Wildlife and birds · Jhalong
River birding on the Jaldhaka at dawn
The Jaldhaka at Jhalong is one of the best stretches in the region for Himalayan river birds. In winter, shingle bars and rapids hold forktails, redstarts, wagtails and kingfishers, and birders look for the ibisbill.
Jhalong's river road runs close to the water for several kilometres, giving easy views over shingle, rapids and the forested Bhutanese bank. In winter, birds that breed higher in the Himalaya come down to such rivers. Look for plumbeous and white-capped water redstarts, spotted and slaty-backed forktails, brown dippers, white and grey wagtails, crested kingfishers and river lapwings.
The ibisbill, a grey wader with a curved red bill that lives on Himalayan shingle rivers, is the bird many come for. It is well camouflaged among stones and not seen every year here, so treat any sighting as a bonus. On the hillsides, bulbuls, barbets, drongos and sunbirds keep up a constant chorus.
Start at first light and walk slowly. A local birder can save you hours. Keep to the road and the near bank, away from restricted hydel installations, and do not cross the river, which is the international border in this stretch.
Cost: Free; guide ₹500–800
Questions people ask
Good to know
Is ibisbill found at Jhalong?
Ibisbill has been reported on the Jaldhaka in winter, but sightings are irregular and the bird is well camouflaged on shingle. Scan stony islands slowly with binoculars or a scope, ideally with a local birder. Do not count on it; the other river birds make the trip worthwhile.
When is the best time for birding at Jhalong?
November to March, when altitudinal migrants come down to the river and mornings are clear. Start at first light. April still has good forest birds. Avoid the monsoon, when the river is high and muddy and the road is unreliable.
Can we walk along the Jaldhaka riverbank?
Along the road and the near bank, yes, in daylight. Stay away from the water's edge after rain upstream, avoid restricted hydel areas and never try to cross; the river forms the India–Bhutan border here. A local guide knows the safe access points.
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