Arunachal Pradesh

Pakke & Eaglenest

A Birdwatcher's Paradise in the Eastern Himalayan Foothills

DestinationsArunachal Pradesh

Pakke & Eaglenest

A Birdwatcher's Paradise in the Eastern Himalayan Foothills

4 Places
0 Experiences

Why Visit Pakke & Eaglenest?

Pakke Tiger Reserve and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary are two of India's premier wildlife and birdwatching destinations, tucked into the Himalayan foothills of western Arunachal Pradesh. Together they protect an extraordinary expanse of subtropical and temperate forest that harbors over 500 bird species — including the globally endangered rufous-necked hornbill and numerous Himalayan specialties found nowhere else in India.

Pakke is particularly celebrated for its hornbill conservation program — a pioneering community initiative that has helped restore wild nesting sites through nest boxes and local guardian programs. Birdwatchers travel from across the world to witness the extraordinary variety of forest birds along Pakke's trails.

Eaglenest, rising sharply from the foothills to alpine zones, gained global birding fame after a scientific expedition in the early 2000s discovered multiple bird species new to science. Today it remains one of Asia's top birdwatching destinations — a place where dedicated birders plan visits years in advance.

Travel Quick Facts

  • Best Time

    November – April

  • Est. Budget

    2500 - 4500 / day

  • Location

    Arunachal Pradesh, North East India

How to Reach

Pakke: Drive from Tezpur (~90 km) via Balipara. Eaglenest: Drive from Bhalukpong (~60 km) to West Kameng forest area. Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for Eaglenest.

Must-Visit Attractions

Curated list of the best places to explore in Pakke & Eaglenest

4 Places Found
Pakke Tiger Reserve
Wildlife & Safari🗓 November – April

Pakke Tiger Reserve

Pakke is known for dense subtropical forests, hornbill conservation, and rich biodiversity. Its pioneering community-based hornbill nest box program has become a global model for wildlife conservation involving tribal communities.

Wildlife safaris through dense subtropical forest
World-class hornbill conservation and sighting opportunities
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife & Safari🗓 November – March

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Eaglenest is internationally famous among birdwatchers and wildlife researchers. Multiple bird species new to science were discovered here in the early 2000s. Today it hosts over 500 species including rare Himalayan specialties.

One of Asia's top birdwatching destinations — 500+ species
Site of landmark new bird species discoveries
Hornbill Nest Trail
Adventure🗓 February – May (nesting season)

Hornbill Nest Trail

Guided trail walks through Pakke's forest to watch hornbills — the great hornbill, wreathed hornbill, and Oriental pied hornbill — nesting and flying through the canopy. One of the most extraordinary bird experiences in the subcontinent.

Watch multiple hornbill species nesting in natural tree cavities
Learn about pioneering community hornbill conservation
Forest Birding Trails
Adventure🗓 November – April

Forest Birding Trails

Eaglenest's network of forest trails through dense subtropical and montane forest offers exceptional birding at multiple altitude zones — from lowland species at the foothills to high-altitude Himalayan specialties at the sanctuary's upper reaches.

Multi-altitude forest trails accessing different bird communities
Chance of spotting endemic and newly discovered species

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