Are you really a nature lover? Are you really wondering to know about the rare Bird Watching in Nepal? If you say “YES” we have the best option for you. As we know that Nepal is popular in the world as the Best Tourism Destination. We have a much natural beauty which can motivate travelers to visit.
Due to topographical diversity, Nepal has a wide range of Bird species. 856 species (almost 10% of the world’s total) of birds are found in our country. Impeyan Pheasant and Spiny Babbler are rare bird which is only found in Nepal. Lophophorus is the National bird of Nepal. Among them, 500 hundred species are easily found in Kathmandu Valley. Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Bagmati River, Taudaha, and Bank of Manohara are the best popular Bird watching spots in Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is a valley surrounded by green hills enclosed with thick forests.
Phulchoki is the best place among them for Birdwatching in Kathmandu Valley. Babblers, Warblers, Tits, Thrushes, Minivets, Woodpeckers, Eagles, and many migrant birds are easily seen from Phulchoki Hill. Godawri is another spot for Birding in Nepal which is just at the foot of Phulchoki Hill where more than 120 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin, and the spotted Forktail.
Shivapuri conservation area which is located north of Kathmandu Valley is also another best spot for Birding in Nepal. Blue Magpies, Kalij pheasants, Bonelli’s eagles, and Great Himalayan Barbets are the varieties of birds that are found in the Shvapuri conservation area which is known as Nagarjun Hill.
Tau Daha is the most attractive place for bird watching in Kathmandu Valley which is on the way to Dashinkali Temple. The lake itself is a residence to 40 species of birds, on the way back, you can see the Chovar which is another interesting site for birding.
The banks of the Manohara (way to Bhaktapur) river is also considered as the best place for Bird watching. Kingfishers, Herons, Ibis Bill, Wood sandpipers, etc. are the common birds found in this area.
Bird watching is very well-liked by locals and international visitors. Moreover, Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN: www.birdlifenepal.org), Friend so Bird or FoB (www.friendsofbird.net) organizes the regular bird-watching excursion to many popular sites in Nepal including Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu Valley is home to a diverse range of bird species, and bird watching is a popular activity for nature enthusiasts in the area.
Some of the popular bird-watching sites in Kathmandu Valley are:
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park: Located in the northern part of Kathmandu Valley, this national park is home to over 300 species of birds. Some of the birds you can spot here include the Spiny Babbler, Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous-gorged Flycatcher, and many more.
- Godavari Botanical Garden: This garden is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu and is home to over 100 species of birds. Some of the birds you can spot here include the Himalayan Monal, Red-billed Blue Magpie, and the Yellow-browed Warbler.
- Phulchowki Hill: Phulchowki is the highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley, and it is a popular destination for bird watchers. Some of the birds you can spot here include the Spiny Babbler, Cutia, and the Himalayan Black-lored Tit.
- Taudaha Lake: Taudaha Lake is located on the southern outskirts of Kathmandu, and it is a popular spot for bird watching. Some of the birds you can spot here include the Purple Heron, the White-throated Kingfisher, and the Little Grebe.
- Nagarjun Forest Reserve: Nagarjun Forest Reserve is located on the northern edge of Kathmandu Valley, and it is home to over 170 species of birds. Some of the birds you can spot here include the Grey-headed Woodpecker, Hill Partridge, and Red-billed Leiothrix.
It is advisable to hire a local guide for bird watching in Kathmandu Valley as they can help you spot the birds and provide you with information about the different species. Also, it is important to respect the birds and their habitats and avoid disturbing them during your bird-watching activities.
