Birding in Nepal
Nepal For All Seasons: Nature Treks, Wildlife Safari & Culture Tours
Nepal's unique geography has created habitat for many rare species of birds from Himalayan Griffon, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, in the inner valley of the world's highest mountains peaks to the rarest bird of the world Bengal Florican, Sarus Crane in the plain of Terai. The indigenous bird like Slaty Wood-pecker (common in Bardia National Park) and Spiny Babbler (in mid hills only) are the birds that have been sighted often in Nepal. The riverine plains of Nepal are the habitat of the hosts of migratory birds from as far as Siberia, Indus Valley, Laddakh, and Tibetan Himalayas. The insight guide writes, "Nepal is a paradise for bird-lovers, with more than 800 species recorded, representing 10 percent of the world's population in a fraction of landmass".
Major Birding Sites in Nepal:
Around Kathmandu: Shivapuri National Park, Godavari Botanical Garden, Phulchoki.
Alpine Sites: Phorste in Everest Region, Gosainkunda in Langtang Hlambu region, Annapurna Base Camp Route, Ghasa in Tatopani -Jomsom Route, Rara Lake.
Tropical Sites: Chitwan National Park-Rapti River Bank, 20Thousand Lake, Tamor Lake, Lami Lake; Bardia National Park- Karnali River bank and Ghoda-Ghodi Lake, Babai Valley; Suklaphanat Wildlife Reserve; Koshi Tappu- Koshi River Bank and around Koshi Barrage and Lumbini Sarus Crane Tour.
Spiny Babbler Hiking Around Kathmandu: (5 days)
Day 1: Pick from airport and drive to hotel. The trip briefing and an outline of the following programme, after refreshment.
Day 2: Drive to Godavari early in the morning, breakfast at Botanical Garden Restaurant at your chosen time. Whole day birding in the garden and Phulchoki. Drive back to Hotel in the evening.
Day 3: Drive to Sundarijal where birding begins, hike up to water reservoir and overnight stay at Mulkkharka
Day 4: Hike up to Chisapani- whole day on the way to Chisapani.
Day 5: Walk through jungle with ponds and swamps on the sides of the trail where water birds are to be spotted. Whole-day trip. Overnight at Jhhula.
Day 6: Walk down to Sankhu and drive to Kathmandu. Time for Shopping! Farewell Dinner.
Day 7: Drive to Airport.
Or Alternative route;
Day 3: Nagarjun Forest and Back to Katmandu
Day 4: Nagarjun Forest and Back to Katmandu
Featured Treks
Indigenous Peoples Trail
Nepal For All Seasons: Nature Treks, Wildlife Safari & Culture Tours
This is the best choice of Hiking for those who have short holiday and want to experience Rural Nepal in the background of magical great Himalayan range stretching from Annapurna in the west to the Mt. Kanchenjungha in the east including Everest ranges. The best viewpoint is Sailung at the altitude of 3146m above the sea-level which covers 180 degree panaromic mountain view with other half being view of the southern plains of Nepal. The trek is considered one of culturally and naturally rich trails not known to many trek operating companies. The region is populated by six different ethnic groups (Sherpa, Thami, Tamang, Yolmo, Majhi, and Newars) and friendly hosts with colorful culture of Hospitality. This is a moderate walking trek which is not as difficult and strenuous as other popular trek.
Read more... Indigenous Peoples Trail
