Visiting three national parks in the low lying Terai region of Nepal, this two-week tailor made itinerary takes in some of the best locations in the entire subcontinent to see wildlife and birdlife.
Despite the twin incursions of farming and industry, large areas of the Terai were set aside to protect wildlife along the border with Nepal's southern neighbour, India. Among the highlights you may catch a sight of are tiger, rhino and elephant, deer a-plenty, Gangetic river dolphins and birds, birds, birds! Nepal really is a birdwatcher’s paradise with raptors, barbets, flycatchers and exotic leafbirds to see in over 25 Important Bird Areas. Also, this Himalayan Kingdom has some of the world’s most endangered birds, such as the Oriental darter, Sarus crane and Bengal florican.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Day2: Arrive Kathmandu
On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Accommodation; Yak and Yeti Hotel, 2-nights
Day3: Full birding at Phulchowki Hill
After breakfast, you will be taken on an excursion through the historic Kathmandu Valley to Phulchowki Hill. The numerous bird species, including the mountain hawk-eagle and orange-bellied leafbird, and the stunning views of the gleaming snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas make for a great introduction to Nepal and its wildlife.
Day4: Fly to Pokhara
This morning, you will be transferred back to Kathmandu airport for a short flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s nature capital. The afternoon will be free to explore the city and its scenic location on the shores of Lake Phewa beneath the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, 2-nights
Day5: Explore Pokhara
Pokhara is a trekker’s paradise with walks catering for all levels of fitness, but the area is also brilliant for birdwatching, with black kite, Himalayan vulture, rose-ringed parakeet and white-throated kingfisher being just some of the birds that can be seen amongst the trees, by the riverbanks or making use of the lake.
Days6-8: Transfer to Chitwan
This morning, transfer (approximately four hours) to Chitwan National Park and check into your hotel, set in an idyllic location on the banks of the Rapti River overlooking the Terai of this national park.
Over the next two days, you will be taken on various excursions to discover the captivating wildlife of this national park and its undisturbed Terai landscape, with shimmering lakes and waterways, grassy plains and pleasantly cool forests. The diversity of animals in the park is incredibly high, ranging from mugger crocodiles and gharials of a reptilian nature to wild boar, sambar and even the elusive Bengal tiger.
The real draw is the abundant bird life in the area, with several of Nepal’s most threatened species residing in the park, such as the Bengal florican, Sarus crane and Oriental darter. On top of this, there are several species of stork, egret, kingfisher and raptor.
Accommodation: Machan Paradise View, 3-nights
Day9: Transfer to Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha
Today, you will leave the wildlife of Chitwan behind and move on to Lumbini, which is one of the most important religious sites in the world as the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. Despite its significance, the town isn’t crowded with pilgrims and this allows you to experience the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred place in an appropriately calm manner.
Accommodation: Lumbini Buddha Gardens, 1-night
Days10-11: Travel to Bardia National Park
Hidden deep in the Terai of Nepal is Bardia National Park, where there is potentially another chance to see Bengal tiger and the greater one-horned rhinoceros, but sightings of these creatures are rare so you will be lucky to see them. The main attraction of Bardia, apart from its pastoral landscape, is the bird life, with over 400 species in the park, including white-rumped vulture and bar-headed geese. Once more, it will feel as though you have stepped back in time when you wander through the park on morning and late afternoon walks and game drives as if you were the first person to ever venture into this wilderness.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge Bardia, 2-nights
Day12: Return to Kathmandu
A morning transfer takes you to Nepalganj airport for a flight back to Kathmandu. The afternoon will be free for you to do some more sightseeing or last-minute shopping before returning home the next day.
Day13: Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the airport for a daytime flight back to the UK.
Please note: Koshi Tappu extension: Keen birders can add a visit to Koshi Tappu in the Eastern Terai to any Nepalese itinerary to see its impressive birdlife. Day 1 Fly to Biratnagar and transfer to Koshi Tappu, 3-nights Koshi Camp. Vehicle, boat and foot safaris to see Gangetic river dolphins and birds Day 4 Transfer back to Biratnagar and fly to Kathmandu.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 13 daysfrom £3,695 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 12 daysfrom £2,845 pp
Koshi Tappu Reserve is Nepal’s top birding destination. In the shadow of the mountain of Makalu, it consists of the floodplain of Sapta- Koshi, the country’s largest river, a dammed expanse of open water and a patchwork of marsh, lagoon, sandbank and mudflat. It is one of North Asia’s finest wetlands.
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Where: Saptari & Sunsari districts
Ideal for viewing: Gangetic river dolphin, water buffalo, smooth-coated otter, golden jackal, black-necked stork
Excellent for: Vehicle safaris, River safaris, Birdwatching
Bardia National Park is a remote reserve, set up in the 1980’s with the aim of protecting the Bengal tiger and their prey in an important lowland ecosystem. A large area of surrounding riverine forest and private land was later designated as a buffer zone, creating a remote wilderness experience.
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Where: Bardia District
Ideal for viewing: Asian one-horned rhino, Gangetic river dolphin, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger crocodile, blackbuck
Nepal’s foremost national park lies in the sub-tropical lowlands of the Terai. The former royal hunting reserve consists of sal forest and riverine jungle on the floodplain of three rivers, and with over 350 bird species and many mammals contains a greater variety of wildlife than any other area in the country.
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Where: Chitwan District
Ideal for viewing: Bengal tiger, Asian one-horned rhino, leopard, sloth bear, gharial crocodile
The old city of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an eclectic warren of palaces, courtyards and temples. Nearby are the ancient cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, plus the forested slopes of Phulchoki, which offer excellent birding, walking and photographic opportunities.
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Where: Central Nepal
Excellent for: City stopover, Hiking, History & culture
Pokhara is Nepal’s centre of nature and adventure activities such as trekking and rafting. It is an enchanting city of remarkable natural beauty, nestled in a tranquil valley, beside the shores of Lake Phewa. Rising behind are the magnificent Himalayan Peaks, with many different treks and walks in the area.
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