Wildlife and birds · Singshore Bridge
Birding on the forest road above the gorge
Walk a quiet stretch of road from the Singshore Bridge up towards Uttarey in the early morning, when mixed flocks move through the forest above the gorge, with binoculars, patience and, ideally, a local guide.
Photo: Shiv's fotografia · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The forest on the slopes above the gorge, between the bridge and Uttarey, changes from warm broadleaf forest to oak, magnolia and rhododendron as the road climbs. Walking a stretch of the road in the early morning is an easy way to see birds without leaving the tarmac.
Stay in Uttarey or Dentam the night before so you can start at first light, when traffic is minimal. Watch for mixed flocks of minivets, warblers, tits and laughingthrushes, and for barbets calling from the canopy. Raptors sometimes soar over the gorge as the air warms.
Keep well to the side of the road, wear something visible and step off for vehicles. A local guide helps with identification and with finding side paths into the forest. Do not use playback to call birds.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Is Singshore Bridge good for birdwatching?
The bridge itself is a road crossing, but the forest on the road between the bridge and Uttarey is good for foothill and mid-altitude birds, especially in the early morning in spring and autumn. Stay overnight in Uttarey or Dentam to start at first light, before traffic picks up.
What birds can I see near Singshore and Uttarey?
Commonly seen birds of these forests include minivets, laughingthrushes, barbets, bulbuls, sunbirds, warblers and tits, with raptors over the gorge on warm days. Sightings vary with season and weather. A local guide and a field guide to Indian birds will help you identify what you see.
Do I need a permit for birding near Singshore Bridge?
No permit is needed for Indian citizens walking the public road and village paths. Foreign nationals need Sikkim's Restricted Area Permit. Entering protected areas such as the Varsey sanctuary or walking towards the border needs separate permits. Check current status before you travel.
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