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Himalayan Bird Watching Expedition across Lowlands and Ridges

  • 7 days
  • extreme
  • Up to 12
  • January to May & September to December
4.8

We guide naturalists and birders through Chitwan, Koshi Tappu, and Phulchowki to observe diverse resident and migratory avifauna.

At a glance

Trip overview

We have designed this seven-day bird watching expedition to showcase the exceptional ecological diversity of Nepal, taking our guests from subtropical riverine forests to the high forested ridges of the Kathmandu Valley. Our route connects three premier ornithological sites: Chitwan National Park in the inner Terai, the vast wetlands of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern lowlands, and the temperate slopes of Phulchowki hill.

This journey suits dedicated naturalists, photographers, and birders who want to spot both resident species and seasonal migrants in their natural habitats. We navigate dense grasslands, marshlands, and subtropical woods where hundreds of bird varieties thrive undisturbed. Our experienced team manages all ground transport, permits, and lodge logistics so you can focus entirely on field observations.

While this tour does not involve high-altitude mountaineering, our days in the field require sustained walking on uneven forest tracks and riverbanks. We maintain a flexible pace tailored to photography and patient observation, ensuring we maximize our encounters with rare species such as the Swamp Francolin and Bengal Florican.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — hero

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Chitwan Avifauna

    We explore the riverine jungle and grasslands of Chitwan National Park, home to over 500 recorded bird species.

  • Koshi Tappu Wetlands

    We spend three days surveying the marshes and riverbanks of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve for migrating waders and waterfowl.

  • Phulchowki Ridges

    We climb the forested slopes of Phulchowki at 2740 m to observe laughing thrushes, sunbirds, and distant Himalayan peaks.

  • Diverse Habitats

    We traverse subtropical forests, open agricultural fields, and pristine wetland ecosystems across lowland and midhill zones.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our team welcomes you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your Kathmandu hotel. We spend the afternoon settling in and reviewing the itinerary ahead of our departure into the lowlands.

Day 2

Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park

Meals: B / L / D

We depart Kathmandu early in the morning by private minibus, following the highway alongside the Trishuli River. We stop along the river corridor to search for riverside and montane species such as the Ibisbill, White-capped Water Redstart, Brown Dipper, and Wallcreeper before arriving at Chitwan by mid-afternoon.

Day 3

Bird Watching in Chitwan National Park

Meals: B / L / D

We spend the full day exploring the riverine forests and grasslands of the 932 square kilometre park on foot. Our walks along the watercourses yield close-up observations of resident birds, mammals, and reptiles within their undisturbed natural environment.

Day 4

Chitwan to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Meals: B / L / D

We travel east along the highway through lowland villages, offering insights into rural Nepali life and agricultural landscapes. By late afternoon, we reach the Sapta Koshi River and establish our camp near the 175 square kilometre Koshi Tappu reserve, a premier wetland habitat in Asia.

Day 5

Wetland Surveys at Koshi Tappu

Meals: B / L / D

We dedicate the day to surveying the extensive floodplains, lagoons, and marshes of Koshi Tappu. Our team guides you through prime areas for local specialties including the Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon, and Striated Marsh Warbler, alongside numerous species of wildfowl, waders, and raptors.

Day 6

Koshi Tappu to Phulchowki and Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

After an early flight from Biratnagar back to Kathmandu, we drive to the forested slopes of Phulchowki, ascending to 2740 m. We walk down through temperate and subtropical woods with a picnic lunch, spotting laughing thrushes, babblers, and sunbirds before returning to Kathmandu for the evening.

Day 7

Departure from Kathmandu

Meals: B

We provide a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours prior to your scheduled international flight home.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Airport pickups and drop-offs in Kathmandu
  • All ground transport by private vehicle
  • Domestic flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu
  • Teahouse and jungle lodge accommodation on twin-share basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the tour
  • Experienced naturalist guide and support staff
  • National park entry permits and reserve fees

Not included

  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation
  • Personal expenses such as bottled water, laundry, and bar bills
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Before you go

Good to know

Physical Preparation

While this is not a high-altitude trek, participants should be prepared for several hours of walking each day on uneven forest tracks, muddy riverbanks, and occasional steep inclines at Phulchowki. Comfortable walking shoes and good stamina are essential for a productive field experience.

Equipment and Optics

We strongly advise bringing high-quality binoculars (8x42 or similar) and a camera with a telephoto lens. Field guides to the birds of the region are also useful additions to your packing list.

Permits and Logistics

Our team secures all necessary national park entry permits and wildlife reserve fees in advance. We handle all ground transport, domestic flights, and lodge bookings throughout the duration of the tour.

Weather Conditions

Weather in the lowlands is typically warm during the day and cooler at night, while the hill areas such as Phulchowki can be chilly in the mornings. Layered clothing and windproof outer shells are recommended.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — altitude profile

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — route map

Pack list

What to pack

  • Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42)Essential

    Safety

    Essential for bird identification in the field.

  • Sturdy Walking BootsEssential

    Footwear

    Broken-in boots for walking on uneven forest tracks.

  • Neutral-coloured ClothingEssential

    Clothing

    Greens, browns, or khakis to avoid startling wildlife.

  • Fleece JacketEssential

    Clothing

    For chilly mornings in the hills and lowlands.

  • Waterproof Shell JacketEssential

    Clothing

    Protection against sudden rain showers.

  • Sun Hat and SunglassesEssential

    Clothing

    Protection against open sun in wetland areas.

  • Camera with Telephoto Lens

    Safety

    Recommended for wildlife photography.

  • Personal First Aid KitEssential

    Safety

    Including blister plasters and personal medications.

  • Reusable Water BottleEssential

    Camping

    For maintaining hydration during field walks.

  • Passport and Insurance DocumentsEssential

    Documents

    Required for hotel check-ins and domestic flights.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.

  • Chitwan National Park Entry Permit

    Permit

    Required for entry into Chitwan National Park.

  • Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Permit

    Permit

    Required for access to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What physical fitness level is required for this tour?

You should be comfortable walking for 4 to 6 hours daily on uneven terrain, forest trails, and earthen embankments.

What optical equipment should I bring?

We recommend bringing a pair of good quality binoculars and a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens for bird identification and photography.

What accommodations are provided during the tour?

We use standard tourist hotels in Kathmandu, jungle lodges in Chitwan, tented camps at Koshi Tappu, and local lodges where available.

Are park entry permits included in the package cost?

Yes, all required national park and wildlife reserve entry permits are included and managed by our team.

What kind of clothing should I pack?

Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for the lowlands, a warm fleece or jacket for cooler mornings at Phulchowki, and sturdy walking boots.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian and other standard dietary needs if informed well in advance.

Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.

Book your trip

Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 7 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
SMTWTFS

Start dateTrip runs

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