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 Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20km southeast of Kathmandu, over 265 species have been recorded to date. Birds seen in the area include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds.
Godawari, at the foot of the Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is located, Godawari has recorded over 100 species of birds including the lesser Racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and spotted forktail.
The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, 11km north of Kathmandu, is another exciting location along with Nagarjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill located 5 km from Kathmandu on Balaju’s way to Kakani. Among the birds are blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli’s eagles, Great Himalayan barbets to name a few.
The highlights of wetland bird sightings in the valley include the banks of the river Manohara on the way to Bhaktapur and the river Bagmati.
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery Adventures, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located.
The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Boudhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.
Bird watching begins right here in Kathmandu by the banks of Bagmati and Manohara rivers. Birds sighted along these rivers are the Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Ibisbill, Wood Sandkipers and Plovers. The Chovar gorge and Tanda are recommended sites along these rivers. Away from human disturbances many birds are seen here, overnight in Kathmandu.
An ideal location to start around the valley is Phulchoki, which is teeming with a wide variety of birds. Over 90 different kinds of birds have been recorded here including the endemic Spiny Babbler. Other birds found here are the Cutie, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Woodpeckers, black Throated Parrotbill etc, overnight in Kathmandu.
This site is another popular destination for the bird watchers. It lies 2 km north of Kathmandu. Some of the birds sighted here are the Laughing Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Little Pied flycatchers, Ruby Throats, Babblers etc, Overnight in Kathmandu.
The other destination is Nagarjun, which lies northwest of Kathmandu, only 15 minutes drive from Thamel. Some of the birds sighted here are Pheasants, Magpies, Sunbirds, Rubby Throats etc. The rest of the afternoon time is free. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today is rest and relax throughout the day. If you get interested to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or go out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
The trip ends, our airport representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
