Chopta
Chopta lies within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary — the largest wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand and one of the finest birding habitats in the western Himalayas. The rhododendron, buransh, and oak forests around Chopta are home to the Himalayan Monal (Uttarakhand's state bird), Koklass Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, and Khalij Pheasant along with dozens of woodpecker, warbler, and thrush species. It is one of the premier birdwatching destinations in India.
Dawn (5:30–8:00 AM) is prime birdwatching time. Walk slowly and quietly along the Chopta–Tungnath trail and scan the rhododendron canopy carefully — the Monal is a master at staying just out of sight.