Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

   • Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu

   • Transfer to hotel and check-in

   • Briefing about the birdwatching journey and expected highlights

   • Optional short walk in Godavari Botanical Garden for a welcome birding session

   • Bird highlights include Spotted Forktail, Blue Whistling Thrush, and Great Barbet

2. Day 2: Full Day Birding in Phulchowki Hill

   • Early morning drive to Phulchowki, the highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley.

   • Full day of birdwatching with picnic lunch amidst mixed forest and rhododendron habitats.

   • Bird highlights include Cutia, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Rufous-bellied Niltava, and Red-billed Leiothrix.

3. Day 3: Birding in Shivapuri National Park

   • Visit Shivapuri watershed area and Nagi Gumba.

   • Short hike through mixed broadleaf and pine forests.

   • Bird highlights include White-gorgeted Flycatcher, Yellow-browed Tit, and Black-throated Sunbird.

4. Day 4: Travel to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Eastern Terai)

   • Long drive or domestic flight to Biratnagar followed by a 2-hour drive to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

   • Evening birding walk near the lodge to explore initial wetland species.

   • Bird highlights include early sightings of waterfowl, waders, and ibises.

5. Day 5–6: Birding in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

   • Two full days of birdwatching activities by jeep, boat, and guided walks.

   • Exploration of wetlands, grasslands, and riverine forests.

   • Bird highlights include Swamp Francolin, Bengal Florican, Black-necked Stork, Asian Openbill, Kingfishers, and various warblers.

6. Day 7: Transfer to Chitwan National Park

   • Drive via Janakpur or domestic flight from Biratnagar to Bharatpur.

   • Arrival and check-in at jungle lodge in Chitwan National Park.

7. Day 8–9: Birding in Chitwan National Park

   • Explore the park and buffer zones through jeep safari, canoe ride, and jungle walks.

   • Bird highlights include Lesser Adjutant, Great Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Red Junglefowl, numerous raptors, and owls.

8. Day 10: Drive to Pokhara

   • Scenic drive along river valleys and terraced hillsides.

   • Evening leisure time by Phewa Lake.

9. Day 11: Birding Around Pokhara Valley

   • Visit key birding locations including Begnas Lake, Phewa Lake, and Naudanda ridge.

   • Engage in short hikes and forest trails exploration.

   • Bird highlights include Grey-headed Woodpecker, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Himalayan Bulbul, and various sunbirds.

10. Day 12: Drive to Birethanti (Annapurna Foothills)

    • Drive to the foothills of Annapurna and stay in a lodge near Birethanti.

    • Short hikes to observe hill and subalpine bird species.

    • Bird highlights include Kalij Pheasant, Chestnut-headed Tesia, and Barred Cuckoo-Dove.

11. Day 13: Birding Hike to Ghandruk or Australian Camp

    • Birding-focused trek through rhododendron and oak forests.

    • Bird highlights include Snow Pigeon, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, and Himalayan Monal, Nepal's national bird.

12. Day 14: Return to Pokhara and Fly to Kathmandu

    • Short domestic flight back to Kathmandu.

    • Optional birding stop at Taudaha Lake for final wetland species observations.

    • Bird highlights include migratory ducks, grebes, and herons.

13. Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu

    • Final shopping or leisure time in Kathmandu.

    • Transfer to airport for onward departure.