Sikkim & Darjeeling Travel —» Adventure & Wildlife —» North Sikkim Tholung Valley Bird Watching Tour

Tour Itineraries

North Sikkim Tholung Valley Bird Watching Tour

Located in the shadow of the 6888 Meters high Siniolchu, and the 5200 Meters Lamo Anden, this is virtually an uninhabited valley with a miniscule population ( less than 50 ) of Lamas, yak herdsmen, wood cutters, cow and sheep graziers. Due to restricted entry there is no  tourist traffic.

It is the domain of glaciers, snow clad peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, bio-diverse forests, cascading rivers and streams, and twittering birds, The altitudinal variation ranges between 1000 meters to 4500 meters. The lower valley has mixed open forest with amazing biodiversity. The variation in altitude, variety of trees and shrubs, lack of human population and vehicular traffic combine to make it a haven for birds, and a prime birding site.

A very good walking trail with offshoots of grazing trails provides access for birding. The entire length of the walking trail of 15 kms is a birding hot spot. Not yet on the birding map, the area is mainly unexplored. In November 2001, we recorded 67 species in two days. 

We offer two birding options. A leisurely birding walk to the Tholung Gompa is a rare opportunity to bird watch in the open mixed forest ranging in altitude from 1000 meters to 3000 meters and explore Tholung - the "secret hidden Valley of Sikkim", which is still a restricted area, even for domestic tourists. The whole family can enjoy nature’s bounty - far from crowds.

For the energetic we extend the birding up to Kishong Chu, 4228 meters looking for high altitude birds and enjoying the splendid views of Himalayan peaks, Alpine lakes, cascading streams, and grazing yaks.

Mangan is located on the North Sikkim High way. It is 70 Kms ( 2.30 hrs) from Gangtok and 153 kms (5.30hrs from Bagdogra Airport/NJP rail station via Singtam and Dikchu. After an overnight stay at Mangan you have to drive by jeep 14 Kms( 1.30 hrs) to Lingsha which is the start point of the trail toTholung Valley.

A special entry permit is required to proceed beyond Mangan.

At Mangan Tourist Lodge at Singhik is suitable for transit halts. For the birding, camping arrangements are provided by us.

7-10 days are required for productive birding in this area.

B/07: 07 days birding trek to Lower Tholung Valley

Day 01 Pick up from Bagdogra Airfield or NJP rail station. Drive to Singhik Tourist Bungalow. 153 kms Overnight

Day 02 Sunrise view of Khangchendzonga, from Singhik View Point. After breakfast drive to Lingsha, 1000 meters, in 2 hrs. Birding walk to Tsana 1573 meters. 09 Kms, full day birding. Overnight in Lodge or camping.

Day 03 Birding walk to Tholung Gompa 2600 M. 09 Kms, full day birding. Visit Gompa and overnight in lodge or camp.

Day 04 Birding walk back to Tsana. Overnight in Lodge or tents.

Day 05 Tsana birding walk. Overnight at Lodge or in camp.

Day 06 Birding walk back to Lingsha in 05 hrs. Drive to Mangan in 02 hrs. Overnight at Singhik tourist Lodge

Day 07 Drive back to Bagdogra/ NJP to board your flight/train. Or to Gangok to continue your Sikkim Holiday.

B/08:10 Days birding trek to Kishong Cho Lake

Day 01 Pick up from Bagdogra Airfield/NJP rail station. Drive to Mangan 150 kms in 05.30 hrs. Stay Overnight at Singhik tourist Lodge.

Day 02 Pick up from Bagdogra Airfield/NJP rail station. Drive to Mangan 150 kms in 05.30 hrs. Stay Overnight at Singhik tourist Lodge.

Day 03 Birding walk to Tholung Gompa 2600 M. 09 Kms, full day birding. Visit Gompa and overnight at lodge or in camp.

Day 04 High Altitude birding walk to Pyaju Falls, 3600 meters. 6 kms. Overnight in camp

Day 05 Trek to Kishong Cho lake. 04 kms in 4 hrs. Birding around lake. Overnight in Camp

Day 06 Birding walk back to Tholung Gompa. 09 Kms . Overnight at Lodge or in camp.

Day 07 Birding walk to Tsana Wilderness Lodge. Overnight at Lodge, or in camp.

Day 08 Tsana birding walk. Overnight at Lodge or in camp

Day 09 Birding walk back to Lingsha in 05 hrs. Drive to Mangan in 02 hrs. Overnight at Singhik Tourisr Lodge.

Day 10 Drive back to Bagdogra ( 5.30 hrs) to board your flight or to Gangok ( 2.30 hrs), or stay back to explore Lachung and Lachen valley in North Sikkim.

Note :

Special entry permits are required for these tours. First you have to get your visa endorsed for restricted area entry to Sikkim. Once this is done please send photo- copy of passport particulars and India visa, permit and Tolung Valley entry permit. Application forms will be sent on request. It requires 6 weeks to complete formalities.