Wildlife and birds · Tendong Hill
Rhododendrons and birds on Tendong in spring
A slower version of the Tendong walk with a bird guide in March and April, when rhododendrons flower on the upper slopes and the forest is loud with breeding birds. Fewer kilometres covered, many more species seen.
Photo: Schwiki · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Spring on Tendong is when the forest wakes up. Rhododendrons flower from around March on the upper trail, and resident birds sing to hold territory. A bird guide from Ravangla or Namchi will start at first light and move slowly, stopping at clearings and flowering trees where birds feed.
Mid-hill forests in this part of Sikkim hold species such as laughingthrushes, barbets, sibias, yuhinas, minivets, flycatchers and woodpeckers. Pheasants are shy, but kalij pheasants are sometimes seen on the trail at dawn. What you see depends on season, weather and luck, and a good guide will not promise rarities.
Allow 5 hours for a birding ascent to the summit and back, or turn around halfway if the birding is good. Bring binoculars, a light jacket and rain cover. Wear muted colours. Guides charge about ₹1,500–2,500 for a morning; book a day ahead through your hotel or us.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
When do rhododendrons flower on Tendong?
Usually from March into April on the upper slopes, depending on altitude and the year's weather. Lower down, flowering may start in late February. By May most blooms are over. Ask locally before you go, as a cold spring can delay flowering by a couple of weeks.
What birds might we see on Tendong?
Typical mid-hill species include laughingthrushes, barbets, sibias, yuhinas, minivets, flycatchers and woodpeckers, with kalij pheasants sometimes seen at dawn. Sightings vary by season and luck. A local guide improves your chances greatly by knowing calls and feeding spots.
Is this walk suitable for non-birders?
Yes, but it is slow by design. If you want views and exercise more than birds, do the standard trek instead. Mixed groups work well if the non-birders are happy to sit at viewpoints while the birders look.
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