Birding for monal in Kedarnath sanctuary

Chopta lies inside Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area of oak, rhododendron and alpine meadow between the Mandakini and Alaknanda valleys. Its middle elevations hold many Himalayan bird species within easy reach of the road, and Chopta has become one of the best-known birding stops in Uttarakhand. Local guides know where birds feed at dawn along the forest edge and on the open slopes above.

The bird most people hope for is the Himalayan monal: the male shines metallic green, blue and copper, and often feeds on open grassy slopes near the Tungnath path in the early morning. Spring, from March to May, is breeding season, when males call and display. Look also for koklass pheasants, streaked laughingthrushes, rosefinches and, with luck, Himalayan griffon vultures circling the ridge.

Bring binoculars, wear muted colours and walk slowly. Keep at a distance from nesting birds and never use call playback in the sanctuary. Musk deer and Himalayan tahr live here too, but are shy. A morning of birding pairs well with an afternoon rest before a pre-dawn Chandrashila climb the next day.