My Trip to Find the Golden Langur

Hi everyone! I went on a super cool trip to Assam, India, to see the Golden Langur! It’s a type of monkey with beautiful golden fur. I wanted to see it in its home, the forest!

Golden Langur in Assam

What is a Golden Langur?

The Golden Langur is a monkey found only in a small part of India and Bhutan. They have black faces and bright golden fur. They are super cute, but also endangered, meaning there aren’t many of them left.

My Adventure in Assam

I flew to Guwahati and then drove to a place called Bongaigaon. The drive was long, about 3.5 hours! I stayed at a nice homestay near a forest called Kakoijana Reserve Forest. It was so peaceful there!

Spotting Other Animals

Besides hoping to see the Golden Langur, I also saw other cool animals! I saw lots of colorful butterflies, lizards, cows, geese, and even a kingfisher! I also heard lots of fun sounds, like the cowbells jingling.

Searching for the Langur

I went into the forest, hoping to see the Golden Langur. I even saw a special bridge built for the monkeys to use! Sadly, I didn’t see any monkeys using it that day.

Finally, a Golden Langur!

I was so excited when I finally saw a Golden Langur! It had a black face and golden fur. It was amazing to see it in the wild!

Golden Langur in Assam

Tips for Visiting Assam

• Hire a local guide. They know the best places to see animals!
• Be patient. Sometimes it takes time to find the animals you’re looking for.
• Enjoy the nature! Assam is a beautiful place.

Other birds seen

I also saw a White-breasted Kingfisher, Black-rumped Shama, Emerald Dove, Spotted Owlet, and Rocket-tailed Drongo

My stay in Assam

My stay at the homestay was around ₹1500 per night. The room was very spacious and the bathroom was clean!

Conclusion

My trip to Assam was an amazing adventure! Seeing the Golden Langur was a dream come true. I hope you can visit Assam someday too!

Chasing Ghosts: My Quest for the Golden Langur in Assam

November 7th, 2025, Assam. The air hangs heavy with humidity, a typical morning in this corner of India. I’m fresh off the plane in Guwahati, ready to embark on a journey to Bongaigaon, a place whispered to hold the key to seeing one of the world’s most beautiful and endangered primates: the Golden Langur. This trip isn’t just about ticking off another species on my list; it’s about witnessing a creature on the brink, a testament to the fragility of our planet’s biodiversity. Join me as I share my experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in the pursuit of the elusive Golden Langur.

A Close-Up Portrait of a Golden Langur in Assam

The Drive to Bongaigaon: A Glimpse of Rural Assam

The cab ride from Guwahati airport to Bongaigaon was slated to take around 3.5 hours. Truth be told, I slept through a good portion of it – the exhaustion from the early flight getting the better of me. But from what I did see, the highway offered glimpses of rural Assam, a landscape dotted with lush greenery and small villages. We finally reached “The Homestay,” my base for the next few days, surprisingly early. A quick nap to shake off the travel fatigue, and I was ready to explore.

The Homestay Experience: Comfort and Simplicity

The homestay was a welcome change from the sterile environment of hotels. My room was spacious and the bathroom, thankfully, clean. At ₹1500 a night, it was a steal, especially considering the government subsidy. However, be warned: no geyser for hot water (cold showers only!) and no WiFi. But who needs the internet when you have the Kakoijana Reserve Forest right at your doorstep? A medicine shop and a hospital were conveniently located nearby, providing a sense of security. The surrounding area was a charming farm, complete with a small pond, three cow sporting bells, peaceful geese, and a boisterous contingent of chickens.

A Budgetary Blunder and a Lesson Learned

Before diving into the birding highlights, a word of caution. My travel agent made a calculation error in the initial proposal, which I failed to thoroughly scrutinize. As a result, my budget ballooned to 1.5 times the original estimate. A frustrating experience, but it taught me a valuable lesson: always hire local guides. Not only are they incredibly knowledgeable, but you also avoid the added expense of covering your travel agent’s stay and food. It’s a win-win situation!

Entering Kakoijana: First Impressions

Stepping into the Kakoijana Reserve Forest was like entering another world. I was immediately struck by its cleanliness – a refreshing contrast to the litter often found in other natural areas. A special canopy bridge, intended for the langurs, stood as a testament to conservation efforts (though, I was told, the langurs have only used it a handful of times in all these years! Talk about a hard sell).

My Journal Entry: Birding Highlights and Missed Opportunities

While the Golden Langur was the primary target, the forest teemed with other avian delights. I spotted the striking white-breasted kingfisher, the melodic black-rumped Shama, the serene emerald dove, the charming spotted owlet, and the impressive rocket-tailed drongo. I was also thrilled to see five different types of butterflies and various lizards. Sadly, despite my best efforts, I failed to spot a Golden Langur during my initial foray into the forest.

Evening Plans Disrupted: A Moment to Recharge

My evening birding plans were thwarted by a bout of feeling unwell. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, allowing me to rest and recuperate for the next day’s adventure.

The Golden Prize: Finally, a Glimpse of the Langur

Finally, after a full day of searching I could spot the Golden Langur. Their black face and golden fur is a beauty to behold.

A Close-Up Portrait of a Golden Langur in Assam

Tips for Photographing the Golden Langur (and Other Wildlife)

• Patience is paramount: Wildlife photography requires immense patience. Be prepared to spend hours waiting for the perfect shot.
• Respect their space: Always maintain a safe distance from the animals and avoid any behavior that might disturb them.
• Local knowledge is key: Hire a local guide who understands the animals’ behavior and knows the best locations for sightings.
• Gear up appropriately: A good telephoto lens is essential for capturing wildlife from a distance.
• Be prepared for disappointment: Not every trip will yield the photos you desire. Embrace the experience and learn from each outing.

Golden Langur Facts: Delving Deeper

• Endemic to a small region: The Golden Langur is found only in western Assam and neighboring Bhutan.
• Endangered Species: Their habitat is threatened by habitat fragmentation and human encroachment.
• Social Animals: They live in groups of several individuals.

Conclusion: A Rewarding (and Educational) Expedition

My trip to Assam was a whirlwind of experiences, both challenging and incredibly rewarding. While the budget mishap was a source of initial frustration, it ultimately led to a valuable lesson about the importance of supporting local guides. And of course, witnessing the majestic Golden Langur in its natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these magnificent creatures and their fragile ecosystem. I encourage you to visit Assam, support local communities, and witness the beauty of the Golden Langur for yourself.