Pangot Bird Watching

Overview

Pangot is a village surrounded by thick forests, quiet, streams & walking trails. The 350 or so bird species that inhabit these woods attract enthusiasts from around the world. With only nature as the attraction, Pangot offers a much more peaceful holiday than its famous cousin, Nainital.
India is famous the world over for its rich flora and fauna. Pangot is one such beautiful hamlet in the state of Uttarakhand which lies just 15 km from the ‘city of lakes’ Nainital. Walking into Pangot is like stepping into a remote Himalayan village. This birdwatchers’ paradise has more than 250 species of birds in and around as recorded by Jungle Lore Birding Lodge.

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge is the first birding lodge of India. It is an iconic lodge that brought this region to the world map of bird watching. A very pretty lodge in a remote part of the Himalayas, easily accessible from Nainital. The lodge is located at 2000 meters and surrounded by thick oak forest. A base for trekkers and nature lovers. We organise bird walks, short day treks, also 2 nights or 3 nights treks from Pangot to Corbett NP that are appropriate for families and adventure seekers. All comforts are provided for holiday makers. Friendly staff. Fresh farm produce. Bar-be-cue and special dinners, private sit-outs, cooking classes, guided sightseeing. A complete Himalayan experience where you will have a chance to visit the local village, enjoy photographing their lifestyle and daily routine, share a meal or a cup of tea with them, understand their customs and traditions. Great Nainital tourist excursions with boat, cable car and horse rides, zoo visit, shoping etc. We promise you fun.

Bird Watching in Pangot

More than 250 species of birds have been recorded in the area. One can have excellent birding opportunities in the lodge itself. Besides, there are numerous walks through the terrace fields into thickly wooded oak forest which are extremely rewarding.
There are good trails from the lodge to Timla Pani, Ggughu Khan, Kilbury Forest Rest House and on to Cheena Peak. The guide may accompany you on these treks (prebooking required).

Woodpecker Point

Pokhra Dhar

One of the area’s most reliable birding spots, this is a fairly level 2 km walk from Pangot via both an old British bridle path and the main road. It has a shallow pool (Pokhar) where you can easily glimpse birds such as brown –fronted and grey – hooded woodpeckers, as well as the luminous maroon oriole and jewel-like blue Verditer Flycatcher.

Pangot Nala

This stream runs nearly all year round. As you walk from Pangot to Kilbury, you will cross a bridge after 1 km. Turn right on the path going up from the bridge along the stream. This is excellent picnic territory; take a dip I the pools, even chill your beer in them. Look out for spotted forktails, long-billed thrushes, and brown wood owls.

Best Time to visit

Pangot is one of those places in Uttarakhand that can be visited all round the year. The best time to visit Pangot is from October to June. Different species are sighted in different seasons – winter is the best time to see Upper Himalayan birds, which migrate to Pangot during the cooler months. You might get to experience snowfall in Pangot if you visit in January.

Weather

Winter – October to March- The days are nice and crisp, but the nights get cold. Great season for bird watching and mountain views.
Summer – April to June -Cool days with pleasant nights. Good birding.
Monsoon – July to September - Cold days and nights. Good for resident birds.

Highlights