Who would make a special effort to visit a country during the height of the monsoon? We were the first to offer such a tour, optimising the visit to coincide with the display of the Critically Endangered Lesser Florican and the western Himalayan specialities. We begin in Himachal Pradesh to watch singing West Himalayan Grasshopper (Bush) Warbler way above the treeline as they sing in scenic alpine meadows. Moving across to Jammu & Kashmir, we target Kashmir and White-cheeked Nuthatches, Kashmir Nutcracker, Spectacled Finch, Black-and-yellow Grosbeak and Tytler's Leaf Warbler, while we even have a chance of Orange Bullfinch.
As the India heat meets the monsoon season, one of the subcontinents most iconic, but seldom-observed endemics starts it's spectacular aerial display - Lesser Florican. On top of this, we can also hope to encounter Rain Quail, Rock Bush Quail, Painted Francolin, Singing Bushlark and displaying Bristled and Broad-tailed Grassbirds.

‍Day 1:
International arrivals into Delhi International Airport. Night in Delhi.

‍Day 2:
‍During the monsoon season, Bristled Grassbird suddenly appears in-and-around Delhi, so we will go in search of birds performing their aerial displaying this morning, with other species possible include Indian Grassbird, Tricoloured Munia, Red Avadavat, Black-breasted, Streaked and Baya Weaver.Depending on recent events, sometimes a Finn's Weaver colony can be found further afield, and if present we can make an attempt to see them during the afternoon. Night in Delhi.
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‍Day 3:
‍Starting with an early morning flight to the base of the Himalaya in Himachal Pradesh, we weave our way up into the Himalaya over the course of the day, with the odd stop during the day, with classic Himalayan species possible, including Upland Pipit, Himalayan Prinia, Himalayan Parakeet, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch and Himalayan Griffon.

‍Days 4-7:
Starting above the treeline to the sound of West Himalayan Grasshopper Warbler, a bird found breeding in a narrow band across the western Himalaya and so seldom-seen due to its remote, difficult to reach breeding area. After this, we carry on into Jammu and Kashmir, and bird the coniferous forests and deciduous valley bottoms in the state. Our primary focus will be Kashmir and White-cheeked Nuthatches, Rufous-naped Tit, Kashmir Nutcracker and Tytler's Leaf Warbler. A supporting cast could include Scaly-bellied, Brown-fronted and Himalayan Woodpeckers, Spot-winged Tit, Black-and-yellow Grosbeak, Pink-browed Rosefinch, Himalayan Parakeet, Kashmir and Rusty-tailed Flycatchers, Streaked and Variegated Laughingthrushes with outside chances of Spectacled Finch, and even the scarce White-throated Bushtit and Orange Bullfinch - the latter is now quite rare in the area largely due to over-grazing leaving little remaining habitat for them to feed during the breeding season, even in the remoter, higher elevation areas. Nights 5-7 in Srinagar.

‍Day 8:
After final morning birding out of Srinagar we take a flight to Jaipur in Rajasthan, via Delhi. Night in Jaipur.

‍Day 9:
Rajasthan is the stronghold of the Critically Endangered Lesser Florican, that is still spiralling down in numbers, with just a few hundred now remaining. Despite the numerous tours to Rajasthan and Gujarat in the dry season, extremely few birders have come across a wintering florican due to their elusiveness. However, from the end of July they perform their spectacular aerial display, making them quite easy to observe and enjoy. During our days in the area we have a few other species to search for, as the lush, green surroundings are full of birds in ful display, including Rock Bush Quail, Rain Quail, Black-breasted Weaver, Singing Bushlark, Bristled Grassbird, Indian Eagle Owl, Red-necked Falcon, and a chance of Painted Francolin, right at the edge of its range.

‍Day 10:
We take an afternoon flight south to Pune in Maharastra, and continue drivin to our destination, depending on flight time.
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Day 11:
Morning search for displaying Broad-tailed Grassbird, a bird so rarely encountered in the usual birding season in the winter but during monsoon allows great views as it performs an aerial display. In this area, Crested Bunting, Grey-bellied Cuckoo and Malabar Whistling-thrush are also likely.
In addition, if required we can visit open countryside where Painted Francolin is also possible, along with Grey-bellied Cuckoo and Malabar Lark.
In the afternoon we head north to Mumbai, via a stop en-route for the range-restricted Vigors's Sunbird. Night in Mumbai.

‍Day 12:
Departures from Mumbai International Airport.