Private 7-Day Sattal and Manila Bird Photography Tour
Follow a seven-day private photography route from Sattal to Manila, using river edges, mountain forest, hides and changing elevations with Ankit Das.
About this tour
This seven-day private journey crosses a broad section of Kumaon from Sattal to Manila with Ankit Das. The field plan combines forest trails, river corridors, photography hides and mountain roads, moving through Chanfi, Pangot, Maheshkhan, Ramgarh and Ranikhet before the final Manila sessions.
Morning and evening outings make use of cooler hours, changing light and stronger bird activity. Each stop adds a different habitat or elevation, from the Sattal and Chanfi area to the higher country around Manila. Cheer Pheasant is an important objective near the end of the route, while further Himalayan forest birds depend on season and current movement.
Pickup is arranged at Kathgodam railway station or another agreed local point. The final transfer can finish at Kathgodam or Ramnagar railway station. Mountain roads, weather and fresh field information can change session length or order without changing the seven-day route.
The programme is available for one to four guests. Price, transport details, accommodation, meals, hides, entrance charges and the exact package boundary are supplied in the final quotation; only professional birding and photography guidance is currently stated as included.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Into Sattal from Kathgodam
Meet early at Kathgodam or the agreed local point and transfer into the Sattal area. Use a forest trail for the first field session, then continue around the Chanfi river corridor in the evening.
Day 2
Hide photography and a second foothill setting
Begin with a Sattal hide session when access is available and activity is suitable. Move toward the Kathgodam area for a contrasting second session later in the day.
Day 3
Pangot above, Chanfi below
Work the higher forests around Pangot during the morning, using elevation and recent calls to choose stops. Return toward Chanfi for evening birding along river and woodland habitat.
Day 4
Maheshkhan and Ramgarh
Spend the first session in the Maheshkhan forest area, then shift to Ramgarh for the afternoon or evening. The two sites extend the route through further Kumaon woodland and cultivated-edge habitat.
Day 5
Across Ranikhet to Manila
Use the early hours around Ranikhet before beginning the four- to five-hour mountain transfer to Manila. If timing and road conditions permit, finish with a quiet forest-trail session near Manila.
Day 6
A full day in Manila
Divide the day between morning and evening photography around Manila. The guide selects productive slopes and forest sections for current activity, with the middle of the day available for travel, rest or repositioning.
Day 7
Cheer Point and the rail connection
Visit Cheer Point in the morning to search for Cheer Pheasant and other upland birds without guaranteeing a sighting. Depart later for the confirmed drop at Kathgodam or Ramnagar railway station.
Locations & map
- Sattal - Uttarakhand India
- Manila - Uttarakhand India
2 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.