Lophophorus impejanus

Himalayan Monal

BirdBest Season: May–Aug

Best locations

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Field Reports (12 months)

About this species

The Himalayan Monal is arguably the most spectacularly coloured bird in India — males shimmer with an iridescent rainbow of purple, green, copper and blue. The state bird of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, it inhabits open alpine meadows and forest edges above the treeline. Kedarnath and Valley of Flowers offer prime encounters. See the Himalayan Monal — India's most iridescent bird — in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Alpine birding guide and trekking tours.

Field Reports

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Best locations for Himalayan Monal

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

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Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Uttarakhand, India

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Valley of Flowers National Park

Uttarakhand, India

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Great Himalayan National Park

Himachal Pradesh, India

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Wildlife Creators Specialising in Himalayan Monal

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Upcoming Trips Targeting Himalayan Monal

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When and Where to Photograph Himalayan Monal

Plan field days around May–Aug: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

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