Chopta & Sattal

20 - 27 Dec, 2026

Duration

8 Days & 7 Nights

Tour Type

Birding

Group Size

6 People

Status

Fully Booked

Chopta, Mandal, Ranikhet & Sattal

Chopta (Kedarnath WLS)

Chopta is a scenic hill station located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 2,600–2,900 meters, it serves as the gateway to the Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak. It lies within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the richest temperate forest regions in India.

Chopta boasts a rich mosaic of temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests, dominated by oak, rhododendron, deodar, and pine trees. In winter, much of the landscape is blanketed in snow, creating a magical alpine environment. The varied elevation supports a high diversity of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.

Chopta lies within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1972 and spanning over 975 sq. km. The sanctuary is a vital part of the Western Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and a critical corridor for the movement of high-altitude mammals and birds. Over the past decade, Chopta has gained popularity as a winter birding hotspot due to sightings of many Himalayan endemics.

Birds: Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Snow Pigeon, Mistle thrush, Black-headed Jay, Eurasian Jay, Kalij Pheasant, Golden Eagle, Woodpeckers, Laughingthrush, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Golden Bush Robin, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler, Red-heade Bullfinch, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, White-collared Blackbird, Brown Dipper, Little Forktail, Brown Dipper, Plumbeous Redstart, White-capped Redstart, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Black-faced Warbler, Black-throated Tit, and more…

Mammals: Himalayan Goral, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Langur and more…

Ranikhet & Nainital – Jewels of Kumaon Hills

Ranikhet and Nainital are picturesque hill stations located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, nestled in the outer Himalayan range. Ranikhet sits at an altitude of about 1,860 meters, while Nainital lies slightly higher, around 2,000 meters. These regions fall within the Western Himalayan broadleaf forest zone and are part of the Terai–Arc Landscape, a globally significant biodiversity corridor.

The area is dominated by a rich mix of temperate forests, including Oak, Rhododendron, Chir pine, and Deodar. In December, much of the higher elevation is chilly and mist-covered, ideal for winter migrants. Lower slopes around Sattal, Pangot, Bajoon, and Chanfi feature dense canopies, hill streams, and shrub layers—perfect for both skulking species and open-branch perchers.

Nainital was established by the British in the 1840s as a summer retreat, while Ranikhet served as a cantonment and base for forest management. Over time, both became significant centers for ornithology and conservation, especially as part of the Corbett–Nainital birding circuit. The nearby Sattal–Pangot–Bajoon region has emerged as one of India’s most popular bird photography destinations, with dedicated hides and forest trails.

Birds: Cheer Pheasant, Khalij Pheasant, Small Niltava, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Blue-fronted Redstart, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Black-throated Tit, Spot-winged Tit, Whiskered Yuhina, Slaty-blue Flycatcher, and more…

Mammals: Himalayan Goral, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Langur and more…

Itinerary

Dec 20: Arrival & Stay at Pothibasha

Arrive at Haridwar Railway Station by 4:00 AM via Kota DDN Spl (12401).
En-route birding.
It takes around 6-8 hrs to reach our hotel at Pothibhasa.
After dark, attempt nocturnal mammal photography.
Overnight in Hotel Snow view, Pothibhasa.

Meal Plan: Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner

Dec 21: Tungnath for Himalayan Monal