Uttarakhand Overview

Set in the spectacular foothills and high peaks of the western Himalayas, Uttarakhand is one of India's most thrilling birding destinations. It offers an incredible altitudinal gradient, ranging from the tiger-rich sal forests of Corbett to the alpine meadows of Chopta, hosting over 600 species.

Key Habitats & Highlights

• Chopta & Tungnath: The premier high-altitude site in India to find the dazzling Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and the elusive flocks of Grandala on the snowline.
• Corbett National Park: A legendary tiger reserve that is equally fantastic for birds, including the Ibisbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker, and Tawny Fish-Owl.
• Pangot & Sattal: Famous mid-elevation forests teeming with mixed hunting flocks of laughingthrushes, minlas, and the spectacular Rufous-bellied Niltava.

Seasonal Guidance

• Spring & Summer (April to June): The definitive season for high-altitude birding. The snow melts, allowing access to Chopta, and pheasants are actively calling and displaying. Mid-elevation forests are alive with breeding songbirds.
• Winter (October to February): Lower elevations (like Corbett and Sattal) are excellent as high-altitude species descend to escape the snow, but passes to the alpine zones (like Tungnath) are completely blocked by heavy snowfall.