S/05: 15 days Lava & Tholung Valley Trek
Featuring Mahananda WLS, Lava Forests, Dasmthang Forests, Teesta Valley,
Rangit Valley, & Tholung Valley
Maximum Altitude 3000 m

Day 01: Fly to Bagdogra. Transfer to Siliguri
Arrive by air from Delhi, Kolkotta, or Guwahati. Met by your guide and transffered to hotel at Siliguri. Time permitting take a short drive to Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary for birding. Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Siliguri - Mahananda WLS - Siliguri

Full days birding at Mahananda WLS. Overnight in hotel at Siliguri. Located just outside Siliguri astride the Mahananda river, this sanctuary is well known for its large population of Elephants. As a result it has not yet been explored by birders. The deciduous forests and riverine belt provides habitat for a rich variety of birds in the sanctuary, A hours birding foray restricted to the fringes of the sanctuary, revealed that the forests were teeming with bird life. Some of the birds we saw: Lesser Adjutant, Red Naped Ibis, Black Baza, Besra, Greater Coucal, Large Cuckoo Shrike, Black hooded Oriole, Indian roller, Green billed Malkhoa, Red Jungle Fowl, Indian Grey Hornbill,  Himalayan Griffon, Jungle and Asian Barred owlet, various Bee eaters, Egret, Common Hill Myna. We are sure to see many more species.

Day 03 - Day 06: Kalimpong - Lava - Kalimpong
Basing ourselves at Kalimpong for 04 days, we will make daily trips to Lava Forests, Rushet Forests, and Neora Forests, visiting identified hot spots.

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Lava is the prime birding destination in this region,  It is a small bazaar 0nce a halting place for caravans on the trade routes to Bhutan and Sikkim. It is now a rather ugly forest Village with a Buddhist Monastery amidst a sea of evergreen forests at an elevation of 2100 m. Surrounded by very large tracts of protected forests ranging in elevation between 1600 and 2400 m, it includes the remote and uninhabited Neora National Park, and it is a bird watcher's delight.There are several sites for bird watching and photography around Lava and the adjoining Neora National Park.The forests have rough roads and walking trails. Birding is feasible from the main roads, however for deeper entry, forest department permission and a guide is required.. Birds recorded during our first tour to Lava are:- Bar headed Goose, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Buzzard, Black Eagle, Mountain HawkEagle, Kalij Pheasant, Oriental Turtle Dove, Spotted Dove, Barred Cuckoo Dove, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, Greenbilled Malkoha,  Greater Coucal, Brown Wood Owl,  Asian Barred Owlet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Great Barbet, Golden throated Barbet, Grey capped Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Barn Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Olive backed Pipit, Black winged Cuckoo Shrike, Short billed Minivet, Striated Bulbul, White cheeked Bulbul, Red vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Maroon backed Accentor, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plain backed Thrush, Grey winged Blackbird, Grey sided Thrush, Dark throated Thrush, Grey bellied Tesia, Brownish flanked Bush Warbler, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Buff barred Warbler, Ashy throated Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Golden spectacled Warbler, Grey hooded Warbler, Grey cheeked Warbler, Chestnut crowned Warbler, Black faced Warbler, Broad billed Warbler, Siberian Flycatcher, Rufous gorgeted Flycatcher, Snowy browed Flycatcher, Whitegorgeted Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Slaty blue Flycatcher, Sapphire Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Rufous bellied Niltava, Grey headed Canary Flycatcher, Red flanked Bluetail, Rufous breasted Bush Robin, Blue fronted Redstart, White capped Redstart, Plumbeous Redstart, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Common Stonechat, Grey Bushchat, Yellow bellied Fantail, White throated Fantail, White throated Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush, Greysided Laughing Thrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Blue winged Laughingthrush,  Chestnut crowned Laughingthrush, Red faced Liocichla, Spot breasted Scimitar Babbler, Rusty cheeked Scimitar Babbler, White browed Scimitar Babbler, Long billed Wren Babbler, Rufous throated Scimitar Babbler, Spotted Wren Babbler, Rufous capped Babbler, Golden Babbler, Grey throated Babbler, Silver eared Mesia, Red billed Leiothrix, Black headed Shrike Babbler, White browed Shrike Babbler, Black eared Shrike Babbler, Rusty fronted Barwing, Hoary throated Barwing, Blue winged Minla, Chestnut tailed Minla, Red tailed Minla, Yellow throated Fulvetta, Rufous winged Fulvetta, White browed Fulvetta, Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous Sibia, White naped Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Stripe throated Yuhina, Rufous vented Yuhina, Black throated Tit, Black browed Tit, Coal Tit, Green backed Tit, Yellow cheeked Tit, Yellow browed Tit, White tailed Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Rusty flanked Treecreeper, Brown throated Treecreeper, Green tailed Sunbird, Fire tailed Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Bay backed Shrike, Long tailed Shrike, Ashy Drongo, Hair crested Drongo , Green Magpie, Grey Treepie, House Crow, Large billed Crow, Common Myna, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, White rumped Munia, Plain Mountain Finch, Crimson browed Finch, Dark breasted Rosefinch, Dark rumped Rosefinch, Tibetan Serin, Brown Bullfinch, Red headed Bullfinch, Gold Naped Finch, Little Bunting. Other birds that can be seen: Hill Partridge, Rufous throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Wedge tailed Green Pigeon, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Lesser Cuckoo, Mountain Scops Owl, Fork Tailed Swift, Ward's Trogon, Great Hornbill, White browed Piculet, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Long tailed Broadbill, Mountain Bulbul, Orange bellied Leafbird, Long billed Thrush, Chestnut Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Rusty bellied Shortwing, Gould’s Shortwing, Lesser Shortwing, White browed Shortwing, Chestnut headed Tesia, Slat bellied Tesia, Russet Bush Warbler, White spectacled Warbler, Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Golden Bush Robin, White browed Bush Robin, Blue fronted Robin, Spotted Laughingthrush, Coral billed Scimitar Babbler, Scaly breasted Wren Babbler, Cutia, Golden breasted Fulvetta, Fire tailed Myzornis, Black Throated Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter, Fire breasted Flowerpecker, Maroon Oriole, Common Rosefinch, Red Crossbill.

Day 07: Kalimpong- Rangeet Valley- Damthang Forests, 2700 m - Rabangla, 2200 m
Drive through the Teesta & Rangit Valley to Damthang Forests, stopping enroute to look for Shikra, Red Junglefowl, River Lapwing, Green billed Malkoha, White throated Kingfisher, Crested Kingfisher, Chestnut headed Bee eater, Indian Roller, Dollarbird, Great Barbet, Greater Yellownape, Black backed Wagtail, Small Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Black crested Bulbul, White cheeked Bulbul, Red vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Golden fronted Leafbird, Orange bellied Leafbird, Common Iora, Blue Rock Thrush, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, White capped Redstart, Hair crested Drongo, Green Magpie, Himalayan Swiftlet, and  Oriental White eye. 

At the Damthang Forest we will take a birding walk for 06 hrs. Some of the species we might see are: Eurasian Buzzard, Eurasian Kestrel, Green billed Malkoha, Dollarbird, Black winged Cuckoo Shrike, Short billed Minivet, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Grey winged Blackbird, Buff barred Warbler, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Golden spectacled Warbler, Grey hooded Warbler, Black faced Warbler, Rufous gorgeted Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous bellied Niltava, Grey headed Canary Flycatcher, Red flanked Bluetail, Blue fronted Redstart, Grey Bushchat, White throated Fantail, White crested Laughingthrush, Chestnut tailed Minla, Red tailed Minla, Rufous Sibia, Whiskered Yuhina, Rufous vented Yuhina, Black throated Tit, Green backed Tit, Chestnut bellied Nuthatch, Green tailed Sunbird, Ashy Drongo, Maroon Oriole, Brown Bullfinch. and more. In the evening drive 20 Kms to Rabangla for overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08: Rabangla -Teesta Valley - Mangan - Royngyong Chu Valley Lingsha

Today we will drive down to the Teesta Valley and then follow it to Mangan., reaching there in 04 hrs. Continue along the Rongyong Chu to  Lingsha Village ( North Sikkim) in 2 hrs. Enroute  birding along the Teesta & Rongyong Chu valley. Overnight at Farm House/camp.

North Sikkim, with its Headquarters at Mangan, comprises of the valleys of Lachen, Lachung, Dzongu and Tholung. Each of these is formed by fast flowing glacier fed rivers originating from The Great Himalayan Range and its offshoots. On the West the Singelila Range and its spurs are dominated by the peaks of            Narsing ,5825, Pandim, 6691, Khangchendzonga ,8586, Simvo, 6811, Siniolchu, 6888, Lamo Anden, 5200, Tent Peak 7365, and the Jonsang Peak 7459. To the North the Peaks of Donkong, 5660, Khanchenggyao, 6889, and Pauhunri, 7054, dominate the sky- line. On the Eastern side, the Chola Range at an elevation of 5500 demarcates the boundary with Chumbi Valley in Tibet. Perhaps in no other region is so much of natures bounty            packaged by god in such a compact area. The mossy oak and rhododendron forests, coniferous forests and bamboo stands in the Tholung Valley support some beautiful East Himalayan specialities. The Tholung Valley is located in the shadow of the almost 6900m high Siniolchu and the 5200m Lamo Anden. This valley is virtually uninhabited with a minuscule population (less than 50) of Lamas, yak herdsmen, wood cutters, cow and sheep grazers. The valley is approximately 540 km² in area. The upper reaches comprise glaciers, snow clad peaks, alpine lakes, moraine and meadows. The lower half of the valley has mixed open forest with amazing biodiversity. The altitudinal variation, variety of trees and shrubs, lack of human population and vehicular traffic combine to make it a haven for birds, and a prime birding site. A very good walking trail (lower part of the valley) with offshoots of grazing trails provides access for birding. The entire length of the walking trail from Lingsha to Tholung Gompa is a birding hot spot. The upper valley above 3000m where a number of the high altitude Himalayan specialities occur, is somewhat more difficult to approach. A yak trail is available but is open only when the snows have completely melted. This can happen as late as May-June when the monsoons arrive, when the trail is slushy. It is possible to reach up to Kishongla, 4785 meters, via Kishong Chu, 4228 meters looking for high altitude specialties during the period May to November . The only reliable window for birding in the Upper Valley is during Oct-Nov.

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Species recorded: Our first birding tour to this area recorded the following species:-Crested Serpent Eagle, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Northern Goshawk, Upland Buzzard, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Whimbrel, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Asian Koel, Greater Coucal, Brown Wood Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Fork tailed Swift, House Swift, Great Barbet, Golden throated Barbet, Rufous bellied Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Crimson breasted Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Yellow rumped Honeyguide, Nepal Martin, Citrine Wagtail, Olive backed Pipit, Rosy Pipit, Black winged Cuckoo Shrike, Short billed Minivet, Striated Bulbul, Red vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Orange bellied Leafbird, Winter Wren, Blue capped Rock Thrush, Chestnut bellied Rock Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plain backed Thrush, Long tailed Thrush, Scaly Thrush, White collared Blackbird, Grey winged Blackbird, White browed Shortwing, Striated Prinia, Hill Prinia, Chestnut headed Tesia, Slaty bellied Tesia, Brownish flanked Bush Warbler, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Buff barred Warbler, Ashy throated Warbler, Lemon rumped Warbler, Large billed Leaf Warbler, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Yellow vented Warbler, Golden spectacled Warbler, Grey hooded Warbler, Chestnut crowned Warbler, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Rufous gorgeted Flycatcher, Snowy browed Flycatcher, White gorgeted Flycatcher, Little Pied Flycatcher, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Slaty blue Flycatcher, Verditer Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Small Niltava, Rufous bellied Niltava, Grey headed Canary Flycatcher, Blue fronted Redstart, White capped Redstart, Plumbeous Redstart, Little Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Common Stonechat, Grey Bushchat, Yellow bellied Fantail, White throated Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush, Black faced Laughingthrush, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Spotted Wren Babbler, Rufous capped Babbler, Golden Babbler, Cutia, White browed Shrike Babbler, Black eared Shrike Babbler, Hoary throated Barwing, Blue winged Minla, Chestnut tailed Minla, Redtailed Minla, Rufous winged Fulvetta, White browed Fulvetta, Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous Sibia, White naped Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Stripe throated Yuhina, Rufous vented Yuhina, Black throated Tit, Green backed Tit, Yellow cheeked Tit, Yellow browed Tit, White tailed Nuthatch, Rusty flanked Treecreeper, Wallcreeper, Gould’s Sunbird, Green‑tailed Sunbird, Black throated Sunbird, Fire tailed Sunbird, Little Spiderhunter, Streaked Spiderhunter, Fire breasted Flowerpecker, Maroon Oriole, Grey backed Shrike, Black Drongo, Ashy Drongo, Gold billed Magpie, Grey Treepie, White rumped Munia, Plain Mountain Finch, Black headed Mountain Finch, Dark breasted Rosefinch, Scarlet Finch, Other birds that can be seen: Black Eagle, Himalayan Monal, Spotted Dove, Snow Pigeon, Slaty headed Parakeet, White rumped Needletail, Greater Yellownape, Lesser Yellownape, Long tailed Shrike, Green Magpie, Grey Chinned Minivet, Small Minivet, White Eared Bulbul, White cheeked Bulbul, Mountain Bulbul, Striated Yuhina, White Crested Laughingthrush, Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Yellow bellied Warbler, Black faced Warbler, White browed Tit Warbler, Rufous breasted Bush Robin, Grey crested Tit, Sultan Tit.

Day 09:: Birding walk to Tsana  1573 M, in the Tholung valley
Trek for 09 Kms, full day birding. Overnight camping/lodge.

Day 10: Tsana forests birding walk

Full days birding along selected trails in the forest around Tsana. Overnight at lodge/camp

Day 11: Birding walk to Tholung Gompa 2600 M
Full days birding along 09 Kms.birding trail.Overnight at  lodge, or in camp.

Day 12: Tholung Gompa Birding walk
Full days birding North of Tholung up to altitude of 3000 meters. Overnight at Lodgeor in camp.

Day 13:Tholung - Tsana birding trek
Return birding walk for 09 Kms to Tsana, Thereafter revisit selected spots in Tsana Forests Overnight at Lodge or camp.

Day 14: Tsana birding Trek to Lingsha - Drive to Kalimpong
Return b irding walk back to Lingsha for 09 Kms in 04 hrs. Drive to Kalimpong in 05 hrs. Overnight at Gurudongma House.

Day 15: Kalimpong - Bagdogra
Drive back to Bagdogra to board your flight. TOUR ENDS.

S/05/E: 04 days Extension to Kishong Chhu, 4228

This is a virgin area for birding and no records exist. This extension is for pioneering birders, who enjoy a streneous climb to over 4000 meters, looking for high altitude specialties.

Extension begins on Day 12

Day 12-13: Birding trek to Kishong Chhu with overnight camping

Day 14: Birding exploration of  Kishong Chhu and surroundings

Day 15: Trek down to Tholung Gompa

Day 16: Birding Trek to Tsana

Day 17: Birding Trek to Lingsha and drive to Kalimpong

Day 18: Transfer to Bagdogra. TOUR ENDS

NOTE: Bird sightings depend greatly on season, timing, and patience. Sightings mentioned in the itinerary are only a guide and can not be guaranteed.

Advisory: Special entry permits are required for these tours. First you have to get your visa endorsed for restricted area entry to Sikkim. Once this is done please send photo- copy of passport particulars and India visa, permit and Tolung Valley entry permit. Application forms will be sent on request. It requires six weeks to complete formalities. Permission is granted on a case by case basis, and may be refused at the discretion of the government.

Tour Cost: on request

The cost includes  accommodation on full board, transport, all camping arrangements and a birding guide.

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