Dear Sonam
Me and my team members are satisfied the
service you provide us for Nepla tour
as well trekking in different time. Your
management and timing was perfect. I wish
all the success for up coming Nepal, Tibet
& Bhutan tours and trekking events.
Testimonial
Bird Watching in Nepal
Nepal is a paradise for the birdwatcher. From the lowland
jungle of the Terrai and the Kosi Tappu barrage through dense
rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills to the windswept
plateaus of the high Himalaya there is always something to
keep one twitching.
Birds of the Kathmandu Valley Within
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 the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the
Valley rim situated 20 km South East of Kathmandu, with some
265 species recorded to date. The birds seen here included
babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers,
eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki
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 Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve
Situated 11km to the North of Kathmandu, is another
very good location. Nagerjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill is
situated 5 km from Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju.
It is a renowned sight for bird enthusiasts with blue magpies,
kalij pheasants, Bonelli's eagles, great Himalayan barbets amongst
thwe many species found here.
The Valley Wetlands
The wetlands in the valley, the banks of the
Manohara river on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river,
which flows into the Valley from Shivapuri hill and out through
Chobhar Gorge, are good places for watching waders and waterfowls.
Harbouring 40 species of birds mostly dependent on wetlands,
Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali, attracts flocks of
migrant birds.
Popular Bird Watching Sites Outside the
Kathmandu Valley
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
As well as other kinds of fauna, the Koshi Tappu
Wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best locations
for birding. Still within Nepal's sub-tropical Terai belt, this
is the smallest (175 sq km) and Easternmost reserve in Nepal,
just to the North East of the convergence of the Sapt Koshi
and Trijuga Khola rivers. Its situation on the Sapt Koshi floodplain
means that the environment of this reserve varies dramatically
according to the seasons. During the Monsoon (May to September)
the flow becomes torrential and covers most of the floodplain,
while during the dry seasons, many flat, sandy islands are exposed.
The habitat is a combination of scrub grassland and deciduous
riverine forest, with over 280 species of birds recorded so
far, including 20 species of duck, ibises, storks, swamp partridges
(Francolinus gularis), herons, egrets, Bengal floricans (Eupodotis
Bengalensis), and many other exotic and migratory waterfowl
not found elsewhere in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park
Is approximately five hours
by road from Kathmandu or a 35 minute flight situated in the
Terai region. It is renowned for its array of birds, with over
255 species recorded. There are many species of parakeets. Other
birds include Blue-Throat (thrush), Long-tailed Nightjar, Indian
Peafowl, Great Barbet, red-billed blue magpie and Tickell's
red-breasted blue flycatcher. A two night/three day package,
staying at a lodge within the park, is an ideal way to combine
bird watching with other pursuits.
Bardia National park
Bardia is also a popular destination for
bird watching situated in the far West of Nepal it is an area
of extensive jungle which is covered by sal forest riverine
and grass lands. A boat ride on the slow moving expanse of
the Karnali River provides plenty of opportunities to view
a vast variety of birds including Ruddy Shelduck, darters,
brahmini kites, brown headed gulls, cormorants, oriental pied
hornbills, night heron & purple heron, cinnaon bitterns,
orioles and majestic peacocks.
Nepal Outdoor Activities
Nepal is a paradise for the birdwatcher. From the lowland
jungle of the Terrai and the Kosi Tappu barrage through dense
rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills to the windswept
plateaus of the high Himalaya there is always something to
keep one twitching.
