Bird Watching in Nepal

Nepal is a paradise for birds and bird lovers with over 864 species (almost 8% of the world total) of birds and among them almost 500 species are found in the Kathmandu valley alone. The most popular bird watching sport in Kathmandu is Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Bagmati River, Taudaha and so on. Get your binoculars and look forward to rewarding experience.
The Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu has four major bird watching areas, and one can start on the banks of the Bagmati and Manohara rivers. Birds sighted along there rivers are the Egrets, herons, Kingfishers, Ibis bill, Wood Sandpipers and Plovers. The Chovar Gorge is particularly recommended as an area for birds as its isolation from human habitation has encouraged their presence.

Phulchowki: Phulchowki is another ideal site, with a Redheaded Trogan, a very rate bird sighted there in April 2002 (it was last seen in Nepal 44 years ago). Phulchowki is located at 2760 meters and 18kms southeast of Kathmandu and one can reach via Godawari - the Botanical Gardens. Walking can start from behind the gardens, with a combination of trails and roads. The hillside is covered with forest featuring outstanding flora as well as diverse birds. About 90 species have been recorded in this area including the endemic spring babbler, as well as the Curia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufus Bellied Pied Woodpeckers and the Black-throated Parrot bill etc.

Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve & Nagarjun: Two other areas of the valley are the Shivapuri Watershed Reserve, 12kms north of the city, and Nagarjun in the North West. Shivapuri can be reached via two ways either from Sundarijal or from Budhanilkantha. The reserve is managed by Nepalese Army and it costs Rs 250 for foreigners to enter. (Rs1000/- is charged for a movie or video camera). Some of the birds in the area are the Laughing Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, little Pied Fly Catchers, Rupy-throats, and Babblers. At Nagarjun at 2105 meters pheasants, magpies, sunbirds, and ruby throats are found.