NAMERI, MANDALA, SELA PASS, EAGLENEST

Discover the Hidden Birding Paradise of the Eastern Himalayas.

Trip Overview

Prime Habitat: Dense bamboo undergrowth and a cool climate make Singalila India’s ultimate red panda stronghold.
Remote Outposts: Stay in high-altitude villages like Kalipokhri (~3,100m) to access undisturbed trails and maximize sightings.
Expert Trackers: Partner with elite local guides who excel at reading subtle forest signs, like fresh droppings and feeding marks.
The Roof of the World: Experience jaw-dropping sunrise views of the Kanchenjunga and Everest ranges from high mountain ridges.

Key Highlights

Dedicated Tracking: Slow, silent photography sessions focused entirely on capturing red pandas in their natural, misty environment.
Rare Mammals: Be ready for the Himalayan Black Bear, Yellow-throated Marten, Leopard Cat, and the elusive Clouded Leopard.
300+ Bird Species: Photograph stunning Himalayan specialties like the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Scarlet Minivet, and neon-blue Grandala.
Vibrant Pheasants: Explore high ridges to spot spectacular, ground-dwelling birds like the Blood Pheasant and Satyr Tragopan.

ARUNACHAL'S TOP 10 BIRDS

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Peak Birding Season (March – April): The absolute best time. Rhododendrons are in full bloom, bird activity is at its highest with intense breeding calls, and rare Himalayan species are highly visible. Ideal for the Eaglenest + Mandala + Sela Pass combo.
Second Best Season (October – November): Clear skies, excellent visibility, and the arrival of winter migratory birds. Very comfortable weather for long field days.
Winter Birding (December – February): Excellent bird diversity in lower elevations (Nameri/Eaglenest) with fewer tourists, but be prepared for extreme cold and snow at Sela Pass and Mandala.
❌ Season to Avoid (June – September): Heavy monsoon rains trigger landslides. Sanctuaries are completely closed or highly dangerous to access.

ITINERARIES

Day 1: Arrival at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in, and an evening birding walk near the riverbanks.
Day 2: Early morning boat ride or river-side birding along Jia Bhoroli River, followed by a full-day forest trail.
Day 3: Early morning birding in buffer zones and villages, followed by an afternoon session along forest edges.
Day 4: Early morning birding near lodge, breakfast, check-out, and drive back to Guwahati.

Day 1: Arrival at Guwahati, drive to Bhalukpong for permits, check-in at Tenga/Lama Camp, and an evening birding walk.
Day 2: Early morning birding around Sessni (mid-elevation), continuing along the forest road towards Bompu Camp.
Day 3: Early morning birding around Lama Camp (2,350m) in temperate forest, followed by afternoon birding along mountain roads.
Day 4: Early morning birding session near camp, breakfast, and departure to Guwahati via Bhalukpong.

Day 1: Arrival at Guwahati, complete permit formalities at Bhalukpong, check-in at Tenga/Lama Camp, and evening birding.
Day 2: Early morning birding in mid-elevation forests around Sessni and afternoon birding in mixed hunting flocks.
Day 3: Early drive down to Bompu Camp area for subtropical forest birding targeting babblers and trogons.
Day 4: Morning birding around Lama Camp for high-elevation Himalayan views, ridge trails, and warblers.
Day 5: Early morning birding near camp, breakfast, check-out, and drive back to Guwahati.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in at eco camp, evening nature walk, and optional river rafting.
Day 2 – Nameri Birding & Safari: Early morning birdwatching inside Nameri, forest walk with armed guard, and afternoon rafting/riverside birding.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Cross Bhalukpong, scenic mountain drive, stop at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, and sightseeing at Dirang Dzong and Hot Water Springs.
Day 4 – Dirang → Eaglenest (Lama Camp): Drive to Eaglenest with birding stops at the Sela Pass area (high altitude birds), arriving at Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 5 – Full Day Birding in Eaglenest: Explore different elevations for target species like Beautiful Nuthatch and Rufous-necked Hornbill, returning to Lama Camp in the evening.
Day 6 – Return to Guwahati: Drive from Eaglenest to Bhalukpong and continue to Guwahati Airport.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in at riverside eco camp, evening nature walk, and optional rafting.
Day 2 – Nameri National Park Exploration: Early morning guided forest walk in Nameri, followed by afternoon river rafting and riverside birding.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Drive to Dirang via Bhalukpong with stops at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Dirang Dzong, and Dirang Hot Water Spring.
Day 4 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Visit the famous 108-stupa hilltop route around Mandala Top.
Day 5 – Dirang → Eaglenest (Lama Camp): Drive to Lama Camp (~2400m) and enjoy evening birding around the camp.
Day 6 – Full Day Birding in Eaglenest: Explore different elevations covering key areas like Sessni Camp and Bompu Camp.
Day 7 – Return to Guwahati: Drive from Eaglenest via Bhalukpong to Guwahati Airport.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in, and enjoy an evening nature walk and riverside birding.
Day 2 – Nameri Birding & River Safari: Early morning guided forest walk inside Nameri, followed by afternoon river rafting and riverside birdwatching.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Drive to Dirang with stops at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Dirang Dzong, and Dirang Hot Water Spring.
Day 4 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Explore Mandala Top, famous for the 108 Buddhist stupas and key bird species.
Day 5 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive from Dirang to Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 6 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Explore Sessni Camp for possible sightings like Beautiful Nuthatch and Rufous-necked Hornbill.
Day 7 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area): Explore Bompu Camp along different altitude zones and return to Lama Camp in the evening.
Day 8 – Return to Guwahati: Drive from Eaglenest via Bhalukpong to Guwahati.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in, and enjoy an evening nature walk and riverside birding.
Day 2 – Nameri National Park Exploration: Morning guided forest walk inside Nameri, followed by afternoon river rafting and riverside birdwatching.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Drive to Dirang with stops at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Dirang Dzong, and Dirang Hot Water Spring.
Day 4 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Visit Mandala Top, famous for its 108 Buddhist stupas.
Day 5 – Excursion to Sela Pass: Drive to Sela Pass (~4170m) to visit Sela Lake and spot snow-covered mountains, returning to Dirang in the evening.
Day 6 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive to Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 7 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Explore Sessni Camp.
Day 8 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area): Explore Bompu Camp across different altitude zones.
Day 9 – Return to Guwahati: Drive from Eaglenest via Bhalukpong to Guwahati.

Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati → Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in, and an evening nature walk and birding along the river.
Day 2 – Nameri National Park Exploration: Morning guided forest walk inside Nameri, followed by afternoon river rafting and riverside birdwatching.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Drive to Dirang with stops at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Dirang Dzong, and Dirang Hot Water Spring.
Day 4 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Visit Mandala Top, famous for its 108 Buddhist stupas.
Day 5 – Excursion to Sela Pass: Drive to Sela Pass (~4170m) to visit Sela Lake, returning to Dirang.
Day 6 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive to Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 7 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Explore Sessni Camp.
Day 8 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area) → Transfer to Kaziranga: Morning birding around Bompu Camp, later drive to Kaziranga National Park.
Day 9 – Kaziranga Wildlife Safari: Morning Elephant safari in Central Range and afternoon Jeep safari in Western Range.
Day 10 – Kaziranga → Guwahati Departure: Departure from Kaziranga National Park to Guwahati Airport.

Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati → Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in, and an evening nature walk and riverside birding.
Day 2 – Nameri National Park Exploration: Morning guided forest walk inside Nameri, followed by afternoon river rafting and riverside birdwatching.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Drive to Dirang with stops at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Dirang Dzong, and Dirang Hot Water Spring.
Day 4 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Explore Mandala Top, famous for its 108 Buddhist stupas.
Day 5 – Excursion to Sela Pass: Drive to Sela Pass (~4170m) to visit Sela Lake and high-altitude Himalayan scenery, returning to Dirang.
Day 6 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive to Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 7 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Explore Sessni Camp.
Day 8 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area): Explore Bompu Camp across different elevation zones.
Day 9 – Eaglenest → Kaziranga: Scenic drive from Eaglenest mountains to Kaziranga National Park plains.
Day 10 – Kaziranga Wildlife Safari: Morning Elephant safari in Central Range and afternoon Jeep safari in Western Range.
Day 11 – Kaziranga → Guwahati Departure: Departure from Kaziranga National Park to Guwahati Airport.

Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati → Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in, and an evening nature walk and riverside birding.
Day 2 – Nameri National Park Exploration: Morning guided forest walk inside Nameri, followed by afternoon river rafting and riverside birdwatching.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Drive to Dirang with stops at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Dirang Dzong, and Dirang Hot Water Spring.
Day 4 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Explore Mandala Top, famous for the 108 Buddhist stupas.
Day 5 – Sela Pass Excursion: Drive to Sela Pass (~4170m) to visit Sela Lake and dramatic alpine landscapes, returning to Dirang.
Day 6 – Dirang Valley Birding: Full day birdwatching around Dirang targeting Long-tailed Thrush and Golden Bush Robin.
Day 7 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive to Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 8 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Explore Sessni Camp.
Day 9 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area): Explore Bompu Camp across different elevations.
Day 10 – Eaglenest → Kaziranga: Drive from Himalayan foothills to Kaziranga National Park plains.
Day 11 – Kaziranga Wildlife Safari: Morning Elephant safari in Central Range and afternoon Jeep safari in Western Range.
Day 12 – Kaziranga → Guwahati Departure: Departure from Kaziranga National Park to Guwahati Airport.

Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati → Nameri: Arrive at Guwahati, drive to Nameri National Park, check-in, and an evening nature walk and riverside birding.
Day 2 – Nameri National Park Birding: Morning guided forest walk inside Nameri, followed by afternoon river rafting and riverside birdwatching.
Day 3 – Nameri → Dirang: Drive to Dirang with stops at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, Dirang Dzong, and Dirang Hot Water Spring.
Day 4 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Visit Mandala Top, famous for the 108 Buddhist stupas.
Day 5 – Sela Pass Excursion: Drive to Sela Pass (~4170m) to visit Sela Lake and high-altitude alpine scenery, returning to Dirang.
Day 6 – Dirang Valley Birding: Full day birding around Dirang.
Day 7 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive to Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 8 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Explore Sessni Camp.
Day 9 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area): Explore Bompu Camp across different elevations.
Day 10 – Eaglenest Birding (Lower Elevations): Explore lower altitude forests near the sanctuary entrance.
Day 11 – Eaglenest → Kaziranga: Drive from Himalayan foothills to Kaziranga National Park plains.
Day 12 – Kaziranga Wildlife Safari: Morning Elephant safari in Central Range and afternoon Jeep safari in Western Range.
Day 13 – Kaziranga → Guwahati Departure: Departure from Kaziranga National Park to Guwahati Airport.

Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati → Manas: Route: Guwahati → Manas National Park, check-in at eco-lodge, and an evening nature walk or riverside birding.
Day 2 – Manas National Park Safari: Morning Jeep/Elephant safari to target Golden Langur, Bengal Tiger, Rhinoceros, and Asian Elephant.
Day 3 – Manas → Nameri: Route: Manas → Nameri National Park, and evening riverside birding along Jia Bhoroli River.
Day 4 – Nameri National Park Birding: Morning forest walk and afternoon river rafting & birdwatching.
Day 5 – Nameri → Dirang: Route: Nameri → Bhalukpong → Dirang, stop at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, and explore Dirang Dzong & Hot Springs.
Day 6 – Mandala Birding Circuit: Full day at Mandala Top.
Day 7 – Sela Pass Excursion: Drive to Sela Pass (~4170m), visit Sela Lake and high-altitude Himalayan scenery, returning to Dirang.
Day 8 – Dirang Valley Birding: Full day exploring Dirang Valley.
Day 9 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, check-in at Lama Camp (~2400m).
Day 10 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Morning birding at Sessni Camp.
Day 11 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area): Explore Bompu Camp and nearby lower elevation forests.
Day 12 – Eaglenest → Kaziranga: Drive to Kaziranga National Park and evening relaxation.
Day 13 – Kaziranga Safari: Morning Elephant Safari (Central Range) and afternoon Jeep Safari (Western Range).
Day 14 – Kaziranga → Guwahati Departure: Drive back to Guwahati and departure from Guwahati Airport.

Day 1 – Arrival in Guwahati → Nameri: Guwahati → Nameri National Park, check-in at eco-camp, and evening riverside birding.
Day 2 – Nameri Birding & River Rafting: Morning forest walk and afternoon river rafting with birdwatching.
Day 3 – Nameri Full Day Birding & Adventure: Full-day exploration of Nameri trails, optional local village visit, and evening nocturnal bird/frog call listening.
Day 4 – Nameri → Dirang: Nameri → Bhalukpong → Dirang, stop at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, and an evening visit to Dirang Hot Springs.
Day 5 – Mandala Birding: Full day at Mandala Top.
Day 6 – Sela Pass Excursion: Dirang → Sela Pass (~4170m) to visit Sela Lake, returning to Dirang.
Day 7 – Dirang Valley Birding: Full-day birding in Dirang Valley.
Day 8 – Dirang → Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Drive to Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, check-in at Lama Camp (~2400m), and evening birding.
Day 9 – Eaglenest Birding (Sessni Area): Full-day birding at Sessni Camp.
Day 10 – Eaglenest Birding (Bompu Area): Explore Bompu Camp at multiple elevations.
Day 11 – Eaglenest Birding & Exploration: Full day in Eaglenest exploring remote trails and high ridges, with an optional photography session.
Day 12 – Eaglenest Extra Birding Day: Additional full day in Eaglenest to target rare species, optional hike, and evening campfire.
Day 13 – Eaglenest → Kaziranga: Direct drive to Kaziranga National Park, check-in, and evening at leisure.
Day 14 – Kaziranga Safari: Morning Elephant Safari (Central Range) and afternoon Jeep Safari (Western Range).
Day 15 – Kaziranga → Guwahati Departure: Drive to Guwahati and departure from Guwahati Airport.

Hundreds of Himalayan Birds & Iconic Mega-Fauna

Eaglenest (Bompu & Sessni): Bugun Liocichla, Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blyth’s Tragopan, Purple Cochoa.
Mandala Top: Fire-tailed Myzornis, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker, Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler.
Sela Pass: Grandala, Snow Pigeon, Alpine Accentor, Himalayan Monal.
Nameri: White-winged Wood Duck, Great Hornbill, Ibisbill, Wreathed Hornbill.
(A comprehensive checklist is provided upon booking).

Authentic Himalayan Eco-Camps

Stay in the Habitat: Because the absolute best birding happens in remote locations, you will stay in dedicated, strategically placed birding eco-camps (like Lama and Bompu Camps) right inside Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.

Strategic Field Positioning

Patience Over Pacing: Instead of exhausting all-day hikes, our expert birding guides focus on strategic positioning. We quietly reach high-probability mixed-flock zones and wait for the birds to come to us.

MANDATORY PERMIT INFORMATION

Important Travel Documents Required Because Arunachal Pradesh is a protected border state, special permits are mandatory for all travelers. We handle the application process for our booked guests.

For Indian Citizens: Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory. Requires ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport) and a passport photo. Valid for up to 14 days.
For Foreign Nationals: Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required. Travelers must travel in groups of at least two. Requires Passport, valid Visa, and travel itinerary.
Forest Permits: Additional entry permits are required for specific wildlife sanctuaries like Eaglenest.

Inclusions

Accommodation in twin sharing with all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) in all mentioned stays.
Guide charges for wildlife photography along with transfer charges as per the itinerary.
Pick up and Drop charges from Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station.
All Tolls and Parking fees.

Exclusions

Payment Policy:

Secure your trail with a 25% deposit. 50% is due 4 months prior to the trip, and the remaining 25% must be cleared 1 month before departure.

Cancellation & Refunds:

6 months before: 25% fee. 4 months before: 45% fee. Within 1 month: No refund. Note: In case of natural calamities, payments will be adjusted toward a future tour.

Climate & Gear Advice:

This Eastern Himalayan circuit requires strategic layering because you will experience extreme altitudinal climate shifts. While the lowland plains of Nameri are warm and humid, temperatures will plunge drastically as you ascend to Eaglenest (2,400m) and the freezing, often snow-covered peaks of Sela Pass (4,170m). Pack moisture-wicking base layers, heavy fleece mid-layers, and a premium windproof/waterproof down jacket. For Photographers: Bring a 400mm–600mm telephoto lens, and critically, pack extra camera batteries and keep them close to your body heat, as the freezing alpine air will drain power rapidly.