India: Western Tragopan Expedition
There is just one goal on this short tour. See the mythical Western Tragopan, deep inside remote hill forest of the Great Himalayan National Park. We will dedicate four full days to searching for it, since this is a very rare and very elusive species. With luck, a glorious male will stroll into view, our whole reason for being here. Other specialists of the western Himalaya which may be seen include Black-headed Jay, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, White-cheeked Nuthatch, Nepal Cupwing, Variegated Laughingthrush, Black-and-yellow Grosbeak, and the lovely White-throated Bushtit. We have a small chance of encountering Spectacled Finch, but this species is always unpredictable.
Next Dates
10 April - 18 April 2027 (9 days)
Leaders:
Joshua Bergmark
Group Size Limit:
4
Single Room Supplement: $
200 USD
Deposit: $
750 USD
Price: $
TBD
Add a Title
Leaders:
Joshua Bergmark
Group Size Limit:
Add a Title
Single Room Supplement: $
TBD
Deposit: $
TBD
Price: $
TBD
Add a Title
Very small group tour with a maximum of four participants, and significant physical fitness required. Contact us if you would like to discuss if this itinerary is suitable for you.
Accommodation:
Apart from the hotels at the start and end, all nights are at a basic and remote camp in potentially cold conditions.
Walking difficulty:
This tour is strenuous, and requires a two-day tough hike to get to the birding area. Once there, every day we will be covering lots of ground, off track, up and down valleys. Significant levels of fitness are required.
Tour cost includes:
All accommodation, main meals, drinking water, internal flights, overland transport, tips to local drivers and guides, travel permits, entrance fees, and guide fees.
Tour cost excludes:
Flights before and after the tour start/end, visa, travel insurance, tips to tour leaders, laundry, drinks, and other items of a personal nature.
Day 1: Morning flight from Delhi International Airport (DEL) to Shimla, from which we will drive north to the trailhead for overnight.
Day 2-3: Hike into Great Himalayan National Park.
Day 4-5-6-7: We will dedicate four full days to searching for Western Tragopan. This is a very rare and very elusive species, so we will be using hides and careful fieldcraft to try and catch a glimpse. With luck, a glorious male will stroll into view, our whole reason for being here. Other specialists of the western Himalaya which may be seen include Black-headed Jay, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, White-cheeked Nuthatch, Nepal Cupwing, Variegated Laughingthrush, Black-and-yellow Grosbeak, and the lovely White-throated Bushtit. We have a small chance of encountering Spectacled Finch, but this species is always unpredictable.
Day 8: Hike out. Depending on timing, there may be an opportunity to look for Cheer Pheasant.
Day 9: Evening flight back to Delhi International Airport (DEL) where the tour ends this evening.