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Bird Watching in Nepal
Major Trekking Region
Bird Watching in Nepal
Nepal is a paradise for birds and bird lovers with over 864 species (almost 8% of the world total) of birds and among them almost 500 species are found in the Kathmandu valley alone. The most popular bird watching sport in Kathmandu is Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Bagmati River, Taudaha and so on. Get your binoculars and look forward to rewarding experience.
The Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu has four major bird watching areas, and one can start on the banks of the Bagmati and Manohara rivers. Birds sighted along there rivers are the Egrets, herons, Kingfishers, Ibis bill, Wood Sandpipers and Plovers. The Chovar Gorge is particularly recommended as an area for birds as its isolation from human habitation has encouraged their presence.
Phulchowki: Phulchowki is another ideal site, with a Redheaded Trogan, a very rate bird sighted there in April 2002 (it was last seen in Nepal 44 years ago). Phulchowki is located at 2760 meters and 18kms southeast of Kathmandu and one can reach via Godawari - the Botanical Gardens. Walking can start from behind the gardens, with a combination of trails and roads. The hillside is covered with forest featuring outstanding flora as well as diverse birds. About 90 species have been recorded in this area including the endemic spring babbler, as well as the Curia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufus Bellied Pied Woodpeckers and the Black-throated Parrot bill etc.
Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve & Nagarjun: Two other areas of the valley are the Shivapuri Watershed Reserve, 12kms north of the city, and Nagarjun in the North West. Shivapuri can be reached via two ways either from Sundarijal or from Budhanilkantha. The reserve is managed by Nepalese Army and it costs Rs 250 for foreigners to enter. (Rs1000/- is charged for a movie or video camera). Some of the birds in the area are the Laughing Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, little Pied Fly Catchers, Rupy-throats, and Babblers. At Nagarjun at 2105 meters pheasants, magpies, sunbirds, and ruby throats are found.
| Area: | Kathmandu, Koshi Tappu, Chitwan and Bardia. |
| Activities: | Adventure Sports |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Seasons: | Jan - Dec |
| Group Size: | 2 to 25 |
| Altitude: | 1300m+ |
| Duration: | 14 Nights / 15 Days |
| Accommodation: | Hotel / Lodge |
| Transport: | Tourist bus / privet vehicles/ flight. |
| Highlights: | Kathmandu valley sightseeing, bird watching in Phulchoki jungle, koshi tappu forest walk, brid watching in koshi tappu, chitwan national park activities including bird watching and many more. |
| Days | Activities |
|---|---|
| 01. | Upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport, pickup by our representative & transfer to the hotel. At the hotel briefing about the program by our representative. |
| 02. | Sightseeing in Kathmandu city, Swayambhu nath, Museum and Patan city. |
| 03. | Sightseeing around Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur. |
| 04. | Full day bird & butterfly watching in Phulchowki (2759m) & Godavari Royal Botanical Garden. |
| 05. | Drive from Kathmandu to Koshi Tappu, evening bird, butterfly & dolphin watching. |
| 06. | Full day bird, butterfly & dolphin exploring activities on foot and in boats in Koshi Tappu |
| 07. | Drive from Koshi Tappu to Chitwan for 9-10 hrs through the beautiful landscapes. Evening jungle activities in Chitwan. |
| 08. | Whole day jungle activities in Chitwan including jungle walk, elephant ride, canon ride, village visit and explore the jungle on foot and jeeps for birds viewing, butterfly watching. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performed by local villagers. |
| 09. | Full day jungle activities like jungle walk, canon ride, bird watching, nature walk etc. |
| 10. | Drive from Chitwan to the Bardia National Park. Evening jungle activities |
| 11. | Full day Jungle activities including elephant back safari, nature walks, jungle drive, bird watching and hiking in the Churia Hills to observe more birds. |
| 12. | Full day jungle activities with cultural visits to Tharu village, Gangetic dolphin viewing, rafting in the Karnali river. In the evening Tharu (ethnic tribe) cultural performance. |
| 13. | Drive to Nepalgunj for about 2 hrs then fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. |
| 14. | Free day in Kathmandu for shopping and other activities |
| 15. | Departure to onward destination |
Cost Detail
To quote you with an exact or approximate price, we need the number of persons in your group, the category of hotel, the mode of transportation (by plane or by bus or by jeep etc) & any alternation in your itinerary. Please contact us with these important details first so that we can get back to you on the cost.
- Airport pick up & drop by private vehicles as your require.
- Standard accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu.
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu and other cities by privet vehicles.
- All your standard Meals during the bird watching trip.
- Best available Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trip.
- Local licensed English and other native language speaking Guide.
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments, medicine for all staffs.
- National Parks permits and other needed fees.
- Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
- All our government taxes.
- Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance.
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Airport Kathmandu with 2 passport size photos.
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, laundry.
- Personal uses things.
- Tips for trekking staff--Tipping is expected.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Departure Dates
Departure dates and itinerary arrangements can be custom-tailored to your needs, so please contact us with your inquiries regarding your tour departure date.
I’ve just retuned to Kathmandu competing the Annapurna circuit trekking organized by Outshine Adventures. They provide me with an excellent guide Pralhad and porter Hari. They took care of me for over 15 days. First going at the adjective pace and then selecting very good guest house all the way until Pokhara. Pralhad also answered all my too many questions about Nepal, its culture and its people.
CARLOS PENALBA, Spain & New York
