Pangot

About Pangot

Pangot is a small village nestled in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, just 15 km from Nainital. Sitting at an altitude of 2,000 meters, this pristine hamlet is surrounded by dense oak and rhododendron forests that harbor an extraordinary diversity of Himalayan birds.

What makes Pangot special is its accessibility - it offers high-altitude birding without strenuous trekking, making it ideal for photographers and casual birders alike.

Birds You Can See

Pangot and the surrounding Nainital region host over 580 bird species:

• Koklass & Kalij Pheasants
• Rufous-bellied Woodpecker
• Himalayan Rubythroat
• Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktails
• Various Laughingthrushes
• Lammergeier & Himalayan Griffon
• Blue-winged Minla & Bar-tailed Treecreeper

Birding Trails

Key birding areas around Pangot:

• Kilbury Road: Famous birding trail with excellent forest birds
• Snow View Point: Raptors and panoramic Himalayan views
• Land's End: Forested area good for thrushes and forktails
• Cheena Peak: High-altitude species

Best Time to Visit

The birding is excellent year-round, but April to June is best for resident species and summer visitors. October to March brings winter migrants from higher altitudes. The forests come alive with bird activity during early mornings.