The mountains around Nainital rise to over 2,800 metres. The view of snow-capped Nanda Devi is spectacular, India's highest peak. The bird life is no less magnificent, with Lammergeier, Hill Barbet, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Black-throated Jay, Streaked Laughing-thrush and Golden Bush-Robin among an impressive list of upland species.

From Nainital, we'll climb slowly into the Himalayas to Binsar, birding as we go amid some splendidly scenic countryside. Our next destination is Betalghat. Betalghat has never been frequented by birders in large numbers due to the absence of any facilities. A new lodge has now changed all that.


A short drive to Corbett is rewarding as we stop enroute for birding, looking for wall creepers, forktails, etc. The setting is superb and the sheer variety of bird life astounding, with 580 species known in the park - from Changeable Hawk-eagle, Red Jungle Fowl, Emerald Dove, Brown Fish Owl, and Black-headed Oriole to Plumbeous and White-capped Redstarts, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, and Himalayan Bulbul. Corbett also supports Sloth Bear, Marsh Mugger Crocodile, Indian Elephant, leopard and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 01:
Connect overnight train to Kathgodam (railhead for Nainital) at 2230 hr. from Delhi. Overnight in air-conditioned train.

Day 02:
Arrive Kathgodam and transfer to Pangot via Nainital (50 km, 3 hr.), a journey that takes you on one of the world's more spectacular mountain roads as we climb up into the Kumaon Hills on our way to this delightful "lake city." One can stop along the way to look for birds which may include Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Broadbill, Black-throated Jay, and Blue-headed Redstart. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 03:
A long trail leads up to Naina Peak, which offers views of the Garhwal Himalayas including Nanda Devi. Also a very good birding area is the quiet old road through forests towards Corbett National Park. The viewpoint is alive with Red-headed and White-throated Laughing thrushes, Grey-winged Blackbirds and Red-flanked Bluetails. We can also look for Hill Partridge, Golden Bush-Robin and Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler. Nearby mountains could include Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Lammergeier and Black Eagle, Hill Barbet, White-browed Shrike-Babbler and the Fire-capped Tit. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 04:
Early start for a 5 hour (110 km) drive to Binsar through the Himalayan roads. Rest of the day birding in the surroundings. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 05:
Full day birding trek in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. A 6 hour trek from Jhadidhar/Snow View point and back, we ascend from 5600 feet to approximately 9000 feet.An ideal birding route where you spy (birds) through the pine level forests to dense oak and rhododendron forests of the Binsar Sanctuary. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 06:
Next day you will be passing through coniferous forests, a patchwork of farm fields and the deciduous woodland towards Betalghat. Each of these habitats offers different species like White-crested and Rufous-chinned Laughing-Thrushes, Red-billed Leothrix, White's Thrush, Himalayan Ruby-throat, Black-throated Accentor and White-capped Bunting. The scattered and deliberately undeveloped area of Betalghat is one of the most pleasant destinations. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 07:
Another full day at Betalghat for birding along the Kosi river and the waterfalls. One can look for forktails, wall creeper, lesser and greater yellownaped woodpeckers, crimson and green tailed sunbirds etc. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 08:
The Corbett Tiger reserve has a spectacular avifauna diversity. About 580 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded in and around the reserve and 49 species of diurnal raptors are found here forming a characteristic element of the avifauna. Great pied hornbill, pallas's fishing eagle, lesser grey headed fishing eagle, red-thighed falconet are some of the endangered birds found in Corbett. More birds include Brown Hawk-Owl, Great Hornbill, numerous woodpeckers, Slaty-headed Parakeet, White-rumped Spinetail, Himalayan Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher and Himalayan Rubythroat. Tiger Camp makes an ideal base for birding. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 09:
Full day at Corbett with a morning or evening elephant / jeep ride into the park. You may search the boulder-strewn river for the rare and elusive Ibisbill as well as Wallcreeper. The best birding areas are in the buffer zone along the Kosi River near Tiger Camp. You can also bird-watch across the river from the resort which can be crossed by a bridge a short distance upriver from the hotel or by wading across the Kosi. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 10:
You may explore the river edge for Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Plumbeous and White-capped Redstarts and perhaps three species of forktails. Many new species are possible in the forest and could include Crested Tree Swift, Great Hornbill, Hair-crested Drongo and Blue-bearded Bee-eater. On day 10, you will be transferred to Kathgodam (80 km, 2 hr.) to connect overnight train to Delhi. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 11:
Arrive New Delhi in the morning.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

The cost includes railfare, accommodation on full board, transport and a birding guide.