Top 4 Bird Watching Tours in Nepal

The Himalayan nation of Nepal is a stunning destination for bird watching tours, from its world-class national parks — safeguarding the forest, grassland and wetland habitats of hundreds of bird species — to the Upper Langtang Valley, where breeding Ibisbills can be discovered.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park boasts a formidable 500+ bird species, making it a top destination in Nepal for bird watching tours. The park’s 932 square kilometres of land include tropical evergreen forest, dry deciduous forest and riverine grasslands, as well as the forested heights of Phulchowki Mountain (2,740 metres), all providing habitats for this staggering array of birds. Especially sought-after species include the Lesser Racquet-tailed Drongo, the White-tailed Rubythroat and the Red-headed Trogon, with other highlights including Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Jungle Owlet, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Chestnut-capped Babbler, Himalayan woodpeckers, Nepal Parrotbill and Grey-sided Laughing-thrush.

Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

In Nepal’s far west lies Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, a remote reserve protecting extensive grasslands — some of the richest in all Asia. Many of the species found in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve are true specialists of the grasslands. Exploring the reserve is a peaceful and rewarding experience. Under expert guidance, birders can look for the resident Bristled and Rufous-rumped Grassbirds and Finn’s Weaver, visiting species such as Hodgson’s Bushchat, and many others, including Jerdon’s Bushchat, Jerdon’s Babbler, Jerdon’s Warbler and Bengal Florican. In between bird sightings, groups can look for some of the grassland’s biggest residents: the Great Indian One-horned Rhino and Asian Elephants.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The wetlands of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provide phenomenal birding all year. It is a top site for trans-Himalayan migrant species, as well as local residents. With a local ornithologist providing expert guidance, bird watching tours in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve are among the best in Nepal. Species to look for include Red-necked Falcon, Swamp Francolin, Striated Grassbird, Black-necked Storks, Little Pratincole, White's and Black-throated Thrushes, and Siberian Rubythroat. In the winter months, vast numbers of wildfowl stay in the wetlands. From October to May, sightings of Pallid Harrier, Falcated Duck and Baer’s Pochard are possible, among many others.

Ibisbill Trek

Taking birders away from the spectacular national parks and into the equally stunning Langtang Valley, some bird watching tours go in search of the Ibisbill. This is one of the most sought-after bird species in Nepal, and while it is possible to see it in some of the national parks, a dedicated tour provides the greatest quantity and quality of sighting opportunities — seeing many other species on the way. Starting along the Trisuli River, where birders can look for the localised Spot-winged Starling and the Blue Whistling Thrush, tours go up into the Langtang Valley to search for Hodgson’s Mountain-finch, Snow Pigeon, Tickell’s Warbler, Rufous-breasted Accentor and Blue-fronted Redstart — with the ultimate goal, in the Upper Langtang Valley, being the breeding Ibisbills. Sightings of the recently discovered Nepal Wren-babbler are also possible.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for bird watching tours, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to Jaguar watching tours in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

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