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!