Bird Watching in Jammu and Kashmir

About Birding Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir

What can be more soothing to the eyes than watching a bird flapping its wings, bobbing its head or swooping down on its bird of prey? A bird watching holiday in Jammu and Kashmir lets you have these incredible experiences by watching a variety of birds belonging to various shapes, sizes and colours. This region is a haven for bird lovers, as almost 554 species of birds reside here, apart from 262 species from the alpine regions of the Kashmir Valley.

Bird Watching in Hokersar

Hokersar is located almost 14 kilometers from Srinagar and attracts birds from Central Asia, Siberia, Indian subcontinent and North Europe. It is home to several varieties of ducks including Tufted Duck, Brahminy Duck, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Common Merganser and Northern Pintail.

Best Time to Visit Hokersar

The best time to visit Hokersar is between September and October.

Dachigam National Park

Dachigam is located almost 22.9 kilometers away from Srinagar, and houses over 150 species of birds, including monal pheasant, crimson tragopan, blood pheasant, golden eagle and koklas pheasant. Bird watching here can be an incredibly enjoyable experience.

Best Time to Visit Dachigam National Park

The best time to visit Dachigam National Park is between April and October.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Gulmarg is located almost 48 kilometers to the southwest of Srinagar, and is a major tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. At the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, you can spot a variety of birds belonging to both resident and migratory species, including monal pheasant, griffon vulture, koklas pheasant, snow cock, kashmir riller, blue rock pigeon, jungle crow and eurasian hoopoe.

Best Time to Visit Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

The best time to visit Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is from March to June.

Birdwatching in Dal Lake

Dal Lake is another best destination in Jammu and Kashmir to enjoy bird watching, and attracts a lot of migratory birds during the winter season, including greylag goose, mallard, common merganser, northern pintail, brahminy duck, tufted duck, ruddy shelduck and common teal. 

Best Time to Visit Dal Lake

The best time to visit Dal Lake in winter for bird watching is May to November.

Tips for Enjoying Bird Watching

• Early morning is the best time to go bird spotting.
• Dress in a manner so as to blend with your surroundings.
• Don’t be noisy, sit calmly and you will be able to spot birds.
• Go in small groups to enjoy bird watching