: Kashmir 2025
Kashmir is recognised in India as a ‘paradise’ for its incredible scenic beauty. The Himalayas borders both the north and east of Kashmir. The Pir Panjal mountain range envelopes Kashmir from the west and runs along its southern fringe to the great plains of India. The generates an environment that is a verdant land of fairy-tale valleys, lush forests, glassy lakes and rolling meadows, tucked between these two mountain ranges like a pearl inside an oyster. Bird photography in this environment brings with it the perk of being in some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Western Himalayas with the added bonus of some very special birds such as the Spectacled Finch, Orange Bullfinch, Scaly-bellied, Brown-fronted and Himalayan Woodpeckers and a chance of a close photographic encounter with the Himalayan Rubythroat.
Anantnag District: Spectacled Finch (near endemic) / Orange Bullfinch (near endemic) / White-cheeked Nuthatch (near endemic) / Kashmir Nuthatch (near endemic) / Himalayan Rubythroat (near endemic) / Rock Bunting / Lemon-rumped Warbler.
Srinigar District: Little Bittern / Tawny Owl.
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
Days 1-2 Srinigar District [1N, 0D, 2S]: Arrive in Srinigar City, Check-into Hotel [Overnight: Srinagar]. Photographic Targets: Little Bittern / Tawny Owl.
Day 12 Srinigar District [1N, 0D, 1S]: Morning drive 4-hours to Srinagar District [Overnight: Sringar].
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 some requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) One of the locations is at altitude around 3500m (v) There is no camping. Summary: because one of the locations is at altitude and as there is some hiking, this trip has been graded as 'Medium'.
