The Ultimate Uttarakhand Birding Expedition

Discover a land where the sky meets pristine alpine wilderness and the air echoes with rare avian calls. Nestled in the dramatic shadows of the central Himalayas, Uttarakhand is an absolute paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers, boasting a checklist of over 600 distinct bird species. This meticulously paced birding itinerary sweeps through iconic sub-Himalayan ecosystems—from the dense sal forests of the Terai plains and historic river valleys to mist-shrouded oak and rhododendron ridges.

Destinations Covered: Haridwar – Ratuadhab – Marchula – Manila – Ramnagar – Mukteshwar

Day 01: Arrive in Haridwar & Rajaji National Park

• Arrival: Reach Haridwar and transfer directly to your jungle resort near Rajaji National Park.
• Afternoon: Check into the resort and enjoy a fresh lunch.
• Evening: Head out for a peaceful introductory nature walk around the forest fringes.
• Overnight: Jungle resort near Rajaji National Park.

Day 02: Safaris in Rajaji National Park

• Morning: Set out early for a morning jungle safari. Rajaji is home to Asian Elephants, Leopards, and Tigers.
• Afternoon: Return to the hotel to rest and have lunch.
• Evening: Embark on a second jungle safari. Keep your binoculars ready for top avian targets.
• Overnight: Jungle resort near Rajaji National Park.
• 🦅 Bird Targets: Northern Lapwing, Black-throated Thrush, Oriental Skylark, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, White-capped Bunting, River Lapwing, Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Mottled Wood-Owl, Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied-Hornbill.

Day 03: Rajaji National Park 🚗 Ratuadhab

• Morning: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the resort.
• Afternoon: Take a scenic drive to Ratuadhab and check into your hotel.
• Evening: Head out immediately into the surrounding forest trails for an evening birdwatching session.
• Overnight: Hotel in Ratuadhab.

Day 04: Full Day Birding in Ratuadhab

• Morning: Wake up early to catch the morning bird wave along the forest tracks.
• Afternoon: Take a brief lunch break at the hotel before tracking elusive species in the dense canopy.
• Evening: Review your daily bird checklist and relax at the hotel.
• Overnight: Hotel in Ratuadhab.

Day 05: Ratuadhab 🚗 Marchula

• Morning: Check out after breakfast. Take a leisurely drive through the mountain foothills toward Marchula.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Marchula and check into your valley hotel.
• Evening: Start exploring the rich riverbeds and forests for specialized water birds.
• Overnight: Hotel in Marchula.

Day 06: Marchula Birding & Fishing

• Morning: Spend the morning birdwatching along the Ramganga riverbanks.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the hotel.
• Evening: Spend the afternoon experiencing local fishing and angling in the region.
• Overnight: Hotel in Marchula.

Day 07: Marchula 🚗 Manila Hill Station

• Morning: Drive up the winding mountain roads toward the pristine hill town of Manila.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Evening: Explore the high-altitude pine forests for rare pheasants and raptors.
• Overnight: Hotel in Manila.
• 🦅 Bird Targets: Mountain Bulbul, King Vulture, Booted Eagle, Cheer Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Black Francolin, Black-throated Sunbird, Grey-crowned Prinia, Red-billed Leiothrix, Lammergeier Vulture.

Day 08: Manila 🚗 Ramnagar

• Morning: Enjoy a final high-altitude morning birdwatching session around Manila.
• Afternoon: Drive down the hills toward Ramnagar, the gateway to Corbett country.
• Evening: Check into your riverside jungle resort and relax for the evening.
• Overnight: Jungle resort near Ramnagar.

Day 09: Jim Corbett National Park Safaris

• Morning: Board an open Jeep before dawn to enter the core zones of Jim Corbett National Park.
• Afternoon: Rest at your resort and escape the midday heat with a fresh meal.
• Evening: Take an evening Jeep safari to track tigers and wild elephants through the dense sal forests.
• Overnight: Hotel near Jim Corbett National Park.

Day 10: Deeper into Jim Corbett

• Morning: Head into a different safari zone of the national park to look for grassland bird species.
• Afternoon: Relax by the resort pool or listen to an expert wildlife talk.
• Evening: Head out for your evening Jeep safari to spot nocturnal predators waking up.
• Overnight: Hotel near Jim Corbett National Park.

Day 11: Final Tracking in Jim Corbett

• Morning: Embark on your final morning Jeep safari inside the reserve.
• Afternoon: Return for lunch and spend time photographing birds around the resort property.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening walk along the Kosi riverbed.
• Overnight: Hotel near Jim Corbett National Park.

Day 12: Jim Corbett 🚗 Mukteshwar

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out of your safari resort.
• Afternoon: Drive deep into the Kumaon hills toward the scenic orchard town of Mukteshwar.
• Evening: Check into your mountain hotel and spend a peaceful evening at complete leisure.
• Overnight: Hotel in Mukteshwar.

Day 13: Full Day Birding in Mukteshwar

• Morning: Explore the oak and rhododendron forests of Mukteshwar for colorful Himalayan birds.
• Afternoon: Take a short break for lunch while enjoying mountain views.
• Evening: Complete your final birding trail of the tour before a farewell dinner.
• Overnight: Hotel in Mukteshwar.
• 🦅 Bird Targets: Rock Bunting, Great Barbet, Nepal Wren-Babbler, Brown Dipper, Gray Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Rufous Sibia, White-tailed Rubythroat, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Pygmy Cupwing, Crested Kingfisher.

Day 14: Mukteshwar & Final Departure

• Morning: Enjoy your final Himalayan breakfast at the hotel.
• Transfer: Board your departure vehicle for your smooth onward journey home.