than guaranteed sightings. Potential encounters range from White-winged Duck, Bugun Liocichla and Beautiful Nuthatch to Ward's Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Finn's Weaver, Marsh Babbler and Mishmi Wren-Babbler. Bird activity, weather, road access and altitude can all affect the daily sequence, so the guide adjusts field time and stops to current conditions.
Birding9 advertises the program for a maximum of six participants plus a local guide. The current public price begins at USD 3,150 per person, with a USD 450 single supplement. Exact departure dates, availability, inclusions, accommodation and payment terms are confirmed through BirdWatch before booking.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Guwahati to Shillong
Meet in Guwahati and climb into the Khasi Hills toward Shillong. If arrival time permits, begin with quiet forest-edge birding for mixed flocks and regional species around the plateau.
Day 2
Shillong Plateau
Explore pine groves, subtropical broadleaf forest, waterfalls and shaded ravines. Slow walking and frequent stops give time to follow mixed flocks and listen for skulkers in grass, scrub and forest understory.
Day 3
Shillong to Nameri
Descend to the Brahmaputra floodplain and continue to Nameri National Park. Birding along the Jia-Bhorelli River and nearby forest trails may produce kingfishers, flycatchers, bushlarks and, with luck, White-winged Duck.
Day 4
Nameri to Dirang
Begin with another river and stream session, then travel into Arunachal Pradesh. The climb toward Dirang creates birding opportunities along forested road sections and river valleys before an evening in the cooler Dirang Valley.
Day 5
Mandala high-elevation birding
Work high-altitude forest around Mandala, where bamboo, mossy trunks and rhododendron support fast-moving mixed flocks. Careful listening is important for quiet warblers, fulvettas, parrotbills, laughingthrushes and finches.
Day 6
Sela Pass
Start early for the alpine zone above 4,000 meters. Rocky slopes, glacial lakes and scrub may hold rosefinches, thrushes, Grandala, Snow Pigeon and Fire-tailed Myzornis, subject to weather and altitude conditions.
Day 7
Sela to Tenga Valley
Descend into lush forest around Tenga Valley and begin the search for Bugun Liocichla. Other possibilities include Spotted Elachura, Beautiful Nuthatch and Barred Cuckoo-Dove.
Day 8
Days 8 to 13, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend six days across the Lama, Bompu and Khellong sectors of Eaglenest. The changing elevation allows repeated searches in bamboo and broadleaf forest for Ward's Trogon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, parrotbills, cochoas, laughingthrushes, hornbills and night birds.
Day 14
Eaglenest to Kaziranga
Travel from the mountains to Kaziranga's grasslands and wetlands. Birding shifts to open-country and wetland species, with Finn's Weaver, seasonal Bengal Florican and Pallas's Fish Eagle among the possibilities.
Day 15
Days 15 and 16, Tinsukia region
Explore wetlands, grasslands and swamp forest around Tinsukia. Possible highlights include Marsh Babbler, White-hooded Babbler, Collared Treepie, Jerdon's Bushchat, Swamp Francolin and Black-breasted Parrotbill.
Day 17
Days 17 to 19, Mishmi Hills
Enter the Mishmi Hills for three days in dense forest and bamboo. Focus may include Manipur Fulvetta, parrotbills, Gould's Shortwing, Gray-lored Broadbill, Green Cochoa, Mishmi Wren-Babbler and Blue-fronted Robin.
Day 20
Departure from Dibrugarh
Drive to Dibrugarh for departure. When timing allows, a final optional birding session offers one last opportunity in the regional habitats before the journey ends.
Locations & map
- Guwahati - Assam India
- Shillong - Meghalaya India
- Nameri National Park - Assam India
- Dirang - Arunachal Pradesh India
- Sela Pass - Arunachal Pradesh India
- Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary - Arunachal Pradesh India
- Kaziranga National Park - Assam India
- Tinsukia - Assam India
- Mishmi Hills - Arunachal Pradesh India
- Dibrugarh - Assam India
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Accommodation - Accommodation throughout the 20-day itinerary is included.
- All meals - All meals during the tour are included.
- Tour transport - All transport throughout the tour is included.
- Required permits - All permits required for the itinerary are included.
Not included
- Domestic and international flights - Flights to and from the tour are not included.
- Visa and travel insurance - Visa costs and travel insurance are the traveler's responsibility.
- Personal expenses and laundry - Personal purchases and laundry are not included.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks - Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included.
- Tips and gratuities - Tips and gratuities are not included.
Transport & stays
- Private tour transport All transport throughout the tour itinerary is included in the USD 3,150 price. | Meet: Ghani Singh meets guests at Guwahati Airport at the start of the tour. | Pickup: Meet at Guwahati Airport. Flight details are confirmed after inquiry.
Policies & FAQ
Insurance & Safety
Are the listed species guaranteed?
No. Weather, altitude, road access and bird activity change from day to day, so all sightings remain uncertain.
How are exact dates and availability confirmed?
Send an inquiry through BirdWatch. Birding9 then confirms the current departure dates, availability and final arrangements.
What is the maximum group size?
The published program allows up to six participants plus a local guide.
Is this a physically demanding trip?
The route includes long transfers, early starts, repeated forest walks and very high altitude at Sela Pass. Travelers should discuss fitness, altitude and mobility needs before booking.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.