Bird Watching in Nepal

Nepal is indeed a paradise for birds with over 848 species recorded representing 10% of the world’s population in just a tiny fraction of the earth’s land mass. Just to list a few: eight species of stork, six species of pheasant, 17 species of cuckoo, 3 species of crow, cormorant, egret, black ibis, eagle, falcon, duck, chukar, partridge, sarus crane, lapwing pigeon, bengal green pigeon, dove, parakeet, koel cuckoo, owl, vulture, peafowl, red jungle fowl, swallow, black drong, blue jay, wood pecker, black-headed shrike, common myna, red-vented bulbul, paradise flycatcher, brahminy duck, house sparrow, red mania, and hawk. The opportunity to see these and other birds will make your trip a memorable and enjoyable one. These trips also provide panoramic mountain views, glimpses of wild animals and exposure to the local people’s culture and traditions.

Nepal is home of some endangered birds like Impeyan Pheasant, Nepal’s national bird and Spiny Babler, found only in Nepal. This program takes one, to explore the birds as well as wildlife in some of the very famous wetlands and National parks of Nepal. The wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds. Besides this, lots of birds but in different species found in Nepal depending on the vegetation and altitude of Nepal. Nepal is home of some endangered birds like Impeyan Pheasant, Nepal’s national bird and Spiny Babler, found only in Nepal. This program takes one, to explore the birds as well as wildlife in some of the very famous wetlands and National parks of Nepal.

The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20 Km south-east of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded till date,Godavari, Negarjun, the Bagmati River and Taudaha. The birds seen here include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki hill where the Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser Racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.

 

 

Birds of the Kathmandu Valley

Within the Kathmandu valley alone, over 500 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds.The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20 km South East of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded to date. The birds seen here included babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.

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 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.

 

 

1.Pulchowki:

Phulchowki is another ideal site,with a Readheaded Trogan,a very rate bird sighted there in April 2002( it was last seen and Nepal 44 year ago ).Pulchowki is 2760 meters and 18kms southeast of kathmandu and reached via godawari and the Botanical Gardens,with a combination of trail and roads.The hill side is covered with forest featuring outstanding flora as well as diverse birds.About 90 species have been recorded in this area including the endamic spring babbler,as well as the curia,Mountain Hawk Eagle,rufous Bellied pied Woodpeackers and the black-throated parrot bill,to name a few.

 

2.Shivapuri National Park:

Shivapuri National Park is situated at an altitude of 2563m north of Kathmandu. It is in the second highest point within the Kathmandu valley located near the source of holy river Bagmati and near Budhanikantha Temple, 8km north of Kathmandu This is a government protected forest reserve where over 500 species of birds are found.

 

 

Birds of the Pokhara:

In Pokhara, the two well known lakes Phewa Tal and Begnas Tal and the surrounding areas are highly recommended. Of particular interest are the areas with minimum disturbances, away from human inhabitation the forests around the south shore of Phewa lake. Look out in the fields and pools especially in the winter for Egrets, Herons, Pipits, and Buntings etc. other birds are occurring are Gulls, Terns, Ducks, and Falcons etc.Begnas Tal is 15Km away from Pokhara and it easily reached by taxi or bicycle. Accommodations are available here too. Terraced hills and light forests surround the lake. One should spend time on the slopes and wet fields. Birds sighted here are Ducks, pheasant-tailed jacana; Hoppie Grey bellied Tesias, common pintail snipe, bulbuls etc. Pokhara lakeside is basically a tourist town, which caters to all the needs f visitors. From cheap lodges to very expensive star hotels are available in and around Pokhara. Lakeside is full of restaurants of all kinds. Pokhara can be reached by air or by road. Bird watching is best in October and April.

 

 

 

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was principally established to defend the rare wild water buffaloes. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 175 sq km and is in the eastern Terai region of Nepal. It lies on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi and is for the most part, enclosed within the 8 meter high embankments of the Koshi Barrage, which has been designed to minimize the destructive annual floods. The vast stretch of water created by the barrage, marshes, lagoons, mudflats and arable land that lie around it offers an outstanding wetland which has created one of the best and finest bird watching sanctuaries in Asia.
It is a beautiful and fascinating marine environment and is home to an astounding assortment of water birds that flock to its ponds full of flowering plants. From Kathmandu, the Reserve is about a 10 hour, 450 km drive along the Mahindra Highway. It is also possible to fly to Biratnagar, from where it is a 50km journey by road. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Park is that it offers ample scope for nature walks. For those with curiosity and perseverance walking on foot is the most profitable way of exploring the grassland, river lagoons and woodlands.
The reserves afford an important habitat for a variety of wildlife but, in fastidious, water birds, including several migratory species such as the sarus crane from Siberia. In all, a total of 280 different species of birds have been recorded and these include many varieties of ducks, ibis, storks, egrets and herons, as well as the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal florican.
The best moment to visit this fabulous wildlife reserve is between October to March when much of the migratory and local birds can be sighted by the torrent and many of the river conduits. Numerous Himalayan peaks including the Makalu I (8,463m), the fifth highest mountain in the world can be seen through these months.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve also makes an exhilarating alternative destination of visitors who have previously visited Royal Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park.

 

 

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park covers 932 sq km it supports some 450 species of birds. Through highway to Chitwan Transfer by road from Pokhara to Chitwan, a drive of approx. 4 hours. After scrutiny in, you will have time for a late afternoon Nature Walk or Elephant Safari...Flocks of common and Demoiselle Cranes occur on passage between March and May and October November. Along the marshes and small lakes there are Cormorants, Darter, Cinnamon Bittern, Black-crowned Night and Purple Herons, Asian open bill, Woolly-necked and Lesser Adjutant Storks, Lesser whistling Duck,Cotton Pygmy Goose, Balloons Ruddy-breasted and Brown Crakes, Purple Gallinule, Bronze-winged Jacana, Painted Snipe Stork-billed Kingfisher, Chestnut-crowned and Spotted Bush Warblers, Yellow bellied Prinia, Clamorous Reed, Dusky and Smoky Warblers, and Red-caped Babbler. Forest species regularly seen are Lesser Fishing and Grey headed Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Emerald Dove, Orange-Breasted Green and Pompadour Green Pigeon, Moustached Parakeet, Green billed Malkoha, Brown Hawk Owl, Crested Tree swift, Pied and Great Hornbills, Streak-Throated Green, Rufous, Himalayan Golden-Backed and Greater Golden-Backed Woodpeckers, large Woodshirike Rosy Minivet, Black crested Bull Bull, Golden Fronted leaf bird, Pale Chinned fly catcher, Black-Napped Monarch, Puff-Throated Babbler, White-Browed Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-Throated Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, Thick-Billed Flowerpecker, Hill Mynah, Black-Hooded Oriole, White-Rumped Shama, Lesser Necklaced, Greater Necklaced and Rufous-Necked Laughing-Thrushed, Nepal Fulvetta, Streaked Spider Hunter, Yellow-Bellied Warbler, Rufous-Bellied Eagle, Forest Eagle, Tawny Fish Owls, Red-Headed Trogon, White-Rrowed Piculet, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Long-Tailed Broadbill, Ruby-Cheeked Sunbird and Little Spider Hunter. )
Skyline treks take you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view birds, crocodiles and the animals of the river bank. Nature walk, our trained naturalists take you to prime spots to view deer, rhino, sloth bear and other wild life. Detailed knowledge of the wild life and jungle will enhance your trip. Birding, an early morning walk along the Rapti River is a must to view many of the 450 species of exotic birds including Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican and Paradise Flycatcher. Again, you will be accompanied by our naturalists

 

 

Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park is another popular birding location especially for the endangered Bengal Florican other birds found here includes the Lesser Florican, Silver-eared Mesia, and Saurus Crane. It is located in the Terai in Midwestern Nepal; Bardia is famous for its National Park. Spread on the flood plains of the mighty Karnali River, the Bardia National Park is home to such endangered species of wildlife as the Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned Asiatic rhino, elephant and countless other species of birds and reptiles like gharial and dolphins. Bardia is also home to the indigenous Tharu community whose culture is ancient and unique.
The nearly 900 sq... Km Park and its vicinity offer excellent opportunities for bird watching, jungle safaris, and rafting, hiking and other adventure activities. Karnali, Nepal's biggest river flows from the heart i.e. the western boundary of the park. Different aquatic species such as gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins can be sighted in the area. The park and its vicinity is also a paradise for bird watchers.
Prospect for this park may hold further extension, doubling the area of the park by including another big forest area east of Nepalgunj, which is a very good sign for conservation and to uplift the park itself. The park can be reached through flights which connect the town of Nepalgunj with Kathmandu, from where visitors often hire a jeep to the park. The park premise homes resort and hotels that cater to all kinds of travelers.

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park is one of the major National Park in Nepal.It is only trans-Himalayan park.It covers an area of 3,555 km2 (1,373 sq mi) in the districts of Dolpa and Mugu in the northwestern part of the country. The park was formally gazette in 1984 with its headquarters in Palam, in Dolpa District.The park contains the famous Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal.
Shey Phoksundo National Park offers an assortment of extravagant landscapes and defenses among the most picturesque mountain parks in the world. Much of the park lies north of the Himalayan summit. Elevations range from 2,130 meters (6,990 ft) in the southeast near Ankhe to 6,883 meters (22,582 ft) at the pinnacle of Kanjiroba Himal, which lies at the southern edge of the Tibetan plateau. Phoksundo Lake, prominent for its glorious turquoise color, lies at 3,660 meters (12,010 ft) in the upper reaches of Suligad and is Nepal’s deepest and second largest lake. Near the lake’s aperture is the country’s highest waterfall. Many stunning glaciers can be found near and above the lake area
Shey Phoksundo National Park is an extra excellent birding location with a variety of species of birds, the Impeyan Pheasant (Danphe - the national bird of Nepal), Blood Pheasant, Cheer Pheasants, Red and Yellow Billed Cough, Raven, Jungle Crow, Snow Partridge are but a few of the birds that inhabit the park.

Rara National Park

Rara National Park is an isolated & protected area in the Himalayas of Nepal .It was predictable in 1976.It covered an area of 106 km2 (41 sq mi) in the Mugu and Dolpa districts; it is the country's smallest national park. Much of the park is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters forested by conifers. This park protects some of the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of the Himalaya. Its major attribute is Rara Lake at an altitude of 2,990 meters (9,810 ft).The attraction is the pristine Lake Rara, also Known as Mahendra Tal, the biggest lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters is the best vantagepoint to get stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it. The park ranges in elevation from 2,800 metres (9,200 ft) to 4,039 metres (13,251 ft) at Chuchemara Peak on the southern side of Rara Lake. On the northern side, the peaks of Ruma Kand and Malika Kand frame the alpine freshwater lake, which is the largest lake in Nepal with a surface of 10.8 km2 (4.2 sq mi) and a maximum depth of 167 metres (548 ft). It is oval-shaped with an east-west axis, a length of 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) and a width of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) draining into the Mugu-Karnali River via Nijar Khola
Rara comes within the catchment area of the Karnali River, one of the three main river systems of Nepal. The habitat supports animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow-throated martin, ghoral, serow and musk deer. There have also been reported sightings of leopard and wolf. The lake attracts migrant wildfowl like teals, pochards and mallards. Resident birds include the Impeyan, kalij and blood pheasant as well as others like the chukkor partridge.

Rara National Park offers resident gallinaceous birds and migrant waterfowl. The Great–Crested Grebe, Black-necked Greble and Red Crested Pochard can be seen during winter. Other common birds include the Snow Cough, Chukor Partridge, Impeyan Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant and Blood Pheasant

 

 

Trip Facts

Trip name:Bird watching in Nepal
Total Duration:15 days
Activities: Cultural Tour ,bird watching,sightseeing etc......
Accommodation: Hotel/lodges/Resort etc.........
Transportation: Car/Van/Bus/Flight etc...............
Group Size: 1 (minimum)
Best Time: Jan - May, Sep -Dec.
Trip Cost: Contact us

 

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