Magical Kumaon Himalayas (April 06 Days; # 207)

Pangot

Pangot is one such beautiful hamlet in the state of Uttarakhand which lies just 15 km from the city of lake, Nainital. Walking into Pangot is like stepping into a remote Himalayan village. This birdwatchers’ paradise has 250+ species of bird in and around as recorded by Jungle Lore Birding Lodge. This Lodge is India’s first and foremost birding lodge and has been key to birding success in the region. The entire drive is through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilbury, the main habitats for excellent birding. The forests of Pangot and surrounding areas are dominated by thick Oak, Pine and Rhododendron. The streams passing by the area makes it even more attractive place. The district of Nainital covers the tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, sub-alpine and alpine zones. The Terai & Bhabar belt presents the climate of the plains while the deep valleys with elevation upto 1000 Mts. play host to varied types of animal, birds, trees typical of hills as well as plains.

Jageshwar

Jageshwar in the state of Uttarakhand, lies in Sub tropical – Alpine forest zone. The region has coniferous trees such as Cheer, Pine, Deodar along with a mixed forest of Oak and Rhododendron. The deodars forests at the lower altitude and the pine cover further up, are the perfect habitat for many bird species. Your birding guide will be happy to initiate you into the world of bird watching.

Species you can expect in and around Jageshwar are:

Himalayan Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Bonell’s Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Mountain Scops Owl, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Long-tailed Minivet, Bronzed Drongo, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Black-headed Jay, Large-billed Crow, Green-backed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Himalayan Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Striated Prinia, Buff-barred Warbler, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Ashy-throated Warbler, Grey-hooded Warbler, Whistler’s Warbler, Goldcrest, Streaked Laughingthrush, Brown Dipper, White-tailed Nuthatch, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Common Myna, Blue Whistling Thrush, Himalayan Bluetail, Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Redstart, Blue-capped Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart, House Sparrow, Russet Sparrow, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Rock Bunting etc.