Neora Valley Bird Photography Tour

Overview

5 days and 4 nights of immersive bird photography in the pristine forests of Neora Valley National Park - one of India’s last remaining untouched Himalayan wilderness landscapes. Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas of North Bengal, Neora Valley is remote, less explored, and exceptionally rich in biodiversity. With moss-draped temperate forests, dramatic mountain light, and vibrant Himalayan birdlife, this expedition is designed for serious bird photographers and passionate birders seeking both rare species and artistic, portfolio-worthy images. April marks peak bird activity in the Eastern Himalayas, making this one of the most rewarding seasons to explore Neora Valley’s forest corridors, mixed hunting flocks, and high-altitude specialties.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

Post Event

Stay

About The Tour

The Neora Valley Bird Photography Expedition is a carefully curated 5-day Himalayan birding experience that blends intensive fieldwork with focused mentorship. Spread across mid-elevation forests and highland habitats around Dorkhola, Jhandi, Neora Valley National Park, and Rishop, this tour provides access to some of the most sought-after Eastern Himalayan bird species.

Neora Valley is known for its dense temperate forests, thick undergrowth, and minimal human disturbance - creating ideal conditions for endemic and rare Himalayan birds. The constantly shifting mountain light, misty forest trails, and layered landscapes offer photographers exceptional opportunities for storytelling and artistic compositions.

Under the guidance of a senior DCP bird photography mentor, participants will work on behaviour-based shooting, exposure management in forest light, composition within dense foliage, and ethical bird photography practices. This is not just a birding tour - it is a field-based learning expedition designed to elevate your craft in one of India’s most biodiverse regions.

Star Species to Look For

Fire-tailed Sunbird, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Black-throated Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Himalayan Cutia, Laughingthrush species, Sibias, Yuhinas, and other Eastern Himalayan specialties.

Quick Information

Route:

Bagdogra – Dorkhola – Jhandi – Neora Valley National Park – Rishop – Bagdogra

Start Point:

Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Duration:

4 nights 5 days

End Point:

Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Inclusions

Guidance of senior DCP bird photography mentor
4 nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis
All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast
All internal road transfers as per itinerary
Entry permits for Neora Valley National Park
Birding sessions at Dorkhola, Jhandi, Rishop & Neora Valley
Image review and field mentoring sessions

Exclusive learnings

Understanding composition, elements of art and the principles of art.
⁠How to use your images to make money.
⁠How to take award-winning images.

Experts

Ripan Biswas

Masterclass Mentor - Wildlife Photography

Ripan Biswas is the first Indian to win three times at London’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year — widely known as the “Oscars of Wildlife Photography.” A passionate mentor, Ripan has earned global recognition, with honours from Sanctuary Asia, Nature inFocus, Asferico, Nature Photographer of the Year, Bird Photographer of the Year, and more. His work has also appeared in world-renowned magazines like BBC Wildlife. With over a decade in India’s jungles—photographing everything from tiny insects to apex predators, Ripan brings unmatched field experience. He has led workshops at premier institutions, including the Indian Statistical Institute, British Council, Kolkata, and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Mumbai. A passionate mentor, Ripan loves to share his knowledge and help others create extraordinary images of the wild.

Participants must arrive at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) by 12 noon on day 1. Bagdogra is well connected to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. Departure flight on last day should be booked after 4 PM for a comfortable transfer from the mountains.

Arrive at NJP station before 12 noon. Get in touch with our admin team for coordination on logistics.

Not recommended

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

DSLR or mirrorless camera
Telephoto lens (400mm or above recommended)
Monopod or lightweight tripod
Extra batteries and memory cards
Rain protection for camera gear
Warm clothing for early mornings
Comfortable trekking shoes
Personal medication and basic first aid

Moderate walking is involved on forest trails and uneven terrain.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Enroute Birding

Pick-up from Bagdogra Airport around 12 noon. Drive towards Dorkhola with birding stops along the way. The journey itself offers excellent opportunities for early Himalayan sightings. After arrival, check in and rest for the evening.

Day 2 – Dorkhola & Jhandi Birding

Full-day birding across mid-elevation Himalayan habitats around Dorkhola and Jhandi. These areas are known for mixed hunting flocks, vibrant sunbirds, laughingthrushes, and Eastern Himalayan specialties. Morning and afternoon sessions focus on behaviour, light direction, and forest composition.

Day 3 – Neora Valley National Park & Transfer to Rishop

A full day exploring inside Neora Valley National Park - one of the most pristine and undisturbed forest ecosystems in Eastern India. Expect challenging yet rewarding bird photography within dense temperate forest. Post birding, transfer to Rishop for the next leg of the expedition.

Day 4 – Rishop Birding

Full-day birding around Rishop. This region provides stunning mountain backdrops and rewarding early morning activity. The dramatic Himalayan light offers excellent opportunities for artistic bird portraits and environmental compositions.

Day 5 – Morning Session & Departure

Early morning birding session around Rishop. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Bagdogra Airport. Arrival expected around 2 PM.

Field Learnings

Artistic bird photography in dense forests
Composition within layered Himalayan habitats
Understanding mixed hunting flock behaviour
Exposure management in low forest light
Using backlight and diffused mountain light
Ethical birding and habitat respect

Why This Expedition Is Special

Access to one of India’s least explored birding destinations
April peak season for Himalayan bird activity
Small group size for focused mentorship
Rare Eastern Himalayan specialties
Combination of dramatic landscapes and vibrant avifauna

This expedition offers far more than just species sightings - it delivers an immersive Himalayan experience designed to refine your craft and build a powerful bird photography portfolio.

Package Cost

Indian nationals:
Twin sharing: INR 32,000 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: INR 39,500 per person inclusive of all taxes

Foreign nationals:
Twin sharing: US$ 490 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: US$ 610 per person inclusive of all taxes

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for a payment link / QR code to pay.

[Save upto 2.5% of tour cost by opting to pay via NEFT / RTGS / UPI]

Cost Includes

Accommodation for 4 nights on twin-sharing basis
All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast
All internal transfers from Bagdogra and back
Entry permits for Neora Valley National Park
Guidance of senior DCP Bird Photography Mentor
On-field photography training and image review sessions
All applicable local taxes

Cost Does Not Include

Airfare to and from Bagdogra
Camera fees if applicable
Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages
Travel insurance
Any cost arising due to unforeseen weather or road conditions
Anything not specifically mentioned under “Cost Includes”

Map

Neora Valley National Park

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Is this trip suitable for beginners?

Yes. While Neora Valley is a serious birding destination, the expedition is designed for both beginners and experienced photographers. Your DCP mentor will guide you with camera settings, positioning, and fieldcraft throughout the trip.

What type of photography can I expect?

This expedition focuses primarily on bird photography in natural Himalayan forest habitats. Expect opportunities for sunbirds, laughingthrushes, Himalayan specialties, and mixed hunting flocks. Environmental portraits and artistic forest compositions are also emphasized.

Design Your Custom Tour

Neora Valley National Park – Bird Photography Masterclass Expedition, April 2026

₹ 32,000₹ 39,500

₹32,000₹ 39,500