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21 Dec,24

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24 Dec,24

2 Seats Left

Location

Nainital

Duration

4D/3N

24,000 29,000

24,000₹ 29,000

Overview

3 nights 4 days of Bird Photography Masterclass Tour to Sattal, one of the very few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. The tour also covers a visit to Pangot. 

 

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Rent Lens

Stay

About The Tour

Sattal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes situated in the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal, a town of the Nainital district in Uttarakhand, India, the region is nestled within fragrant forests of oak and pine. At an altitude of around 1,370m, Sattal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. Year-round, hundreds of species of birds are drawn to this picturesque, forested freshwater habitat. That makes Sattal a popular destination for nature lovers, especially birdwatchers. It's a place where there is an excellent chance for photographers to capture some striking frames as well. 

Pangot on the other hand is also a major tourist attraction, is located about 15km from Nainital. It is an incredible place for birdwatchers and adventurous activities such as mountain biking and trekking. The road from Sattal to Pangot passes through Vinayak, Cheena peaks, characterised by mixed forests dominated by thick oak, pine and rhododendron. The forests of Pangot attract a variety of birds, over 150 species have been sighted in the region. Many bird species are found on the premises of the Kafal house, making it a haven for nature lovers, birders and butterfly watchers.

Target Species

Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Blue-winged Minla, Red-Billed Leiothrix, Himalayan Woodpecker Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-Headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Verditer Flycatcher, Black-chinned Babbler, Speckled Piculet, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Grey Treepie, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, White-Throated Fantail, Ashy Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Cheer phesant, Khalij pheasant, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, redstarts, laughing thrush's, Barbets, Finches etc are the names small amount of one can see. If we’re lucky, we might even sight the Yellow throated marten, European goldfinch, Tawny Fish Owl and the Fire-fronted Serin.

Quick Information

Route:

Kathgodam - Sattal - Pangot - Sattal - Kathgodam

Start Point:

Kathgodam

Duration:

3 nights 4 days

End Point:

Kathgodam

Inclusions

  • One of the most beautiful places to photography birds of the Himalayas
  • Pick and drop from Kathgodam railway station.
  • Accommodation for 3 nights in Sattal.
  • Veg breakfast, lunch and non-veg dinner during the stay.
  • All park charges, entry fee etc.
  • DCP photography expert and guide for 4 days.
  • All Taxes and service charges.

Experts

How To Reach

Pantnagar's airport is the closest airport to Sattal. You can take a taxi from the airport to reach Sattal.

Reach Kathgodam railway station. We will pick you up from Kathgodam. 

You can take a bus to Nainital. From the bus stand, you can hire a cab to reach Sattal from there. 

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

  • Telephoto lenses – preferably above 400 mm
  • Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
  • Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
  • Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
  • Carrying a Tripod is a must for all bird photography workshops
  • Body Warmer for the chilly early mornings.
  • It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.
  • Please carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites.
  • Carry a pair of good binoculars

Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

Itinerary

Our tour starts Ex Kathgodam. Recommended train (not included in package) is Ranikhet Express, which departs from Old Delhi Railway Station by 10:05 pm on previous night and reaches Kathgodam by 5:05 am early in the morning. Our representative will pick you up from Kathgodam railway station. Those who plan to travel by road from Delhi, are requested to coordinate with our mentor for their pickup from Kathgodam or can reach the resort directly. After a brief round of introduction about the avian biodiversity of the region, we will go a hide based photography session for Red-Billed Leiothrix, Himalayan Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-Headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, Verditer Flycatcher, Black-chinned Babbler, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie, Great Barbet, Blue-throated Barbet, White-Throated Fantail, Ashy Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul, Black Bulbul and many more. It is an amazing experience, specially for someone who is visiting the place for first time. Have lunch at resort. Take some rest. In the evening we will be visiting the so called 'Sattal Studio' for another round of exciting photography session. We are likely to photograph Blue-winged Minla, Red-Billed Leiothrix, Verditer Flycatcher, White-Throated Fantail, Ashy Bulbul, Himalayan Bulbul and so many more. Come back to the resort. Discuss the day's experience with our mentor over a group discussion ending with a delicious dinner. 

Wake up early in the morning and head towards another hide based photography session at the Ashram area. The background and the light conditions are different here offering great photography opportunity. If we’re lucky, we might even sight the Yellow throated marten. Come back to resort for lunch. In the evening we will go to Chaafi area. We will have great opportunities of photograhying Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Crested Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Redstarts. After the day's shoot, come back to the resort. Take rest and join the group for dinner. Next day is going to be a long day.

Wake up very early in the morning. We will be going to Pangot today. We will be carrying packed breakfast and lunches. Enjoy the magnificent beauty of the sub-Himalayan region on the way. Pangot is at a higher altitude and the species found here are a bit different from those commonly found at Sattal. Enjoy the amazing scapes. We have good chances of sighting and photographying Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Cheer pheasants, Khalij pheasants in addition to the regular sightings. We come back to Sattal after a full day excursion in the wild.

Breakfast at resort. Tour ends, Drop at Kathgodam Railway Station.


Field Learnings

On field learning from the experts is said to be one of the best methods of improving your skillsets. Our expert will hand hold you at every possible step for a better understanding of perspectives, camera controls and how to make use of the best opportunities to get better images. The training will focus on the following

  1. Different modes of shooting (Av / A, Tv / S, M and P)
  2. Exposure control in field under difficult light conditions
  3. Mastering metering techniques (Spot, partial, center weighted, evaluative)
  4. Mastering auto focus, focusing points, AF locking and focus tracking for moving subjects
  5. How to get sharp images of moving subjects
  6. Framing and composition in the field

Package Cost

Rs 24,000 per head inclusive of all taxes 

Cost includes

  1. Accommodation for 3 nights in Sattal.
  2. Pick and drop from Kathgodam railway station.
  3. Veg breakfast, lunch and non-veg dinner during the stay.
  4. All park charges, entry fee etc.
  5. DCP photography expert and guide for 4 days.
  6. All taxes and service charges

Cost does not include:

  1. Camera-fee at sanctuaries.
  2. Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry Charges, Phone Calls, Tips etc.
  3. Any kind of insurance, Medical or/and Emergency Charges.
  4. Any extra meals not included in the above itinerary.

Map

Birder's Den, Sattal, Uttarkhand


Policies

Cancellation policy

  1. All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
  2. All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
  3. All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Yes. Please write to info@dcpexpeditions.com as it is subject to availability.



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