Bird Watching in Nepal

Experience an exhilarating panoramic mountain flight to Kathmandu. As soon as you see the vistas of the snow-capped mountain peaks stretching beneath you, a series of unforgettable memories start creating in your mind.

A representative from our office will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel or our recommended hotel for you. The representative will assist you with checking into the hotel of your choice. Upon arrival at the hotel, get refreshed with a welcome drink. In the evening, you will receive a briefing about the daily activities to be undertaken in the following days.

Early breakfast and fly to Nepalgunj. Drive to Bardia National Park (3-4 hours) by private transport.

Birding sites: Babai River and Sal forest.
Possible sightings: Black Storks, Black Ibis, Woolly-necked Stork, Slaty-Woodpecker, Kingfishers, Waders, and Raptors.

For 3 days, explore the dense forests, lakes, and rivers around Bardia National Park, one of Nepal’s finest destinations for wildlife and birdwatching. Spend full days immersed in the jungle, searching for a diverse variety of birds and animals. Enjoy a packed lunch and refreshments outdoors while listening to the natural sounds of the forest, before returning to your hotel after sunset.

Today, venture deep into the forests of Bardia National Park by Jeep, searching for birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Observe and photograph birds flying freely and living among the trees, grasslands, and forest.

Board a rafting boat and drift quietly along the Karnali River. Watch birds searching for prey along the riverbanks and look out for other wildlife. A river safari provides an excellent opportunity to photograph waterbirds, riverine species, and animals along the banks.

Explore the wetlands around Barhaiya Lake and Pokhara Pokhari by rickshaw or traditional cart. These productive habitats attract a variety of waterfowl, waders, kingfishers, herons, egrets, ducks, and birds of prey. Spend time quietly observing and photographing birds around the lakes before continuing your exploration of the Bardia wilderness.

After a scenic 250 km drive from Bardia, taking approximately 5–6 hours, arrive at your hotel, check in, and freshen up before heading out for another exciting birding adventure. In the late afternoon, enjoy a peaceful boat trip on the Narayani River against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset. The riverbanks offer excellent opportunities to observe a variety of waterbirds, including waders, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and other species.

You can also visit Sanischare Lake, which stretches for approximately 2,500 metres and offers another rewarding birdwatching habitat. After sunset, enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant while relaxing in the cool evening breeze and listening to the sounds of nature.

Visit Nawalparasi forest that lies to the east of the Daunne Siwalik Range. The forest extends from Bardghar to Sunwal, covering an area of 4000 hectares. It is located at an altitude of 350 meters. Involve in bird watching along with a vulture feeding program after breakfast till lunch. After lunch, drive to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s most popular wildlife tourism destination.

Check in to the hotel and visit the nearby villages and the national park’s visitor center for detailed information about its wildlife. Spend a relaxing time at the Narayani river bank to watch the sunset. After the sun is down, visit the community hall for a Tharu cultural program.

Chitwan National Park hosts a variety of migratory and resident bird species. More than 600 bird species can be found in the forest, wetlands, riversides, and lakesides around the park.

Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s finest destinations for bird watching and wildlife experiences. Its rich mosaic of Sal forests, riverine जंगल, grasslands, wetlands, and lakes provides excellent habitat for a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. During your 2 nights and 3 days in Chitwan, you can enjoy several activities that bring you closer to nature, wildlife, and the unique culture of the indigenous Tharu community.

Canoe Ride:
A peaceful canoe ride along the rivers of Chitwan offers a wonderful opportunity for bird watching and wildlife viewing. As you quietly float downstream, watch the riverbanks for birds, crocodiles, and other wildlife coming to drink. Enjoy the sounds of splashing water, birdsong, and the peaceful wilderness. Please remain quiet, avoid splashing or touching the water, and follow your guide’s instructions, especially when wildlife is nearby.

A jeep safari takes you through different habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and lakes such as Lami Taal and Tamor Taal, providing excellent opportunities for bird watching. You may also encounter greater one-horned rhinoceros, deer, wild boar, sloth bear, and other wildlife. Leopards and Bengal tigers are occasionally seen. Keep noise to a minimum and observe all wildlife respectfully without disturbing their natural behavior.

Visit Bishazar Tal (Twenty Thousand Lakes):
The Bishazar Tal wetland area, popularly known as the Twenty Thousand Lakes, is an important destination for bird watching in Chitwan. Its lakes and wetlands attract a variety of resident and migratory birds, making it an excellent place for nature lovers and bird photographers. Stay quiet, avoid sudden movements or loud conversations, and never throw objects toward birds or other wildlife.

Possible Bird Sightings:
Depending on the season and habitat, you may have opportunities to see Great Hornbill, Bengal Florican, Silver-eared Mesia, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, kingfishers, woodpeckers, bee-eaters, parakeets, and many other species.

Jungle Walk:
Explore the forests of Chitwan National Park on foot with an experienced local nature guide. A quiet jungle walk can be one of the most exciting ways to experience the park’s birds, plants, and wildlife. Local guides understand animal behavior, forest trails, and safe wildlife-viewing practices. Always follow your guide’s instructions, walk quietly, and avoid disturbing wildlife for the best birding experience.

Tharu Cultural Program:
Experience the vibrant culture of the Tharu community, one of the highlights of a visit to Chitwan. In the evening, enjoy traditional music, colorful costumes, and captivating cultural dances, including the famous Tharu stick dance.

After breakfast, you will drive from the plains of Chitwan to Pokhara for 4 to 5 hrs, the lake city of Nepal. Once you get checked in and refreshed, you can spend your evening by the lake.

Splendid mountain views can be enjoyed from your hotel, weather permitting. The surrounding forest and lakeside habitat provide excellent opportunities for bird watching, supporting a wide variety of resident and seasonal bird species.

Possible Sightings: Asian Barred Owlet, Great Barbet, Niltava, Kalij Pheasant, Puff-throated Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, Green Magpie, Red-billed Blue Magpie, and Nepal’s only endemic bird, the Spiny Babbler. Raptors may include Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Shaheen Falcon, Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian Vulture, Shikra, Eurasian Griffon, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, and various species of sunbirds.

After breakfast, drive or fly back to Kathmandu. If you choose to fly, you can save valuable time and enjoy a stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, where you can shop for souvenirs and explore its many cafés and local shops.

Alternatively, travelling by private vehicle or tourist bus offers a scenic journey through Nepal’s beautiful landscapes, hills, rivers, and countryside. It is also a great opportunity to meet fellow trekkers and travelers along the way.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in to your hotel in Thamel and prepare for your final birding hike in the hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley.

The hills that surround Kathmandu Valley host more than 500 species of birds. Varieties of resident, migratory, and passage migrant birds can be seen and heard in the forests of Kathmandu.

Phulchoki Hill: 
Phulchoki Hill is the most popular bird-watching spot in Kathmandu. It is the highest peak on the Valley rim, situated 20 km southeast of Kathmandu. The hill is said to host around 265 species of birds. Likewise, the Godavari Botanical Garden located at the foot of the hill records over 100 species of birds.

Possible sightings: Babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles, the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin, spotted forktail, and many other migrant birds.

Start your final day with an early morning bird-watching excursion in Shivapuri National Park, one of the best birding destinations around Kathmandu Valley. The forests of Shivapuri and nearby Nagarjun provide excellent habitat for a variety of Himalayan and resident bird species. Accompanied by an experienced nature guide, explore the forest trails and enjoy the peaceful sounds of birds in the early morning.

Possible Sightings: Blue Magpies, Kalij Pheasant, Bonelli’s Eagle, Great Barbet, Himalayan birds, and many other forest species.

After the birding excursion, return to your hotel for breakfast and some time to relax, pack, or enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu.