Birdwatching in Chopta

About

Chopta sits inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, where oak, rhododendron and deodar forest meets high-altitude meadow. That mix of habitats shelters many Himalayan birds and makes Chopta one of the easiest places in Garhwal to start birdwatching: good forest edge starts right outside most stays, and the trail towards Tungnath passes through excellent habitat.

Birds you may see

• Himalayan monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, usually higher up and in the early morning
• Koklass and kalij pheasants, often heard before they are seen
• Raptors and vultures such as the Himalayan griffon and bearded vulture riding the mountain air
• Himalayan bulbul, rosefinches, grosbeaks, woodpeckers and the spotted nutcracker
• Flycatchers, warblers, tits and laughingthrushes in the oak and rhododendron forest

Sightings depend on the season, weather and luck. No guide can promise a particular bird.

Best time

Mid-March to June (breeding season and rhododendron bloom) and October to mid-November (clear skies after the monsoon) are the best months. Birds are most active from first light until about 9 am and again in the last hour before dusk. Winters are cold and snowy, with fewer visitors, and some birds move to lower altitudes.

Birding etiquette

• Stay on the trails and speak softly. Never chase, bait or feed birds.
• Do not play recorded calls to attract birds, especially in the breeding season.
• Wear muted colours and carry binoculars, water and a rain layer.
• Chopta is part of a protected sanctuary. Rules on entry, local guides and photography can change, so check with the Forest Department or your host before you go.
• Carry all your litter out.

Register for a guided bird walk

Use the birdwatching registration form on this website to share your dates and group size. We will contact you to confirm the plan.