HIMALAYAN BIRDING
AND TIGER TOUR INDIA
12 days of Himalayan birding, photography hides and tiger safaris in Corbett
12 Days
11 Nights
8
Birding Days
2
Hide Sessions
4
Tiger Safaris
Dehradun
Pickup Point
Pantnagar
Airport Drop
The Expedition
One journey. Three very different field experiences.
Our Birding and Tiger Tour India expedition begins in the Western Himalayas, spending unhurried days birding through mountain forests and changing elevations. The journey then shifts to dedicated hide photography and rich forest birding before finishing with four serious safari drives in tiger country.
This expedition has been designed around time in the field, not around collecting destinations. The places are part of the journey. The experience is why we chose them.
Expedition Highlights
What makes this journey special
01
Himalayan Birding
Unhurried field days across mountain forests and changing elevations, looking for the birds that make the Western Himalayas so rewarding.
02
Photography Hides
Two dedicated morning hide sessions offering close photographic opportunities while keeping the wider expedition focused on the field.
03
Changing Habitats
From higher Himalayan forests to streams, valleys and the foothills, the journey moves through very different birding habitats.
04
Four Tiger Safaris
Four safari drives give us meaningful time in tiger country rather than treating the wildlife experience as a quick add-on.
05
Only 4 Participants
A genuinely small group keeps birding, photography and wildlife viewing personal, comfortable and flexible.
06
Field-Led Journey
Specialist local guides and expedition leadership throughout, with field plans adapted wherever possible to wildlife and conditions.
2027 Fixed Departures
Choose your expedition dates
Both departures follow the same carefully designed 12-day journey, with a maximum of eight guests.
Winter Expedition
7–18 January 2027
US$1,900
+ 5% GST per person
Open for bookings
Spring Expedition
4–15 March 2027
US$1,900
+ 5% GST per person
Open for bookings
The expedition operates with a minimum of four guests and a maximum of eight.
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour price.
Why We Designed This Journey
A multi-region journey with enough time to experience each habitat.
This journey has been designed to give meaningful time in each region rather than simply moving from one destination to another. The Himalayan section is deliberately unhurried, with several full days to explore different elevations and respond to what is happening in the field.
In Sattal, field birding is combined with two dedicated photography-hide sessions, creating good opportunities for photographers without turning the journey into a hide-based photography tour. The journey then moves into tiger country for four safaris, allowing meaningful time to explore the forest and look for tigers and other wildlife.
Wildlife never follows an itinerary. Wherever possible, daily field plans respond to weather, bird activity, recent sightings and local conditions rather than following a rigid schedule.
Manmohan Uniyal
· Photography Mentor & Expedition Leader, World of Wild
The Journey
From Himalayan forests to tiger country
The expedition moves gradually through different elevations and habitats, beginning in the mountains and finishing in the forests of Corbett.
Dehradun
Start
Expedition begins
Mandal & Chopta
5 Nights
High Himalayan birding
Sattal
4 Nights
Forest birding & hides
Corbett
2 Nights
Four tiger safaris
Pantnagar
Finish
Expedition ends
11 Nights • 8 Birding Days •
2 Photography Hide Sessions • 4 Tiger Safaris
Day by Day
Your 12-Day Expedition
Our itinerary follows the changing habitats of the Western Himalayas before descending into tiger country. The daily birding plan remains flexible enough to respond to weather, bird activity and current field information.
Day 1
Into the Himalayas
Dehradun → Mandal
We meet in Dehradun and begin our journey into the Garhwal Himalayas. As the road climbs into the mountains, the landscape gradually changes from the Himalayan foothills to temperate forest.
Today is primarily a travel day, with no scheduled birding. We arrive in Mandal and settle in for the start of our Himalayan birding.
Day 2
Birding the Forests of Mandal
Mandal Region
Our first full day in the field is spent exploring the forests around Mandal. These mixed Himalayan forests support an excellent variety of birds and give us a gentle introduction to birding at this elevation.
We will look for species such as Scarlet Finch, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Golden Bush Robin and several species of woodpeckers, along with the many mixed feeding flocks that move through these forests.
Day 3
In Search of the Himalayan Monal
Chopta
Today we move higher towards Chopta in search of one of the most sought-after birds of the Himalayas, the spectacular Himalayan Monal.
The higher elevations also give us opportunities for Snow Pigeon and mountain woodpeckers, while the open skies can produce impressive raptors including Himalayan Griffon and Lammergeier.
We spend the day exploring different elevations according to bird activity and weather conditions.
Day 4
High-Altitude Birding towards Tungnath
Chopta → Tungnath
Subject to weather and trail conditions, we head towards Tungnath for our highest-altitude birding of the expedition.
Our main targets here include Snow Partridge, Snow Pigeon and several species of accentors, together with other birds of the high Himalayan slopes.
The Tungnath excursion is weather dependent. Snow and trail conditions
can change quickly in the Himalayas, particularly during the January
departure, and an alternative high-altitude birding plan will be used
if necessary.
Day 5
Birding the Makku Region
Makku & Surrounding Forests
We explore the forests and valleys around Makku, with particular attention to one of the region's more unusual Himalayan specialities, the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide.
The surrounding forests can also be productive for a wide variety of Himalayan birds, and we will adjust our route according to recent sightings and activity in the field.
Day 6
Morning Birding & Journey to Sattal
Mandal → Sattal
We have a final morning birding session around Mandal before leaving for Sattal.
The drive takes us through a changing Himalayan landscape as we move towards the lower-elevation forests and lakes that will form the next part of our expedition.
Day 7
Hide Photography, Forest Trails & Chanfi
Sattal & Chanfi
We begin early with our first dedicated photography hide session. The hides around Sattal can offer close views of a variety of forest birds and provide excellent opportunities for photography.
After the hide session, we explore some of Sattal's forest trails. Later in the afternoon we move towards the Chanfi river area, where riverine habitat adds a completely different set of possibilities.
As evening approaches, we will also keep an eye and ear out for owls and other birds that become active towards dusk.
Day 8
Birding the Ranikhet Hills
Sattal → Ranikhet → Sattal
Today we make a day excursion towards Ranikhet, exploring its pine, oak and mixed forest habitats for a different selection of Himalayan birds.
After birding through the day, we return to Sattal in time for an evening session around the local forest and lake areas if conditions allow.
Day 9
A Second Hide & the Forests of Sattal
Sattal
Our second hide session gives us another opportunity for close bird photography, often with different activity and light from our first morning.
We then spend the rest of the day birding the forest trails and lake areas around Sattal, allowing time to revisit productive locations and search for species we may have missed earlier.
Day 10
From Birding Country to Tiger Country
Sattal → Corbett
We begin with a final birding session close to our Sattal base before leaving for Corbett.
After arriving and settling in, we head into the national park for our first afternoon safari. The focus now changes from Himalayan birding to the forests, grasslands and wildlife of tiger country.
Day 11
A Full Day in Tiger Country
Corbett National Park
Today is devoted entirely to wildlife, with both morning and afternoon safari drives.
Tiger is naturally one of our main hopes, but Corbett offers much more. Asian Elephant, deer, primates, raptors, hornbills and a remarkable diversity of forest wildlife all form part of the safari experience.
Travellers interested in exploring more safari experiences across India can also see our India Wildlife Tours .
Between the two drives we return to our lodge for breakfast, lunch and some rest before heading back into the forest.
Day 12
Final Safari & Departure
Corbett → Pantnagar
We have one final early-morning safari, our fourth drive in Corbett and our last field session of the expedition.
After returning to the lodge and breakfast, we transfer to Pantnagar Airport for onward travel.
A note about the itinerary:
Wildlife and mountain conditions are never completely predictable.
Birding locations, daily timings and individual field sessions may be
adjusted by the expedition leader according to weather, road conditions,
recent sightings and current bird activity. Any such changes are made
to give the group the best possible field experience.
What to Expect
What to Expect on Our Birding and Tiger Tour India
This is a field-focused expedition, but it is not a physically demanding tour. Our days are designed to give us plenty of time with birds and wildlife while travelling at a comfortable pace.
Relaxed Birding Pace
Most birding involves easy walks along forest trails, quiet roads, lakesides and other accessible birding areas. We stop frequently to observe, photograph and enjoy what we find.
Early Starts, Easy Rhythm
Some mornings begin early because bird and wildlife activity is often at its best then. The days naturally include breaks for meals, travel and rest between field sessions.
Comfortable Full-Board Stays
We stay several nights at each base rather than changing hotels every day. All accommodation is full board, giving us comfortable places to return to after our time in the field.
Mountain Weather
January can be cold in the higher Himalayas, while March is generally milder. We will share practical clothing and packing guidance before the expedition so guests can prepare comfortably.
Small Group Travel
With only 4–8 guests, the group remains personal and manageable, whether we are birding a forest trail, photographing from a hide or travelling between locations.
Flexible Field Plans
Birding locations and timings may occasionally change according to weather, recent sightings and current bird activity. This flexibility helps us make the most of conditions on the day.
A note about Tungnath
The walk towards Tungnath is the only more strenuous activity in the itinerary and is entirely optional. Guests who prefer not to undertake the walk can spend the day birding other productive areas around Chopta. Our priority is birding, not trekking.
Your Expedition
What's included
Included
- 11 nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis
- Full-board meals throughout the expedition
- All ground transport from Dehradun to Pantnagar
- Specialist birding guides during the birding programme
- Expedition leadership throughout the journey
- Two dedicated bird photography hide sessions
- Four wildlife safaris in Corbett
- Safari vehicles and park permits
- Bottled water and basic field refreshments
- All applicable tolls, parking and vehicle taxes
Not Included
- International flights to and from India
- Domestic flights to Dehradun and from Pantnagar
- Indian visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Tour price is based on twin-sharing accommodation. Single occupancy can
be arranged at an additional supplement, subject to availability.
Good to Know
Before you join
Joining Point
Dehradun
Finishing Point
Pantnagar
Group Size
4 Participants
Activity
Comfortable
Frequently asked questions
Can I join the expedition as a solo traveller?
Yes. Solo travellers are very welcome. You can choose twin sharing,
subject to a suitable room-sharing arrangement, or request a single
room at an additional supplement.
Do I need to be an experienced birder or photographer?
No. The expedition is suitable for experienced birders as well as
travellers who simply enjoy birds, wildlife and photography. Our
guides and expedition leader will help according to your level of
experience.
Do I have to walk to Tungnath?
No. The Tungnath excursion is optional and also depends on weather
and trail conditions. Guests who prefer not to undertake the walk
can spend the day birding other productive areas around Chopta.
Are tiger sightings guaranteed?
No wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed. We include four Corbett
safaris to give the group meaningful time in tiger habitat, while
also enjoying the park's elephants, deer, birds and other wildlife.
How do I reach the starting point and leave at the end?
The expedition begins in Dehradun on the morning of Day 1 and ends
at Pantnagar Airport on Day 12. We will share suitable flight and
arrival guidance with confirmed guests before they book their travel.
Looking for a different birding experience? Explore our
Birding Tours in India
for more field-led journeys across India.
