Sattal - Raniketh Photography Expedition - 20-23 March 2025

Sattal, located in Uttarakhand, India, is a paradise for birdwatchers. This serene region, nestled in the Kumaon hills near Nainital, is famous for its rich avian biodiversity, with over 300 species of birds recorded. The mix of dense forests, freshwater lakes, and varied elevations makes it an excellent habitat for both resident and migratory birds.

Best Time for Birding in Sattal

• Winter (November – February): Ideal for migratory birds from the Himalayas and Central Asia.
• Spring & Summer (March – June): Great for spotting breeding species and colorful resident birds.
• Monsoon (July – September): Lesser crowds but limited visibility due to rain.

Popular Birds in Sattal

1. Woodpeckers: Greater & Lesser Yellownape, Himalayan Woodpecker
2. Flycatchers: Verditer Flycatcher, Blue-throated Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava
3. Owls: Asian Barred Owlet, Brown Wood Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Mountain Scops Owl, Tawny Fish Owl
4. Tits & Warblers: Green-backed Tit, Black-lored Tit, Chestnut-crowned Warbler
5. Thrushes: White-collared Blackbird, Grey-winged Blackbird
6. Laughingthrushes: White-throated Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush
7. Kingfishers: Crested Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher
8. Raptors: Black Eagle, Common Kestrel
9. Other Highlights: Red-billed Leiothrix, Slaty-headed Parakeet.

Target Species

Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Blue-winged Minla, Red-Billed Leiothrix, Himalayan Woodpecker Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-Headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Verditer Flycatcher, Black-chinned Babbler, Speckled Piculet, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Grey Treepie, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, White-Throated Fantail, Ashy Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Khalij pheasant, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, redstarts, laughing thrush's, Barbets, Finches, If we’re lucky, we might even sight the Yellow throated marten, European goldfinch, Tawny Fish Owl and the Fire-fronted Serin.

Itinerary

Day 1

Our tour starts Ex Kathgodam. Recommended train (not included in package) is Ranikhet Express, which departs from Old Delhi Railway Station by 10:05 pm on previous night and reaches Kathgodam by 5:05 am early in the morning. Our representative will pick you up from Kathgodam railway station.  After a brief round of introduction about the avian biodiversity of the region, we will go a hide based photography session for Red-Billed Leiothrix, Himalayan Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-Headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Verditer Flycatcher, Black-chinned Babbler, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, White-Throated Fantail, Ashy Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul and many more. It is an amazing experience, specially for someone who is visiting the place for first time. Have lunch at resort. Take some rest. In the evening we will be visiting the so called 'Sattal Studio' for another round of exciting photography session. We are likely to photograph Blue-winged Minla, Red-Billed Leiothrix, Verditer Flycatcher, White-Throated Fantail, Ashy Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul and so many more. Come back to the resort. Discuss the day's experience and learn Post-processing sessions ending with a delicious dinner. 

Day 2

Wake up early in the morning and head towards another hide based photography session. The background and the light conditions are different here offering great photography opportunity. If we’re lucky, we might even sight the Yellow throated marten. Come back to resort for lunch. In the evening we will go to Chaafi area. We will have great opportunities of photograhing Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Redstarts. After the day's shoot, come back to the resort. Take rest and join the day's experience and learn Post-processing sessions ending with a delicious dinner. 

Day 3

Wake up very early in the morning. We will be going to Raniketh today. We will be carrying packed breakfast and lunches. Enjoy the amazing scapes. We have good chances of sighting taking a photographs of Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Cheer pheasants, Khalij pheasants in addition to the regular sightings. We come back to Sattal after a full day in the wild.

Day 4

Breakfast at resort. Tour ends, Drop at Kathgodam Railway Station.

Inclusions

• One of the most beautiful places to photography birds of the Himalayas
• Pick and drop from Kathgodam railway station.
• Accommodation for 4 Days & 3 nights in Sattal.
• Veg breakfast, lunch and non-veg dinner during the stay.
• All park charges, entry fee etc.

Package Cost

Rs 28,000/- INR per head inclusive of all taxes 

Cost includes

1. Accommodation for 4 Days & 3 nights in Sattal.
2. Pick and drop from Kathgodam railway station.
3. Veg breakfast, lunch and non-veg dinner during the stay.
4. All park charges, entry fee etc.

Cost does not include:

1. Camera-fee at sanctuaries.
2. Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry Charges, Tips etc.
3. Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
4. Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary.

Cancellation policy

1. All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
2. All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
3. All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

HAPPY BIRDING..!!