Bird watching in Himalayas

What Oye?

On any given day, millions of people across the nation are watching birds. While some are watching them on their own at their backyard some are watching via bird watching clubs that they are members of. Many join bird watching tours not only in their own city, but in cities and locations far away. Bird watching or Birding is the most inexpensive, relaxing way to spend your time outdoors! Those really into it, plan holidays and family trips around the migration path of their favorite bird species. For these people, bird watching is addictive. Once you start, and discover the joys in it, you're hooked.

While the word Himalaya may force you to visualize about snow clad mountains and the unending tough terrain but the forests of Himalayas are rich and pristine. These forests are excellent habitat for hundreds of species of birdswhich you may never witness in your city life.

What more Oye?

The destination of this birding excursion is to one of most rich diverse habitats of birds in the northern state of India, called, Uttarakhand. This state is also called as Dev-bhoomi in Hindi because most of large Hindu temples and places of worship are located here, including Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri & Yamunotri.

Itinerary:

1) Day-1: 10/02/13 - Haridwar to Kaakrgad - Every participant will assemble outside Haridwar station by 7.00AM near SBI ATM. We shall leave by 8.00 AM from Haidwar to KaakadGad. Travel Time:7-8 hrs by SUV, Distance 195 Kms. Food arrangements: Lunch on the way at local Dhabas. Night stay at Kaakrgad camp site.

2) Day-2: 11/02/13 - Birding at Kaakrgad - Start of mild enjoyable bird trek around the surrounding forest on the bank of river Mandakini at 7 AM, breakfast & lunch at base camp, at regular intervals. Bird walk: Throughout the day. Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at base camp. Night Halt: At base camp

3) Day-3 - 12/02/13 - Birding at Kaakrgad: Start of mild enjoyable bird trek around the surrounding forest on the bank of river Mandakini at 7 AM, breakfast & lunch at base camp, at regular intervals. Bird walk: Throughout the day. Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at base camp. Night Halt: At base camp

4) Day-4: 13/02/13 - Kaakragad to Makku - Start of steep uphill drive on laid road from Kaakrgad at 6.00 AM after bed tea. Do carry packed food and be prepared for chilling cold, an enjoyable uphill trek of 8-10 hours. Evening, back to Kaakrgad base camp. Bird walk: 5-6 Kms. Birding Duration: 8- 10 hrs. Night Halt: Kaakrgad base camp

5) Day-5: 14/02/13 - Kaakragad to Makku - Start of steep uphill drive on laid road from Kaakrgad at 6.00 AM after bed tea. Do carry packed food and be prepared for chilling cold, an enjoyable uphill trek of 8-10 hours. Evening, back to Kaakrgad base camp. Bird walk: 5-6 Kms.

6) Day 6: 15/02/13 - Kaakrgad to Haridwar - Leave Kaakrgad at 7AM to drive for 10 hours to reach Haridwar by 5PM. Travel Time:7-8 hrs by SUV, Distance 195 Kms. Food arrangements: Lunch on the way at local Dhabas.

Inclusions:

• Food, Transport and Accommodation fromHaridwar to Haridwar.
• Accommodation at basecamp In tents on Quarter Sharing Basis.
• Expertise Charges.

Exclusions:

• Train Tickets And Meals From your location to Haridwarand Return from Haridwar
• Anything other than the above mentioned in inclusions

Checklist for things must to carry for this Himalayan Birding trek:

• Warm or woolen clothes such as jacket/sweater/thermals for Himalayas & monkey cap
• Personal kit (Medical /emergency)
• Water Bottle
• Sleeping bag
• trekking Shoes / Socks (extra pairs)
• Hand Torch
• Mosquito Repellent
• One Plastic Bag for used clothes
• Mug, Plate & Spoon
• Emergency Kit: Instant Drink Energizer, Antiseptic cream, Electoral Powder, Relispray/ Balm, Tablets for loose motions, headache, fever, indigestion and body pain. Savlon or Dettol antisepctic liquid and injury plaster (band-aid etc.) and Iodine or Chlorine (For water purification), Salt.
• Personal Kit: Lighter, Pen, Tissue Papers, Army Knife, Binocular, Filed Guide , Camera & Note book.

Please note: Cell phone network coverage is beyond reach and at occasion Tata Docomo/BSNL may work. The temperature in this region can go down somewhere between 10 degree to 1 degree hence birders are requested to please carry proper woolens/thermals.

Apart from all above, you may carry additional stuff as per your convenience.