Nepal is blessed with a vast array of exceptionally rich bird life with total of over 850 species recorded . A diverse topography and climate has resulted in a variety of habitats within the country, which are home to over 10% of the Worlds total bird population.
Nepal is a paradise for the birdwatcher. From the lowland jungle of the Terai and the Koshi Tappu barrage through dense rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills to the windswept plateaus of the high Himalaya there is always something to keep one twitching.
Birding around 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.
The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve
Situated 11km to the North of Kathmandu, is another very good location. Nagerjun Forest on Jamacho hill is situated 5 km from Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju. It is a renowned sight for bird enthusiasts with blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli’s eagles, great Himalayan barbets amongst thwe many species found here.
The Valley Wetlands
The wetlands in the valley, the banks of the Manohara river on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river, which flows into the Valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorge, are good places for watching waders and waterfowls. Harboring 40 species of birds mostly dependent on wetlands, Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali, attracts flocks of migrant birds.
Birds of Kathmandu Valley ( 8 Nights / 9 Days)
The tour is designed for those with less time. It is a full and very interesting tour providing the the best locations for bird spotting in the time available. We stay at three different
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Wing Nepal ( 17 Nights / 18 Days)
A fully inclusive and varied tour (apart from lunch and dinner in hotels Kathmandu and Pokhara) allowing the an ideal opportunity to view birds in a variety of ecological
Birding tour with us:
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the south-eastern Terai. Watch migratory birds flying thousands of miles from Siberia over Himalayas
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While in Kathmandu
Everest Flight
One hour flight to Mt. Everest leaves every morning from Kathmandu. This is the best way of capturing 5 out of top 10 highest mountains in the World including Mt. Everest.
Yoga & Meditation
If you have extra days in Kathmandu, try one of our highly recommended yoga / meditation centers.
Eastern Medicine Centers
Kathmandu is also famous for Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine centers.
Golfing in Kathmandu
The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal has awe-inspiring golfing resorts with worldclass services in the backdrop of Hiamalayan giants.