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India Sikkim

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus ©Laurence Poh http://www.laurencepoh.com/

The best birding region comprising the state if Sikkim and the adjoining parts of North Bengal - Darjeeling and Kalimpong, lies between Latitude 27 and 28 degrees North, and Longitude 87 to 89 degrees East. It is a rugged strip of vertical mountain country. Wedged between Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and the North Bengal Plains of India. This tiny region is just 90kms wide and 150kms deep. The country rises from near sea level to 8,500 meters, in a very short distance, The great Himalayan Range with its giant spurs – Singelila and Chola, virtually enclose this region in a titanic horseshoe. Starting from the plains of North Bengal tangled interlacing ridges rise range after range to the foot of the great wall of high peaks and passes opening into Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

The climate varies between the tropical heat of the valleys and the alpine cold of the snowy regions. With rainfall averaging 348cm, it is the most humid region of the Himalayas. Dry season is from November to March. The altitudinal zones of vegetation range from Tropical, through sub-tropical and temperate to Alpine. In some places only 10kms in a direct line separate the palm growing valleys from perpetual snow. This telescoping of terrain has created marked altitudinal zonation in the humidity, rainfall, climate and vegetation. This factor is responsible for the great variety and abundance of the resident bird life, making this area arguably one of the richest areas of its size anywhere in the world. Dr Salim Ali - one of India`s foremost ornithologists has recorded 527 species of resident birds. In addition there are vagrants, and transients on migration. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of the species of the Indian Sub continent can be spotted in this region.

The main towns in this region are Gangtok in Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong in the mountains of North Bengal, and Silguri in the plains of North Bengal. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is in the plains.

top sites

Khechepheri Lake - West Sikkim

The Khechepheri Lake at an altitude of 1980 m is 28Km from Pamayangtse, is a sacred lake located in a natural crater-like basin. The lake hosts migrant ducks and occasionally some rare species such as Black-necked Grebe, Baer`s Pochard or Greater Scaup. Other birds spotted have been Speckled Woodpigeon, Emerald Cuckoo, Blue-winged & Scaly Laughing Thrushes; White-naped Yuhina and many of the birds that can be seen at Pamayangtse. Khichipheri Lake is 28Km from Pamayangtse and Yoksom is another 32Km. It is feasible to drive from Pamayangtse/Pelling to Yoksom with a days birding at Khechepheri Lake.

Pamayangtse - West Sikkim

The Pamayangtse Monastery stands on a lovely site at 2085m altitude with breathtaking views of Mount Khangchen Dzonga. It is the second oldest in Sikkim, and the main attraction of West Sikkim. Around Pamayangtse and the nearby village of Pelling there are several excellent birding sites and hikes. Pamayangtse is 77km from Darjeeling and it takes 4 hours by jeep. It is also connected to Kalimpong (100km in 4 hrs). If you want to go directly from Bagdogra it is 148km and takes 5½ hrs. Some of the best species from Pamayangtse area are: Himalayan Griffon, White-throated Needletail, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-capped and Black-chinned Babbler, Rufous-winged & White-browed Fulvetta, Cutia, White-browed Shrike-Babbler, Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Verditer, Snowy-browed and Sapphire Flycatcher, Fire-tailed and Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, White-tailed Robin, Dark-breasted Rosefinch and Red-headed Bullfinch.

Tholung Valley - North Sikkim

This is an unexplored area in North Sikkim. Peter Lobo did the first birding exploration in Nov 2001, followed by the first tour in April 2002. The entry is through Mangan - located on the North Sikkim High way. It is 70Km (2½ hrs) from Gangtok and 153km (5½ hrs) from Bagdogra. Onwards it is 14km by jeep on a rough trail, from where the birding walk starts. Tholung Valley is located in the shadow of the 6888m high Siniolchu, and the 5,200m Lamo Anden, this is virtually an uninhabited valley with a miniscule population. Due to restricted entry there is no tourist traffic. It is the domain of glaciers, snow-clad peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, bio-diverse forests, cascading rivers and streams, and twittering birds, The altitudinal variation ranges between 1000m to 4,500m. The lower valley has mixed open forest with amazing biodiversity. The variation in altitude, variety of trees and shrubs, lack of human population and vehicular traffic combine to make it a haven for birds, and a prime birding site. The mossy oak and Rhododendron forests, coniferous forests and bamboo stands support some beautiful East Himalayan specialties. A very good walking trail with offshoots of grazing trails provides access for birding. The entire length of the walking trail of 15km is a birding hot spot. Not yet on the birding map, the area is mainly unexplored. The first birding tour to this area in April 2002 recorded over 100 species.

Tholung Valley - North Sikkim (Cont...)

Highlights: Crested Serpent Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Upland Buzzard, Satyr Tragopan, Whimbrel, Ashy Woodpigeon, Greater Coucal, Brown Wood Owl, Golden-throated Barbet, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Nepal Martin, Citrine Wagtail, Rosy Pipit, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Winter Wren, Plain-backed Thrush, Long-tailed Thrush, Scaly Thrush, White-browed Shortwing, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Tickell`s Leaf Warbler, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Spotted Wren Babbler, Cutia, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Wallcreeper, Gould`s Sunbird and Scarlet Finch. A special entry permit is required to proceed beyond Mangan.

Vershay and Dentam

Vershay is located at 3300m, on a massive ridge covered with protected forests of Silver Fir, Hemlock, Magnolia, and Rhododendrons. It is one of the best birding areas in Sikkim. Starting from the road head at the small village of Hilley at 2700m, it is an easy walk up to the ridge top. Hilley is 79Km from Darjeeling (4 hrs). It can also be reached from Kalimpong in 4½ hours. If moving directly from Bagdogra Airport it will take 6 hours. From Vershay a days birding trek through mixed forests of Rhododendrons, Magnolia and diverse flora to Dentam (1500m) is rewarding. Birds you are likely to see include: Red-breasted Tragopan, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Red-eared Bay Woodpecker, Brown Wood Owl, Rufus-bellied woodpecker, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Brown Parrotbills, Slaty-backed Flycatchers, Golden Robin, Long-tailed Thrushes, Grey-crested Tits, Streak-breasted, Rusty-cheeked, and Slender-billed Scimitar Babblers, various Laughing Thrushes, and Red-tailed Minla. There is also the attraction of breathtaking views of Mount Khangchen Dzonga, apart from the delightful Rhododendrons in bloom in Feb-March.

Yoksom Village - West Sikkim

Yoksom Village at 1,780m is as far as you can go by jeep. Around Yoksom some of the birds recorded are Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Maroon Oriole, Short-billed and Grey-chinned Minevets, Himalayan Bulbul, Red-tailed Minla, White-naped Yuhina, various Thrushes, Grey-winged Blackbird, various Tits, White-tailed Nuthatch, various sunbirds, and various bushchats.

contributor

Peter Lobo
Gurudongma Tours & Treks
(Kalimpong)
gurutt@sancharnet.in
http://www.adventuresikkim.com

useful reading

* Field Guides & Bird Song

For a comprehensive list of recommended titles covering India as a whole - please see the main India page of Fatbirder

Birds of Nepal - With Reference to Kashmir and Sikkim

Robert L Fleming Sr, Robert L Fleming Jr and Lain Singh Bangdel 368 pages, 152 col plates, maps. Imported by Elizabeth Forster c/o Otley Env't
ISBN: 8187138122
Buy this book from NHBS.com

useful information

State Bird

Blood Pheasant

reserves

Orchid Sanctuary

http://travel.indiamart.com/places/sanctury/orchid_sanctury.html
Adjoining the institute is the Orchid Sanctuary where most of the 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim could be seen depending on the season. About a km beyond the institute stands a huge chorten whose gold apex is visible from many points in Gangtok.

trip reports

Travelling Birder
http://www.travellingbirder.com
The Travellingbirder.com birding trip report search engine guides you to 7,000+ birding trip reports on the Internet. You can search for trip reports from a specific country and time of year. Not all these reports are in English. So, if you can’t find the trip report you want on this Fatbirder page… give them a try!

2001 [November] - Peter Lobo

http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/india/india7/nsikkimnoc2001.htm
North Sikkim, with its Headquarters at Mangan, comprises of the valleys of Lachen, Lachung, Dzongu and Tholung. Each of these is formed by fast flowing glacier fed rivers originating from The Great Himalayan Range and its offshoots. On the West the Singelila Range and its spurs are dominated by the peaks of Narsing ,5825, Pandim, 6691, Khangchendzonga ,8586, Simvo, 6811, Siniolchu, 6888, Lamo Anden, 5200, Tent Peak 7365, and the Jonsang Peak 7459. To the North the Peaks of Donkong, 5660, Khanchenggyao, 6889, and Pauhunri, 7054, dominate the sky- line. On the Eastern side, the Chola Range at an elevation of 5500 demarcates the boundary with Chumbi Valley in Tibet. Perhaps in no other region is so much of natures bounty packaged by god in such a compact area...

2002 [April] - Jan Vermeulen

http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/india/india11/sikkim2002.htm
This is an account of a 16 days trip to northern West Bengal & Sikkim in Northeast India from 29 March -14 April 2002. There were four of us on the trip: my long-time friends Vital van Gorp and Eric Wille and Peter Lobo (Gurudongma Tours & Treks); who was our guide for the whole period. For the three of us it was our third visit to India. Two months ago we decided to travel to this area after we had cancelled our trip to Nepal due to the civil unrest in that country...

2003 [April]

http://www.kolkatabirds.com/hillbirdsofind/netripreport.htm
The attached list of 151 birds were observed mostly from main roads and hotels. The weather in the mountains was depressing with fog, mist and rains dominating daylight hours. This restricted birdwatching and affected the count...

2004 [December] - Roger Ahlman

http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/upload/trips/Manu%20road%2021-31.12%2004.pdf
We decided to do a three week hardcore birding trip to the northeastern part of India in the Himalayas. Originally we had ideas of doing it on our own by hiring vehicles, finding hotels en route and buying food. We did however find Gorudongma tours and treks on the internet and asked for their prices and services...

2004 [February] - Peter Lobo

http://www.allindiabirding.in
The trip was mainly a birding tour with no sightseeing...

2005 [March] - Roger Ahlman

http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com/upload/trips/Northern%20Peru%2012-26.3%2005.pdf
A Kolibri tour...

tour operators

All India Birding Tours

http://www.allindiabirding.in
Your Birding itinerary depends upon your interests, the duration of the planned trip, and other matters such as your budget...

Jungle Travel India

http://www.jungletravelsindia.com
Small and beautiful, SIKKIM is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, Spread below the Mount Kanchenzonga (8534 mts.); the third highest mountain in the world, it is revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. Amidst the gradeur of the mountain peaks, the lush valleys, fast-flowing rivers, terraced hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within hours one can move from the tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the mountain slopes that reach up to the areas of perpetual show...

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