Kathmandu, Phulchowki, Biratnagar, Koshi Tappu, Chitwan National Park, Paro, Chelela, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Tingtibi, Shemgang, Gomphu, Wangduegang, Trongsa, Punakha, Paro, Kathmandu
Birds Of Nepal And Bhutan
Overview
The lush montane forests of Nepal and Bhutan are home to stunning wildlife and a variety of birds. From the large Mountain Hawk-Eagle to the tiny Green-backed Tit. From the common Red-billed Leiothrix to the rare White-bellied Heron. Join us as we explore these lush Himalayan jungles, unlocking their wild treasures.
Starting the tour at Kathmandu, we visit the old area with its stone-paved lanes, ancient temples, and the colorful bazaars with curio shops and shops selling shawls, carpet, trekking equipment. Tourist attractions include Swayambhunath Stupa, which is a 2500 years old Buddhist Stupa located at a top of a green hillock with the eyes of Buddha painted on its pinnacle overlooking the righteous behavior of the valley inhabitants.
Phulchowki is the highest hill among others surrounding the Kathmandu valley. 18 km southeast of the valley, it offers great views and is a popular hiking destination. The forests of Phulchowki are a popular birding destination. The Royal Botanical Garden at the Godavari, at the foot of the hill, is home to more than 100 species of birds, including Spiny Babbler, Tibetan Siskin, and more.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve comprises extensive mudflats, reed beds, and freshwater marshes in the floodplain of the Sapta Kosi River, in the eastern Terai. Together with the Koshi Barrage, it is designated as an Important Bird Area. The riverine habitat is home to a large variety of wetland birds.
Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, we drive to the Chitwan National Park next. A six-hour drive through mountain roads, tiny villages, hamlets, and naturally scenic vistas makes the drive very interesting. A larger number of bird species (over 480) has been recorded here than in any other part of Nepal due to Chitwan’s diverse habitats and tropical lowland situation. We can expect to see a third of these during our two-night stay.
The park holds a similar wealth of mammals, including the endangered Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, and Rhesus and Common Langur Monkeys. Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (the Asiatic bison) may also occasionally be seen, as well as the Marsh Mugger and fish-eating Gharial Crocodiles. We will explore the park on foot, on elephant back, in canoes, and by jeep. At Chitwan, we can also spend time indulging in various other activities including village walks, cultural programs, and the most popular visit to the elephant breeding center. We can arrange for you to visit Tharu villages and have a glimpse of Tharu culture too.
Covering an area of 968 sq km, Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed national park in Nepal's Terai. The wide range of vegetation types, including forest, riverine, and grassland patches, provide excellent habitat for more than 50 types of mammal, and more than 400 species of birds.
Bhutan has been protected by both its isolation within the Himalayas and the topography of its mountainous land, resulting in over 70% of the land remaining forested with approximately 25% protected by 10 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The diverse range of environments varies from sub-tropical at 150 m to alpine over 4,500 m, supporting a natural habitat and wide range of ecosystems with rich and varied bird-life, flora, and fauna. Our Bhutanese tour leader is a birding expert and an accredited naturalist who will ensure that your trip through this varied and beautiful landscape is full of birding excellence.
Birdwatchers will find themselves in breathtaking surroundings looking for legendary species in pristine and seemingly endless forests, such as Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch, Himalayan Cutia, Black-necked Crane, and a whole host of other spectacular species, including the “newly split” Black-rumped Magpie.
Meals: On own
Accommodation:
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport in the afternoon, and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and packed Lunch
Accommodation: Marriott
Morning drive to Phulchowki (29 km / 2 hrs). Full-day bird watching. Return to Kathmandu.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
Key species: Hill Partridge, Great Barbet, Golden-throated Barbet, Grey Treepie, Himalayan Black-lored Tit, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler
Meals: Breakfast in Kathmandu hotel, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Koshi Camp or similar
In the morning, transfer to Kathmandu airport for a flight to Biratnagar at 0745 hrs. Arrive in Biratnagar at 0830 hrs. You will be met and greeted by your main birding guide for the tour. Transfer to Koshi Tappu. Spend the rest of the day birding in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve which lies on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. The Reserve offers important habitats for a variety of wildlife.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Swamp Francolin, Lesser Whistling Duck, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Blue-throated Barbet, Bengal Florican, Indian Cuckoo, Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Koshi Camp or similar
Spend the full day bird watching on foot and in boats. Koshi Tappu is one of the finest wetlands in Asia.
Overnight stay
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner in Chitwan
Accommodation: Machan Country Villa or similar
After breakfast, drive to Chitwan (birding on the way). Spend the evening birding.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Common Hawk-Cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Spotted Dove
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Machan Country Villa or similar
Full day in Chitwan for birds and mammals.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Lesser Adjutant, Striated Grassbird, Hair-crested Drongo, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Black-winged Cuckooshrike
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch in Chitwan
Accommodation: Royal Singhi or similar
Morning birding in Chitwan. In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu in the evening.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tenzinling or similar
This morning you depart on Druk Airlines, arriving at Paro at noon. Upon arrival at the new Paro International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel
After breakfast, drive to Chelela. After birding, continue the drive to Thimphu. Evening birding in Thimphu.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Common Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Booted Eagle, Golden Bush Robin, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Spotted Nutcracker
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Gakiling or similar
Drive to Phobkijha, stopping over at Dochu La, Lampelri Botanical Park, and Nobody Road.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Fire-tailed Myzornis, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Green Shrike-babbler
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Punzhi Resort
Early morning drive to Pelela for high altitude bird species and amazing Rhododendrons in bloom.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Great Parrotbill, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, Himalayan Vulture, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Stripe-throated Yuhina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Twang
We drive today to Tingtibi, stopping along Langthel and Koshala for birds and flowers.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Eurasian Jay, Pale-blue and Sapphire flycatchers, Greater Yellownape, Black-throated Prinia, Large Niltava, Blue-capped Rock Thrush
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Twang
Explore Shemgang and Tingtibi (one of the best birding hot spots in all of Asia).
Overnight stay.
Key species: Crested Bunting, Himalayan Prinia, Striated Yuhina, Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Rufous-necked Hornbill
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Twang
Explore the Royal Manas National Park.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Silver-eared Mesia, Blue-winged Minla, Black-chinned Yuhina, White-gorgeted and Pale-blue Flycatchers, Large Niltava, Blyth’s Shrike-babbler
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Twang
Optional hike to the village of Berthi to sight the rarest bird in Bhutan: White-bellied Heron, perhaps with a nest.
Overnight stay.
Key species: White-bellied heron, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Palla’s Fish Eagle, Ibisbill, Crested Kingfisher
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Yangkhil Resort
We will spend the day birding along Wangduegang Road.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Little Forktail, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Lemon-rumped Warbler, Blue-throated Barbet
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort
Today, we travel from Trongsa to Punakha, stopping for birds and flowers along Chendibji and Pelela road.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Great Parrotbill, Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, Himalayan Vulture, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Stripe-throated Yuhina
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Olathang
Travel from Punakha to Paro, stopping at Lumetshawa and Lampelri for birds and flowers.
Overnight stay
Key species: Olive-backed Pipit; Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Eurasian Treecreeper, Golden Bush-Robin
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singhi
In the morning, transfer to Paro Airport for a flight back to Kathmandu. You will be met and transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
In the morning, proceed to Kathmandu Airport for your back home. Tour Ends
Highlights
- Nature and Wildlife
- Birds and Mammals
- Wildlife Safari
- Elephant Safari
- Rhino, Tiger and Leopard Sighting
- Village Visit
- Photography
- Local Cusine
- Quaint Accommodation
Included
- Accommodation for 04 Nights in Kathmandu Accommodation for 02 Nights in Koshi Tappu
- Accommodation for 02 Nights in Chitwan National Park Accommodation for 02 Nights in Paro
- Accommodation for 01 Night in Thimphu Accommodation for 01 Night in Phobjikha
- Accommodation for 02 Nights in Trongsa Accommodation for 04 Night in Tingtibi
- Accommodation for 02 Nights in Punakha Meals as per the itinerary
- Local guides Dedicated transportation | All applicable taxes
Video
Location
Stories
Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.
Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.
Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.
Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown
