A High-Altitude Birding Expedition through Kinnaur and Spiti
Explore the spectacular landscapes of the Western Himalayas on this specially designed 9-day birding expedition from Chandigarh through Kinnaur and Spiti Valley.
The journey takes you from the lower Himalayan foothills through the forested landscapes of Kinnaur and into the high-altitude cold desert of Spiti. The itinerary combines birding, wildlife, photography, traditional Himalayan villages and spectacular mountain landscapes.
The tour has been designed with a gradual increase in altitude and includes multiple birding days around Kaza. The exact birding locations on the high-altitude days will remain flexible according to weather, road conditions, recent sightings and local information.
DAY 01: CHANDIGARH – CHAKKI MOD
Distance: Approximately 170 km
Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours
Altitude: Chandigarh ~350 m | Narkanda ~2,700 m
Meals: Dinner
The tour begins from Chandigarh with a comfortable drive towards the Himalayan foothills. Instead of undertaking the long journey directly to Rakchham, we make an overnight halt at Narkanda. This allows the group to begin the high-altitude journey in a more relaxed manner and avoids an extremely long first-day drive.
After reaching Narkanda, check in at the hotel and relax.
Depending on arrival time and weather, a short birding walk around the surrounding forest edges may be arranged.
This overnight halt also prepares the group for the longer mountain journey towards Kinnaur on the following day.
Overnight: Narkanda
Meals: Dinner
DAY 02: NARKANDA – RAKCHHAM
Distance: Approximately 175 km
Driving Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Altitude: Chakki Mod ~2,700 m → Rakchham ~3,100 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After an early breakfast, we continue towards the mountains and enter the spectacular landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
The route takes us progressively deeper into Kinnaur, passing through dramatic mountain valleys, traditional villages, forested slopes and along the Sutlej and Baspa river systems. As we gain altitude, the landscape gradually changes from the lower Himalayan forests to the more rugged terrain of Kinnaur.
By evening, we arrive at Rakchham, situated in the beautiful Baspa Valley.
After check-in at the homestay, there will be time to relax and acclimatize. If weather and daylight permit, we will take a short evening walk around the village and along the Baspa River to begin our birding exploration. The riverine habitat, forest edges and surrounding slopes offer our first opportunity to look for Himalayan birds.
Overnight: Rakchham
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 03: RAKCHHAM – CHITKUL – RAKCHHAM
Distance: Approximately 13 km each way
Driving Time: Around 30 minutes each way
Altitude: Rakchham ~3,100 m | Chitkul ~3,450 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
We begin the morning with birding around Rakchham before driving towards Chitkul, the last inhabited village of the Baspa Valley.
The road to Chitkul passes through spectacular mountain scenery, coniferous forests, alpine slopes and the Baspa River valley.
We spend the morning exploring suitable trails and habitats around Chitkul, searching for Himalayan birds. The pace will remain relaxed to allow participants to adjust to the increasing altitude.
After lunch or a packed meal, we return towards Rakchham. The afternoon and evening can be used for additional birding around Rakchham, particularly along forest edges, village surroundings and the river.
Overnight: Rakchham
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 04: RAKCHHAM – NAKO VIA KINNAUR
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Driving Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Nako ~3,650 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, we leave Rakchham and continue eastwards towards the high-altitude landscapes of Kinnaur and Spiti. The scenery gradually changes as the lush Baspa Valley gives way to increasingly dry and rugged mountain terrain. The journey takes us through traditional Kinnauri settlements, dramatic cliffs and spectacular mountain roads.
By afternoon, we reach Nako, a historic high-altitude village situated at approximately 3,650 metres. After checking in and taking some time to rest and acclimatize, we explore the surroundings for an evening birding session. The village and surrounding slopes provide a transition between the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan habitats.
Overnight: Nako
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 05: NAKO – TABO – KAZA
Distance: Approximately 120 km
Driving Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Nako ~3,650 m → Kaza ~3,800 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
We leave Nako after breakfast and continue towards the heart of Spiti Valley. The journey takes us through spectacular cold-desert landscapes, with barren mountain slopes, deep valleys and scattered traditional settlements. A major highlight of the day is Tabo, famous for its ancient monastery and remarkable traditional murals. Subject to available time and local conditions, we will make a short visit to Tabo.
From Tabo, we continue along the Spiti River towards Kaza, the administrative and cultural centre of Spiti Valley. After arriving in Kaza and checking in, the afternoon will be kept relatively relaxed to allow further acclimatization. If conditions permit, a short evening birding walk can be arranged around Kaza and nearby habitats.
Overnight: Kaza
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 06: KAZA – KIBBER & SURROUNDING HIGH-ALTITUDE HABITATS
Altitude: Kaza ~3,800 m | Kibber ~4,270 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today begins the core high-altitude birding section of the expedition. After an early breakfast, we travel towards Kibber and surrounding high-altitude habitats. The route provides spectacular views of the Trans-Himalayan landscape and offers opportunities to search for birds adapted to the extreme conditions of the Spiti Valley.
Birding locations will be selected according to recent sightings, weather and road conditions.
The Kibber landscape is also well known for its high-altitude wildlife. Depending on season, conditions and luck, there may be opportunities to encounter species such as Himalayan Ibex and Blue Sheep, while the wider region is famous for Snow Leopard sightings during the appropriate season.
We return to Kaza in the evening.
Overnight: Kaza
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 07: KAZA – LANGZA – HIKKIM – KOMIK / KIBBER REGION
Altitude: Approximately 3,800–4,500 m depending on route
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Another full day is dedicated to exploring the high-altitude landscapes around Kaza. The exact route will be decided according to current bird sightings, weather, road conditions and local advice.
Possible locations include:
LANGZA
Explore the high-altitude village and surrounding open slopes. The landscape provides opportunities to search for birds associated with the dry alpine and Trans-Himalayan ecosystem.
HIKKIM
A short exploration around Hikkim and its surrounding habitats can be undertaken depending on road and weather conditions.
KOMIC
The high-altitude landscape around Komic provides another opportunity to explore the unique birdlife of Spiti.
Alternatively, if recent sightings indicate better opportunities around Kibber or another nearby location, the day may be used there instead.
The flexibility of this day allows the guide to respond to the most recent birding information rather than following a fixed route regardless of conditions.
Return to Kaza in the evening.
Overnight: Kaza
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 08: KAZA – NARKANDA
Distance: Approximately 350 km
Driving Time: 9–12 hours
Altitude: Kaza ~3,800 m → Narkanda ~2,700 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
We depart early from Kaza for the long return journey. The drive takes us back through the dramatic landscapes of Spiti and Kinnaur before gradually entering the greener and more forested landscapes of the Shimla hills. The dramatic change in elevation and habitat provides a fascinating contrast to the cold desert environment experienced during the previous days.
By late afternoon or evening, we arrive at Narkanda and check in at the hotel/homestay.
After several days at high altitude, Narkanda provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy the cooler forest environment.
If time and daylight permit, a short evening birding walk around the hotel orchard or nearby forest edge can be arranged.
Overnight: Narkanda
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 09: Narkanda – Hatu Peak & Local Forest Birding
Altitude: Narkanda ~2,700 m | Hatu Peak ~3,400 m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the bird-rich forests and high-altitude habitats around Narkanda. After an early breakfast, we head towards Hatu Peak, one of the most scenic areas around Narkanda, surrounded by mature deodar and mixed Himalayan forests.
The morning birding session will focus on forest trails, open patches and forest edges, where we will look for a variety of Himalayan woodland birds. Depending on the season, weather and recent sightings, the area can offer opportunities to observe several species associated with the temperate Himalayan forest ecosystem.
We will take a relaxed approach to birding, allowing sufficient time for listening, scanning the canopy and exploring suitable trails rather than rushing between locations. The surrounding forests and viewpoints also provide excellent opportunities for landscape and bird photography.
After returning to Narkanda, we will have breakfast/lunch and some time to rest. In the afternoon, we can explore local forest patches, orchards and village surroundings for another birding session. The exact location will be selected according to weather conditions, bird activity and information from recent local sightings.
DAY 10 : NARKANDA MORNING BIRDING – CHANDIGARH
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast
We begin the final morning with an early birding session around Narkanda.
Depending on weather and road conditions, possible birding locations include Hatu Peak and surrounding deodar forests, forest edges and nearby orchards. This final birding session provides an opportunity to look for Himalayan forest birds before beginning the journey towards Chandigarh.
After breakfast, we depart Narkanda and drive towards Chandigarh. The expedition concludes upon arrival in Chandigarh.
Meals: Breakfast
Places of stay are a mix of Hotels & homestays
Luxury hotels and boutique stays are also available in this sector.
Arrival by Air – If arriving by air you can arrive by air at ( IXC ) Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport
Train – If arriving by train then you have to reach ( CDG ) Chandigarh Junction
High-Altitude Expedition
This is a high-altitude birding tour reaching approximately 4,270 metres around Kibber, with some excursions potentially reaching higher elevations depending on the selected route.
Participants should be physically prepared for high-altitude travel and walking.
Flexible Birding Program
Birding is dependent on weather, road conditions, bird activity and recent sightings. Therefore, the exact locations for Days 06 and 07 may be changed to maximize birding opportunities.
Bird Sightings
Bird sightings cannot be guaranteed. Our birding guide will make every reasonable effort to locate target species based on habitat, season, recent sightings and local knowledge.
Responsible Birding
Participants are expected to follow responsible birding practices and avoid disturbing birds, nests and other wildlife. Playback and other disturbance-based techniques should be avoided unless specifically permitted and appropriate.
Road & Weather Conditions
Mountain roads in Kinnaur and Spiti can be affected by landslides, snowfall, rain, road construction and other natural events. The itinerary may therefore require modification for safety and operational reasons.
Includes| 1. Accommodation for duration of tour – 9 nights |
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2. Meals – Breakfast & Dinner.
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| 3. Travel in Toyota Innnova or vehicle as per selection. |
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4. Accompanying experienced Photography guide.
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5. All permits & permissions.
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| 6. All drivers expenses included. |
| 7. All taxes included |
Excludes
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1. Stay for extra days if any ( Pre and post tour )
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2. Flights to the destination / end of tour
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3. Extra food Like Starters /Lunch /Dinner all over Pay & Eat ( if Any outside the venue)
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| 4. Meals not mentioned |
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5. Cameras / related equiptment.
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6. Porters or helpers.
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| 7. Monument entry fee if any. |
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8. Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
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9. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance / Travel Insurance.
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10. Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
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| PAX | COST |
| Cost based on 2 Pax in SUV with stay using 1 Room | Cost on request |
| Cost based on 4 Pax in SUV with stay using 2 Room | Cost on request |
| Single Room Supplement | Cost on request |
| Extra Bed | Cost on request |
Ankush Thakur | Bird Guide • Naturalist • Wildlife Photographer
Based in Himachal Pradesh, Ankush Thakur is a Himalayan bird guide, naturalist and wildlife photographer with extensive field experience across the Western Himalayas. His passion for birding began in 2012 and has since taken him across the forests, valleys, wetlands and high-altitude landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
Ankush has a strong understanding of Himalayan birdlife, bird behaviour and diverse mountain ecosystems. He regularly leads birdwatching walks, bird photography tours and high-altitude birding expeditions across Kinnaur, Spiti, Lahaul, Chamba, Kangra and other regions of Himachal Pradesh.
For the Spiti Bird Photography Tour, Ankush brings his field knowledge, photography experience and understanding of the region to help guests explore the unique birdlife and wildlife of the Trans-Himalayan landscape. He also has experience leading specialised wildlife expeditions, including Snow Leopard expeditions in Spiti and Himalayan Brown Bear expeditions in Lahaul.
His involvement with the Forest Department in bird surveys and biodiversity documentation further connects his guiding work with ongoing wildlife and conservation efforts.
With a background in tourism and international travel operations, Ankush combines natural history expertise, field experience and professional guest management, making him an ideal guide for both serious bird photographers and enthusiasts discovering Himalayan birding for the first time.
You can also check his work at – ankushthakurphotography
From Himalayan forests to the Trans-Himalayan cold desert, this expedition offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the changing ecology of the Western Himalayas.
The extended stay around Kaza on the Spiti bird photography tour gives us the flexibility needed for serious birding, while the journey through Rakchham, Chitkul, Nako and Tabo adds a rich combination of landscapes, culture and wildlife.
Join us for an unforgettable birding journey across Kinnaur and Spiti.
Contact us for departure dates, availability and booking information.
