Species profile
About this species
The Himalayan Griffon is a large Old World vulture native to the Himalayas & the Tibetan Plateau, making it one of the largest & heaviest birds in the region. It has pale buff-brown plumage with a whitish ruff around the neck & a relatively bare head typical of scavenging vultures. The species plays a vital ecological role as a scavenger, feeding primarily on the carcasses of large mammals across high-altitude environments.
High-altitude mountain terrain including open grasslands, rocky cliffs & plateaus of the Himalayas & Tibetan Plateau, typically at elevations between 1200 & 5500 metres
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Himalayan Griffon with us in Tibet.
These departures are part of our Asia programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning during spring & autumn when birds are most active at roost sites; clear days between March & May offer excellent light & visibility against snow-capped peaks
Position yourself near known feeding sites or cliff-side roosts at high altitude to maximise your chances of close encounters. Use a telephoto lens of at least 500mm to capture flight behaviour & soaring patterns against dramatic mountain backdrops. Arrive early to catch birds warming their wings in the morning light before they begin thermal soaring.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Himalayan Griffon
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.