Pokhara Bird Watching Tour | Birding in Pokhara Valley

Altitude : 2795 m
Transportation : Car/Bus
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
Best Season : Any Season
Trek Hour : 6
Accommodation : Hotel

Cost From

USD 1545 per person

Trip Highlights

Pokhara Bird watching Tour is an enjoyable birding tour and observing exotic birds in the shade of the Himalayas.
Pokhara is a good habitat for the endemic birds of “Spiny Babbler” (Kande Bhyakur) in the Nepali language.
The highlight of Pokhara's birds is Duck, Gull, Tern, Kestrel, Bunting, Pipit, Egret, Vulture Raptors, etc.
Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake and Rupa Lakes, surrounding the area are highly recommended for the Bird watcher.

Pokhara Bird Watching Tour

Depending on its geographical location and various different climatic regions of Nepal house for 896 different species of birds and some are residents whereas others are migratory. Additionally, there are nine protected bird species in the country, including the Himalayan Monal “Danphe” (the national bird), Cheer Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican, Great Hornbill, Sarus Crane, Black Stork, and White Stork. Pokhara Bird Watching Tour is a on of the best birding tour and the Valley is home to over half of the bird species found in Nepal, reliably recorded over 400 species. The valley serves as a crucial migratory route for raptors and is the only location in Nepal where all nine species of vultures can be found. Pokhara birding tour has primarily been developed for birders and researchers where they can have a close view of birds of Nepal.

Tourism facilitators will engage participants in cultural and historical insights for this region and visit some of the world heritage sites that have been accredited by UNESCO, fun and entertainment activities in this magnificent place will also be part of the event. Pokhara is home for some officially recognized endemics namely the Spiny Babbler (Kande Bhyakur), and the wetland birds that have some as winter visitors while others as summer visitors. Best birdwatching hotspots in Pokhara Valley include Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Khaste and Neurani Lake, Gundhe Lake, Banpale Danda, Sarangkot, Vulture Safe Feeding Site and the Australian camp making it a birding paradise.

Located on the hill, the Peace Pagoda offer spectacular sceneries of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Mount Fishtail. The Pokhara Valley is famous for the number of birds when the bird watchers can find variety of winter visitors like the ducks, gulls, terns, kestrels, buntings, pipits, egrets, vultures, and many raptors, etc. Another good bird watching site is Begnas Lake and Pachabhaiya Danda at a distance of 15 – 16 Km from Pokhara where one can also see ashy bulbuls, minivets, treepies and wetland birds in addition to raptors.

Pokhara which is among the most popular tourism hub and more specifically the adventure tourism hub of Nepal attracts a number of tourists every year. Popular by the name ‘City of Lakes,’ it offers numerous adventurous activities such as canyoning, bungee jumping, zip lining, and paragliding and also bird watching and city tour. For those who have long holidays, they can go for Australia Camps, Pothana, and Dhampus where they are guaranteed to see different species such as the thrushes, the bush chats, the red-billed leiothrix and the Kalij pheasants.

The tour begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city and the starting point for the most popular tour packages to the north. You will be picked up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to the hotel by our representative. You will be greeted warmly and served delicious Nepali cuisine. Further details will be provided to you in the evening.

You have to take an early breakfast, so we will pick you up from the hotel around 6:30 AM and drive to Godawari. This place is the most popular bird-watching place in the Kathmandu valley. Any season, you can find seasonable birds, and the upper part of Godawari is Fulchoki Hill, which is the best place for Himalayan Cutia and many other species. You return to the hotel after exploring Godawari and stay overnight with a bed and breakfast plan.

Our journey towards Pokhara will start early in the morning. A tourist bus will take about 7-8 hours to reach there. The distance view of mountains along the way and beautiful green hills will entice you throughout the journey. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be taken to the respective hotel near Phewa lake where you can enjoy the beautiful evening scenes of Phewa lake and its surroundings.

Today, after breakfast, will be full of bird watching and exploration near the Fewa Lake wetland area. Pame is the best place for the water birds where you can see many winter visitors like Greater White-fronted gooes, Grey-lagged Geese, Tufted Duck, and many other wetland birds. After exploration, we'll go back to the hotel and have lunch, then go exploring in the evening around the peace pagoda (Buddhist stupa) for birding. Overnight at the hotel.

Today will be spent bird watching and exploring the area around Begnas Lake. First, after breakfast, we drove from Pokhara up the hill to go bird-watching. The hill presents great views of the lake and the snow-capped mountains, and around us, we can see many local resident bird species. That part is great for birding; we can explore Pachabhaiya Danda and take lunch. After that back down to the lake lovely lake explore around and back to Pokhara overnight.

Lake Rupa is the third-largest lake in the valley of Pokhara. A variety of floral and faunal organisms are sponsored. A total of 36 waterbirds have been reported in the lake, representing around 19% of Nepal's total 193 wetland-dependent birds identified. The lake is put under strain by multiple anthropocentric causes. overnight back to the hotel in Pokhara.

On this day, you will be heading towards Kathmandu. Depending on your preference for travel, you can head towards Kathmandu. It will take 6-7 hours to drive or 25 minutes to fly. You can enjoy rambling on the streets of Thamel upon arrival, buy a souvenir to take back as a remembrance, or gift it to your loved ones. There are plenty of things you can do in Thamel, including an evening farewell dinner at a Nepali cultural restaurant.

Every beautiful journey has its end, and this is the last day of your stay in this beautiful country, Nepal, and the completion of the awesome Pokhara Valley bird-watching tour. You will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure. There are many beautiful places to visit apart from this amazing trip we welcome you to visit us again and are enthralled by wonderful experiences.

Cost Includes

Airport Pick up and Drop off transportation as per itinerary
Twin sharing room in star categories hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Lunch while birding per itinerary and bird-watching place entrance fees.
(Breakfast and Lunch) each day in Kathmandu and Pokhara Birding time.
Experienced English-speaking bird-watching guide during the whole birding tour.
Lodging, Meals, Salary, transportation, and Insurance of bird watching guide.
Travel Rescue arrangement and all government taxes.
All ground transportation during the trip.
Welcome and Farewell Dinner.

Cost Excludes

International Airfare
Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 per person for 30 days)
Your international airfare and Nepal Visa fee.
Domestic airfare KTM Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Dinner for your whole trip to Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Alcoholic beverages, mineral water, soft drinks, snack, etc.
Your personal medical or evacuation expenses travel insurance.
If you need to have an extra porter for caring gear cost $ 20 per day.
Anything not specified in the cost includes section.
Tips for Guide, Driver and Porter.

Sure! Here is some useful information about a bird-watching tour in Pokhara, Nepal:

Location: Pokhara is a beautiful city located in the western part of Nepal, known for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse birdlife. The city is situated near the famous Phewa Lake and is surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range.

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for bird watching in Pokhara is during the spring and autumn seasons, which fall between March to May and September to November, respectively. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and many migratory birds can be spotted.

Bird Species: Pokhara and its surrounding areas are home to a wide variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. Some commonly spotted birds in the region include the Sarus Crane, Lesser Adjutant, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Roller, Common Kestrel, Himalayan Griffon, and various species of ducks, among others.

Bird-Watching Sites: There are several popular bird-watching sites in and around Pokhara. Fewa Lake, Rupa Lake, and Begnas Lake are great spots to observe water birds. The nearby forests of Kusma, Pumdi Bhumdi, and Peace Stupa are also rich in birdlife.

Hiring a Guide: To make the most of your bird-watching experience, it is recommended to hire a local bird-watching guide who is familiar with the area and can help you identify different bird species. Guides can provide valuable insights and enhance your overall experience.

Equipment: Don't forget to bring your binoculars, a field guidebook for bird identification, and a camera with a telephoto lens to capture the beautiful birds you encounter. Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen are also essential.

Respect Nature and Birds: While bird watching, remember to maintain a respectful distance from the birds and their habitats. Avoid disturbing their natural behaviour and nesting sites. Also, follow any guidelines or restrictions in protected areas or national parks.

Accommodation: Pokhara offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from luxury hotels to guesthouses and lodges. It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak bird-watching seasons.

Additional Activities: Apart from bird watching, Pokhara offers various other activities for nature lovers. You can enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, explore nearby hiking trails, visit waterfalls, or take a paragliding flight to experience the stunning views from the sky.

Remember to check local regulations and permits, if any, required for bird watching or entry into specific protected areas. Enjoy your bird-watching tour in Pokhara and immerse yourself in the beauty of Nepal's avian treasures!

Welcome to the Pokhara Bird Watching Tour FAQ! Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:

Q1: What is the best time to go bird-watching in Pokhara?

A1: The best time for bird watching in Pokhara is during the winter months, from November to February when migratory birds from the northern hemisphere visit the region. Spring (March to May) is also a good time as many resident and migratory birds can be spotted during this season.

Q2: How long does a typical bird-watching tour in Pokhara last?

A2: The duration of a bird-watching tour can vary depending on your preferences and the package you choose. It can range from a few hours to multiple days. Generally, a half-day tour lasts around 4-5 hours, while a full-day tour can last up to 8 hours. Multi-day tours can be customized according to your requirements.

Q3: Do I need to have previous bird-watching experience to join a tour?

A3: No, previous bird-watching experience is not necessary. The tours are designed to cater to all levels of bird watchers, from beginners to experienced birders. Knowledgeable guides will accompany you and help identify different bird species, share interesting information, and enhance your birding experience.

Q4: What should I bring on a bird-watching tour in Pokhara?

A4: It is recommended to bring the following items:

Binoculars: Essential for observing birds from a distance.
Field guide: A book or mobile app that helps you identify different bird species.
Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Hat and sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun.
Water and snacks: Stay hydrated and energized during the tour.
Camera: Capture beautiful bird sightings and memories.

Q5: Are there any safety precautions I should be aware of during the tour?

A5: While bird watching is generally safe, it's important to follow some basic safety precautions:

Listen to your guide and follow their instructions.
Stay on designated trails and paths to avoid disturbing birds and their habitats.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with dense vegetation or uneven terrain.
Carry insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites.
Respect the wildlife and their natural habitat by observing from a distance and not causing any harm.

Q6: Can I take photographs during the tour?

A6: Yes, you are encouraged to take photographs during the tour. Capture the beautiful bird species you encounter and the scenic surroundings. However, make sure to follow any specific guidelines provided by your guide to avoid disturbing the birds or their habitats.

Q7: Can children participate in bird-watching tours?

A7: Yes, children can participate in bird-watching tours. It can be a great educational and recreational activity for them. However, it's advisable to check with the tour provider regarding any age restrictions or specific considerations for children.

Q8: Are there any specific bird species that can be seen in Pokhara?

A8: Pokhara is home to a diverse range of bird species, both resident and migratory. Some of the common species found in the region include the Spiny Babbler, White-rumped Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Great Barbet, Red-vented Bulbul, and numerous others. The exact species you encounter will depend on the season and specific locations visited during the tour.

Remember to check with your tour provider for more detailed information about the specific bird species you can expect to see during your bird-watching tour in Pokhara.

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