Birding Tour around Kathmandu Valley is an excellent bird-watching and bird photography trip guided by the local bird watchers. Make sure to consult the local guides or join bird-watching groups who know the area well and can assist in finding and identifying bird species.
Without a doubt, Nepal is a bird-watching paradise with more than 915 different species of birds, highlighting its extraordinarily rich avian diversity. That represents roughly 9% of the world’s total bird species. Also, there are many famous national parks and places in Nepal that are good for bird watching. Among them, the Kathmandu Valley is the best and nearest place for birding. The valley houses more than 500 birds, which are recorded in the area. Because of its diverse ecology and temperate climate, surrounded by lush hills, make it an ideal place for many bird species to nest. Bird-watching destinations like Phulchowki, Godavari, Shivapuri Nagarjun, Bagmati and Manohara River, Taudaha Lake are the most popular in the Kathmandu Valley.
Phulchowki and Godawari forest:
Phulchoki Hill (2,790m), the highest peak on the Valley rim and 20 km southeast of Kathmandu, is the most popular place to go bird-watching. To date, over 265 species have been identified there. This location offers the best chance to see the most birds in a single day. Numerous migrant birds, woodpeckers, eagles, minivets, babblers, warblers, tits, and thrushes can be seen in the area.
The Godavari Botanical Garden, which is located at the base of Phulchowki Hill, is home to more than 100 different species of birds, including the Tibetan siskin, lesser racket-tailed drongo, and spotted forktail.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park:
A hike to the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park offers a chance to witness various birds. It is another exciting bird-watching spot located 11 km north of Kathmandu. In fact, the park and Nagarjun Royal Forest are home to different bird species. Like the Red-billed blue magpie, Bonelli’s Eagle, Kalij pheasant, Great Barbet, Himalayan bulbul, and more. Shivapuri Peak and Jamacho Peak are the highest peaks and highlights within the national park. Both peaks provide spectacular panoramic Himalaya vistas, hills, and valleys.
Bagmati and Manohara River:
These rivers are the wetlands bird-watching location of the valley. These wetlands with open farmlands are the perfect place to see many bird species.
Taudaha Lake:
The only lake in the valley, Taudaha Lake is another perfect place to watch birds. A group of water birds spend the winter months here. Its rich ecosystem serves as a temporary stop for migratory birds. It’s a transit point where migratory birds that soar through the skies stop. The Great Cormorant, Eurasian wigeon, Northern shoveler, Common Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, and Eurasian coot are among the frequent visitors.
Best Time For Birding in Nepal
The ideal times for bird watching around Kathmandu Valley are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This is the time when many bird species migrate, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. During winter and spring, numerous bird species flock to the hillside, allowing bird watchers to observe migratory patterns and the arrival and departure of these birds.
