Mahananda, Lava, Rangit Valley, Varshey ,Ravbangla , Darjeeling and Sandakphu.

Entry to Sikkim is restricted. Tourists are permitted 15 days stay in Sikkim, and must apply for permission at the time of application for an India visa. The permit is issued by imprinting a stamp on the India visa.

Sikkim, and the adjoining mountains of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, together forms a homogenous mountain mass astride the valleys of the Teesta and Rangit Rivers. Wedged between the Himalayan Kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibetan uplands, this region has the most magnificent range of snow clad mountains in the world, comprising of two enormous spurs of the Great Himalayas – the Singalila and Chola Ranges, which rise to a maximum elevation of 8859 Meters.

The Himalayan barriers of this arc enclose three sides of a gigantic amphitheater; hewn as it were out of the Himalayas, and sloping down on its Southern side towards the plains of North Bengal. This region was first surveyed by Dr J. Hooker, during the middle of the last century. His “Himalayan Journal”, is still the best reference manual.

In this small area of less than 10000 sq. kms, there is an unbelievable richness of flora, fauna,and cultural heritage. With rainfall averaging 348 cms, it is the most humid region of the Himalayas. Dry season is from November to Apri.

Because of altitude variation from near sea level to over 8000 Meters, the flora varies from subtropical to arctic. This region, boasts of an awe- inspiring botanical richness, found nowhere else in the world, in such a compact region. There are 4000 species of plants.

Orchids and Rhododendrons, are the pride of Sikkim. There are 600

species of orchids in the lower regions, whilst. Rhododendrons, of 30 species are found in this region. They grow in profusion above 3000 Meters elevation. In the higher regions above 3500 Meters, flowers bloom out of the earth, as if by magic, during the brief summer months ( May-Aug). Wild daisies, Primulas, Iimpatience, and many more. Even the rocks and stones are covered by lichen and moss, presenting many hues.

The Altitudinal variation is responsible for the great variety and abundance of the resident bird life, making this area arguably one of the richest areas of its size anywhere in the world. Dr Salim Ali – one of India’s foremost ornithologists has recorded 527 species of resident birds. In addition there are vagrants, and transients on migration. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of the species of the Indian Sub continent can be spotted in this region.

This birding tour is designed to present with an opportunity to visit the various altitudinal zones from 100m to 3050 m to experience first hand the amazing bio-diversity, and maximize birding opportunities. We will be visiting chosen “hot spots” These include Mahananda WLS ( 100-300 m), Lava Reserved Forests and fringes of Neora National Park ( 2000- 2700 m), The Rangit River Valley ( 300 –1200 m), Hilley forests and Vershay Rhododendron Sanctuary ( 2300-3050 m), Sandakphu Ridge of 3600 mtrs.