Birdwatching in Uttarakhand
When to go, where to look and which birds to expect — from Himalayan Monal in Chopta to winter waterbirds at Asan Barrage.
Best time for birdwatching, by place
Indicative seasons — pick your months, then confirm with a local guide
Chopta Rudraprayag · 2680 m
Chopta sits inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, an Important Bird Area with more than 240 recorded species, from pheasants in rhododendron forest to raptors over the meadows.
Species: Himalayan Monal (state bird), Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Snow Partridge (winter), Himalayan Griffon, Mountain Hawk-Eagle
Birdwatching in Chopta →Dhanaulti Tehri Garhwal · 2286 m
Deodar and oak forest near Mussoorie where Himalayan Bulbul, Great Tit and Himalayan Woodpecker are regular.
Species: Himalayan Bulbul, Great Tit, Himalayan Woodpecker
Birdwatching in Dhanaulti →Tungnath Rudraprayag · 3680 m
The Tungnath–Chandrashila climb passes through rhododendron, then alpine meadow, with pheasants low down and raptors near the summit.
Species: Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, White-crested Laughingthrush, Asian Barred Owlet, Himalayan Griffon, Snow Partridge (winter)
Birdwatching in Tungnath →Chandrashila Rudraprayag · 4000 m
Summit views at about 4,000 m with Himalayan Griffon overhead and Snow Partridge a winter possibility.
Species: Himalayan Griffon, Snow Partridge (winter), Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant
Birdwatching in Chandrashila →Deoriatal Rudraprayag · 2438 m
A forest-ringed lake near Sari where laughingthrushes, magpies and redstarts feed in the oak and rhododendron.
Species: White-capped Redstart, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Himalayan Woodpecker, Striated Laughingthrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Hoopoe (spring)
Birdwatching in Deoriatal →Bhimtal Nainital · 1370 m
Lake birding in the Nainital district, best in winter.
Species: Egrets, Crested Serpent Eagle, Coppersmith Barbet
Birdwatching in Bhimtal →Binsar Almora · 2412 m
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary has over 200 recorded species, including Monal, Koklass and Himalayan Griffon.
Species: Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon, Forktail
Birdwatching in Binsar →Munsiyari Pithoragarh · 2200 m
High-altitude birding for rare Himalayan specialities.
Species: Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Ibisbill, Grandala
Birdwatching in Munsiyari →Pangot Nainital · 1940 m
A birding village near Nainital with 250+ recorded species including Cheer Pheasant and Kalij Pheasant.
Species: Cheer Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Blue Whistling Thrush, Brown Wood Owl (Kilbury)
Birdwatching in Pangot →Asan Barrage Dehradun · 420 m
A wetland near Dehradun where migratory ducks and geese gather every winter.
Species: Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, Red-crested Pochard
Birdwatching in Asan Barrage →Rajaji National Park Haridwar · 450 m
Forest and riverbed birding near Haridwar and Rishikesh, best in the cooler months.
Species: Great Hornbill, Indian Roller, Kingfishers
Birdwatching in Rajaji National Park →Birdwatching FAQs
What is the best time for bird watching in Uttarakhand?
Spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons for the hills — Chopta is best April–June for breeding birds. Winter (November–February) is best for migratory waterbirds at Asan Barrage and Bhimtal. The monsoon (July–August) is best avoided because trails are slippery.
What is the best time for bird watching in Chopta?
The best time for bird watching in Chopta is Apr–Jun (Breeding season — the busiest and most colourful time for resident birds; verditer flycatchers around Chopta.). Also good: Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov. Best avoided: Jul–Aug. Seasons are indicative and sightings are never guaranteed.
Which are the best places for birdwatching in Uttarakhand?
Chopta, Dhanaulti, Tungnath, Chandrashila, Deoriatal, Bhimtal, Binsar, Munsiyari, Pangot, Asan Barrage, Rajaji National Park.
Which bird is the state bird of Uttarakhand?
The Himalayan Monal is the state bird of Uttarakhand and can be seen around Chopta, Tungnath and Binsar.
What time of day is best for bird watching?
Early morning, from first light to mid-morning, is the most active period; late afternoon is a second window.
Seasons, species and hotspots are indicative and based on published birding guides. Sightings are never guaranteed; follow forest-department rules and do not disturb nesting birds.