The Eight States of Northeast India – Grand Birding Expedition

(March 2027 / 2028 Departures) 20 Days

Price: USD 3150 per person

Single Supplement: USD 450

Group size – Max 6 participants + Local guide

Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati to Shillong (Meghalaya)

Your journey begins in Guwahati, set along the mighty Brahmaputra River. After arrival, you leave the plains behind and begin a gradual ascent into the Khasi Hills toward Shillong. As the road climbs, the air cools and the scenery transforms—subtropical vegetation gives way to pine forests, rolling hills, and drifting clouds. Occasional stops along the route may already yield your first Himalayan species. By late afternoon, if time allows, you begin gentle birding along forest edges and quiet trails. Early encounters may include flocks of Gray Sibia, often moving noisily through mid-canopy, accompanied by Long-tailed Sibia. The understory may hold Assam Laughingthrush, a regional specialty, while Black-faced Warbler flickers through foliage in mixed flocks.

Experience Notes:

• Gradual altitude gain helps acclimatization
• First introduction to Northeast India’s birding pace and habitat

Day 2 – Birding the Shillong Plateau

Today is dedicated to exploring the varied habitats of the Khasi Hills—pine groves, subtropical broadleaf forest, waterfalls, and shaded ravines. The morning begins with active mixed hunting flocks. Bar-throated Minla and Chestnut-tailed Minla move energetically through the canopy, often joined by warblers and yuhinas. Listening carefully, you may detect the subtle calls of Russet Bush Warbler, typically hidden deep within grass and scrub. Tree trunks and deadwood provide opportunities for Darjeeling Woodpecker, while forest edges can reveal additional laughingthrushes and sunbirds.

Birding Style: Slow walking, frequent stops, flock-following
Key Focus: Mixed-species flocks and mid-elevation specialists

Day 3 – Shillong to Nameri National Park

You descend dramatically from the hills into the expansive Brahmaputra floodplain and continue toward Nameri National Park. This transition marks a major ecological shift—from montane forest to lowland riverine ecosystems. After lunch, birding begins along the Jia-Bhorelli River and adjacent forest trails. Here, patience is key. The highly sought-after Blyth’s Kingfisher inhabits shaded streams, often perching silently before darting into water. The forest floor may reveal Tickell’s Thrush, while mid-level foliage holds Pale-chinned Flycatcher. Open patches and grasslands support Bengal Bushlark, and as dusk approaches, attention may turn toward forest pools where the rare and secretive White-winged Duck may emerge.

Experience Highlight: Transition into tropical lowland birding ecosystems

Day 4 – Nameri to Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh)

An early morning session along rivers and streams offers further chances for kingfishers, leaf warblers, and flycatchers in soft morning light. You then begin the scenic drive into Arunachal Pradesh, climbing steadily toward Dirang. The journey itself is rich in birding opportunities. Watch the skies for White-throated Needletail, one of the fastest birds in flight, and scan river stretches for Crested Kingfisher. In forested sections, the rare Himalayan Cutia may appear in mixed flocks. By evening, Dirang Valley reveals a quieter, colder environment. As night falls, the deep calls of Tawny Fish Owl may echo from riverside forests.

Cultural Note: Entry into Monpa tribal region
Landscape: Terraced fields, monasteries, river valleys

Day 5 – Mandala Phudung (High Elevation Birding)

Today you explore Mandala, a high-altitude birding hotspot between 3,000–3,400 meters. The environment is dense, damp, and rich with bamboo undergrowth, moss-covered trunks, and rhododendron stands. Birding becomes more technical—many species are quiet, elusive, and require careful listening. The soft, insect-like calls of Broad-billed Warbler and Hume’s Bush Warbler may guide you to their hidden positions. Feeding flocks include Brown-throated Fulvetta and White-breasted Parrotbill, moving rapidly through bamboo. Higher slopes may produce Scaly Laughingthrush, while colorful finches such as Red-headed Bullfinch and Pink-browed Rosefinch brighten the landscape. Other key species include Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and the striking Himalayan Bluetail.

Birding Challenge: Dense habitat, fast-moving flocks
Reward: High concentration of range-restricted species

Day 6 – Sela Pass (Alpine Zone)

An early start takes you to Sela Pass at over 4,000 meters. The environment is stark and dramatic—rocky slopes, glacial lakes, and alpine scrub. Oxygen levels drop, and birdlife becomes sparse but highly specialized. Target species include Blanford’s Rosefinch, often feeding on exposed slopes, and Alpine Thrush or Himalayan Thrush in sheltered areas. With luck, you may encounter Grandala, a striking high-altitude species, or flocks of Snow Pigeon. The jewel-like Fire-tailed Myzornis may appear in rhododendron patches.

Experience Note: Cold temperatures, high altitude conditions
Visual Highlight: Snow landscapes and glacial lakes

Day 7 – Sela to Tenga Valley

Descending from alpine terrain, you re-enter lush forests in Tenga Valley. This transition zone is critical for one of the world’s rarest birds—the Bugun Liocichla. Birding here requires patience, silence, and careful listening. Other highlights include the tiny and elusive Spotted Elachura, often detected by its high-pitched call. Occasional sightings of Beautiful Nuthatch and Barred Cuckoo-Dove add excitement.

Days 8–13 – Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (Lama, Bompu, Khellong)

Your exploration of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary spans multiple elevations, each offering distinct bird communities.

Lama Camp (Higher Elevations)

Focus on Ward’s Trogon, Gray Peacock-Pheasant, Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, and Spotted Elachura. Bamboo patches may hold Black-throated Parrotbill.

Bompu Camp (Mid Elevations)

Dense forest provides habitat for Purple Cochoa, Rufous-throated Partridge, and Beautiful Sibia. Night birding may reveal Hodgson’s Frogmouth.

Khellong (Lower Elevations)

Warmer forests host Gray-sided Laughingthrush, Black-crowned Scimitar-Babbler, Puff-throated Babbler, and Sultan Tit. Overhead, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill may be seen.

Overall Experience:

• One of the richest birding gradients in Asia
• Continuous discovery across elevation zones

Day 14 – Eaglenest to Kaziranga National Park

Travel to Kaziranga National Park. This UNESCO site offers a completely different birding experience—vast grasslands and wetlands. Target species include Finn’s Weaver, while Bengal Florican (seasonal) and Pallas’s Fish Eagle add excitement.

Days 15–16 – Tinsukia Region

Around Tinsukia, explore wetlands, grasslands, and swamp forests. Key species include Marsh Babbler, White-hooded Babbler, and Collared Treepie, along with Jerdon’s Bushchat, Swamp Francolin, and the rare Black-breasted Parrotbill.

Days 17–19 – Mishmi Hills Expedition

Entering the remote Mishmi Hills, you explore one of India’s least-visited birding regions. Dense forests and bamboo slopes hold Manipur Fulvetta, Black-throated Parrotbill, Gould’s Shortwing, Gray-lored Broadbill, and the spectacular Green Cochoa. Special focus is given to elusive species such as Mishmi Wren-Babbler, Blue-fronted Robin, and Pale-billed Parrotbill.

Experience Highlight: True wilderness birding in remote terrain

Day 20 – Departure from Dibrugarh

Your journey concludes with a drive to Dibrugarh. A final optional birding session offers a last chance to absorb the sounds and sights of Northeast India before departure.

Final Reflection

This expedition is not simply a checklist of species—it is a deep immersion into one of the planet’s last great birding frontiers. From subtropical forests to alpine passes, every day unfolds a new ecosystem, a new challenge, and a new reward.