Eaglenest – Guardians of the Singing Forest (Birding / Butterfly trail)

Tucked away in the misty mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, Eagle Nest Sanctuary is not just a place—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem where birdsong weaves through the forest canopy, butterflies glide through filtered sunlight, and ancient tribal wisdom safeguards the future of the wild. Our “Guardians of the Singing Forest” experience invites you to explore this delicate world, where conservation and community come together to create something truly extraordinary.

At the heart of this story is the Bugun Community Forest —India’s first community reserve that was initiated and managed entirely by the indigenous Bugun tribe. The reserve, bordering Eagle Nest Sanctuary, is a pioneering model of grassroots conservation. Here, local communities are not just protectors of the forest—they are its most knowledgeable custodians. It was within this very forest that a moment of global ecological significance occurred: the discovery of a new bird species, the Bugun Liocichla, in 2006 by Dr. Ramana Athreya. A vibrantly feathered bird found nowhere else in the world, the Bugun Liocichla has since become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of local stewardship.

The Community Forest also shelters another winged wonder—the elusive Bhutan Glory butterfly. With its long trailing tails and dramatic black, white, and crimson patterns, it dances silently through high-altitude forests, feeding on specific native plants and making rare appearances for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse. The habitats that support such endemic and sensitive species are fragile ecosystems, delicately balanced and immensely rich in biodiversity. Here, even the rustle of leaves or the sudden hush of the forest can signal the presence of something wild and wonderful.

Walking through these ancient trails, guided by members of the local community, offers an experience that’s both humbling and uplifting. Every tree, birdcall, and flutter of wings is part of a larger conservation tapestry, shaped by generations of Bugun knowledge and a collective commitment to protect what is irreplaceable.

And then there’s the human connection—lunch in a local home in a Bugun village, where stories are shared over plates of traditional food, and you begin to understand how culture and conservation coexist in this remote corner of India.

This is more than a nature walk. It’s a deep dive into one of India’s most inspiring conservation success stories, set against a backdrop of breathtaking Himalayan biodiversity. For those seeking beauty with purpose, “Guardians of the Singing Forest” is an invitation to slow down, listen closely, and rediscover wonder.

Inclusions

• Guided nature walk
• Interpretation centre visit
• Bugun village lunch
• Transport from Tenga and between locations
• Services of a local naturalist

Exclusions

• Personal expenses
• Transport to / from Tenga
• Accommodation

Things to carry

• Good walking shoes or boots
• Binoculars and bird guide (optional)
• Rain protection (depending on season)
• Water bottle and sun protection