Discover Birds of Lachen Gurudongmar Lachung Yumthang Valley
During the entire duration of this bird tour, the first day and last day, we must hop at East Sikkim. If someone comes from Bagdogra, a direct drive to North Sikkim would be very hectic. He would get some leisure birdwatching time as well in Fambong Lho. Thus a halt at Pangthang, adjacent to Fambong Lho WLS would be helpful. Similarly, on the way back as well at Pangthang, we will stay. We will cover bird photography in north Sikkim for the rest of the six nights.
| Day-1 | We would receive our guests from Bagdogra Airport or from Siliguri in the morning. After having breakfast at Sevok, we can continue a little bit of birding in some terai foothills birding trails. By lunch hours, we must be at Pangthang. So that we can have some birding on Gangtok outskirt in the - Fambong Lho WLS. We would have a discussion for our next few days of birding tour in Sikkim and later rest for the night at the homestay. |
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| Day-2 | Today we would make a long drive, for 6 hours to Lachen. However, our morning birding session for 4 hours and afternoon birding session for another 3-4 hours would make it difficult to reach Lachen directly. We don’t want to skip the birding on the way for Parrotbills, Scimitar Babblers, and Fulvettas. It would be evening only when we arrive finally at the resort at Lachen. |
| Day-3 to 5 | For these three days, we would make back-to-back journeys to the cold desert climate at Gurudongmar. Four different species of Snowfinches, Little Owl, Ground Tit, Northern Raven, Solitary Snipe, Ibisbill, Grandala, etc would be our target. Sharp eyes are required to spot them in this barren landscape. Birding in Gurudingmar, if once in a lifetime experience. You can compare this place similar in altitude elevation and birdlife with Ladakh. Come experience some birding in Gurudongmar! Great Rosefinch and Streaked Rosefinch at the Thangu - Gaigong area, would be some more nice stuff to add to your bird list. |
| Day-6 | Today, we would do birding in and around conifer regions and bamboo thickets at Lachen. Targeting several timaliidae babbler species like four species of Parrotbills, some Fulvettas, Yuhinas, Laughingthrushes, Robins, Shortwings, etc. Our birding guide of Sikkim would take you to every nook and corner. In the afternoon we reach Lachung and stay overnight there. |
| Day-7 | For the entire day, we explore different birding trails of Lachung. Lachung to Yumthang is a fantastic birding experience one can have in Sikkim. When you pass through the blooming rhododendron forest for birding in Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, you experience birds on Rhododendron bushes. Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Myzornis or Golden Bush Robin, or Himalayan Shortwing - everyone prefers Rhododendrons. So birding in Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary would definitely be fun. |
| Day-8 | In the morning, after a birding session at Lachung, we start driving following Chungthang, Mangan, road. In the afternoon, if we are on time again, a short session for bird photography at Gangtok outskirt at Pangthang can be arranged. We are staying at Pangthang homestay tonight. In the evening, we would discuss the experience of birding in North Sikkim with all the birdwatchers and would ask the photographers about their experiences with bird photography in Sikkim. The discussions would be interactive and if you are satisfied, book another birding tour in Sikkim with us. |
| Day-9 | We can wake up early, and make short visits to the bird feeders and temple complexes for easy birding in Gangtok. We as birding tour operators in Sikkim have good liaisons with the villagers and they would feel charmed and appreciated if you visit their garden bird feeders. Later, in the morning, we would check out from Pangthang and drive through Ranipool, Rangpo toward Siliguri. We advise you that, before booking the return flight ticket, discuss it with us. So that the tour ends perfectly in time. |
Inclusions
- Stay options that we prefer to suggest are at resorts or homestays run by local Lepchas or Lachenpas and Lachungpas
- Food plans can be planned on an AP, MAP, or CP basis; both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food plans are available
- All surface transfer by Innova Crysta or Innova or Xylo
- Bird tour guide for all days with all necessary types of equipment - Binoculars, Digiscope, Sound Recorders, etc.
- Community Development Fees, Garbage Collection Fees in North Sikkim Territory
- All professional taxes
Exclusions
- Any extra items that are not mentioned in the Inclusions
- Any extra food items not included in the meal as per the itinerary
- Any alcoholic beverage
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary