First Light
The classic Kumaun birding triangle, taken slowly. Kalika at dawn, the hides at Sattal, and the pheasant forests of Pangot.
- Duration
- 3 nights, 4 days
- Route
- Ranikhet, Sattal, Pangot
- Level
- Easy
- Price
- ₹19,500 pp
The classic Kumaun birding triangle, taken slowly. Over five hundred species live between these forests and lakes. You will not see them all. You will learn to see a few of them properly.
Day by day
Night one, Ranikhet
Arrive by evening. At dawn, Kalika forest with our lead guide. The Great Barbet, the Khalij Pheasant, the Verditer Flycatcher. The home list.
Night two, Sattal
Two hours to the seven lakes. An afternoon and a morning at the famous hides, where the birds come to you if you can hold still long enough.
Night three, Pangot
Through Nainital, with stops at Kilbury on the way. Pangot's forests hold the three pheasants every birder comes for. An early night, because the morning matters.
Day four
First light at Kilbury and Woodpecker Point. Then a short drive down to Kathgodam, and home.
Who it suits
- Birdwatchers of every level
- Photographers with patience
- Anyone who wants to learn to see a forest properly
How fit you need to be
Easy walking. Very early mornings.
Included
- All stays
- All meals
- All transport
- Hide charges
- Guiding throughout
- Binoculars on loan if you do not have your own
Not included
- Travel to Ranikhet, and home from Kathgodam
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
When to go
October to June. December and January bring peak activity, April and May bring breeding plumage. No departures in monsoon.
Before you book
Where do journeys start?
Almost every journey starts at Oakakhi Stays, our home in Ranikhet. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about three hours away by road. Tell us how you are travelling and we will help you plan the last stretch.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form. We talk first about what you are looking for, then share dates, the full plan and how to confirm your place. No booking is final until we have spoken.
I am travelling from abroad. Can I join?
Yes, and you are very welcome. Our page for international travellers covers getting to Ranikhet from Delhi, visas, permits, seasons, money and what to pack. Prices are in rupees, with approximate US dollar prices alongside.
What happens in an emergency?
Our guides carry first aid supplies and are trained in immediate response. In a real emergency, getting you to help fast is the only priority.
Let’s plan a quieter kind of journey.
Tell us what you are looking for, how many of you there are and roughly when. We will help you find the right walk, sky or forest, and we will be honest if we are not the right fit.