Manipur is another remarkable birdwatching destination in Northeast India. Nestled between Nagaland to the north and Mizoram to the south, the state shares its eastern border with Myanmar. Owing to its location within the Indo-Burmese biodiversity hotspot and its close proximity to the Naga Patkai and associated hill ranges, Manipur supports an impressive diversity of birdlife, including many species that are also found in neighboring Nagaland and Mizoram.
Although birdwatching tourism in Manipur is still in its early stages, we have been exploring its forests and mountain landscapes extensively with experienced local guides. Our surveys have revealed several fascinating bird species that are rarely encountered elsewhere in India and are highly sought after by birdwatchers from around the world.
Among the state's greatest attractions is Mrs. Hume's Pheasant, the colourful state bird of Manipur and one of Asia's most spectacular pheasants. Other notable species include the Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Moustached Laughingthrush, Spot-breasted Laughingthrush, Yellow-throated Laughingthrush, Brown-capped Laughingthrush, Striped Laughingthrush, Spotted Laughingthrush, and White-browed Laughingthrush. These birds make Manipur a rewarding destination for enthusiasts interested in the unique avifauna of the Indo-Burmese region.
One of the premier birding locations in the state is the Jessami region, a mountainous landscape renowned for its rich bird diversity and excellent opportunities to observe many of Manipur's specialty species. Its forests and hill slopes provide ideal habitat for several laughingthrushes, babblers, pheasants, and other Himalayan and Indo-Burmese birds.
The best time for birdwatching in Manipur is during the spring and early summer months, when breeding activity is at its peak and birds are most active and vocal, greatly enhancing the chances of successful sightings.
We warmly invite birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts to join our professionally guided birdwatching tours in Manipur. Our itineraries are carefully planned to cover the state's major birding hotspots while maximizing opportunities to observe its most sought-after species. If you are interested in visiting during a particular season, simply get in touch with us, and we will be happy to share a customized itinerary along with an expected bird checklist based on the time of your visit.
Day 1: Pick up from Dibrugarh Airport as your flight arrives (mostly by noon, 11 AM-1 PM). We would have lunch on the way and further drive to Arunachal to do the Namdapha part. On the way, we will go birding till Miao, and after getting the forest permit processed, we will drive inside Namdapha and rest for the night there.
Day 2: We will start very early at 5 AM and will continue birding for the whole morning session in Deban. We will drive to and fro between Mpen and Deban, which will be our regular activity.
Day 3, Day 4 & Day 5: For three full days, we will explore different axes along the Namdapha WLS between Deban and Miao. Overnight stay at Deban - Namdapha Forest Lodge.
Day 6: After the morning birding in Deban, we will check out, and later, post breakfast, we will drive to Vijaynagar. This is going to be a full day drive, and we will engage a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this leg of Namdapha. In the afternoon, we will explore the Mugaphi area.
Day 7 & Day 8: For two consecutive days, we will go to Mugaphi Peak and return to the homestay by sundown.
Day 9: Today, we will drive back to Miao, which will again be a full day drive and birding on the way. In the afternoon, we will explore the riverside of Namdapha. Overnight, we are staying at the resort close to the river.
Day 10: After morning birding around the Nao-Dihing river for three hours, we will have breakfast and check out from Miao. We would do birding on the way and arrive at Tezu in the afternoon. We would go for a short birding session at nearby places.
Day 11: For the entire day, we will explore the Udayak Pass areas and return to the resort by evening at Tezu. Here we are staying in a community-run birding resort.
Day 12: After the morning birding in the Tezu-Udayak pass area, we will check out and drive to Walong. The 3-hour drive won’t take long. In the afternoon, we will explore the Namti Plains in Walong.
Day 13 & Day 14: For two consecutive days, we will do full-day birding at Walong, covering Helmet Top and Tilam Top till Kaho-Kibhithu at the Indo-China Border. During our birding days in Walong, we will arrange for a stay in the riverside resort.
Day 15: After the early morning birding at Walong, we will drive to Dibrugarh Airport (DIB), from here you have to arrange for your return flight to your hometown.
November to March is considered the best time for Namdapha and Walong. However, in some years, due to early monsoon, it disrupts the roads in Namdapha. Thus, to be on the safer side, you plan for this trip in February.
From Tibetan Plateau birds to Terai foothills Hornbills; mixed montane forests coppice - this tiny state has little bit of everything squeezed in it!
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