Your awe-inspiring 2026 journey starts here! Fixed Departures: Nar Phu Valley – 30th June, 19th July, Upper Mustang – 19th July, 5th Aug, Annapurna Circuit – 20th July, 8th August
Birding in Kathmandu Valley
Trip Info
Duration
7 Days
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
1400m
Group Size
2 - 16
Grade
Easy
Best Season
Round the Year
Activity
Bird watching
Start/End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
The Kathmandu valley alone over 500 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds.
The most popular bird watching spot is Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20km southeast of Kathmandu, over 265 species have been recorded to date. Birds seen in the area include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds.
Godawari, at the foot of the Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is located, Godawari has recorded over 100 species of birds including the lesser Racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and spotted forktail.
The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, 11km north of Kathmandu, is another exciting location along with Nagarjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill located 5 km from Kathmandu on Balaju’s way to Kakani. Among the birds are blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli’s eagles, Great Himalayan barbets to name a few.
The highlights of wetland bird sightings in the valley include the banks of the river Manohara on the way to Bhaktapur and the river Bagmati.
Note
The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. This itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.
Weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
<strong>Special Note:</strong> The price of the trip will be adjusted according to the group size and the customization.
Itinerary
Day 01- Arrive in Kathmandu.
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery Adventures, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Altitude : 1400m
Day 02- Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing.
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located.
The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Boudhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.
Bird watching begins right here in Kathmandu by the banks of Bagmati and Manohara rivers. Birds sighted along these rivers are the Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Ibisbill, Wood Sandkipers and Plovers. The Chovar gorge and Tanda are recommended sites along these rivers. Away from human disturbances many birds are seen here, overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03- Phulchoki.
An ideal location to start around the valley is Phulchoki, which is teeming with a wide variety of birds. Over 90 different kinds of birds have been recorded here including the endemic Spiny Babbler. Other birds found here are the Cutie, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Woodpeckers, black Throated Parrotbill etc, overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 04- Shivapuri watershed & wildlife Reserve.
This site is another popular destination for the bird watchers. It lies 2 km north of Kathmandu. Some of the birds sighted here are the Laughing Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Little Pied flycatchers, Ruby Throats, Babblers etc, Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 05- Nagarjun.
The other destination is Nagarjun, which lies northwest of Kathmandu, only 15 minutes drive from Thamel. Some of the birds sighted here are Pheasants, Magpies, Sunbirds, Rubby Throats etc. The rest of the afternoon time is free. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 06- Free day and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Today is rest and relax throughout the day. If you get interested to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or go out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 07- Transfer you to the international airport from your departure.
The trip ends, our airport representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Not Satisfied with the Itinerary? We can customize a personalized itinerary to suit your preferences and requirements, ensuring your trip is exactly how you envision it.
Join our Fixed Departure Group Trips
Our fixed group tours are thoughtfully scheduled and offer specific departure dates, providing a fantastic opportunity for both solo traveler and groups to come together. Join other guests on a memorable journey and share in the adventure of a lifetime!
Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.
Beautiful memories KBC Trek!
I was part of a group of 5 who booked the Kanchenjunga North Base camp trek through Himalayan Discovery Adventures. I was very impressed by the level and speed of service which was extended from the time I started conversation with booking team till the time I ended the trek. The guide was superb, knowledgeable of the trek and was very courteous. The support team back in Kathmandu led by Mr. Chhiring Sherpa went out of their way to make the experience of this amazing trek even more memorable. Not only would I recommend Himalaya Discovery Adventures to others but I would look them up again for my future treks in Nepal.
Beautiful memories KBC Trek!
I was part of a group of 5 who booked the Kanchenjunga North Base camp trek through Himalayan Discovery Adventures. I was very impressed by the level and speed of service which was extended from the time I started conversation with booking team till the time I ended the trek. The guide was superb, knowledgeable of the trek and was very courteous. The support team back in Kathmandu led by Mr. Chhiring Sherpa went out of their way to make the experience of this amazing trek even more memorable. Not only would I recommend Himalaya Discovery Adventures to others but I would look them up again for my future treks in Nepal.
Une Aventure Inoubliable au Népal avec Himalaya Discovery – Authenticité et Bienveillance au Rendez-vous!
Deux copines venues de très loin pour fêter les 30 ans. Le défi de Thorong La était quelque chose d’assez incroyable et stressant pour nous. 2 filles. Mais, HIMALAYA DISCOVERY (même entreprise que MAGICAL SUMMIT) est selon moi l’entreprise la plus locale et sincère que l’on peut trouver au Népal. C’est l’entreprise qui vous donne la force de réussir ! ????️
Ils ont une dizaine de guide/porteurs maximum.
Tindu et Pemba étaient si bienveillants , calmes et au petit soin chaque jour. Nous avons passé 10 jours exceptionnels. Ils sont devenus notre deuxième famille et c’est une certitude que nous reviendrons au Népal avec eux.
Chaque détail était important pour eux. Notre bien être , leur priorité. La réservation des meilleures chambres dans les maisons de thé. Nos meilleurs repas pour l’acclimatation et bien dormir.
Nous rassurer quand nous étions un peu inquiète d’une étape de marche.
Une flexibilité hors norme, même sur place lorsque nous avons voulu modifier quelque chose.
Vraiment je ne peux pas recommander une meilleure agence que celle là.
Vous pouvez y aller les yeux fermés.
Ce sont les meilleurs.
Ce sont les plus sympathiques.
Mais surtout : les plus authentiques.
Merci encore à mes amis népalais.
À bientôt
Laura de Corsica.
Une Aventure Inoubliable au Népal avec Himalaya Discovery – Authenticité et Bienveillance au Rendez-vous!
Deux copines venues de très loin pour fêter les 30 ans. Le défi de Thorong La était quelque chose d’assez incroyable et stressant pour nous. 2 filles. Mais, HIMALAYA DISCOVERY (même entreprise que MAGICAL SUMMIT) est selon moi l’entreprise la plus locale et sincère que l’on peut trouver au Népal. C’est l’entreprise qui vous donne la force de réussir ! ????️
Ils ont une dizaine de guide/porteurs maximum.
Tindu et Pemba étaient si bienveillants , calmes et au petit soin chaque jour. Nous avons passé 10 jours exceptionnels. Ils sont devenus notre deuxième famille et c’est une certitude que nous reviendrons au Népal avec eux.
Chaque détail était important pour eux. Notre bien être , leur priorité. La réservation des meilleures chambres dans les maisons de thé. Nos meilleurs repas pour l’acclimatation et bien dormir.
Nous rassurer quand nous étions un peu inquiète d’une étape de marche.
Une flexibilité hors norme, même sur place lorsque nous avons voulu modifier quelque chose.
Vraiment je ne peux pas recommander une meilleure agence que celle là.
Vous pouvez y aller les yeux fermés.
Ce sont les meilleurs.
Ce sont les plus sympathiques.
Mais surtout : les plus authentiques.
Merci encore à mes amis népalais.
À bientôt
Laura de Corsica.
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