Birds of Nepal with Trek

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu 1350m
Prior to your landing in Kathmandu, you should have some excellent views of the Himalayas eastwards of Dhaulagiri. After checking into your hotel, you will be briefed by your Tour leader on your programme.

Day 2 Phulchowki 1520-2760 m.
After a very early breakfast we depart for Phulchowki 18km Southeast of Kathmandu. Phulchowki at 2760m 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, Speckled Piculet, Crimson-breasted Pied and Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpeckers, Grey-chinned Minivet, Striated Bulbul, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Spotted Forktail, Chestnut-headed and grey-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-crowned and black faced Warblers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-throated and Spiny Babblers, White-crested, striated, Rufous-chinned and grey-sided Laughing thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Cuttia, White-browed Green and Black-eared Shrike-Babblers, Hoary Barwing, Blue-winged Minla, Nepal Fulvetta, Yellow-browed Tit, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Black-throated Sunbird, Maroon Oriole, Eurasian and Lancelated Jays, Red-billed Blue Magpie and Brown Bullfinch. A further 55 species have been known to visit the area as migratory or occasional visitors. Phulchowki's forests are also very rich in flora and butterflies. Mammals include Leopard, Yellow-throated Marten and Orange-bellied Squirrel. After this fine introduction to Nepali Birds, we will return to our hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 By Road to Pokhara
A scenic drive of approximately 7 hours plus a stop for lunch at Mugling beside the Trisuli River, alternatively we can arrange a morning flight (extra cost) to give you a full day birding in Pokhara. The southern side of the lake is covered in extensive forest with rich bird life and excellent views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake and Pokhara. We will have plenty of time for a late afternoon exploration of this forest. The quickest way to get to the southern side of the lake is by hiring a rowing boat. For your return trip you can hire a boat from a bar and restaurant located at the start of the footpath leading to the Stupa at the top of the hill. Alternatively you can also walk below the dam.

Day 4 Pokhara 915m
Today we explore in detail the forest along the southern shore of the lake. Apart from the many birds found here, you will also be rewarded with some of the best views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare, Pokhara has to offer. The quickest way to get to the southern side of the lake is by hiring a rowing boat. 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, Ducks, Gulls, Terns, Waders, Bulbul, Black-backed Forktail, Puff-throated Babbler, White-crested, Lesser Necklaced and Rufous-chinned Laughing Thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Minivetts, Crimson Sunbird, Maroon Oriole, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Red-billed and Green Magpies, Long-tailed Mountain Thrush, Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Small and Rufous-bellied Niltavas and Snowy-brown Flycatcher, Long-tailed Broadbill, Pale Blue Flycatcher, White-tailed Robin, Spiny Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Striated Munia, Lesser Whitethroat and Thick-billed Warbler.

Day 5 Pothana 2035m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
We start with a short drive to Hengja the starting point for our trek. The trail first runs through thin forest and terraced fields to Dhampus (1600m). From here we climb through secondary forest for about l.5 hours to Pothana (2035m), which lies on an oak-forested ridge top with good views of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South and plenty of Birds. The best birds today can be found between Pothana and Tolka

Day 6 New Bridge 1340m Walking approx. 6 hours
After an early morning bird watching excursion we start with a walk along the ridge before descending steeply to Thorka 1820m and Landrung 1715m above the Modi Khola. From here the trail descends further to New Bridge and the Modi Khola. Some of the species likely to be seen along this route are: Red-headed and Eurasian Black Vultures, Black and Bonelli's Eagles, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Common Hill Partridge, Speckled and Ashy Woodpigeons, Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Collared Owlet, Upland Pipit, Striated Bulbul, Golden-throated Barbet, Bay and Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpeckers, Slaty-backed and Spotted Forktails, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Chestnut-crowned and Black-faced Warblers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Greater and Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babblers, White-crested and Striated Laughing-thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Cuttia, Hoary Barwing, Nepal Fulvetta, Yellow-browned Tit, Black-throated Sunbird, Yellow-billed Blue, Red-billed Blue and Green Magpies, Cinnamon Sparrow, Jungle Nightjar, Pacific Swift, Blue-capped Rock-Thrush, Tickell's Thrush, Ferruginous, Asian Sooty and Little Pied Flycatchers. Best birds today can be found between Pothana and Tolka and after Landrung towards New Bridge

Day 7 Ghandrung 1940m., Walking 4 hrs. approx.
We will start with a steep climb through excellent forest to Ghandrung at 1940m which is also the seat of the headquarters of the Annapurna conservation area. Take your time to watch out for the many different species of birds that can be found here.

Day 8 Tadapani 2590m. Walking approx. 5 hours
Above Ghandruk the trail continues through thick forests of oak and rhododendron to Phainsi Kharka. Again, the area is very rich in birds and we will have plenty of time to look out for them. We continue our climb through thick forests to Tadapani and its magnificent views of Annapurna South, Himchuli and Machhapuchhare.

Day 9 Banthanti 2520m Walking approx. 2 hours
After a brief descent we have another short climb before the trail levels out. Again excellent birding along the way. From Banthanti, head downstream below the village for birding, an excellent spot for forktails.

Day 10 & 11 Gorepani 2860m and Poon Hill 3190m Walking approx. 4 hours.
We continue our climb following a small river which becomes a narrow gorge to Deorali, a pass of 3080m with awesome views of the Annapurna Range, the Kali Gadanki Gorge and Dhaulagiri. Birds found here include Eurasian Black Vulture, Northern Goshawk, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Hill Partridge, Koklas and Kalij Pheasant, Eurasian Woodcock, Ashy Woodpigeon, Collared Owlet, Tawny Owl, Orange-rumped Honey Guide, Scaly-bellied Green, Crimson-breasted Pied and Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpecker, Maroon-backed and Altai Accentors, Orange-flanked, Golden, White-browed and Rufous-breasted Bush Robins, Blue-capped Redstart, Plain-backed and Long-tailed Mountain Thrushes, Long-billed Thrush, White-collared and Grey-winged Blackbirds, Chestnut and Mistle Thrushes, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Black-faced Warbler, Greater Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Great, Brown and Black-throated Parrotbills, Striated, Spotted and Black-faced Laughing-Thrushes, White-browed and Green Shrike-Babblers, Hoary Barwing, Black-browed, Yellow-browed and Grey-crested Tits, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Lancelot Jay, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Nutcracker, Red-browed Finch, Eurasian Goldfinch, Common Crossbill, Plain Mountain-Finch, Collared Crossbeak, Rosefinches and Bullfinches. Other wildlife along the route include Rhesus Macaque, Grey Langur, Red Fox, Lesser Panda, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Tahr, Bharal and Orange-bellied Squirrel. We will

Day 12 Ulleri 2080m Walking approx. 4 hours.
We start descending for Ulleri through Oak and Rhododendron forest with a rich population of birds.

Day 13 Naya Pul 1070m Walking approx. 4 hours.
We continue descending to Naya Pul with plenty of birds along the way,

Day 14 Pokhara
After exploring the Modi Khola we drive back to Pokhara.

Day 15 By Road to Chitwan
Transfer by road from Pokhara to Chitwan a drive of approx. 4 hours. After checking in, you will 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. Flocks of Common and Demoiselle Cranes occur on passage between March and May and October/November. Along the marshes and small lakes there are Cormorants, Darter, Cinnamon Bittern, Black-crowned Night and Purple Herons, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked and Lesser Adjutant Storks, Lesser Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Balloons Ruddy-breasted and Brown Crakes, Purple Gallinule, Bronze-winged Jacana, Painted Snipe and Stork-billed Kingfisher, Chestnut-crowned and Spotted Bush Warblers, Yellow bellied Prinia, Clamorous Reed, dusky and Smoky Warblers, and Red-capped Babbler. Forest species regular seen are Lesser Fishing and Grey headed Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Emerald Dove,
Orange-breasted Green and Pompadour Green Pigeon, Moustached Parakeet, Green-billed Malkoha, Brown Hawk Owl, Crested Treeswift, Pied and Great Hornbills, Streak-throated Green, Rufous,
Himalayan Golden-backed and Greater Golden- backed Woodpeckers, Large Woodshrike Rosy Minivet, Black-crested Bulbul, Golden fronted Leafbird, Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Black-napped Monarch, Puff-throated Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Hill Mynah, Black-hooded Oriole, White-rumped Shama, Lesser Necklaced, Greater Necklaced and Rufous-necked Laughing-thrushes, Nepal Fulvetta, Streaked Spiderhunter, yellow-bellied Warbler, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Forest Eagle, Tawny Fish Owls, Red-headed Trogon, White-browed Piculet, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Long-tailed Broadbill, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Little Spiderhunter.

Elephant Safari travel through open grassland and dense forests on elephant back in search of rare game. Be on the lookout for the great one horned rhino, four species of deer, wild boar, sloth bear, leopard, bison and the big one, The Royal Bengal Tiger.

Canoeing a traditional dugout canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view birds, crocodiles and the animals of the river bank.
Nature walk our trained naturalists take you to prime spots to view deer, rhino, sloth bear and other wild life. Detailed knowledge of the wild life and jungle will enhance your trip.

Birding an early morning walk along the Rapti River is a must to view many of the 450 species of exotic birds including Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican and Paradise Flycatcher. Again, you will be accompanied by our experienced naturalists.

Day 16 Chitwan
Full day Safari Programme

Day 17 Chitwan
We depart the Lodge by Land Rover for an excursion further into the Chitwan National Park.

Day 18 Chitwan
After lunch we have a one hour drive to Hedauda where hopefully we will find the very rare Ibisbill in the gravel beside the Rapti river.

Day 19 Kathmandu
After an early morning Birdwatching walk we transfer by road to Kathmandu.

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