This exotic birding adventure takes us to many seldom-visited and remote destinations in northeast India. We will have the rare opportunity to search for a host of Asia’s most tantalizing and desirable species including the recently discovered Temminck’s Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, exquisite Beautiful and Velvet-fronted Nuthatches, rare and little-known Bugun Liocichla, incredible Grandala, rare and endangered White-winged Duck, incomparable Great, Rufous-necked, and Wreathed Hornbills, and dazzling Fire-tailed Myzornis – to name just some of the many exciting possibilities! We will explore a wealth of varied habitats and altitudes during this tour, from the high mountains of Sela Pass - home of the barely-believable Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant and others, to beautiful swathes of montane and hill forest and bolder-strewn Himalayan rivers in Nameri National Park and the Eagle’s Nest area, home to an astounding array of scimitar-babblers (no less than six species!), and laughingthrushes, the remarkable Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Sultan Tit, Fire-tailed Sunbird, the rare and amazing Blue-fronted Robin, all amongst an almost endless list of highlights! This is a very exciting tour that takes us to some of Asia’s best birding sites where few birders have ever ventured; and, consequently, we will no doubt encounter many rarely-seen species!

Tour Facts

Top Birds

Temminck’s Tragopan; Himalayan Monal; Snow Partridge; Blood Pheasant; Ward’s Trogon; Beautiful, White-tailed & Velvet-fronted Nuthatches; Bugun Liocichla; Purple & Green Cochoas; Black-headed Shrike-Babbler; Himalayan Cutia; Fire-tailed Myzornis; Collared Treepie; Blue-naped Pitta; Long-billed & Bar-winged Wren-Babbler; Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler; Long-billed Plover; Black-tailed Crake; Grandala; Rufous-necked Hornbill; Pale-headed Woodpecker; Slender-billed & Coral-billed Scimitar Babblers; White-winged Duck; Pied Falconet; Golden-breasted Fulvetta; Broad-billed Warbler; Stripe-throated & Rufous-vented Yuhinas; Mountain & Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagles; Wallcreeper; Yellow-billed Blue Magpie; Spotted Nutcracker; Red-billed Chough; Brandt’s & Plain Mountain Finches; Collared Grosbeak; Hodgson’s Treecreeper; Dark-rumped, Dark-breasted and Himalayan White-browed Rosefinches; Blyth’s Kingfisher; Mrs Gould’s, Fire-tailed, Green-tailed & Black-throated Sunbirds; Green Shrike-Babbler; Black-winged Cuckooshrike; Slaty-backed & Sapphire Flycatchers; Sultan & Fire-capped Tits, Blue-fronted Robin.

Top Mammals

Gaur; Indian Elephant; Himalayan Serow; Assamese Macaque; Capped Langur; Yellow-throated Marten; Large-eared Pika; Black Giant, Orange-bellied Himalayan, Hoary-bellied & Himalayan Striped Squirrels; small chance for Red Panda; Asiatic Black Bear; Leopard Cat.

Habitats Covered

montane & lowland forest, bamboo, rivers, woodland, rocky, alpine/heathland habitat

Expected Climate

warm to hot in the lowlands and cool to cold in the mountainous. Sela Pass (day trip) at 4200m (13,800ft) will be cold with a chance of snow

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.

Accommodation

basic to comfortable

Ease of Birding

moderate

Number of Species Expected

300 - 350

Other Attractions

amazing scenery and wildlife sanctuaries, incredible forest

Photographic Opportunities

average to good

What our clients say about us

DH - India 2024

We had a great tour. It was smaller even than usual, as two of the participants departed after two days due to illness. Glen, was as always his uber-keen birder, cheerful self. His magic pulled out quite a few surprising sightings.

GM, India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats (Small Group) 2026

I had a wonderful time on this tour. The group had great chemistry, the accommodations and food were excellent and we visited many beautiful places. This and much more made for a very pleasurable experience. I hadn't been with Paul before on a tour; I'll certainly be checking on his tours now. Put simply, he was excellent. In addition to his obvious birding skills, he handled all phases very efficiently, and he made sure everyone could/would see as many birds (and mammals, etc) as they could, and his outgoing, pleasant personality all added up to a very rewarding and memorable experience. The guides and many other people of India really added to our trip. They were very friendly and helpful. That added a lot to our trip. Lastly, but not least, THANK YOU to all the Rockjumper staff. They helped me with all my questions and requests. They always do this. (Side note; this was my 11th nd 12th tours with Rockjumper) Again , THANKS to all at Rockjumper.

FG, India 2018

David Hoddinott was at his best even on new grounds full of lifers.

GS, India - Southern: Endemics of the Western Ghats (Small Group) 2026

An excellent tour! Paul Josop lived up to our expectations for a Rockjumper guide - excellent knowledge of the birds; conscientious about getting everyone on the birds; on top of all the arrangements for meals, lodging and transportation; worked well with the local guide; and shared his excitement and good humor throughout the trip. The WhatsApp group that he set up was brilliant. He shared photos with us, as did other participants, and it was an easy way for us all to keep in touch. We would love to travel with Paul again.

BG, Pvt Castleman India

This was a great trip. A terrific itinerary and we saw lots of birds and we saw tigers at Ranthambhore and Corbett. Glen and [the local leader] were excellent guides—great spotting skills, and they made sure everyone saw the bird. The logistics worked very well because Glen and [the local leader] were a great team.

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