Kathmandu Valley: Bird Watching Tour with Guide

Explore the world of bird watching in Kathmandu Valley, a place gradually earning a reputation as a paradise for bird watchers. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or a practising ornithologist, the highlands of Nepal are where you can get a glimpse of rare and endangered species like the Impeyan Pheasant (the national bird of the country), and Spiny Babbler, a bird species found only in Nepal. The topographical diversity of Nepal has led to habitat for more than 887 species of Birds (nearly 10% of the world’s total number of birds) making it a sought-after destination for birding.

Within the Valley alone a recorded 500 species of birds can be spotted. Destinations such as Godavari, Nagarjun Phulchowki, Bagmati, Tau Daha, and Manohara River are the most popular spots for bird-watching. Surrounded by verdant hills, the varied ecology and moderate climatic conditions of Kathmandu Valley serve as a suitable nesting site for vast species of birds.

The Himalayan nation is not only a special destination for trekking and adventure tourism but also has great potential for bird-watching tourism which includes the great scenery of mountain views, wildlife exploration, interaction with local communities, and exploring their culture and tradition. Choose among the most preferred bird-watching spots- Phulchoki Hill, the highest peak in the Valley only 20 km southeast of Kathmandu. With some 288 species recorded to date, you can sight woodpeckers, babblers, tits, warblers, eagles, minivets, and many migrant birds.

Lying at the foot of Phulchowki Hill rests Godavari Botanical Garden which alone hosts over 100 species of birds including spotted forktail, Tibetan siskin, and lesser racket-tailed drongo. The open fields of wetlands make up a diverse habitat for many birds making it one of the best places for bird watching in Kathmandu Valley. Another exciting sight for bird watching tour is a hike to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which lies 11 km north of Kathmandu along with Nagarjun Royal Forest or Rani Ban (located just 5km from Balaju’s access to Kakani).

This hill is a renowned sight for bird enthusiasts featuring Red-billed blue magpie, Bonelli’s Eagle, Kalij pheasant, Himalayan bulbul, and a good population of Spiny Babbler and Hoary-throated Barwing, and many more. The wetlands of the valley are the Bagmati River and Manohara River which flows into the valley from Shivapuri Hill through the gorge of Chobar. The open fields and wetlands are ideal for many bird species.

Taudaha Lake is the most prominent wetland bird-watching sight in the Kathmandu Valley which is on the like to Dakshinkali. The rich ecosystem here is a transitory place for migratory birds where a group of water birds gets here during winter. Some of the regular visitors here are Gadwall, Mallard, Common Teal, Eurasian wigeon, Northern shoveler, and Eurasian coot.