Latpanchar – Hidden Gem of Eastern Himalayas
This birding circuit covers three exceptional habitats in the Eastern Himalayas — Latpanchar, Rongtong, and Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary near Darjeeling — each offering a distinct blend of species, light, and landscapes.
Best Place to Spot the Endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill
Rongtong’s rich mid-elevation trails
High-altitude birding in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
High-diversity circuit ideal for both birdwatchers and photographers
Trusted by Travellers
I am highly impressed with the work of WoW, it’s a great initiative for budding Wildlifer like me.
Kamal Das Team
It’s very important to be part of the wildlife community for mutual learning, WoW is a very good platform to meet like minded wildlife photographers.
Nishant Mahra Team
Our Rajaji Tiger Reserve safari with Wow Safari India was an unforgettable experience, expertly mentored by Mr. Manmohan Uniyal. The highlight was spotting two magnificent leopards, Heera and Panna, in their natural habitat. With breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and expert insights, it was truly an adventure of a lifetime!
Preeti Singh Team
As a beginner wildlife traveller, I went through whole cycle of trying different things, but with WoW, one can learn a lot in no time. There dedication for wildlife conservation is really amazing.
Sidharth Sharma Team
Plan Your Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Latpanchar so special for birders?
Latpanchar offers undisturbed birding in dense, hilly forests where rare species still thrive. It’s the most reliable site for Rufous-necked Hornbill in India, and sightings often happen right along village trails.
How do I reach Latpanchar?
By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (45 km) – well-connected to major cities
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railhead (40 km)
By Road: From Siliguri or Kurseong, Latpanchar is about 1.5–2 hours away by car
What birds can I expect to see in Latpanchar?
Some key species include:
Rufous-necked Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Green-tailed Sunbird, Crimson Sunbird among others.
Red-tailed Minla, Hoary-throated Barwing, Chestnut-crowned Laughing thrush
Black-throated Sunbird, Scarlet Minivet, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher
Plus many warblers, yuhinas, thrushes, drongos, and raptors
When is the best time to visit Latpanchar for birding?
Spring (March–May): Breeding season, hornbills active, clear views
Autumn–Winter (October–December): Migrants arrive, misty forest vibes, great photography light
What makes Latpanchar different from popular birding places like Sattal?
Latpanchar offers Eastern Himalayan species, fewer tourists, and a more raw, immersive forest experience. It’s ideal for those looking to explore lesser-known birding gems.
Can I combine Latpanchar with other destinations?
Yes! You can club it with:
Mahananda WLS Core Zone
Darjeeling – for Eastern Himalayan birds & higher elevation species
Neora Valley or Lava–Loleygaon – for a longer birding trail across the Eastern Himalayas
Highlights of WOW Safari
Moments Captured in Latpanchar
