Birdwatching · Arunachal Pradesh
Eaglenest Birdwatching
One of Asia's top birding sites, home of the Bugun liocichla discovered in 2006.
At a glance
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3–5 days
- Best season
- Mid-March – May and October – November
- Base
- Tenga / Singchung (West Kameng)
- Permits
- Arunachal ILP (Indians) or PAP (foreigners) required. Verify before travel. Sanctuary permits from the forest department.
About this experience
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in West Kameng is one of the finest birdwatching destinations in Asia. A single forest road climbs from around 500 m to over 2,800 m at Eaglenest Pass, crossing tropical, temperate and subalpine forest, which allows birders to see an extraordinary range of species in a few days — more than 450 have been recorded.
The sanctuary became internationally famous in 2006 when the Bugun liocichla, a colourful babbler, was described as a species new to science and named after the local Bugun community. Other highlights include Ward's trogon, beautiful nuthatch, fire-tailed myzornis, sunbirds, laughingthrushes, wren-babblers and pheasants, as well as mammals such as red panda, Arunachal macaque and even capped langur.
Birders stay in simple tented camps at Lama Camp, Bompu and Sessni, run with local community involvement. Days start before dawn and follow the road on foot. We combine Eaglenest with Nameri and the Tawang circuit for a complete western Arunachal birding tour.
Where to do it
Arunachal PradeshBomdilaMonpa hill town at about 2,400 m with monasteries, apple orchards and Himalayan views.
Arunachal PradeshDirangRiverside Monpa valley with an old dzong, hot springs, yak research centre and orchards.
Arunachal PradeshBhalukpongBorder town on the Kameng river, entry gate to western Arunachal, known for angling and orchids.
Arunachal PradeshNamdapha National ParkVast tiger reserve near Myanmar spanning lowland rainforest to snow peaks, with four big cats.
Eaglenest Birdwatching FAQs
What is the Bugun liocichla?
A babbler described as new to science in 2006 from Eaglenest and named after the Bugun people.
Where do birders stay?
In basic tented camps such as Lama Camp, Bompu and Sessni.
When is the best birding season?
Mid-March to May for breeding birds and October–November for clear weather.
More in Arunachal Pradesh
EasyMonastery Visits in Tawang & West KamengJoin morning prayers, explore monastic museums and visit the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama.
ModerateHigh-Altitude Drives & PassesCross 4,000 m passes, frozen lakes and war memorials on Arunachal's spectacular mountain roads.
EasyZiro Festival of MusicIndia's most loved outdoor indie music festival, held in Ziro's rice fields every late September.
EasyApatani Village Walk, ZiroWalk through Hong, Hija and Bulla villages with an Apatani guide to learn about rice-fish farming and traditions.