SATTAL & Chopta
Birding Trip | Feb 21 - 27, 2022 (6N - 7D) | Ex. kathgodam Haridwar Rail. Stn.
Sattal
A group of seven freshwater lakes, a stash of nature’s bounty, and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make this wonderful place called Sattal. A paradise for nature buffs and bird watchers, Sattal has a mystery to it that makes it all the more charming and photographer’s paradise.
Situated in Kumaon Region at an elevation of 1370 m above sea level, the area boasts of its cluster of seven interconnected lakes namely: Panna, Naldaymanti Tal, Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, and Sukha Tal flanked by the lush green cover of oaks and pines. With pleasant weather throughout the year, a visit to this destination away from the noise of cities is an experience not to be missed.
Here we are going to stay in Birders Den (3 Star), a very good property to relax. We have one hide where you can sit and enjoy the Bird’s activity.
where you can sit and enjoy the Bird’s activity.
Stay – Excellent and well-furnished room with heater and hot water facility. Room twin sharing basis.
Food – All Indian foods.
Weather – Winter (November to Feb) -2°C to 20°C. Summar (March to May) 18°C to 31°C
ABOUT CHOPTA & MANDAL
Mandal is like a remote village which is the inhabited lap of the hills, where many bird species migrates when getting cold in the upper hills area.
Chopta is a small settlement and valley that is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 2900 meters this small hamlet provides some mesmerising views of the imposing Himalayan ranges & grassy slopes dotted with Pine, Deodar & Rhododendron trees, surrounded by lush green meadows.
These places have very restricted electricity and all mobile networks are not working. Hotel electricity runs on Solar power. Extra Battery & Memory card for the camera, Mobile power bank is must for this place.
Stay – With all basic needs but the neat clean hotel. Room Twin basis. The room doesn’t have a heater, but they provide good and warm bedding.
Food – Here you can get only Local food. Paratha, Maggi, Rice, with some vegetable curry, Egg in non-veg.
Weather in Chopta – Winter ( Nov to March ) -5°C to 5°C
Weather in Mandal – Winter ( Nov to March ) 1°C to 8°C
DAY 1
Reach Kathgodam Railway Station by 5:05 AM. From here approx. 2 hrs journey to our First base point Sattal.
Today whole day we will spend our time in hide. Morning session in hotel hide and evening in the private hide.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner
DAY 2
Wake up by 6 AM.
In the morning we will visit the nearby village. After breakfast, we will leave for Chopta. From here it takes around 8 – 10hrs journey.
We will do birding en route and traveling via beautiful mountains. Lunch and evening tea at Dhaba or Hotel.
Overnight at Snow view Hotel.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner
DAY 3
Wake up by 6 AM.
Start early morning for Himalayan Monal & Koklass Pheasant after that will try for forest birds.
After lunch walk to Mukku Village great spot for Rosefinch and Alpine Thrush, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler, Red-headed Bullfinch, Fire-breasted flowerpecker, white-collared blackbird, and more.
Overnight at Snow view Hotel.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner
DAY 4
Wake up by 4.30 AM.
Today we will go to Tungnath (we only plan if there is no snow on the route) or else we will do biding Monal Point. A very good place to see Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, Rosefinches, Bushtits, Laughingthrushes.
Also, we will try for Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Snow Pigeon, and others
After lunch, we will try to do some birding near the hotel.
By 4 PM we will leave for our next destination, Mandal. Reach Mandal by 6 PM.
Evening Tea and rest at Alpine View Hotel / Gurukripa Hotel
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea
DAY 5 & 6
Wake up by 6 AM.
Start early morning drive only 10 minutes uphill, it is a good place to explore Finches, Warblers and many more.
After lunch drive to a different village which is good for Woodpeckers, Tits, Nuthatch, Bulbuls, Treepie and Red-billed Blue Magpie.
Rest at Alpine View Hotel / Gurukripa Hotel
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea + Dinner.
DAY 7
Today is our last day.
We will do our birding till breakfast time.
After breakfast, we will check out and leave for Haridwar Railway Station.
From here again 8 – 10 hrs journey. Will take multiple stops to see the beauty of mountains and the Ganga river, also for lunch & Tea. Reach Haridwar by 8 PM.
Our trips end here with beautiful memory and tons of photos.
Meal Plan – Breakfast + Lunch
BIRDS WE CAN SEE HERE
Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Black Francolin, Scarlett Finch, Golden bush Robin, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Spot-winged Rosefinch, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Rufous-breasted Accenture, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Strip-throated Yuhina, Red Junglefowl, Common Green Magpie, European Goldfinch, Barbets (Great & Blue-throated), Woodpeckers (Himalayan, Greater Yellownape, Lesser Yellownape, Scaly-bellied, Grey-headed, Brown-fronted), Laughingthrushes (White-crested, Chestnut-crowned, White-throated, Striated, Rufous-chinned & Streaked), Red-billed Leiothrix, Crested Kingfisher, Asian barred Owlet, Owl (Brown wood & Tawny), Niltavas (Small, Rufous-bellied) Rufous Sibia, Blue-winged Minla, Sunbirds (Crimson, Black-throated, Green-tailed), Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Redstart(Blue-fronted, White-capped, Plumbeous, grey-fronted), Grey Bushchat, Gray Treepie, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-winged Blackbirds, Blue Whistling Thrush, Chestnut Thrush, Tits (Black-lored, Green-backed, Black-throated, Cinereous), Russet Sparrow, Bulbuls (Mountain, Black, Ashy, Himalayan), Black-chinned Babbler, Warblers (Ashy-throated, Gray-hooded, Buff-barred, Whistlers), Rufous-gorgeted Flycatchers, Accentor, Forktails (Spotted, Slaty-headed, Little)
From Delhi to Ramnagar
Reach Delhi Railway Station before 8:30 PM.
Ranikhet Express (15013)
It arrives at Delhi at 09:15 PM and departs from Delhi at 10:05 PM – Reaches Kathgodam in the morning at 05:05 AM
From Kathgodam to Delhi
Reach Haridwar around 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
DDN KOTA SPL (12402)
It departs from Haridwar Jn (HW) at 00:17 AM arrives at H. Nizamuddin (NZM) at 4:30 AM.
Gears and getting ready for the trips
- Carry Telephotos lenses, at least 300mm.
- Please do carry a sturdy tripod, it is a must. For good sharp pictures in low light.
- Binoculars, Torch is a must.
- Backup memory cards and Laptop.
- This place is cold, so carry heavy woolen clothes for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Please ensure to carry spare batteries and Memory cards. Spare batteries are a must as the batteries loos charge fast in cold weather.
- A basic first aid kit along with your regular medicines as may be advised (if any)
- Motion sickness is quite common while traveling on mountain roads, do carry medicines for the same.
NOTE
- Please be advised weather in the high Himalayas is highly unpredictable, Weather is mostly clear this time of the year, but still cannot be guaranteed. Birds and Animals move at freewill, so we do not guarantee any sightings.
- Each one comes at his / her own risk and responsibility.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
- Please install AAROGYA SETU APP on your mobile with a clear history for the last 14 days.
- Must have both vaccines.
- Please carry and wear a mask all the time when outside in the field or in the group.
- Please bring basic medication.
- Maintain social distancing and hygiene throughout the trip.
INR 29,000 per person (Twin sharing accommodation)
INR 34,000 per person (Single accommodation)
Register for the tour and reserve your seat on advance payment of INR 10,000/-
Rest of the payment before 1 month of the tour date.
Cost Includes
- Twin sharing accommodation 3 nights.
- All meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
- Pick up from Kathgodam Railway Station & Drop at Haridwar Railway Station
- Guide charges,
- Vehicle charges
- One-time private Hide visit charges.
Cost Excludes
- Travel charges from your locations to Kathgodam <> Haridwar and vice-versa.
- Camera charges in Park.
- Cold Drinks, Laundry Charges, telephone expenses, tips, etc.
- Medical and Travel Insurance.
Bank Detail
Account Name – Dilip C Gupta
Account Number – 642301505076
Account Type – Savings
IFSC – ICIC0006423
Bank Name – ICICI Bank
Area – Chembur(W), Mumbai
GPay & PayU – 9702660099
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation before 45 days of the event, 25% refund will be provided.
- Cancellation within 30 days of the event, No refund will be provided.