Top 5 birds watching destination in Nepal showcase the country’s rich biodiversity , as Nepal is a paradise for bird lovers .With over 900 bird species inhabiting here, from subtropical plains to the snow cloud himalayas, Nepal offers the unique opportunity for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Nepal is not only famous for majestic mountains and vibrant culture but also for its rich biodiversity. The country’s varied geography from the lowland tropical forests to the high alpine zones , created an ideal habitat for the wide variety of the birds. It is the home to the resident species as well as migratory birds that fly in from Siberia and the other parts of the world.
Now , let’s explore the Top 5 bird watching destination in Nepal:
1. Chitwan National Park
Location : Chitwan District, Central Terai
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Chitwan National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to over 500 species of birds , making it a bird watcher’s paradise. The park offers a mix of grasslands ,forests and wetlands , creating an ideal environment for the bird species.
Chitwan is also known for its thriving population of wildlife like Bengal Tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses and elephants . However , for birdwatchers, the park’s dense dorset and peaceful riverside environment creates the perfect opportunity to observe the different species of birds.
The serene Rapti river that flows through the park attracts numerous water birds such as cattle egrets, ruddy shelducks and Asian Openbill. Meanwhile, Parks’ thick Sal forests are the ideal habitat for large birds like Great Hornbill and Crested Serpent Eagle. With walking safaris,canoe trips and jeep safaris , birdwatchers have multiple ways to explore this bird watching paradise
Key species:
- Bengal Florican
- Great Hornbill
- Cattle Egret
- Indian Peafowl
- Common Kingfisher
- Little Egret
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Asian Openbill
- Black-shouldered Kite
2. Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Location : Easter Nepal, Terai Region.
Best Time To Visit : November to February
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve , located in eastern Nepal along the Koshi River, is renowned for its vast wetlands and grassland covering an area of 175 sq.kilometers . Koshi Tappu is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Nepal , particularly during the winter season when migratory flocks flock to this region.
The reserve’s extensive marshes, floodplains and lagoons provide an ideal condition for both resident and migratory birds. Koshi Tappu is famous for hosting numerous migratory species , with many birds arriving from as far away as Siberia and Tibet. Birdwatchers are likely to spot species such as Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Indian Roller, Pied Avocet and the Lesser Adjutant.The wetlands also host many ducks, herons and waders including Marsh Sandpiper and Purple Heron.
This area is not just a haven for the birdwatchers but also offers the unique landscapes. The Koshi River , the largest river in Nepal dominates the landscapes of the region with the backdrop of the eastern Himalayan ranges, providing the stunning setting for birdwatching.
Key species
- Spoon-billed Sandpiper
- Indian Roller
- Black-shouldered Kite
- Common Sandpiper
- Brahminy Duck
- Marsh Sandpiper
- Purple Heron
- Paddyfield Pipit
- Pied Avocet
- Lesser Adjutant
3. Rara National Park
Location : Mugu and Jumla Districts, Northwestern Nepal
Best Time to visit : April to June and September to November
Rara National Park, situated in the far northwestern region of Nepal, is centered around the stunning Rara lake, the largest freshwater lake in Nepal. The park covers an area of 106 sq.kilometers and is one of the most remote and pristine areas in the country, offering spectacular alpine landscapes.
Rara National Park is located at an elevation of 2,990 m above sea level and supports a unique array of high-altitude bird species that are rare and cannot be found elsewhere in Nepal. The crystal clear waters of Rara Lake, surrounded by pine, spruce and juniper forests provide an ideal habitat fro many waterfowl and migratory birds. Birdwatchers visiting this park are often treated with the view of species like Red-billed Chough , Himalayan Monal, Yellow-billed Chough and the Lammergeier.
The alpine meadows and the rugged terrain are also home to a variety of raptors, including the Himalayan Vulture and Golden Eagle. In addition to its avian population, the park’s fauna includes some of the rare species like Himalayan Black bear, red panda and snow leopards.
Key Species
- Red-billed Chough
- Himalayan Monal
- Yellow-billed Chough
- Snow Pigeon
- Lammergeier
- Himalayan Vulture
- Common Rosefinch
- White-throated Dipper
- Black-throated Tit
- Eurasian Nuthatch
4. Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
Location : Far-western Nepal, Kanchanpur District
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve , located in the Far-western Terai region of Nepal, spans over 305 sq.kilometers. It is one of the least visited national parks in Nepal, making it an off-the beaten-path destination for birdwatchers seeking serenity and the diverse birdlife. The reserve features one of the largest grasslands in the country along with extensive sal forests, rivers and lakes.
Suklaphanta is particularly attractive to large birds like Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant and Open billed Stork. Additionally , birdwatchers can spot flamboyant Indian Peafowl known for its vibrant colors and display.The park is home to the Barn Owl and other predatory birds like Black-shouldered Kite.The reserves grasslandss are also home to Nepal’s largest herd swamp deer which further enhences your wildlife experience.
Key species
- Indian Peafowl
- Black-necked Stork
- Lesser Adjutant
- Open-billed Stork
- White-browed Wagtail
- Red-vented Bulbul
- Jungle Babbler
- Fulvous Whistling Duck
- Common Moorhen
- Barn Owl
5. Annapurna Conservation Area
Location : Central Nepal
Best Time To visit : March to May and September to November
The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is the largest protected area in Nepal, covering an area of 7,629 sq.kilometers . It spans a variety of altitudes from the subtropical lowlands to the high-altitude peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Famous for its trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, the area is also an exceptional destination for birdwatching , particularly for those who are interested for high altitude species.
Birdwatching in Annapurna Conservation Area offers the chance to spot unique species such as Snow Partridge , Golden Eagle , Himalayan Black-lored Tit and the arre fire-tailed Myzornis. The lower forest are home to colorful species such as Spotted Forktail and the Pale-billed Floerpecker.
Key Species
- Pale-billed Flowerpecker
- Snow Partridge
- Golden Eagle
- Eurasian Magpie
- Spotted Forktail
- Fire-tailed Myzornis
- Himalayan Black-lored Tit
- Mountain Hawk-Eagle
- Blue-fronted Redstart
- Wallcreeper
