This 9-day guided trekking and birding itinerary weaves together the lowland rainforests of Nameri in Assam, the extraordinary Eaglenest Sanctuary, and the high-altitude birding country around Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. Combining early-morning trail birding with gentle treks, comfortable eco-lodges and a few thoughtfully curated cultural experiences — Monpa villages, Tawang Monastery and visits to local tea and river communities — the journey offers travellers both the wildlife and the human story of the Eastern Himalayas. An expert local bird guide accompanies the group throughout.

• One of the richest birding circuits in the Eastern Himalayas, spanning lowland riverine and subtropical foothills (Nameri), biodiverse mid-elevation forests (Eaglenest), and stark alpine landscapes (Sela Pass).
• A chance to spot Himalayan specialties — pheasants, laughingthrushes, trogons and hornbills — alongside rare endemics found in Eaglenest, and high-altitude species such as snow pigeons and finches.
• Gentle to moderate trekking, well-suited to fit walkers comfortable with short steep sections and high-altitude driving.

• Guided birding walks through lowland forests, mid-elevation sanctuaries and high alpine passes
• Pre-dawn expeditions into one of the Eastern Himalayas’ richest biodiversity zones
• High-altitude birding above 13,000 ft amid snow-clad landscapes
• Visits to heritage forts and architectural landmarks unique to the region
• A stay at a remote, old-world hilltop bird lodge
• Cultural visits to Monpa villages with millet beer and local snacks
• Immersive multi-course meals hosted by local women’s collectives
• Visits to forest interpretation centres exploring rainforest ecosystems
• Stays in family-run homestays nestled within tea gardens

– Prime seasons: April–June (spring breeding, many birds in song/plumage) and Sept–Oct (post‑monsoon clear weather, migrant

influx).

Sela Pass and surrounds area can be snowbound in deep winter, so for high‑altitude birding it is best to travel late spring/summer and autumn.

Day 1 |

Guwahati – Tezpur Arrive at Guwahati Airport, where your birding guide will greet you, and drive 4.5 hours to Tezpur. Check in by tea time, with an evening briefing on the journey ahead.

Day 2 |

Tezpur – Nameri – Tenga Valley An early morning forest walk and birdwatching session inside Nameri National Park, followed by breakfast at a local home. Continue on to Tenga Valley, with an afternoon birding session by the river.

Day 3 |

Tenga – Eaglenest Sanctuary A pre-dawn start for a birding trail near Aloobari–Lama Camp on the edge of the sanctuary, combining short drives with walks through the forest. Packed meals provided.

Day 4 |

Tenga – Eaglenest Sanctuary Another early start, venturing deeper into the sanctuary towards Eaglenest Pass and Sunder View. Roads are rough, but the day is largely spent walking and birdwatching, with sightings continuing on the drive back.

Day 5 |

Tenga – Dirang – Mandala Drive to Dirang, pausing to visit the Dirang Dzong — the only Dzong outside Bhutan. Continue to Mandala with birding stops en route, and check in to the atmospheric Mandala Bird Lodge, set quietly on a hilltop.

Day 6 |

Mandala – Dirang A dawn birding expedition on foot through the hills, followed by a relaxed return to Dirang. In the afternoon, visit a Monpa village to experience tribal life, sample millet beer and enjoy local snacks.

Day 7 |

Dirang – Sela Pass – Dirang A pre-dawn drive to Sela Pass (around 13,700 ft), known for sightings of the blood pheasant amid snow-clad landscapes. Lunch is a 7-course immersive meal at Chug Valley, hosted by a local women’s collective. Return to Dirang to unwind — your birding journey concludes here.

Day 8 |

Dirang – Sapoi Drive down to Sapoi, with an en route stop at the Tipi Interpretation Centre and a traditional Assamese thali lunch. Check in to a family-run farm homestay set within a tea garden.

Day 9 |

Sapoi – Guwahati Airport After breakfast, drive to Guwahati Airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to your guide and driver.