INDIA - RAJASTHAN, KASHMIR & LADAKH

And now for something completely different, as we explore the vastly underrated Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in search of some very special birds. But first, we begin our new Indian adventure in Delhi and visit a small wetland area where Bristled Grassbird breeds before heading into Rajasthan and visit Sonkhaliya where we will marvel at displaying Lesser Floricans and target some usually tricky species that are much more amenable in the rainy season such as Painted Francolin, Rain Quail and Rock Bush Quail. There's also a really good chance of seeing some localised species such as White-bellied Minivet, White-naped Tit and Marshall's Iora as well. From here we head into the Kashmir hills where such delights as Kashmir Nutcracker,  Kashmir and White-cheeked Nuthatches, Rufous-naped Tit, Kashmir Flycatcher, Variegated Laughingthrush, Tytler's Leaf Warbler, Black-and-yellow Grosbeak, Pink-browed Rosefinch and the rare Spectacled Finch can be found. We can also take a cable car up to the top of a mountain where Himalayan Rubythroats reside, along with Pink-browed Rosefinch, Brandt's and Plain Mountain-Finches and Blue-fronted Redstart. We then head to the edge of the vast Tibetan Plateau to Tso Kar Lake will give us a fantastic opportunity to get superb views of the high-altitude specialist, Tibetan Sandgrouse. Amidst amazing scenery there will be a variety of other special birds such as Tibetan Snowcock, Black-necked Crane, Ibisbill, Brown Accentor, Ground-Tit, Great Rosefinch and  Blanford's Snowfinch to keep us entertained.

This latest ZOOTHERA adventure will see us visiting incredible India at a time of year you wouldn't normally visit, but this is THE time to see some of the rarest birds on the subcontinent. With dramatic scenery and some of the remotest landscapes of any bird tour this will definitely be an adventure! But to see displaying Lesser Florican, the rarities of the Kashmir Hills and flocks of Tibetan Sandgrouse wheeling across an azure blue sky will be some of the most memorable experiences possible in the birding world.