Nepal - A Birdwatching Tour

Tour Code: NPL04

An 11-day birdwatching tour of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan National Park, and the forested hills of the Kathmandu Valley – Nepal's top three sites!

11 days from
£4,495 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£3,995

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Highlights

Summary

Nepal is not to be missed, and on this tour we take you to the country’s three premier wildlife reserves – Chitwan National Park, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and the forested hills of the Kathmandu Valley. Beginning in Kathmandu we’ll take in some of the valley’s cultural and architectural highlights as well as do some birding, before transferring to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, one of Asia’s finest wetlands, where birds we’ll look for include Swamp Francolin and Bengal Florican, and mammals include wild Water Buffalo and Nilgai. We’ll explore on foot and by boat before moving on to Chitwan National Park where we’ll look for such sought-after species as Red-headed Trogon, Lesser Racquet-tailed Drongo and White-tailed Rubythroat.

Good chance of seeing about 300 bird species during the holiday
Visit the finest birdwatching sites in Nepal
Superlative Himalayan birding & very good value!
Birding on Phulchowki Mountain, the most bird-rich site in the Kathmandu Valley
Look for Crested Kingfisher, Ibisbill & Brown Dipper
480+ bird species in Chitwan National Park
Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, langurs, Sambar & Hog Deer, Chitwan
Bird Nepal’s terai (lowland) habitat for species such as White-rumped Needletail Swift
Led by expert local naturalist guides

Grading

A birdwatching tour based around easy walks.

Nepal is not to be missed. It is one of the most spectacular countries on Earth, inhabited by the most friendly and endearing people, and boasts an incredible 840 species of birds within a land-locked area only the size of England and Wales! This holiday is designed to introduce you to the finest birdwatching areas of this Himalayan kingdom, at a sensible cost. We should see in the region of 300 bird species, together with a good selection of larger mammals, birdwatching at altitudes up to 2,740 metres in the Kathmandu Valley, and down to nearly sea level in Chitwan and Koshi Tappu.

We will begin our holiday in Kathmandu, Nepal’s fascinating capital that combines medieval and modern in unique fashion. Our three nights here will allow us to enjoy some of the valley’s cultural and architectural highlights. Beautiful pagoda-style Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas (shrines), and elaborate royal palaces punctuate Kathmandu, and provide homes for the Barn Owls that may be seen floating over the city at dusk, together with Night Herons and scores of ghostly Indian Flying Foxes.

It is Phulchowki mountain, however, that will be the focus of our attention during our time in Kathmandu. Driving as close to its summit as conditions allow, we will enjoy our first views of the magnificent snow-clad Himalaya. From here we will spend a full day descending from Phulchowki’s 2,740-metre crown, where frost and snow cling to a temperate forest of spruce, fir, oak and rhododendron, to the subtropical forest around the mountain’s base at 1,520 metres. The birdlife on this forested mountain is the richest in the valley, no one visit producing the same long list of bird species. Here we will undoubtedly enjoy our first Himalayan woodpeckers, minivets, warblers, flycatchers, laughing-thrushes, yuhinas, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, rosefinches, and possibly some of the mountain’s more unusual species such as Grey-sided Laughing-thrush, Nepal Parrotbill and Cutia.

Leaving Kathmandu, we will fly to Biratnagar, a bustling town situated in the Gangetic floodplains of south-eastern Nepal. Heading east, the flight provides spectacular views of such Himalayan giants as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga and Makalu. On arrival at Biratnagar, we will travel by road for a couple of hours to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve for a 3-night stay. Our base, Koshi Camp, is situated on the edge of the reserve, part of a vast expanse of open water, marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mudflats and dry woodlands that lie to the north of the great Koshi barrage. This is one of Asia’s finest wetlands and a fabulous birdwatching area. Almost all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, terns and gulls occur here, plus a great variety of landbirds, especially warblers and birds of prey. Well in excess of 100 species of birds may be seen daily in this wonderful area, including such local specialities as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and Striated Marsh Warbler. This region is also the last refuge of the wild Water Buffalo in Nepal, and other mammals to be seen here include Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Asiatic Jackal, Hog Deer, Nilgai (or ‘Blue Bull’ — the subcontinent’s largest antelope), and the rare Ganges River Dolphin. We will explore the area on foot and in inflatable boats.

Next we make the long drive from Koshi to Chitwan, passing through Nepal’s lowlands. Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site that protects 932 square kilometres of dry deciduous forest, tropical evergreen forest and riverine grasslands. 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 3-night stay. The park holds a similar wealth of mammals, including the endangered Greater One-horned 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, by jeep, and other means.

Finally, we head back to Kathmandu from Chitwan along the scenic Narayani and Trisuli Rivers. It is here that we hope to finish our holiday on a high note by locating the Ibisbills that winter here.

For those wishing to extend their holiday, our pre-tour extension to the grasslands of Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve offers a very different and very special range of birds and mammals; alternatively, if you would like to remain longer in Nepal, we highly recommend a stay at the stunningly located Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge which offers some of the finest mountain views in the world.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Depart London

Day 2/3

Kathmandu

Day 4/6

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Day 7/9

Chitwan National Park

Day 10

Kathmandu

Day 11

Fly London

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What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
Simple but comfortable hotel and jungle lodge; a comfortable tented camp at Koshi; all have private facilities.
Food:
Included in the price, except for main meals in Kathmandu. Allow £35.

Reviews

Highlight of the holiday was our first day in Chitwan national park on the river Rapti, when we saw 110+ bird species. We went out early in the morning mist, that cleared to reveal beautiful snow capped mountain views. We then came back to a wonderful thali set lunch and had a canoe journey in the afternoon on the way to the gharial conservation park. In the evening our resort organised an introduction to local Tharu culture and dance. We also enjoyed the colours and sounds of the Tihar festival as we arrived on day one in Kathmandu where every building was decorated with lights, there were flower petal symbols at entrances and dogs wearing flower garlands. Naturetrek can be relied on to really look after their customers and we have enjoyed every holiday with them.
M.S. Lincolnshire, Nov 23
Very well-organised with an excellent guide, full of information, friendly, helpful and outstanding at directing us to a small bird in the trees. Good accommodation with things that worked and good food.
S.B. Essex, Nov 19
This holiday consisted of a fortnight visiting three nature reserves in rural Nepal. All three consisted of different habitats and every day guided tours were arranged with the emphasis on seeing the very wide variety of bird life that is present in the country. Many mammals and reptiles were also seen and every opportunity was taken to enjoy all parts of the parks. The guides were of very high quality and went to great lengths to please all tour members and keep everybody interested. The camp, while understandably simple, were clean, efficiently run and all staff were extremely helpful and friendly. The food was excellent and varied. Interspersed with the visits to the reserves we also spent a few nights in Kathmandu. This provided interesting variety and allowed us to leave much of our luggage in storage rather than carry everything all around the country. All in all a very enjoyable and well thought-out holiday.
J.D. West Sussex

I have nothing but praise for Suchit Basnet who not only proved to be an excellent guide but has a first class attitude to his job.
R.B. Yorkshire

We both thought Som was quite exceptional. He clearly had a good relationship with the drivers, hotel staff and camping organisations and was patient and expert in his birding, ensuring that everyone in the group got his attention and guidance. We cant praise him highly enough.
M. & B.D. Kent

This was an outstanding trip and Suchit is an excellent ornithologist... He was tenacious in searching out our wish list birds, especially the elusive Ibisbill. Ground organisation was impeccable - whether it was a jeep, aircraft, dugout canoe or elephant, all arrived on time and took us where we wanted. The birds were great... but the mammals (leopard included), the culture, the company and the accommodation were bonuses.
T. & J.K. Yorkshire

The local agents were first class, hospitality, attention to detail, enthusiasm and professionalism were all at a premium.
P.M. South Yorkshire

We looked upon the trip to Nepal as the trip of a lifetime, and in no way did it disappoint – just hoping now that there will be more!
P.P. Cornwall

I had never taken an 'organised' trip before and was warned that I might find the tour restrictive. But the holiday was superb. Many, many thanks to everybody involved. Hathan was very hard-working, very organised and a real gentleman. Great trip all round. Great wildlife.
D.W. Norfolk

Well what can I say? Probably the best foreign trip I’ve undertaken (and I’ve done a few!). Keep up the good work!
S.E. West Midlands

Suchit Basnet was absolutely brilliant - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, humorous and well organised.
H.L. South Yorkshire

We were so well treated at Tigerland Safari Lodge and Koshi Camp; they are both lovely places. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable.
N.M. Norfolk

A very enjoyable and interesting tour. Everything went well, the leaders and drivers were excellent and attentive, and we saw a great deal of wildlife.
J.C. Denmark

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Extensions

Pokhara Extension

Our time in Pokhara will allow us the chance to walk amongst these hills and forests, and to enjoy the impressive sight of terraced fields, reaching thousands of feet up and down the mountainsides. The lower terraces are usually for rice, the higher ones for barley, wheat, potatoes, buckwheat and millet. As well as birds, there are many colourful butterflies to be seen on our walks.

3 days from £1,395

View Details

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Fri 21st Mar – Mon 31st Mar 5 £4,495

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£595

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Suchit Basnet

Tour Leader: Suchit Basnet

Suchit was born in the eastern terai of Nepal and was educated at St Joseph's College in Darjeeling, where he specialised in science. After leaving college, he worked as a hostel superintendent in a high school in Kathmandu. He started his wildlife career as a full-time naturalist in Royal Chitwan National Park. Over the five years he worked there, he accumulated an invaluable knowledge of the region's flora and fauna, and joined Naturetrek's small team of Nepalese full-time naturalist and ornithologist tour leaders in 1994. Since then his great enthusiasm, cheerful and friendly disposition, together with an exceptional fluency in English have contributed to many successful Naturetrek holidays. Now ranked as one of the country's leading naturalists and ornithologists, Suchit leads many of our tours and treks in Nepal and India.

Sat 15th Nov – Tue 25th Nov 6 £4,495

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£3,995

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£595

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Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.
We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
What can I expect?

An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
Outstanding value for money
Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
Enviable bird lists
Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities

Who are these tours best suited to?

Keen & active birders – whether expert or making their first visit to a country or continent
People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour

Where can I go?
Naturetrek's selection of birdwatching holidays includes many South and Central American countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama.
In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:

Endemics of Western Australia
Argentina's Mar Chiquita
Birds of Brazils Atlantic rainforest
Colombia – home to the world’s richest avifauna
Sri Lanka’s endemic birds

 
 

 
Our specialist recommends...




"I’d recommend our ‘Nepal’ holiday visiting Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Reserve, and ‘India – Bharatpur & Chambal’ within Asia. Try ‘Ecuador – Cock-of-the-rock’ for a superb introduction to Andean birding, while, if you want a bit of luxury, the accommodation we use on our ‘Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park’ tour is top class.” 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager

 
All Bargain birdwatching Tours
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - March 2018

Tour report - November 2017

Tour report - January 2014

Tour report - March 2013

Tour report - November 2010

Tour report - February 2009

Tour report - March 2008

Tour report - February 2008

Tour report - December 2007

Tour report - February 2007

Tour report - January 1970

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!