Bird Watching Tour – The best extended 10 days tour

Bird Watching Tour

“The sharp thrill of seeing them [killdeer birds] reminded me of childhood happiness, gifts under the Christmas tree, perhaps, a kind of euphoria we adults manage to shut out most of the time. This is why I bird-watch, to recapture what it’s like to live in this moment, right now.”

– Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A mother’s Memoir  

Nepal is renowned for its monumental mountains, varying landscapes from southern plains to alienesque terrains of mustang to the rugged regions of Khumbu, all kinds of floras and faunas, rich diverse culture and traditions and much more. Yet, there is always more to what Nepal has to offer. Bird watching is another overlooked and underdiscussed gem hidden within layers of an epitome of diversity called Nepal. 

Nepal is habitat to whopping 900 species of birds of which 886 have been recorded, which amounts to staggering 9% of total birds found in the world. It is important to note that Nepal boasts more than 36 Important Birds and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), and 6 vegetation zones- tropical, subtropical, lower-temperate, temperate, sub-alpine and alpine.

It is then no wonder that this diversity spills into the numerous species of birds and one of which is ‘endemic’ (Spiny Babbler), which means it is only found in certain parts of this country and nowhere else in this planet. Also, another near endemic one (Hoary-throated Barwing) is shared only with Bhutan. Every now and then, we get to hear the discovery of either new species or re-discovery of certain species that were once considered extinct.

For a small country spanning 14,7181 square miles, Nepal can be considered a paradise for bird watching lovers. Apart from the habitats that range from the low-lands of Tarai to the high-altitude Himalayas, various national parks and conservation areas play crucial role in preserving and enriching the avifauna that reside in Nepal. 

(For those interested in bird watching tour, our services are all year around and spans through all seasons)

Autumn: September is when Monsoon ends officially with the rainclouds dissipating and leaving clear skies. The months from September till November is considered the best time to visit Nepal for its pleasant weather, favorable temperature and clear view of most of the mountains.  Temperature fluctuates from a maximum of 30 Degree to minimum of 7 degree, while it can drop below zero in High altitude regions.

Winter: During the months of December to February, weather is generally cold during daytime and colder at night depending upon altitude. Even though, trekking in high-altitude region is less popular during winter because of weather conditions, our bird watching package is designed for all year long and you won’t miss any of the popular bird watching hot-spots even during winter. Temperature fluctuates from maximum 19 degree to a minimum of 2 degree.

Spring: During the months of March to May, the temperatures are mildly warm and this time of the year is considered very favorable and pleasant only second to Autumn. Temperature fluctuates from a maximum 33 Degree to a minimum 10 degree.

Summer/Monsoon: The months of June, July and August brings not only a hot temperature but also Monsoon rain. It rains more during the months of July and August and the mornings are generally cloudy with a less clear view of the sky. Temperature fluctuates from a maximum 35 degree to minimum 19 degree.

The positive side of weather change is people can see different birds flying in different seasons.

(All the pictures courtesy of Mr. Bikash Basnet, Nepal’s top wildlife and nature photographer and Trek Venture birding expert)

Overview

Keeping in mind the diversity of bird habitats, our birdwatching package is carefully crafted in order to give you a wholesome experience, covering various regions in different altitudes in order to cover most of what this country has to offer for those interested in Birding. Our package will cover most popular areas that are famous for their bird population, starting with Kathmandu valley (which alone boasts 500 bird species), Nagarjun Hill,  Shivapuri watershad, Godawari and Phulchowki. It then progresses towards the lowland of Tarai region namely, Chitwan National park, Bardiya National Park and finally Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. 

Most importantly, we have designed this tour package in such a way that you will not only get to enjoy the mesmerizing birds in different regions of Nepal but also be able to enjoy most popular cultural and religious heritages, scenic landscapes, along with chances of sightseeing Tigers, Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Monkey, Hog Deer, Nepal Grey Langur, etc.. thus, making it a unique tour on its own!

Most renowned species of birds found in Nepal:

Spiny Babbler, Bengal Florican, Grey-crowned Prinia, Slender-billed Babbler, Rufous-rumped Grassbird, Besra, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, White-browed Fulvetta, White-throated Laughingthrush, Grey-headed Darjeeling and Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Hill Partridge, Hoary-throated Barwing, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Scaly Thrush, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Brown Dipper, Swamp Francolin, White-throated and Streaked Laughingthrush, White-browed Fulvetta, Whistler’s Warbler, Himalayan Bulbul, White-collared Blackbird, Black-chinned Babbler, Nepal Fulvetta, Tibetan Serin, Pink-browed Rosefinch, White-tailed Nuthatch, Rufous Sibia and many more!

Itinerary

Our guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to a quality hotel where you can rest up and when you are ready, we will brief you about the itinerary. Later on, we will check all the necessary documentation as well as equipment to ensure a smooth sailing for the rest of the trip.

After breakfast, we will explore the ancient city of Kathmandu, it’s UNESCO heritage sites e.g. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pasupatinath, Bouddhanath, etc. Some of the historical monuments are dated back to 12th century and one will be amazed to see the smooth amalgamation of Hindu as well as Buddhist influence in the temples and stupas adorning the city of Gods.

Patan and Bhaktapur were separate princely states and ruled by their respective kings just like Kathmandu. The ancient palaces with their courtyards, historical museums and cultural sites are equally mesmerizing to say the least. One will also get to see the unique culture of indigenous Newari people and their way of life, which will surely delight the eyes and soul of any visitor.

Godawari (1515m) is situated on the lap of Phulchowki hill(2175m), encircled by lush green hills, one can stroll leisurely around the area of 82 hectare filled with 500 different species of plants. Phulchowki literally means hill of flowers and it’s not surprising to see various rhododendrons, lilies, orchids, cacti and ferns adorn the landscape along with fast moving streams. As we hike towards the hill, many species of birds will surely add joy to the interesting journey. Mostly recorded species are: Spiny Babbler, Striated Bulbul, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Spotted Forktail, Chestnut-headed and grey-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-crowned and black faced Warblers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, White-crested, striated, Rufous-chinned and grey-sided Laughing thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Cuttia, White-browed Green and Black-eared Shrike-Babblers, Hoary Barwing, Blue-winged Minla, Nepal Fulvetta, etc. and many more! Also, one is rewarded with a wondrous view of Kathmandu Valley and small surrounding hills for a truly delightful experience.

We begin our journey from Nagarjuna forest, which is situated 9 km from Kathmandu and flanked by world famous Swoyambhu Stupa. Actually, Nagarjuna is part of Shivapuri Wildlife and Forest Reserve and is uniquely rich in different flora and founa. Thus, it offers diverse species of birds like Chestnut-headed Bee-Eater, Maroon Oriole, Large Hawk Cuckoo, and Eurasian Woodcock, Northern Eagle Owl, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Long-tailed Mountain Thrush, etc. As we hike up to Shivapuri hill, we will not only see more species of birds but also the wonderful view of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal and Jugal Himal, which only adds to the delight of sightseers. It is worthy to remember that this Reserve alone is habitat to more than 315 species of birds.

After breakfast, we head towards Chitwan for another exciting excursion into the wilderness. It’s less than five hours drive from Kathmandu and this region is famous not only for the vast species of birds but also home to Bengal Tigers, Indian Rhino and many exotic animals. After arrival, we will take some rest and later on visit the local attractions.

All in all, this park is home to more than 534 species of birds and you also have an option of jungle safari which will open up possibility of more bird watching deep into the forest. Bengal florican, Blue Indian Roller, Stork-billed Kingfishers, the vulnerable lesser adjutant, Grey-crowned Prinia, swamp francolin and several species of grass warblers, Bee eaters, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, etc. just to name a few.

After five hours or so drive from Chitwan, we will reach the region in eastern Nepal famous for its extensive mudflats, reed beds and freshwater marshes. This is a protected area and is quite diverse in terms of what it has to offer. We will take some rest and then later check out local attractions followed by Jungle safari and rafting down the Koshi river. One will be pleased to see, Gharial crocodiles, Arna (wild buffaloos), hog deers, wild boar, Gangetic dolphins and many more.

After breakfast, we start our birding tour. As this reserve is home to more than 400 species of birds, there will be ample opportunity to witness species like:

Watercock, Indian nightjar, dusky eagle owl, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Whitetailed Stonechat, Striated Grassbird, Large Adjutant Stork, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Common Golden-eye, Gullbilled Tern, Swamp Francolin, Rufous-Vented Grass Babbler, Honey Kites, Ospreys, Black Headed Orioles, Peregrine Falcon, Partridges, etc. and many more.

After flying back, this day is reserved for more leisurely strolling in Kathmandu and neighboring attractions. We will help you with your curiosities regarding other less frequented attractions and assist you with all the necessary details. You might want to go shopping for souvenirs and gifts, or some other local trips that can be arranged if there is enough time.

We will drop you at Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight back home.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Bird Watching Tour – The best extended 10 days tour

Sonam Sherpa

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