Adventure AsiaAI-assisted
Nepal10 days

Nepal Birdwatching: Kathmandu, Koshi Tappu & Chitwan — 10 Days

Shivapuri National Park to Chitwan and Pokhara, covering three distinct bird habitats across Nepal's varied terrain

Nepal records more than 850 bird species — a count that reflects the country's compression of tropical lowlands, mid-hill forests, and high-altitude zones into a relatively compact area. This ten-day itinerary moves through three of the country's most productive birdwatching sites: Shivapuri National Park on the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern Terai floodplains, and Chitwan National Park in the lowland jungle belt. Koshi Tappu is particularly significant as a staging ground along the Central Asian Flyway, drawing migratory waterfowl and waders in large numbers seasonally. Chitwan adds a different character — dense sal and riverine forest where hornbills, raptors, and hundreds of resident species coexist with the park's larger wildlife. The route concludes in Pokhara, where the Annapurna range forms the northern backdrop. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout, and all ground transfers, park entrance fees, and accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis are included.

Best time to go: March to May

Highlights

  • Birdwatching in Shivapuri National Park, a forested reserve covering the northern hills above Kathmandu Valley
  • Wildlife observation at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a key stopover on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds
  • Jungle safari, birdwatching, and butterfly watching within Chitwan National Park's riverine and sal forest habitats
  • Lakeside time at Phewa Lake in Pokhara, with views across the Annapurna range
  • Paragliding over the Pokhara Valley, offering aerial perspective on the surrounding hills and lake
  • Dedicated time to document and observe Nepal's resident and migratory species across three distinct ecological zones

Day by day

1Arrival in Kathmandu & Airport TransferKathmandu · Tribhuvan International Airport
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a tour representative meets the group and transfers them to their hotel in Kathmandu.
2Shivapuri National Park Birdwatching HikeShivapuri National Park
After breakfast, the group hikes into Shivapuri National Park, which covers a significant portion of the forested hills encircling the Kathmandu Valley. The park's mid-hill forest and mixed broadleaf terrain support a range of resident species. The day is spent moving through the park on foot, with the primary focus on bird observation and identification.
3Flight to Koshi Tappu & Wildlife Reserve SightseeingKoshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve · Kathmandu to eastern Terai region
Following breakfast, the group flies to the eastern Terai region and transfers to accommodation near Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The afternoon is spent in the reserve, which sits within the floodplains of the Koshi River and serves as a critical habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds. The group returns to the hotel at day's end.
4Full Day at Koshi Tappu Wildlife ReserveKoshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
A full day of observation within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, exploring its wetland and grassland habitats alongside the reserve's broader flora and fauna.
5Overland Drive to Chitwan National ParkChitwan National Park · the hotel
After breakfast, the group departs by road for Chitwan National Park in the central Terai. The drive takes approximately eight hours, passing through Nepal's varied mid-hill and lowland terrain before arriving in Chitwan and transferring to the hotel.
6Chitwan National Park: Jungle Safari, Birdwatching & Butterfly WatchingChitwan National Park · a hotel in Chitwan
A full day of activities within Chitwan National Park, including jungle safari, birdwatching, elephant safari, and butterfly watching. The park's riverine forest and grassland corridors support a wide range of species. The group overnights at a hotel in Chitwan.
7Drive to Pokhara & Phewa LakesidePokhara · Phewa Lakeside area
The group drives to Pokhara, with time in the afternoon to walk the Phewa Lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.
8Pokhara: Paragliding Over the ValleyPokhara
A paragliding flight over Pokhara offers an aerial perspective on the valley, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna range to the north. Overnight in Pokhara.
9Return to Kathmandu by Road or AirKathmandu
After breakfast, the group travels back to Kathmandu by road or flight, concluding the itinerary's field portion.
10Departure from KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport
Your guide transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport, concluding the bird-watching expedition across Nepal's diverse landscapes and habitats.

Where you go

Map: Nepal Birdwatching: Kathmandu, Koshi Tappu & Chitwan — 10 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Kathmandu
  2. 2Tribhuvan International Airport
  3. 3Pokhara
  4. 4Kathmandu
  5. 5Tribhuvan International Airport

Included

  • Included
  • 9 nights 10 days hotel on Twin Sharing Basis
  • Meals on a Bed & Breakfast basis
  • Fluent English-Speaking guide
  • Chitwan Jungle Activities
  • All ground transportation with a private vehicle
  • All sightseeing
  • Government taxes and entrance fees

Not included

  • Excluded
  • Personal nature expenses
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Medical expenses
  • Emergency fees
  • Insurance
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