Bird Watching in Nepal: A small country, Nepal, still hides a treasure for anyone who loves birds or nature. From wide, swampy valleys to high alpine woods and towering snow peaks, its changing land makes room for a surprising number of feathered visitors. Popular spots include Kathmandu Valley, Phulchowki Hill, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and the Annapurna region.
So far, 915 kinds of birds have been spotted here, and that is almost ten per cent of all the birds on the planet. Because of those figures, any pair of binoculars feels at home in Nepal, regardless of the season.
At Himalayan Ecological Trekking, we care about more than just putting one foot in front of the other on a trail. Several guides came from the ranks of park rangers and local environmental groups, and over time, we have run many bird tours that mix wildlife wonder with a nod toward conservation.
Here are some of the prime places we recommend for bird-watching trips:
Kathmandu Valley
You might not expect great birding so close to a busy capital, yet the hills around Kathmandu deliver. These forests shelter the Spiny Babbler, a quirky little bird that lives nowhere else on the planet. Phulchowki Hill, Godavari Botanical Garden, Shivapuri National Park and Taudaha Lake all produce solid lists, ranging from warblers and sunbirds to Himalayan monals and mighty eagles.
* Phulchowki Hill: Over 250 recorded species
* Shivapuri National Park: Rich forest birdlife
* Taudaha Lake: Migratory waterfowl
* Godavari Botanical Garden: Easy forest access for families
Langtang Region
North of the valley, the Langtang trek lures hikers with big peaks and equally big birds. As you move through warm woods and high meadows, watch for bright patches of colour such as the Himalayan Monal, Nepal's national emblem, rosefinches, grandalas and shy pheasants. Winter visits bring a wave of high-altitude visitors that add even more variety to the list.
* Himalayan Monals
* Grandala (Blue Whistling-Thrush)
* Rosefinches
Everest Region
The legendary Everest region hardly needs an intro, yet its feathered residents steal plenty of the spotlight, too. Down in the valley forests of Khumbu, thick rhododendron groves and winding river bottoms pull in blood pheasants, snow pigeons, stately Himalayan griffon vultures, and a clutch of accentors. As the trail crawls higher, trekkers lucky enough to squint through thin air might catch sight of timid birds that call altitude home. Pairing binoculars with classic routes like the Three Passes or the Everest Base Camp trek turns a sore back into a treasure hunt through clouds.
* Blood Pheasants
* Snow Pigeons
* Himalayan Griffon Vultures
* Accentors
* Lammergeiers (Bearded Vultures) in higher elevations
Chitwan National Park
Head south to Chitwan and swap ice for easy-going wetlands, because this UNESCO gem ranks among Asia's finest birding havens. More than 540 recorded species play hide-and-seek across riverbanks, marshes, tall grasses, and stately sal woods, welcoming both rookie spotters and hardened twitchers. Paddling slowly past kingfishers, hornbills, storks, woodpeckers, and the striking Bengal florican or giant hornbill feels like drifting through a living field guide. Lowland habitat buzzes with its big-game cast, meaning birdwatchers can slide a jeep safari into the same adventure package.
* Over 540 bird species
* Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbills, Kingfishers, Eagles, Storks
* Waterfowl and migratory species during winter
Annapurna Region
Trekking the Annapurna Conservation Area. The Annapurna Conservation Area is not only well-known for trekking but also for its sensational birdlife. Trekking paths from lower villages to alpine meadows display such species as Himalayan monals, koklass pheasants, laughing thrushes, and lammergeiers (bearded vultures). Birding highlights include forested zones around Ghorepani, Ghandruk and Mardi Himal in spring, when migratory species arrive, and rhododendrons are in flower.
*Himalayan Monals and Pheasants
*Laughing Thrushes, Warblers, Flycatchers
*Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Mardi Himal circuits are very satisfying
Around Pokhara
If you are interested in diving into birdwatching, head to Pokhara, which is an excellent place to do so! The area is home to beautiful hills, calm lakes, and dense forests, which make it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Phewa Lake, Rupa Lake and Begnas Lake are very popular, which in turn attracts a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and migratory species, which include winter guests. For the eagle, vulture, barbet and flycatcher enthusiasts, the hills of Sarangkot and Peace Pagoda are best. And should you find yourself in the city, do not worry, you still may see great birds at the lakeside.
* Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa Lakes: A home to water birds and migratory species.
* Sarangkot and Peace Pagoda hills: Ideal for raptors and forest birds.
* Easy access to lakeside marshes and wooded trails.
What makes Himalayan Ecological Trekking the best choice for your bird-watching tours?
* Expertise in Nature Conservation: Our staff, which has in-depth experience working in Nepal’s national parks and protected areas, will provide you with great insight into local wildlife habitats.
* Decades of Field Experience: Over 25 25-year span of guiding for bird and wildlife watching tours, we have at hand the best of the best birding locations from the city of Kathmandu to very remote areas of the Himalayas.
* Customizable Birding Holidays: Whether you are after a dedicated bird study trip or you prefer to mix in some trekking and cultural experience, we will tailor the adventure to your taste.
* Ethical, Eco-Friendly Travel: As environmental advocates at large, we put forth support for responsible tourism and also play an active role in conservation efforts in Nepal.
* Small Groups, Personal Experience: We run group sizes small, which in turn gives you a very personal and in-depth birdwatching experience with our local experts.
* Discover Endemic and Rare Species: Our bird watching trips include the rare Spiny Babbler to the grand Himalayan Monal and all that in between.
Join us for a bird-watching adventure in Nepal.
Nepal is home to a great diversity of landscapes, which range from tropical jungles to alpine valleys, and it is a birdwatcher’s paradise. As you walk through the forests of Langtang, climb under the giant peaks of Everest, go into the jungles of Chitwan, or watch waterfowl by the lakes in Pokhara, each day brings something new and exciting. We believe in responsible trekking and support small conservation initiatives like Dundas Nature Refuge
Let Himalayan Ecological Trekking show you Nepal through the eyes of nature. With our experience, passion, and love for wildlife, your birding holiday in Nepal will be unforgettable.
Contact us to plan your personalised bird-watching trip in Nepal today.