DHERMAIN

If you wish to watch the wonderful birds of the Himalayan foothills, or simply enjoy the pure air and blue sky of the mountain, Jungle Lore Pangot Lodge is the perfect stay for you. Nice cottages in the middle of the forest, excellent fresh home-made food, very helpful staff, we really loved it. Jungle Lore is famous among birdwatchers, and he deserves it. A hide looking at the drink station is perfect to take pictures of birds in the afternoon. They have bird feeders in winter, and camera-traps told us that a wealth of small mammals are in the garden at night: Indian Porcupine, Indian Small Civet, Palm Civet, Yellow-throated Marten, as well as Wild Boars and Sambar Deer. Even the mighty Leopard roams in the vicinity at night, and the two species of Monkeys indeed. Guides are available on the site to help you find the birds and propose guided tours in the mountains. Our guide was Kundan, a keen young birdwatcher whose knowledge and skills on Himalayan birds are impressive. Once again, thank you, Kundan, for all the birds you have shown to us, from all the rare Pheasants of the surroundings to the Ghorals and so many small, colorful Himalayan birds. It was already rather cold here in late November, but the cottages are cozy, and some have a wonderful sunny balcony. My wife enjoyed the electric heated blanket, but I did not use it because it was warm enough in the room for me. Hot water was available in the shower, and wifi in the rooms and at the restaurant. 

Just a warning for elderly people or those who have walking issues: some cottages, as Marten cottage, are far from the parking and restaurant, with steep stairs. Not an issue for carrying luggage, thanks to the helpful staff who did it for us, but even walking the stairs up and down requires one to be rather fit. If you endure bad legs or heart issues, try to demand to stay in the first cottages, as the beautiful Cheer cottage.