Quest For Birdwatching - 8 Days - 8 Days

Nepal is a home to 848 species of birds for around 8% of the world’s total due to which it is considered as a paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists. Among them almost 500 species are found around the Kathmandu valley. The most popular bird watching spots around Kathmandu are Godavari, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, Bagmati River and Taudaha specially , out of which we visit three places in our short itinerary.

Kathmandu, the capital city of mini-mountain country Nepal, is nestled in a large valley surrounded on all sides by wonderfully green hills covered with dense forests. These forests and hills provide a safe habitat for various species of birds. We begin our tour from Kathmandu and heading towards Godavari, we hike up to Phulchoki where a good amount of amazing birds and great views of the surrounding hills await us. At Phulchoki, we see birds like the Crimson-breasted Woodpecker and the Rusty-cheeked Scimitar babbler among others. We then head off to the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.

After Kathmandu, we fly to Pokhara and explore around the lake shore and drive to Chitwan National Park which is home for about 500 species of residential and migratory birds. During Jungle safari and canoe trip, we have a great opportunity to see many species of birds including water fowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed geese, cormorants, woodpeckers, hornbills, peacocks, peahens, floricans, red-headed trogons and many others.


Day: 1 Arrival KATHMANDU (1300m/4265ft)
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Drive to GODAVARI; Hike to PHULCHOWKI (2760m)
After breakfast in the hotel we drive to Godavari Botanical Garden where we watch Spotted Forktail and various flycatchers. From Godavari we drive further and hike to Phulchowki at 2760m which is the highest of the mountains encircling the Kathmandu valley and provides an ideal introduction to the birds of Nepal. Regularly recorded resident species include Besra, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Ashy Woodpigeon, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Owlet, Golden-throated Barbet to name a few and many species of migratory birds too have been known to visit the area. Phulchowki’s forests are also very rich in flora and butterflies. Mammals include Leopard, Yellow-throated Marten and Orange-bellied Squirrel. We return to Kathmandu for the night stay. Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Drive to NAGARJUN (2105m/6907ft)
In the morning we drive to Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve situated about 12 kms north of Kathmandu. Some of the birds in the area are the Laughing Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Pied Fly Catchers, Rupy-throats, and Babblers. At Nagarjun at 2105m pheasants, magpies, sun birds, and ruby throats are found. We return back to Kathmandu in the evening. Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Fly to POKHARA (884m/2900ft)
After morning breakfast in the hotel, we head for a 25 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara. After refreshment in the hotel, we explore the forest along the southern shore of the lake. Apart from the many birds found here we will be rewarded with some of the best views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. Species regularly seen in this forest and along the shore of the lake include Besra, Red-thighed Falconet, Pallid and Pied Harriers, Eurasian Griffon, Red-headed and Eurasian Black Vultures, Kalij Pheasant to name a few. Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Drive to CHITWAN
From Pokhara we drive to Chitwan for about 4 hours. After we check in to the hotel , we have time for a late afternoon nature walk or elephant safari . The Royal Chitwan National Park covers 932 sq. km. and supports some 450 species of birds. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Activities in CHITWAN
The most famous activities in Chitwan for Bird lovers can be:
Jungle Safari (Jeep/ Elephant):
For jungle safari, four-wheel jeep is easy to go deep into the park, viewing some of the rare species of flora and fauna. Elephant safari is popular in Sauraha jungle. Elephants are accessible in almost all resort and lodge in Sauraha.

Canoeing/ Boating:
Another popular activity in the park is the boat/canoe trip down the Rapti and the Narayani Rivers. This is one of the most serene ways to explore the area as float downstream with the river’s flow.

Jungle Walk:
For more adventure and intimacy with nature, we can walk through open grasslands and dense forests will be accompanied by a well-trained nature guide. This is very enjoyable program that allows us to have a close watch and learn about the flora and fauna of the park and explore the varied species of birds. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive back to Kathmandu
From Chitwan we drive along Trisuli River back to Kathmandu. In the evening you will be invited to join FAREWELL reviewing great photos and share experiences of the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 8: Fly back home or extend your holidays
If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India or Bhutan tours etc. Meals: Breakfast

Cost Include

All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
4 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
1 Night accommodation in Pokhara, includes Breakfast
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide during Hike
2 Days Hike with Lunch
2 Nights 3 Days Full Board in Chitwan National Park, includes all meals, accommodation and Activities
Welcome and Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu.
National Park Permit
Air fare from Kathmandu Pokhara and domestic flight departure taxes.
Driver, his salary, meals and accommodation
Fuel, Road taxes and Service Charges
Government Taxes and Service Charges.

Cost Exclude

Nepal entry visa fees.
International airfare and departure tax.
Bar bills, laundry and other expenses of personal nature.
Travel insurance including evacuation.
1 Lunch in Kathmandu
Tips for local staffs, guides and porters.
Entrance Fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara