: Babblers 2025
The Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh on the eastern side of the Himalayas is home to eleven Wren-Babbler species: Sikkim Wedge-billed, Cachar, Rufous-throated, Bar-winged, Mishmi Hills, Long-billed, Streaked, Eyebrowed, Pygmy, Scaly-breasted and Spotted Wren Babblers. Wren-Babblers are shy birds of deep undergrowth and as such can be difficult birds to photograph. However, with the right tactics, good timing and sound local knowledge, close photographic encounters of these shy birds can be enjoyed. The supporting cast of birds to photograph on this trip is also fabulous too including Himalayan treasures such as Fire-tailed Myzornis, Gould's Shortwing, Himalayan Cutia, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Snow Partridge, Golden-naped Finch, Lesser Adjutant.
Targets: Spotted Elachura, Pygmy Cupwing, Mishmi Wren Babbler, Long-billed Wren-Babbler, Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Sikkim Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler, Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler.
Others: Fire-tailed Myzornis, Gould's Shortwing, Himalayan Cutia, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Snow Partridge, Golden-naped Finch, Lesser Adjutant.
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Day 1, Guwahati, Kamrup Metropolitan Division [1N, 0D, 0S]: Arrive Guwahati Airport, Assam.
Days 2-6, Eagle’s Nest, West Kameng District [4N, 3D, 7S]: Drive 6-hours. Photographic Targets: Scaly-breasted Cupwing / Pygmy Cupwing / Long-billed Wren-Babbler / Bar-winged Wren-Babbler / Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler / Spotted Elachura.
Days 6-11, Eagle’s Nest, West Kameng District [5N, 4D, 10S]: Drive 2-hours. Photographic Targets: Scaly-breasted Cupwing / Pygmy Cupwing / Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler / Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler / Sikkim Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler / Spotted Elachura.
Days 11-12, Eagle’s Nest, West Kameng District [1N, 0D, 1S]: Drive 3-hours to Tenga and check into hotel.
Days 12-15, Eagle’s Nest, West Kameng District [3N, 2D, 8S]: Drive 3-hours. Photographic Targets: Scaly-breasted Cupwing / Pygmy Cupwing / Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler / Bar-winged Wren-Babbler.
Day 15-16, Eagle’s Nest, West Kameng District [1N, 0D, 1S]: Drive 3-hours to Tenga.
Days 16-20, Lower Dibang Valley District [4N, 3D, 7S]: Drive 8-hours. Photographic Targets: Scaly-breasted Cupwing / Pygmy Cupwing / Mishmi Wren Babbler / Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler / Long-billed Wren-Babbler / Bar-winged Wren-Babbler / Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler / Spotted Elachura.
Days 20-22, Dibrugarh District [2N, 1D, 0S]: Drive 6-hours to Dibrugarh for international departures.
Key: N=Night, D=Full Day, S=Session / Half-Day
Lobsang is an experienced guide with a first-class understanding of the needs of the bird photographer. One of India's top bird guides and currently serving as President of the Arunachal Pradesh Bird Club, Lobsang has a wealth of bird photography experience throughout India, particularly the bird-rich Himalayan region, growing up in Dirang and living not far away today in the mountains surrounding the Tenga Valley. Appointed as a Director and Shareholder of Bird-Photo-Tours Asia, Lobsang is 'India Managing Director' with particular responsibility for both India inbound and outbound Bird-Photo-Tours.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping. Summary: for these five reasons this trip has been graded as 'Easy'.
