Nepal Birding Tour

Nepal Birding Tour

 

Nepal Birding Tour Overview

Duration: 18N/19D

Places Covered: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Annapurna and Chitwan

Nepal Birding Tour Itinerary

Day01: Godawari community forest/Phulchauki Hill

After a early or pack breakfast, you depart for Phulchowki located to 18km southeast of Kathmandu. Phulchauki Hill (2760m) is the highest hill of valley rim in Kathmandu Valley, that offers a perfect introduction to the birds of Nepal. In the area, the regularly recorded resident species area- Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle , Kaligj Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge , Ashy Woodpigeon, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Owlet, Golden-throated Barbet, Speckled Piculet Crimson-breasted Pied and Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpeckers, Grey-chinned Minivet, Striated Bulbul, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Spotted Forktail, Chestnut-headed and grey-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-crowned and black faced Warblers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-throated and Black-chinned Babblers, White-crested, striated, Rufous-chinned and grey-sided Laughing thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Himalayan Cuttia, White-browed Green and Black-eared Shrike-Babblers, Hoary-throated Barwing, Blue-winged Minla, Nepal Fulvetta, Yellow-browed Tit, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Black-throated Sunbird, Maroon Oriole, Eurasian and Lancelated Jays, Red-billed Blue Magpie and Brown Bullfinch. And about 50 species of birds have been known to visit the area as migratory or passage migrants.

Phulchauki’s forest is also rich in flora and butterflies. And some of the main mammals inhabiting the forest include Common Leopard, Muntjac, Monkeys both Rhesus and Common langur with Yellow throated Marten and Orange-bellied Squirrel.

After enjoying the great day at Godawari and Phulchauki you will return drive and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: To Pokhara 930m, 7 hours

The drive to Pokhara is very scenic, that also provide you to explore some more parts of the country with a stop over to check out the Trishuli riverside for this iconic species Ibissbill that spends its winter down in lowland and travels back to mountains for breeding. Lunch will be provided on the way. Once arrived in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. Time permitting, you will explore the lakeside for birds and enjoy the excellent views of the Annapurna Range and Phewa lake.

Day03: Day at Pokhara

Today you will explore the hill side forest in the north of Pokhara above the Phewa lake. And along  with numerous species of birds, the excellent view of amazing Annapurnas and Machhapuchra peaks will be very rewarding, that Pokhara is famous. Species of birds today can be seen  includes – Red-thighed Falconet, Pallid and Pied Harriers, Eurasian Griffon, Red-headed and Eurasian Black Vultures, Kalij Pheasant, Puff-throated Babbler, White-crested and Rufos-chinned Laughing Thrushes, Red-billed Laiothrix, Minivetts, Crimson Sunbird, Maroon Onole, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Red-billed and Green magpies, Long-tailed Mountain Thrush, Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied niltavas and snowy-brown Flycatcher, Long-tailed Broadbill, White-tailed Robin, Spiny Babbler, white-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Bulbul, Black-backed Forktail, Pale blue Flycatcher with  Ducks, Gulls, Waders, Terns by the lakeside

Return to Hotel after a great birding adventure today!

Day04: Thulokot 2100m, 6-8 hours

After a short drive to Phedi (40minute), you start your birding adventure. The trail through the forest makes steep climb to arrive on the terraced field and settlement with the view around. The sight and sound of Great Barbet, Treepie and Magpie with the soaring of vultures on the side is lovely. The trail makes another short climb to emerge on the ridge, that is a lower Dhampus to continue to main village, where you will have lunch. And continuing through the forested ridge with the view with chances of seeing many vultures and other species of birds will be a great sight before we arrive at Thulokot, one of the best place where the raptor counts is going on every year in autumn season.

Day05: To Modi Riverside 1400m, 5-6 hours

Wake up early to enjoy the Himalayan view with beatiful birds sound around. Do birding around in thye morning before breakfast. The trail today is through the forest ridge,creeks and hillside before coming out in open at Tolka to contine to Landruk to desecnd steeply down to Modi Riverside for the overnight lodge. Birds thatb is likely seen along the trail today includes  Red-headed and Eurasian Vulture, Black and Bonelli’s  Eagles , Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Common Hill Partridge, Striated Bulbul, Speckled and Ashy Woodpigeons , Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Collared  Owlel, Upland Pipit, Golden-throated Barbet , Bay and Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpeackers , Slaty-backed and Spoted Forktails , Chesnut-headed Tesia, Chestnut-crowned and Black-faced Warblers , Rufous-bellied Niltava, White-crested and Striated Laughing-thrushes , Red-billed Leiothrix , Himalayan Cutia , Rufous Sibia, Nepal Fulvetta, Yellow-browned Tit , Black-throated Sunbird , Yellow-billed Blue and Green Magpie, Cinnamon Sparrow , Jungle Nightjar , Pacific Swift , Blue-capped  Rock-Thrush, Tickell’s Thrush, Little Pied Flycatchers and many more species.

Day06: To Bhainsi Kharka 2300, 5-6 hours

The trail today makes a steep climb to the large village of the area, Ghandruk (2000m) and contineu a gradual climb to end the forest and few beautiful streams to arrive at Bhaisi Kharka (Buffalo pasture) for the overnight.

Area from Ghandruk is really good for numerous species of Laughing Thrushes and Warblers with many other birds.

Day07: To Deorali 3050m, 6-7 hours

Today, the trail takes us through the beautiful forest of oak and Rododendrons, in a easy path to arrive at Tadapani to descend down to Banthati. Tadapani also offers a close up view of Annapurna and other peaks, on a clear day.The trail now following the streams, on a narrow gorge, makes climb to the saddle of Deorali for the overnight. Many birds including Brown Dipper, Water Restarts, Forktails, Thrushes etc can be seen today along the trail.

Day08: To Chitre 2450m, 5-6 hours

The trail today descends through forest, look out for the monkeys and other wild animals such as Rgesus Macaque, Grey Langur, Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten, Bharal  and Orange-bellied Squirrel etc., passing the pastures or clearing and streams.

The birds likely to be seen today includes the raptors such as Black Eagle and Northern Goshwak, pheasant such as Koklas, Kalij and Himalayan Monal( winter), Common Hill Partridge, with Eurasian Woodcock, AshyWoodpigeon, Collared  Owlet, Tawny Owl, Honey Guide, Rufous-breasted Bush Robins, Elue-capped Redstart , Plain-backed and Long-tailed Mountain Thrushes, White-collared and Grey-winged Blackbirds, Chestnut and Mistle Thrushes, Chestnut-headed Tesia , Black-faced Warbler, Greater Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler , Great, Brown and Black-throated Parrotbills,Striated,Spotted and Black-faced Laughing-Thrushes, White-browed ang Green Shrike-Babblers,Hoary Earwing, Black-browed , Yellow-browed and Grey-crested Tits, Bar-tailed Treecreeper , Lancelot  Jay, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Nutcracker, Red-browed Finch,Eurasian Goldfinch,Common  Crossbill, Plain Mountain-Finch , Collared Crossbeak, Rosefinches and Bullfinches.

Day09: To Banthanti 2350m, 5-6 hours
After enjoying great birding around, we set on the trail that makes a gradual and steep climb to Ghoreoani with beautiful forests of Oak and Rhododendron.The trail after Ghorepani descends down through another beautiful forest and creeks to Banthati. The trail is rich in numerous species of birds.

Day10: Birthanti 1200m, 5-6 hours

The trail descent steeply, pass Ulleri and cross the river on a suspenses bridge to Tirkhedhunga and ease out to the valley to follow the thr river to arrive at Birethanti on the confluence of Modi. Among many species of bird around Tirkhedhunga, we might get the chance to see and hear Spiny Babbler and Green Magpie, Rufous-bellied Niltava.

Day1: To Pokhara 930m, 6-7 hours

After breakast and little exploration around, we take the trail that climbs steeply to Chandrakot and then to Lumle and Kande with Naudanda, that is also an excellent hillside to watch vultures and many other birds of prey.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Pokhara for about couple of hours and overnight hotel

Day16: To Chitwan
After breakfast, travel to Chitwan and transfer to the resort near the Chitwan national park. The journey on the road can take some 5-6 hours. Arrival in the resort is followed by checkin and lunch and exploration in the afternoon

Days 17-18: In Chitwan for exploration trip inside and outside the national park.

Full extra coupel of ndays are best to explore the area of national parks inside and outside, that are done on Jeep Safari, boat trip and walks mainly with optional Elephant back safari, that is upto you to use it as most people are opting out for the use of Elephant for this purpose. Chitwans national park with an area of some 1000 sqaure km is the first and finest national nature parks of the country. Chitwan is the heaven for bird life with well over 600 species of birds that includes some of very rare, endangered, globally threatened, wintering, summer visitors, passage migrants and residents birds. Among all these the birds that can be enjoyed there includes – Common and Demoiselle Cranes, Cormorants, Darter,Cinnamon Bittern, Black-crowned  Night and Purple Herons, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked and Lesser Adjutant Storks , Lesser  Fishing and Grey Headed Fish Eagle , Brown Fish Owl, Crested Treeswift, Pied and Great Hornbills, Great Slaty (largest woodpecker of the world), Streak-throated,Grey-header, Grey-crowned Pygmy, Rufous, Himalayan Golden-backed and Greater Golden-backed Woodpeckers, Large Woodshrike, Rosy Minivet, Black-crested Bulbul, Golden fronted Leafbird, Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Black-napped Monarch, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Indian and Blue-naped Pitta, Puff-throated Babbler, White-browned 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-Thrushes, Nepal Fulvetta, Streaked Spiderhunter, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Forest Eagle, Tawny Fish Owls, Red-headed Trogon, White-browned Piculet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Little Spierhunter and many more…

Chitwan national park is also rich in other biodiversity including many major wildlife such as Great one horned Rhinoceros, four species of Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Common Leopard, Gaur (Bison) including the big cat- the Royal Bengal Tiger. Gharial and Marsh Magar Crocodile, Python, Monitor Lizard with many other kinds of reptiles and amphibians are found.

Day19: Travel back to Kathmandu

End of tour.

Optional Add on

Phulchauki Birds

From: Kathmandu

Day trip- 7-8 hours

Recommended start time from Kathmandu for lower Phulchauki : 6-7AM

Upper Phulchauki: 5-6 AM

After a early or pack breakfast, you depart for Phulchowki located to 18km southeast of Kathmandu. Phulchauki Hill (2760m) is the highest hill of valley rim in Kathmandu Valley, that offers a perfect introduction to the birds of Nepal.

Golden-throated Barbet

In the area, the regularly recorded resident species area- Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle , Kaligj Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge , Ashy Woodpigeon, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Owlet, Golden-throated Barbet, Speckled Piculet Crimson-breasted Pied and Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpeckers, Grey-chinned Minivet, Striated Bulbul, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Spotted Forktail, Chestnut-headed and grey-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-crowned and black faced Warblers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-throated and Black-chinned Babblers, White-crested, striated, Rufus-chinned and grey-sided Laughing thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Himalayan Cuttia, White-browed Green and Black-eared Shrike-Babblers, Hoary-throated Barwing, Blue-winged Minla, Nepal Fulvetta, Yellow-browed Tit, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Black-throated Sunbird, Maroon Oriole, Eurasian and Lancelated Jays, Red-billed Blue Magpie and Brown Bullfinch. And about 50 species of birds have been known to visit the area as migratory or passage migrants.

Phulchauki’s forest is also rich in flora and butterflies. And some of the main mammals inhabiting the forest include Common Leopard, Muntjac, Monkeys both Rhesus and Common langur with Yellow throated Marten and Orange-bellied Squirrel.

After enjoying the great day at Godawari and Phulchauki you will return drive and transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu

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Annapurna Trek

Annapurna Trek

This is perhaps the best introductory trek for the climbers looking for the easy trekking in Nepal while staying at comfortable family-run lodges /tea houses. The trek is through extremely scenic route with terraced hillsides, charming slate-roofed houses.

Tour Plan:  Kathmandu – Pokhara – Dhampus – Landruk – Ghandruk – Nayapul – Pokhara – Kathmandu

Tour Program

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu

You will arrival Kathmandu. Stay for 2 nights

Day 02: Kathmandu

Enjoy a full day guided tour of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara

Drive (or fly) to the Lake City of Pokhara . Stay overnight. Afternoon is at leisure to explore Pokhara.

Day 04: Pokhara – Dhampus

Today morning you will drive to Suikhet Phedi (1130m) and begin trek to Dhampus. Dhampus offers panoramic view of Mount Machhapuchre and Annapurna South. Overnight stay is in tented camp / Tea house.

Day 05: Dhampus – Landruk

Continue trek to Landrunk (1646 m). Overnight stay is in tented camp / Tea house

Day 06: Landruk – Ghandruk

Continue trek further up to Ghandruk (1940 m). The route today offers fantastic view of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Fishtail. Overnight stay is in tented camp / Tea house.

Day 07: Ghandruk – Nayapul – Pokhara

You will start descending today by trekking to Nayapul (1010 m). Drive to Pokhara. Stay overnight in hotel.

Day 08: Pokhara – Kathmandu

Drive back (or fly) to Kathmandu. Stay overnight.

Day 09: Depart Kathmandu

Transfer to airport and board your return flight home

For Price Contact Us

Options
Chartering with Odin Tours is an entirely new experience, where all the details are crafted to fit your specific taste !!

The diversity in India is unique & it presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. In short, India Read more

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Hola Mohalla is an annual Sikh festival, celebrated extensively over three days mainly at the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, in the Read more

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There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was Read more

Gems of Nepal

Gems of Nepal

This amazing tour covers the three most important aspects of Nepal – the culture, the wildlife and the landscape. Kathmandu  the cultural melting pot of Nepal has most of the important monuments in Nepal. One of the most well-preserved parks in Asia, Chitwan National Park is very popular with wildlife enthusiasts. With more than 500 species of birds, Chitwan is also home to several endangered animals like One Horned Rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger. The wildlife experience in Chitwan is an exciting mix of Jeep safari, Elephant rides and Canoe ride on Jungle Rivers. Set against the backdrop of Annapuran mountain range and surrounded by three serene lakes, Pokhara is an ultimate destination for adventure and relaxation.

Tour Plan: Kathmandu – Chitwan – Pokhara – Kathmandu

Tour Program

Day 01: Kathmandu

You will arrive Kathmandu. Stay for 3 nights.

Day 02: Kathmandu

Dotted with ancient temples, shrines and golden pagodas, Kathmandu boasts one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments ever built. You will begin the sightseeing Kathmandu at centrally located Kathmandu Durbar Square. It was an ancient seat of Nepalese Royalty and has huge Royal Square with various temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Also visit Kasthamandapa temple which is said to be built from single timbre tree. Kathmandu owes its name to Kasthamandapa. Later visit an important Buddhist monument – Swayambhunath stupa.

Afternoon you will enjoy an excursion to Patan, which is also known as Lalitpur meaning the city of artisans. Patan is home to some of finest ancient crafts in the valley. The city still retains old world charm with its brick houses, narrow paved streets and various well-preserved Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries. Later visit Tibetan Handicraft market.

Day 03: Kathmandu

Today you will visit Pashupatinath temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva – Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. Later visit Boudhanath – one of the oldest and biggest Buddhist monument ever built in Nepal. Afternoon you will visit Bhadgaon (also known as Bhaktapur) which was one of the ancient capitals of Nepal and still retains medieval ways of life with paved roads and brick red houses. Bhadgaon’s own “Darbar Square” has famous Golden gate and extraordinary palace with Fifty Five windows. Another landmark monument of Bhadgaon is Nyatapola temple – a Five storey pagoda

Day 04: Kathmandu – Chitwan

Today morning you will drive to Chitwan National Park in the morning. Chitwan is the most popular National Park in Nepal and is home to diverse wildlife and exotic birds. The major wildlife attractions are endangered one-homed Rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Gharial crocodile, marsh muggers, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, and the Gangetic dolphins. The wildlife experience is an exciting mix of elephant safaris, jeep rides, canoe rides on the Jungle Rivers and nature walks. You will spend two nights in Chitwan.

Day 05: Chitwan

Enjoy a day full of jungle activities including jeep safaris, elephant rides, canoe rides and nature walks.

Day 06: Chitwan – Pokhara

Today you will drive to hill town of Pokhara. Stay for two nights

Day 07: Pokhara

Set against the backdrop of Annapuran mountain range and surrounded by three serene lakes, Pokhara is an ultimate destination for adventure and relaxation. Apart from numerous walks and treks, one can do paragliding, boating, bird watching and mountain biking in Pokhara. Or you could just chill out and savour the serenity of three lakes – Phewa, Rupa and Begnas.

Day 08: Pokhara – Kathmandu

Today you will take a long drive back to Kathmandu (or fly back to Kathmandu). Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 09: Kathmandu

Transfer to airport to board your return flight back home.

For Price Contact Us

Options
Chartering with Odin Tours is an entirely new experience, where all the details are crafted to fit your specific taste !!

The diversity in India is unique & it presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. In short, India Read more

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Hola Mohalla is an annual Sikh festival, celebrated extensively over three days mainly at the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, in the Read more

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This is a short five day scenic trek with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, Read more

In the footsteps of Buddha
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There are four places, the sight of which will arouse strong emotions in those with faith. Here the Tathagat was Read more

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