What does Valley of Birds do?

Valley of Birds runs small-group bird photography expeditions and guided birdwatching tours across Uttarakhand, led by local bird guides from a base at Kathgodam. Departures are capped at six guests and built around hides, fixed perches and light rather than distance covered.

Where in Uttarakhand do you guide?

We guide eight valleys: Chopta, Tungnath and Mandal in Garhwal; Kathgodam with Sattal and Pangot, Mornaula, Munsyari and Darma Valley in Kumaon; and Harshil in the upper Bhagirathi valley.

When is the best time to book a Himalayan birding expedition?

November to April suits winter river birds, thrushes and snow-backed pheasants. March to June covers the rhododendron bloom and breeding season. September to November is the window for high-altitude trips to Darma Valley and the Chandrashila ridge.

How do I book a bird photography tour with Valley of Birds?

Send an enquiry with your dates and target species, or message us on WhatsApp at +91 88812 35164. We usually reply within a day with a species list, a suggested valley and the seats still open on the next departure.

Valley of BirdsKathgodam · Uttarakhand

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✦Bird Photography Expedition

Where The Himalayas Sing

“We don't chase birds, we wait where they live.”

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Chopta Birding Tour →

700+

species documented

10+ Yrs

guiding these valleys

3,600 m

highest altitude

2–4

guests, never more

5.0

Excellent · 100% Recommended

Google Business Verified•Kathgodam Basecamp

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Prakash Nagesh

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3 months ago

Verified Trip

“Unmatched field craft. Trilok knew the exact ridge and morning hour where the Himalayan Monal arrives. Small group of 4 meant every photographer had space and unhurried time. Zero stress on the birds. Best birding experience in Uttarakhand!”

✦Darma Valley Winter Monal TrailKumaon Himalaya

Gopal Singh

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1 monthS ago

Verified Trip

“It was great to have birding trip with Trilok Singh.He works very hard when he is leading birding trip.I was very lucky to be part of it.saw so many birds with help of him..Wish to do such trips again and again”

✦Chopta & Mandal Sunbird ExpeditionChopta Valley

Ashwin Kenkare

✓

9 months ago

Verified Trip

“Had a fantastic trip to Kathgodam, Sattal and Pangot. 2nd visit to this place and Trilokji made it completely worth it.”

✦Kathgodam, Saattaal & PangotKumaon, Uttarakhand

Saptarshi Chatterjee

✓

4 months ago

Verified Trip

“Had an amazing birding experience with Trilok Singh Bisht across Kathgodam, Sattal, Ranikhet, and Kaladhungi. Right from the start, his knowledge of the Kumaon region and its birdlife was incredibly impressive. What stood out the most was his ability to locate and identify species with ease—whether it was forest skulkers, canopy birds, or elusive owls. His understanding of bird calls and behavior really elevates the whole experience. Trilok is not just a guide, but someone who genuinely enjoys being in the field and sharing that passion. He was patient, ensured great sightings, and also helped with positioning for photography without disturbing the birds—something I personally value a lot. The sessions were well-paced, covering different habitats efficiently—from dense forests to open patches—giving a very wholesome birding experience in Kumaon. If you're planning birding in Uttarakhand, especially around Kathgodam, Sattal, Pangot, Ranikhet, or Kaladhungi, I would highly recommend going out with him. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced birder, you'll definitely come back with great sightings and learnings.Looking forward to more birding sessions together in the future!”

✦Kathgodam Foothills & RiverbedKathgodam Basecamp

Anand Mahajan

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2 Month ago

Verified Trip

“Always great experience with you. Would like to meet you again to explore more birds in Uttrakhand”

✦Mornaula Winter BirdingMornaula Ridge

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Fixed | Flexible departures · 2–4 guests

Our Birding Destinations

7 nights · 8 days · Moderate pace

Kathgodam | Ranikhet | Mandal | Tungnath | Chandrshila

Chopta Birding Tour

Kathgodam to Chandrashila Birding Tour – Explore the Himalayas of Uttarakhand The journey from Kathgodam to Chandrashila takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes and birding habitats of Uttarakhand. This Himalayan birding route connects Kathgodam, Ranikhet, Mandal, Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila, offering a remarkable combination of forest birding, mountain landscapes, and high-altitude Himalayan experiences. Starting from Kathgodam at approximately 554 metres, the route gradually climbs through the diverse forests of Ranikhet (1,869 m) and Mandal (around 1,500 m) before reaching Chopta at approximately 2,680 metres. These changing elevations create a variety of habitats, making the route particularly rewarding for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers looking for Himalayan bird species. From Chopta, the journey continues on foot towards Tungnath Temple, located at around 3,680 metres, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The trail then climbs further to Chandrashila Peak at approximately 4,000 metres (13,123 feet), the highest point of the expedition. From the summit of Chandrashila, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, while the surrounding alpine landscapes provide a dramatic finale to this unique Uttarakhand birding and photography expedition. With its combination of Himalayan birding, wildlife photography, scenic forests, mountain trails, Tungnath Temple, Chopta, and Chandrashila, this route is ideal for birders, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travellers looking to explore the lesser-known natural beauty of the Indian Himalayas.

About Valley of Birds

01Expedition Philosophy

Hidden ValleysGlacial HabitatsHigh Altitude

Our Concept

Exploring the hidden valleys of the Himalayas — from the snowline to the glaciers — in search of rare Himalayan birds. Our expeditions go beyond regular birding trails, taking you into remote valleys, alpine habitats, and glacial landscapes. Starting from our base camp at Valley of Birds (Kathgodam), every expedition leads deep into the wild heart of the Himalayas. Not just birding — it’s a journey into the high Himalayas.

02Naturalist & Educator

About the Founder

Trilok Singh Bisht15+ Years Birding PassionFormer Physics Teacher

Hi, I’m Trilok Singh Bisht, Founder of Valley of Birds. I have been passionate about and working in the field of birding for the past 15 years. Before entering the world of birding, I worked as a Physics teacher for higher classes.

Trilok Singh Bisht

Founder & Lead Naturalist

03Mission & Purpose

Scientific MethodField ExpertiseDeep Wild Connection

Our Vision

My background in science, combined with years of exploring the Himalayas, has shaped my approach to birding—curious, observant, and deeply connected with nature. Today, through Valley of Birds, I aim to share the beauty of Himalayan birdlife and take fellow birders beyond the familiar trails into the hidden valleys and high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas.

From the field

Great photography is depth of feeling, not depth of field.

From the field to the frame — every photograph is captured on our expeditions, in the very places where your next birding story begins.

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Chaafi

Slaty-backed Forktail

Tungnath

Himalayan Monal

Darma Valley

Chukar

Darma Valley

West Himalayan Bush warbler

Valley Of Birds Kathgodam

Common Green Magpie

Darma Valley

Himalayan Monal

+39more frames

Plan your expedition

Wait. Watch. Capture.

Tell us your target species and preferred dates — we'll reply within a day with a likely species list and recommend the best destination based on the season and your available time.

Send an enquiryFree planning help · no advance needed to ask

Call us+91 88812 35164+91 95281 19784

3 nights · 4 days · Easy pace

Kathgodam

Kathgodam Birding Tour

Kathgodam is the gateway to the Kumaon Himalayas and one of the best low-elevation starting points for bird watching and bird photography in Uttarakhand. Located at approximately 400–550 metres above sea level, Kathgodam offers easy access to rich foothill forests, riverine habitats, village landscapes, and nearby birding trails. The diverse habitats around Kathgodam support a wide variety of Himalayan birds, resident species, and migratory birds, making it an excellent destination for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers. Best Birding Spots Around Kathgodam Kathgodam Valley & Surroundings The forests and valleys around Kathgodam are excellent for spotting species such as Collared Falconet, Green-billed Malkoha, Great Hornbill, and White-rumped Shama. The area also offers excellent opportunities for bird photography in the Kumaon foothills. Suryajala Village Located approximately 8 km from Kathgodam on the Nainital Highway, Suryajala is a productive birding location known for species such as Crimson Sunbird, Tawny Fish Owl, and Himalayan Flameback. Its forest edges and surrounding habitats provide excellent opportunities for bird watching and photography. Chaafi & Mornaula The higher-altitude areas around Chaafi and Mornaula provide a transition from foothill forests to mid-altitude Himalayan habitats. These areas are particularly suitable for exploring oak forests and Himalayan bird species. Best Time for Bird Watching in Kathgodam November to February – Winter Birding: Winter is an excellent season for bird watching in Kathgodam, with increased opportunities to observe migratory birds and winter visitors along with resident Himalayan species. Mid-March to April – Spring Birding: Spring brings increased bird activity, breeding behavior, territorial calls, and excellent opportunities for bird photography in Uttarakhand. Pleasant weather and active birdlife make this one of the most rewarding seasons to explore the region. Why Choose Kathgodam for Birding? Excellent low-altitude birding destination in Uttarakhand Gateway to the Kumaon Himalayas Diverse foothill and forest habitats Excellent opportunities for bird photography Easy access from Kathgodam Railway Station Suitable for both beginners and experienced birders Convenient base for exploring multiple birding destinations across Uttarakhand Birding Destinations with Valley of Birds From our base in Kathgodam, birders can explore a wide range of habitats, elevations, forests, valleys, and Himalayan landscapes. Our major birding destinations include: Kathgodam | Sattal | Mornaula | Chaafi | Pangot | Nainital | Ranikhet | Kaladhungi | Manila | Mandal | Chopta | Askot | Dharchula | Darma Valley | Panchachuli Base Camp | Munsiyari | Harshil Valley | Niti Valley | Milam Glacier | Thala Bugyal These destinations offer opportunities to explore foothill forests, oak and rhododendron forests, alpine habitats, river valleys, high-altitude Himalayan landscapes, and migratory bird habitats. Whether you are interested in bird watching, bird photography, Himalayan birds, migratory birds, or guided birding tours, Kathgodam provides an excellent starting point for exploring the diverse birdlife of Kumaon and the wider Uttarakhand Himalayas. Explore Uttarakhand with Valley of Birds – Kathgodam and discover some of the finest birding destinations in the Kumaon Himalayas.