Birds Watching Tour in Nepal

Our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel upon your arrival. After check-in, you will receive a short briefing about the birdwatching tour, including key destinations, expected bird species, and important guidelines. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, or simply relax at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can experience cuisines and performances.

Today, in the morning, we set out for Pulchowki Hill, the highest point in the Kathmandu Valley and a renowned birdwatching destination. A short drive takes us to the base of the hill, where we begin our gradual ascent through dense subtropical forests rich in biodiversity. Along the way, we will spot various bird species, including Nepal’s endemic Spiny Babbler, Cutia, Red-billed species of Minivets, and Yuhians. The hill’s diverse habitat attracts both migratory and resident birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. We will enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature before continuing our exploration. In the afternoon, we descend and drive back to Kathmandu, where you can relax or explore independently.

After an early breakfast, we drive to Shivapuri National Park, a prime birdwatching destination just north of Kathmandu. This lush forest, home to over 300 bird species, offers a mix of subtropical and temperate habitats, making it an excellent place to spot rare and migratory birds. As we hike through the park, we may encounter species like the Eurasian Jay, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Long-tailed Broadbill, and Nepal Cupwing. The peaceful trail takes us through rhododendron forests and towards Nagi Gumba, a serene Buddhist monastery with stunning valley views. Here, we take a short break before continuing our birdwatching along hidden trails. In the late afternoon, we will return to Kathmandu for a well-deserved rest.

Today, we leave Kathmandu Valley and journey towards Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal’s premier wetland birdwatching destination. We take a scenic drive through the lush countryside, passing rivers, terraced fields, and small towns. Upon arrival, we check into a riverside lodge and take some time to relax. In the late afternoon, we go for a short birdwatching walk near the reserve, where we may spot Swamp Francolin, Bengal Florican, Black-necked Stork, and various species of Kingfishers and Warblers.

We start the day early with a boat safari along the Koshi River, an excellent way to observe Nepal’s diverse wetland birds. As we glide through the calm waters, we may spot Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelducks, Lesser Adjutant Storks, Purple Herons, and Black-headed Ibis. The riverbanks and marshlands provide ideal habitats for both migratory and resident species.

After breakfast at the lodge, we explore the grasslands and forests of Koshi Tappu, searching for rare species like the Swamp Francolin and Bengal Florican. Our expert guide will help identify various species of warblers, prinias, flycatchers, and woodpeckers. In the afternoon, we take a jeep safari or guided walk deeper into the reserve, where we might also spot wild water buffaloes, deer, and otters alongside our birdwatching activities.

After an early breakfast, we depart from Koshi Tappu, and embark on a scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s top wildlife destinations. The journey takes approximately 7-8 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes, local villages, and the lush Terai lowlands. Upon arrival, we check into our jungle lodge and take some time to relax. In the evening, we enjoy a Tharu cultural program, where the indigenous Tharu community performs their traditional stick dance and music, offering insights into their rich heritage. Before dinner, we can take a short sunset birdwatching walk along the Rapti River, where we may spot Kingfishers, Storks, Egrets, and various waterfowl.

We begin the day with an early morning canoe ride along the Rapti River, a serene experience that allows us to observe a variety of water birds, including Storks, Egrets, Kingfishers, and the endangered Black-bellied Tern. The riverbanks are also home to mugger crocodiles and gharials, adding to the wildlife experience.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided jungle walk, exploring the park’s dense forests and grasslands. Chitwan is home to over 500 bird species, and we may spot the Great Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant, Crested Serpent Eagle, and different species of Woodpeckers and Barbets. Our expert naturalist will help identify both resident and migratory species along the trail.

In the afternoon, we go on a jeep safari, covering a larger area of the park. This provides opportunities to see not only birds but also rhinos, deer, wild boars, and possibly even a Bengal tiger. The diverse habitats of Chitwan, from riverbanks to dense Sal forests, make it a haven for birdwatchers.

After an early breakfast, we leave Chitwan and embark on a scenic 5–6-hour drive to Pokhara, a beautiful city nestled beside the Annapurna Mountain range. Along the way, we make short stops at riverside forests and wetlands for birdwatching, where we may spot species like the Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Redstart, and Forktails. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will check into our hotel and take some time to relax. In the late afternoon, we head to Phewa Lake, a prime birdwatching spot. The lake and its surrounding forests are home to Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Ducks, and Raptors like the Himalayan Vulture and Osprey. We take a peaceful boat ride on the lake, offering great opportunities to observe both water birds and hill species.

Today, we start the day early with a birdwatching hike to the World Peace Pagoda, a hillstop stupa offering panoramic views of Pokhara and the Annapurna range. As we ascend through the lush forest, we may spot Himalayan Griffons, Crested Serpent Eagles, Sunbirds, and Flycatchers. The peaceful environment makes this a perfect spot for both birdwatching and photography. After descending, we drive to Begnas Lake, a quieter and less crowded alternative to Phewa Lake. Surrounded by forests and hills, it is home to various water birds, including Lesser Whistling Ducks, Common Kingfishers, and Great Cormorants. Walking along the lake’s edges, we may also spot Bulbuls, Warblers, and Barbets in the surrounding vegetation.

Today, we enjoy a relaxing morning in Pokhara before driving back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive approximately takes 6-7 hours, with a few stops for birdwatching along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will have some leisure time for last minute shopping. In the evening, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.