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
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Day 1:
Depart UK
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Day 2:
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
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Day 3:
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.
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Day 4:
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
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Day 5:
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.
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Days 6-8
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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
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Day 9:
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
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Days 10-11
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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
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Day 12:
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.
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Day 13:
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.
