Royal Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 becoming the first of Nepal’s extensive network of wildlife sanctuaries that now protects over seven percent of its territory. Situated in the inner Terrai, the park is reached by either a five hours by road or a twenty five minute flight from Kathmandu. Chitwan is approximately 1000 sq kms of sub tropical lowland mainly consisting of Sal forest and riverine forest.

The area provides a habitat for a multitude of wild animals. There are more than forty species of mammal residing; including the royal bengal tiger, one horn rhinoceros, sloth bear and leopard. Over four hundred and fifty species of birds have been recorded.

Most of our jungle itineraries include a stay at one of the lodges inside the park of which there are only six. Accommodation is provided in thatched style cottages with attached facilities.

A typical package is based on a two-nights / three days stay / extendable. Activities include elephant safaris (on the back of them) dug out canoeing, bird watching and nature walks conducted by resident professional guides and naturalists.

A visit to Royal Chitwan allows the opportunity to fully experience the contrasts of Nepal, it offers an insight into a very different natural and cultural setting compared to the more familiar visions of the Kingdom.

Royal Chitwan fits well with a Kathmandu / Pokhara package.

Other Major National Wildlife Reserves:

Royal Bardia National Park; is located in the southwest of Nepal on the banks of the Karnali river. A large and undisturbed area it is likely to appeal to those wishing to spend more time to observe nature in depth.

Bardia is home to a wide range of animals, including wild elephants, rhino, leopard, tiger, swamp deer, crocodile and gangetic (fresh water) dolphins: over 400 species of birds have been recorded.

The park is best reached by a one-hour flight from Kathmandu followed by a three-hour jeep ride.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve;Is situated in the east of Nepal on the banks of the Sapta-Kosi (river). The location is more open than most other parks, it consists mainly of sand and scrub with some riverine forest. The reserve is an important habitat for migratory birds, especially water birds.

Over twenty species of duck are found here along with ibis, storks, egrets and herons with many species not found anywhere else in the country. Koshi also provides sanctuary to the last surviving wild buffalo in Nepal; other species include wild boar, hog deer, spotted deer and blue bull.

Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife reserve;Lies in the far west near the Indian border on the banks of the River Sarda.It consists primarily Sal and Riverine forest

The reserve is an important sanctuary to the endangered swamp deer, other species include wild elephant, leopard, chial, hog deer and wild boar. It is probably the best location in Nepal to study grassland birds including the endangered Bengal florican. Snakes are also fairly common in the park; e.g. cobra, krait and rat snake.

Nepal with its exceptional topography and climate provides a habitat to a vast array of rich bird life. Over 850 species have been recorded to date, 8% of the worlds recorded species.

Nepal begins almost at sea level on its southern border, the terrain rises to the highest point on earth within a distance of less than 200 Kms. From the lowland jungle of the Terrai through the dense rhododendron and oak forest of the middle hills onwards to alpine meadows and finally reaching the windswept plateaus of the high Himalays.It is hardly surprising that there is always something to keep the birding enthusiast occupied.

Within the Kathmandu valley alone over 265 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hills of the valley offer a varied ecology, ranging from the primary and secondary forests of rhododendron to oak and pine forest. The wetlands and open fields on the valley floor make up a diverse habitat for many species of wading birds.

Birding in the valley:

Birds seen within the valley include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minervets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds.

One of the most favorable locations is Phulchoki hill, situated 20 km south east of Kathmandu is is the highest peak on the Valley rim. Another very good place is Godavari, the Botanical Garden at the foot of Phulchoki where over 100 species of birds have been recorded, including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.

Other inportant sites within the valley:

Shivapuri watershed lies 11km to the north of Kathmandu,it is a habitat to a large variety of birds. Nagerjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill situated 5 km from Kathmandu on the way out of the valley towards Kakani from Balaju is also a good spot.Jamacho is a renowned site for many species including blue magpies, kalij pheasants, bonelli's eagles, and great himalayan barbets.

The valley wetlands: TheManohara river on the way to Bhaktapur and the Bagmati river flow into the valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorge. This is an ideal base for watching waders and waterfowl. The area harbors some 40 species of birds that are mostly dependent on wetlands. Taudaha, a lake not far from Chobar, is also a good place that attracts flocks of migrant birds

Koshi Tappu (Terai region):

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (approx 12 hours by road or one hour flight) is renowned for being one of the best locations for birding in Nepal, especially for wildfowl. Koshi is situated within Nepal 's sub-tropical Terai belt and is the smallest and easternmost reserve in Nepal. The reserve spreads over some 175 sq kms and lies north east of the convergence of the Sapt Koshi and Trijuga Khola rivers. The environment varies dramatically according to the season. During the monsoon (late May to September) rains become torrential with high water covering most of the floodplain. During the dry season many flat sandy islands are exposed. Kosi Tappu is a combination of scrub grassland and deciduous riverine forest, over 280 species of birds have been recorded to date.These include more than 20 species of duck, ibises, storks, swamp partridges, herons, egrets, bengal floricans along with many other migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal .

Chitwan National Park:

Is approximately five hours by road from Kathmandu or a 35-minute flight. Chitwan is situated in the Terai region, it is a habitat to a large variety of birds, over 255 species have been recorded to date. 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 safari lodge package (extendable) is the best way to view birds and other wildlife.You are accomodated at a safari lodge within the park .

Bardiya National Park:

Bardia is also a popular destination for bird watching, it is situated in the far west of Nepal and is mainly an area of extensive jungle covered by sal, riverine forest and grassland. 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 and purple heron, cinnaon bitterns, orioles and majestic peacocks.

Birding in the Foothills:

One of the best ways of viewing birds in Nepal is to take a leisurely trek through the foothills of the Himalayas. There are three main trekking areas in Nepal :

The Langtang region is six hours by road that lies north of Kathmandu ,

The Solu Khumbu region is eight hours by road east of Kathmandu

The Annapurna region lies six hours by road or a 30-minute flight west of Kathmandu .

Of the three major trekking regions, the Annapurna region offers the widest variety of species. The region is also easily accessible and fits well into a visit to Chitwan National Park.

The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest and most diverse protected area in the World.

The region supports a remarkable and delicate biodiversity with 441-recorded species of birds. These include the only endemic species of Nepal, the spiny babbler. Bird habitats range from the sub-tropical lowland forests of bamboo rhododendron and oak at lower altitudes, to dry sub-alpine conditions above the tree line towards the Tbetan border.

The Kali Gandaki valley is a major migration pathway in the autunm where up to 40 species can be seen around the settlements of Jomsom and Tukche. The migration coincides with one of the two trekking seasons (Spring and Autumn).

Migrating west about this time, further south around Kaare and Dhampus there are many species of eagle and other birds of prey. The most commonly observed are: lammergeier and the bearded vulture (known as the giddha in Nepal) along with the golden eagle.

Bird watching and wildlife programmes run from October to May each year. One month notice advance whenever possible please.

The itineraries below run from the beginning of October through to the end of May each year. For cost effectiveness on the longer itinerary, a minimum of four people should be considered. We do however run as per personal wish. An English speaking Nepali bird expert will accompany the group. The tour is based on sunrise to sunset days throughout. People are requested to bring their own optics and other equipment with them.

An introduction to the birds of the Kathmandu Valley .   (Eight days)

The tour is designed for those with less time or for people who would like to combine their time in Nepal with other activities. You will be introduced to the best locations for birding within the valley. We stay at three different locations around Kathmandu including two hill resorts on the Kathmandu Valley rim renowned for their mountain views and variety of birds.

For those with more time we have devised an itinerary that provides an ideal opportunity to observe birds at a variety of different habitats and altitudes. From The Terai plains in the south of the country almost at sea level to our study center in the Annapurna Himalaya at an altitude of 6,400 feet.

The first few days are spent visiting the best birding sites within the Kathmandu Valley. We travel to the wetlands of the Terrai plains for two nights at the Kossi Thapu Wetlands Reserve which is followed by a visit Royal Chitwan National Park for a two-night stay in a safari lodge. After completing activities at Chitwan, we travel on to the lakeside setting of Pokhara for three nights. A variety of birds are drawn to the lakes and the forest surrounds of Pokhara. A day's hike follows as we enter the foothills of the Himalayays for an exclusive three-night stay at our Study Center in the Annapurna Region where side treks will be taken.

Included;

a . Six days visiting the important bird sights within the Kathmandu valley.
b. Overland transport throughout.
c. Two nights three days at the Koshi Tappu Aqua Bird Wildlife Reserve.
d. Two nights three days stay at Royal Chitwan National Park .
e. Four nights five days stay in Pokhara, Phewa Lake and surrounds. (Staying at a resort hotel)
f. Three nights four days exclusive stay at our Study Center in the Annapurna Region.
g. Internal flight Pokhara Kathmandu /all airport transfers.

Not included;

a. Meals other than breakfast when in hotel accommodation.
b. Airport taxes ($30 U.S. )
c. Tips and gratuities