Bird Watching Tour In Nepal
In Nepal With more than 850 species of birds including rarest genus, about nearly 10% counting bird population of the planet exists on small landlocked country Nepal. Though, compact territory only of 147, 181 km2 is covered nonetheless due to diverse range of ecosystem from lowland subtropical forests right through to the high altitude forest of Himalayas, Nepal encounters unique and plenty birds to monitor with naked eyes or by applying opposed inventions like telescope, binoculars or other similar gadgets. Besides, Nepal is considered as blessed and identified as paradise for bird watchers.
Extensive judgment and research have displayed that, lofty range of bird waters appoints Nepal from distinct domains throughout globe besides constantly thousands of bird watchers enters Nepal within the year. Likewise, after that for entire potential bird watchers and followers, below article recommends top five ideal fruitful destinations to establish worthwhile pursue:
Extensive judgment and research have displayed that, lofty range of bird waters appoints Nepal from distinct domains throughout globe besides constantly thousands of bird watchers enters Nepal within the year. Likewise, after that for entire potential bird watchers and followers, below article recommends top five ideal fruitful destinations to establish worthwhile pursue:
Best bird watching destinations in Nepal
Kathmandu phulchoki
Phulchowki at 2760m is the highest of the mountains situated 20 km South East of Kathmandu encircling the valley and provides an ideal introduction to the birds of Nepal. Phulchowki has a great density of bird species —around 300 species. The hillside trails and roads are covered with forest featuring outstanding flora as well as diverse birds. Bird watchers in Phulchowki might encounter birds such as the endemic spring babbler, as well as the Curia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Woodpeckers and the Black-throated Parrotbill, to name a few. The Blue-Napped Pitta and a Redheaded Trojan are rare birds found in the area.
The Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki 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 garden is a plantation containing exotic and local flora and is a ‘Garden of Dreams’ for birds and bird watchers alike.
The Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki 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 garden is a plantation containing exotic and local flora and is a ‘Garden of Dreams’ for birds and bird watchers alike.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserve
These lies to the far east of Nepal. The Koshi is great for waterfowl and waders with about 26 varieties of ducks alone. The method of viewing birds in the Koshi by boat, gliding through the waters in the stillness of the early morning and evening. The reserve has more than 450 species of birds including Honey Kites, Ospreys, Black headed Orioles, Black Ibis, Peregrine Falcon, Storks, Partridges. The best birds in Koshi are: Swamp Francolin, Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Comb Duck, Falcated Duck, Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Baer's Pochard, Baillon's Crake, Ruddy Crake, Greater Painted Snipe, Pheasant-tailed jacana, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Indian Courser, Black-bellied Tern, Imperial Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Bristle Grassbird, Striated Grassbird etc.
Annapurna Conservation Area
To set the scene a little, the Annapurna region is a Conservation Area is the largest and most protected region in the World (ACA), covering around 2600sq km towards the North-central region of Nepal. The Kali Gandaki river runs North to South through this region, through the world's deepest gorge, some 6000m below the high Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, seven of these peaks are over 7000m, the highest (Annapurna I) at 8091m.
species of Nepal, the spiny babbler (Turdoides Nepalensis). The bird habitat ranges from the sub-tropical lowlands towards Pokhara in the south of ACA to dry sub-alpine conditions above the tree-line towards the North.
The Kali Gandaki valley is also a major migration pathway in the autumn, when 40 species, including demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides Virgo), can be seen around Jomsom and Tukche. Happily this coincides with one of the two trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn).
Migrating West about this time further South around Kaare and Dhampus are about 20 identified species of eagle and other birds of prey. The most commonly observed are:lammergeier gypaetus barbatus (Bearded Vulture), known as the giddha in Nepal, it frequently occurs at 4100m.and the golden eagle Aquila Cryaetos, known as baaj in Nepal.
species of Nepal, the spiny babbler (Turdoides Nepalensis). The bird habitat ranges from the sub-tropical lowlands towards Pokhara in the south of ACA to dry sub-alpine conditions above the tree-line towards the North.
The Kali Gandaki valley is also a major migration pathway in the autumn, when 40 species, including demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides Virgo), can be seen around Jomsom and Tukche. Happily this coincides with one of the two trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn).
Migrating West about this time further South around Kaare and Dhampus are about 20 identified species of eagle and other birds of prey. The most commonly observed are:lammergeier gypaetus barbatus (Bearded Vulture), known as the giddha in Nepal, it frequently occurs at 4100m.and the golden eagle Aquila Cryaetos, known as baaj in Nepal.
Chitwan National park
Chitwan National Park is hometo about 500 species of residential and migratory birds including the endangered species like Great pied hornbill, Bengal Florican and Peregrine falcon. The park is an excellent site for bird watchers.It is little surprising therefore that this is one of the most popular and most frequented parts of the country. Owing to its rich adornment of nature the park was declared UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1979. The park that includes in its area a part of the Shivalik Hills is covered with deciduous forests overlooking the flood plains of Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers. There are around 600 plant species, 50 mammals, 526 birds and 49 amphibians, reptiles found in the park. The highlights, of course, are the 500 Asian one-horned Rhinoceros and some 100 nocturnal Royal Bengali Tigers that live in the dense forests of the park. Sharing home with these are other animals like rhesus monkey, grey languor, deer, leopards, white stocking gaur, wild boar, wild dogs and wild cats. Among reptiles are different kinds of snakes including the python, while the river areas breed amphibians like the endangered shouted gharial popularly known as Genetic Crocodile and marsh crocodiles
Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park with total territory of 968 km2 is arranged in the furthest West of Nepal abutting the eastern bank of the Karnali River. It is a territory of broad wilderness which is secured by Sal forest with waterway and grass lands. A boat ride on the moderate moving expanse of the Karnali River offers a lot of chances to glimpse a huge assortment of birds including Ruddy Shelduck, Darters, Brahminy kites, Dark Colored Headed Gulls, Cormorants, Oriental Pied Hornbills, Night Heron, Purple Heron, Cinnamon Bitterns, Orioles, Great Peacocks then uncommon and migrated species from opposed extended to compact destinations.
Pokhara
In Pokhara, the two well-known lakes Phewa Tal and Begnas Tal and the surrounding areas are highly recommended for birds watching. Among all, the forest around the south shore of Phewa lake with minimum disturbance, away from human habitation is the best for bird watching. The summit of Annapurna’s and Machhapuchhare create an ambiance of peace and magic and the surrounding of the valley rewards an extraordinary habitat for varieties of birds. Watch out in the fields and pools especially in the winter for Egrets, Herons, Pipits, and Buntings etc. other birds are occurring are Gulls, Terns, Ducks, and Falcons etc.
Begnas Lake, 15km away from Pokhara, is another worthy place to visit for bird watching in Pokhara. Terraced hills and light forests surround the lake. One should spend time on the slopes and wet fields. Birds sighted here are Ducks, Pheasant-tailed Jacana; Hopei Grey-bellied Tessie’s, common pintail snipe, bulbuls etc. Species regularly seen in this forest and along the shore of the lake include Besra, Red-thigh Falconet, Pallid and Pied Harriers, Eurasian Griffon, Red-headed and Eurasian Black Vultures, Kalij Pheasant etc. Pokhara lakeside is basically a tourist town, which caters to all the needs of visitors from cheap lodges to very expensive star hotels, that makes the city more famous for bird watching as well as experiencing the natural and artificial heritages.
Begnas Lake, 15km away from Pokhara, is another worthy place to visit for bird watching in Pokhara. Terraced hills and light forests surround the lake. One should spend time on the slopes and wet fields. Birds sighted here are Ducks, Pheasant-tailed Jacana; Hopei Grey-bellied Tessie’s, common pintail snipe, bulbuls etc. Species regularly seen in this forest and along the shore of the lake include Besra, Red-thigh Falconet, Pallid and Pied Harriers, Eurasian Griffon, Red-headed and Eurasian Black Vultures, Kalij Pheasant etc. Pokhara lakeside is basically a tourist town, which caters to all the needs of visitors from cheap lodges to very expensive star hotels, that makes the city more famous for bird watching as well as experiencing the natural and artificial heritages.
Shivapuri and Nagarjuna National park
Shivapuri Watershed Reserve, 12 km north of the city and Nagarjuna in the North West.
Shivapuri National Park is one of the richest forested areas. This houses about 318 species of birds. The forest holds a significant population of three restricted-range bird species i.e. the spiny babbler which is also Nepal’s endemic bird, the Hoary-throated Barwing, and the White-throated Tit. This diversity is reflected in the avifauna of the area, including the Hill Partridge, Great Barbet, Wedge-Tailed Green Pigeon, Eurasian Jay, Kalij Pheasant, Nepal Fulvetta, Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mountain Scops Owl and Grey-winged Blackbird. Two globally threatened birds, the White-rumped Vulture, and Hodgson’s Bush chat can also be seen. Shivapuri is a delight to the bird watchers who have an eye for exploration.
The Nagarjuna Hill has a royal retreat for members of royal family and therefore was and will remain a protected area. This area hosts birds such as the Northern Eagle Owl, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Long-tailed Mountain Thrush, Chestnut-headed Bee-Eater, Maroon Oriole, Large Hawk Cuckoo, and Eurasian Woodcock.
Shivapuri National Park is one of the richest forested areas. This houses about 318 species of birds. The forest holds a significant population of three restricted-range bird species i.e. the spiny babbler which is also Nepal’s endemic bird, the Hoary-throated Barwing, and the White-throated Tit. This diversity is reflected in the avifauna of the area, including the Hill Partridge, Great Barbet, Wedge-Tailed Green Pigeon, Eurasian Jay, Kalij Pheasant, Nepal Fulvetta, Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Mountain Scops Owl and Grey-winged Blackbird. Two globally threatened birds, the White-rumped Vulture, and Hodgson’s Bush chat can also be seen. Shivapuri is a delight to the bird watchers who have an eye for exploration.
The Nagarjuna Hill has a royal retreat for members of royal family and therefore was and will remain a protected area. This area hosts birds such as the Northern Eagle Owl, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Long-tailed Mountain Thrush, Chestnut-headed Bee-Eater, Maroon Oriole, Large Hawk Cuckoo, and Eurasian Woodcock.
Different climate and environment in Nepal for bird watching
- September to Nov
- March to May
- June to August
- December to February
Bird watching trip in Nepal is one of the best trip , In Nepal lot of places for birding ( most of them are Trekking and tour route ) so please confirm 1st which route you like to visit , and I will send itinerary about the trips
Bird Watching tourism in Nepal
DR HUM GURUNG
Birdwatching tourism is a new phenomenon in Nepal’s tourism industry. Historically, Nepal is well known for mountaineering and trekking due to its outstanding natural diversity, from the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest, to the deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Valley. Today, many of these outstanding places are set aside as protected areas.
Chitwan, the first national park, was established in 1973 and is a popular area for birdwatching, although it is also well known for flagship species such as tigers and rhinos.
BirdLife International, together with Bird Conservation Nepal, has identified 27 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) throughout the country that are considered to be significant and represent the country’s diverse and rich birdlife. Thirteen protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, hunting reserves and conservation areas are also designated as IBAs.
Further, many community forests, grasslands and wetlands are home to the birds of Nepal. Nepal harbors 35 species of globally threatened and 133 nationally threatened bird species. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (1973) has protected nine bird species, of which four are globally threatened, and two are near threatened.
Nepal’s birds, like the country itself, were unknown and unexplored for many years, and foreigners played significant roles in exploring birdwatching. The history of ornithology in Nepal began when noted ornithologist S. Dillon Ripley started the Spiny Babbler Expedition in 1948 in Kailali district, and his subsequent publication of bird hunting in Nepal entitled “Search for the Spiny Babbler.” In 1793, Colonel William Kirkpatrick collected a few bird skins for observation, which inspired Nepali ornithologists. The history of birdwatching, like many other recreational activities learned from the West, began in Kathmandu.
Out of 665 species of birds recorded so far (nearly 10% of the world total), 534 species are found in Kathmandu Valley alone. Some of the popular birdwatching spots in Kathmandu are Phulchowki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Shivapuri, and Taudaha. The Nepal Birdwatching Club (NBWC) was established in 1976 with the support from Hari Sharan “Kazi” Nepali and Karna Sakya who were pioneers in promoting birdwatching in Kathmandu Valley. In 1982, NBWC was renamed as Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), which became a national-level authority on knowledge about birds and their conservation. Today, BCN and the BirdLife Partner in Nepal, have strong partnerships with national and international conservation agencies for birds and biodiversity conservation.
Birdwatching tourism is one of the new products that have not been fully explored, and it is an opportunity to market the new product worldwide. In recent years, Nepal’s parks and reserves have attracted dramatically increasing numbers of international visitors. However, local people engaged in tourism business have not yet explored the potential of birdwatching tourism.
The Himalayan regions are not only special destinations for trekking and adventure tourism but also have great potential for birdwatching tourism, which can attract often retired and rich tourists. However, there is no strategic marketing to promote birdwatching in Nepal, but thanks to word of mouth advisory, it is promoted by tourists who enjoyed the natural and cultural beauty of Nepal. In fact, birdwatching is catered to by very few tour operators, most of whom are located in the Terai parks and reserves, such as Koshi Tappu, Chitwan, Bardia, and Suklaphanta. Protected areas in the Terai are well connected with good roads which cater well to the often retired and relatively affluent tourists.
There are numerous important bird areas in Nepal, protected and unprotected, explored and unexplored, convenient and challenging. Some of the popular destinations are Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Bardia and Chitwan National Parks. Until recently, the parks and reserves in the mountains were particularly challenging because the only means of transportation was walking. However, the construction of roads is common in recent years in the hills and mountain areas.
For example, the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), which is one of the 10 most popular trekking destinations globally, now has access to roads in Manang and Mustang. There are several rural link roads which also connect to the district headquarters, or close to the parks and reserves headquarters. The construction of roads has definitely reduced the visitors’ satisfaction or quality of experience, but the number of tourists will steadily increase in the next few years. There will not be only the usual cheap backpackers but also luxurious tourists will visit ACA and other protected areas. Rural road networks will also bring both opportunities and challenges.
On the major trekking trails, like the ACA, local tourism entrepreneurs have complained to the government and Annapurna Conservation Area Project about the roads which they feared would slow their business down due to the motor routes. However, on the other hand, the easy access to the trekking areas means new ecotourism opportunities, especially birdwatching tourism, where rich and retired birders can view the mountains combined with birdwatching. There is need to promote birdwatching tourism as a vehicle for biodiversity conservation that brings benefits to visitors and hosts alike.
It is also important to identify and tackle the new challenges. Foremost, a number of infrastructures must be improved to promote and explore birdwatching tourism. First, the quality of accommodation needs to be improved; the new clients are usually rich and demand high quality services. Second, locals and trekking guides need to be trained and sensitized to bird conservation where, until now, birds have been regarded as source of meat. Lastly, the government must introduce new national policies for ecotourism to promote birdwatching in the IBAs. In view of the Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Nepal could also become a Shangri-La for bird watching excursions.
Bird Watching tourism in Nepal
DR HUM GURUNG
Birdwatching tourism is a new phenomenon in Nepal’s tourism industry. Historically, Nepal is well known for mountaineering and trekking due to its outstanding natural diversity, from the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest, to the deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Valley. Today, many of these outstanding places are set aside as protected areas.
Chitwan, the first national park, was established in 1973 and is a popular area for birdwatching, although it is also well known for flagship species such as tigers and rhinos.
BirdLife International, together with Bird Conservation Nepal, has identified 27 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) throughout the country that are considered to be significant and represent the country’s diverse and rich birdlife. Thirteen protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, hunting reserves and conservation areas are also designated as IBAs.
Further, many community forests, grasslands and wetlands are home to the birds of Nepal. Nepal harbors 35 species of globally threatened and 133 nationally threatened bird species. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (1973) has protected nine bird species, of which four are globally threatened, and two are near threatened.
Nepal’s birds, like the country itself, were unknown and unexplored for many years, and foreigners played significant roles in exploring birdwatching. The history of ornithology in Nepal began when noted ornithologist S. Dillon Ripley started the Spiny Babbler Expedition in 1948 in Kailali district, and his subsequent publication of bird hunting in Nepal entitled “Search for the Spiny Babbler.” In 1793, Colonel William Kirkpatrick collected a few bird skins for observation, which inspired Nepali ornithologists. The history of birdwatching, like many other recreational activities learned from the West, began in Kathmandu.
Out of 665 species of birds recorded so far (nearly 10% of the world total), 534 species are found in Kathmandu Valley alone. Some of the popular birdwatching spots in Kathmandu are Phulchowki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Shivapuri, and Taudaha. The Nepal Birdwatching Club (NBWC) was established in 1976 with the support from Hari Sharan “Kazi” Nepali and Karna Sakya who were pioneers in promoting birdwatching in Kathmandu Valley. In 1982, NBWC was renamed as Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), which became a national-level authority on knowledge about birds and their conservation. Today, BCN and the BirdLife Partner in Nepal, have strong partnerships with national and international conservation agencies for birds and biodiversity conservation.
Birdwatching tourism is one of the new products that have not been fully explored, and it is an opportunity to market the new product worldwide. In recent years, Nepal’s parks and reserves have attracted dramatically increasing numbers of international visitors. However, local people engaged in tourism business have not yet explored the potential of birdwatching tourism.
The Himalayan regions are not only special destinations for trekking and adventure tourism but also have great potential for birdwatching tourism, which can attract often retired and rich tourists. However, there is no strategic marketing to promote birdwatching in Nepal, but thanks to word of mouth advisory, it is promoted by tourists who enjoyed the natural and cultural beauty of Nepal. In fact, birdwatching is catered to by very few tour operators, most of whom are located in the Terai parks and reserves, such as Koshi Tappu, Chitwan, Bardia, and Suklaphanta. Protected areas in the Terai are well connected with good roads which cater well to the often retired and relatively affluent tourists.
There are numerous important bird areas in Nepal, protected and unprotected, explored and unexplored, convenient and challenging. Some of the popular destinations are Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Bardia and Chitwan National Parks. Until recently, the parks and reserves in the mountains were particularly challenging because the only means of transportation was walking. However, the construction of roads is common in recent years in the hills and mountain areas.
For example, the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), which is one of the 10 most popular trekking destinations globally, now has access to roads in Manang and Mustang. There are several rural link roads which also connect to the district headquarters, or close to the parks and reserves headquarters. The construction of roads has definitely reduced the visitors’ satisfaction or quality of experience, but the number of tourists will steadily increase in the next few years. There will not be only the usual cheap backpackers but also luxurious tourists will visit ACA and other protected areas. Rural road networks will also bring both opportunities and challenges.
On the major trekking trails, like the ACA, local tourism entrepreneurs have complained to the government and Annapurna Conservation Area Project about the roads which they feared would slow their business down due to the motor routes. However, on the other hand, the easy access to the trekking areas means new ecotourism opportunities, especially birdwatching tourism, where rich and retired birders can view the mountains combined with birdwatching. There is need to promote birdwatching tourism as a vehicle for biodiversity conservation that brings benefits to visitors and hosts alike.
It is also important to identify and tackle the new challenges. Foremost, a number of infrastructures must be improved to promote and explore birdwatching tourism. First, the quality of accommodation needs to be improved; the new clients are usually rich and demand high quality services. Second, locals and trekking guides need to be trained and sensitized to bird conservation where, until now, birds have been regarded as source of meat. Lastly, the government must introduce new national policies for ecotourism to promote birdwatching in the IBAs. In view of the Nepal Tourism Year 2011, Nepal could also become a Shangri-La for bird watching excursions.
