Birding - Neora Valley National Park (NVNP) is one of the four protected areas in the District of Darjeeling. It covers a total area of 88km2 and is a compact patch of virgin forest, rich in bio-diversity located in the Eastern Himalayas. NVNP has also been mentioned in the tentative list of the World Heritage Center for its richness in bio-diversity in the year 1992. It is also an integral part of the Kanchenjunga Landscape. More than 10 species out of 400 birds found here are rare and endangered. Siberian Migratory birds are also to be found here. One can spot birds like The Great Hornbill, Rufous- Necked Hornbill, Pygmy wren- babbler, Satyr tragopan, etc. Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling, Kalimpong lies at the foothills of the great Himalayas. The area covers the moist and dense riverine forests of the Bengal and Sikkim with the foothills of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range. The climatic, vegetation and ecological conditions makes this region an unique home for a variety of bird species. Some of the birding hotspots in the region are
Darjeeling: Altitude is nearly around 2130 meters. Preferable base for birding is Sandakphu with the Singalila ridge. Kalimpong a resort town at 1300 meters is also know for its proximity to Neora forest. Tinchuley, Reshikhola, Chatakpur, various location at Dooars are also known for birding. April to May and October to December is best for birding
Singalila: Situated at an altitude of 2000 meters to nearly 3640 meters. The region is covered byforested area of bamboo, oak and rhododendron interspersed with many streams along the rugged mountains. It is suitable for trekking and is on the Sandakphu trek route. Many a spot are good for birding and the best time is between November to March
Lava / Loylegaon / Risyap / Pedong: Situated at an altitude ranging from 1600 - 2400 meters. It is also base camp for Neora Valley and Sikkim. Area is covered by mature evergreen forest. Loylegaon is 30 kilometers from Lava. Pedong is near Sikkim border. There are many a spot on the way from each of the places to other in forested area. The best time to visit is March to April and October to December. The region is spread over a large area and have adiversified region.
Dooars / Duars: Situated at an altitude ranging from 100 meters - 500 meters. It is home to Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary, etc. Area is criss crossed by rivers like the mighty Teesta, Torsha and other rivers. Neora Valley National Park at Suntalekhola at nearly 900 meters and is ideal spot to visit. This is a decent birding spot and best time to visit is October to April.
Hee - Bermiock: Hee - Bermiok is a tiny hamlet nestled in West Sikkim. It is bordered by Kalez Khola in the North, Hee Khola in the West, Rangit and Rangsang Khola in the East and Samdong Reserve Forest and Hee Patal in the South. Few Home stay which welcome tourists to stay with them.The variety of flora and fauna and various species of birds, makes it the place to head off to for nature true. Various birding site of Sikkim are, Maenam WLS, Ranjit Valley and Kewzing, West Sikkim – Pelling, Khecheopalri and Yoksum, West Sikkim- Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, East Sikkim - Gangtok - Bulbuly and Fambong lo WLS, North Sikkim – Lachen, Thangu and Gurudongmar Lake, Yuksam - Dzongri trek route, Dzongri & Prek Chhu Valley, etc
Highlights
- Guide-above 10 years of experience.
- Well Trained botany and wild-life guides
- Tents, cottages, personal cook, porters for night halts
- Acquisition of permits and other such necessary requirements are done for the clients at the time of reservation