Nepal Overview

Nepal offers perhaps the most dramatic altitudinal birding on the planet, rising from the sub-tropical terai jungles on the Indian border to the towering peaks of the Himalayas. It boasts over 850 bird species in a highly compressed geographic area.

Key Habitats & Highlights

• Chitwan & Bardia National Parks: Dense lowland terai forests and grasslands offering the Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, and chances to see Tigers and Greater One-horned Rhinos.
• Kathmandu Valley (Phulchowki & Shivapuri): Excellent mid-elevation broadleaf forests teeming with laughingthrushes, minlas, and the spectacular Cutia.
• Langtang & Annapurna Treks: High-altitude alpine zones essential for the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, and Ibisbill.
• Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: A massive wetland holding Swamp Francolin and thousands of wintering waterfowl.

Seasonal Guidance

• Spring (Best) (March to May): The premier birding season. The rhododendron forests are in full bloom, pheasants are actively calling and displaying, and massive waves of altitudinal migrants are moving up the slopes.
• Autumn Clear Season (September to November): Offers the clearest, most spectacular mountain views of the year. It's excellent for observing high-altitude raptor migration, though resident forest birds are less vocal than in the spring.