A Nepal Bird Watching Tour is a perfect way to explore the country’s rich natural heritage. Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia between India and China. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Nepal is a bird watchers’ paradise, with national parks & conservation areas making up a large part of its territory. More than 850 species of birds are found in Nepal, and surprisingly, a good number of these birds can be spotted in and around the Kathmandu Valley alone.
Bird watching is possible in any corner of Nepal, be it in the sweltering plains where Koshi Tappu, Chitwan, and Bardiya are the main sites, while in the mountainous region, the Everest and Annapurna regions boast other well-known species of birds. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern Terai is the place to be. Bird watchers cannot miss this wonderful reserve, which abounds in birds of all kinds. It’s a place where one sees trees packed with birds as if posing for a photograph.
The hills around the Kathmandu valley especially Nagarjun, Godavari and Phulchowki are popular bird-watching areas and the Taudaha Lake on the way to Dakshinkali is ideal for watching migratory waterfowl during the winter months.
The higher Himalayan regions are home to a wide array of raptors and birds of prey, boasting a diverse range of species. But Koshi Tappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia. Nepal’s national bird is the lophophorus, Impeyan Pheasant, locally called Danphe, which is found in the Himalayan region. Bird-watching trips are organized by most resorts and are accompanied by experienced guides.
If you have a deep appreciation for birdwatching and Nepal’s stunning biodiversity but want to explore beyond the usual spots, there are plenty of fantastic alternatives. From subtropical jungles teeming with rare species to high-altitude habitats where elusive Himalayan birds thrive, Nepal offers some truly rewarding birding experiences.
My journey in tourism began in 2008 as a porter. Step by step, I grew into roles as an assistant guide and tour leader. Over the years, I have worked across cultural tours, trekking, mountaineering, hotel operations, and spiritual journeys. For more than five years now, I have been running my own tourism and spiritual travel business, turning experience into meaningful travel experiences for guests.