Kali Pokhri

A short, beautiful forest walk of 500 metres leads from the eco-cottages into the heart of the Senchal reserve forest to a small, dark, reed-fringed pond locally called Kali Pokhri (kali = black, pokhri = pond). The destination itself, an unassuming woodland pool, is far less important than the journey: pine trees tower on both sides of the trail, birdsong fills the canopy and the world beyond the forest ceases to exist. Go in the early morning for the best light and the highest chance of bird and wildlife sightings. A local guide is strongly recommended for this walk, both for safety (the forest holds leopards and bears) and for ecological interpretation.