Top 10 Birdwatching Destinations in Nepal – A Paradise for Bird Lovers
Nepal, a small Himalayan nation nestled between China and India, is a paradise for birdwatchers. So, I am going to describe Top 10 Birdwatching Destinations in Nepal. Despite its modest size, the country boasts remarkable biodiversity—ranging from tropical lowlands to icy mountain peaks. With over 902 bird species recorded, Nepal is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations for birdwatching and bird photography. From wetlands teeming with migratory waterfowl to alpine meadows home to rare pheasants, the country offers birders an unforgettable experience in every corner.
Whether you’re a serious ornithologist, a passionate bird photographer, or just an admirer of nature, here are the Top 10 Birdwatching Destinations in Nepal that should be on your list.
1. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – The Wetland Wonderland
Located in the southeastern Terai region, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is Nepal’s premier birdwatching site. Designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site, it spans over 175 square kilometers along the Koshi River floodplains.
The reserve hosts more than 485 bird species, including several globally threatened ones. During winter, thousands of migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia flock here. The wetlands shimmer with species like the Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-necked Stork, Swamp Francolin, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
For bird photographers, early morning boat rides through the lagoons and grasslands provide perfect light and access to close-up views. Koshi Tappu is also the best place in Nepal to see waterfowl and waders, making it a must-visit for every birder.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Target Species: Bengal Florican, Spot-billed Pelican, Siberian Rubythroat, Grey-headed Lapwing
2. Chitwan National Park – The Birding and Wildlife Classic
Famous for its tigers and rhinos, Chitwan National Park is equally celebrated for its incredible bird diversity. Situated in the subtropical lowlands, the park shelters more than 540 bird species, making it one of the richest birding zones in South Asia.
The park’s rivers, grasslands, and sal forests host iconic species such as the Great Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Grey-crowned Prinia, Red-headed Trogon, and Blue-bearded Bee-eater. The Rapti River is ideal for spotting kingfishers and herons, while the grasslands hide the elusive Hodgson’s Bushchat and Bengal Florican.
Birdwatching in Chitwan can be combined with a jungle safari, canoe ride, or a guided nature walk, offering a well-rounded wildlife experience.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Target Species: Red-headed Trogon, Great Hornbill, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Bengal Florican
3. Phulchowki Hill – Birding Haven Near Kathmandu
Just 18 km southeast of Kathmandu lies Phulchowki Hill, the highest point in the Kathmandu Valley at 2,760 meters. It’s a dream destination for birders visiting Nepal’s capital, with over 300 bird species recorded.
Phulchowki’s forested slopes harbor a rich variety of subtropical and temperate birds. You may spot Cutia, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Chestnut-headed Tesia, White-crested Laughingthrush, and various sunbirds and woodpeckers. In winter, the area becomes a magnet for migrating warblers and thrushes.
At the summit, birders are rewarded with sweeping Himalayan views and the chance to spot mountain specialists such as the Fire-tailed Sunbird and Spotted Forktail.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Target Species: Cutia, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Spotted Forktail
4. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park – Gateway to Mid-hill Birding
Located on the northern edge of Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park offers a peaceful escape from the city. It is home to over 315 species of birds, including several rare and restricted-range species.
The park’s varied altitudes (1,300–2,700 m) create diverse habitats—oak forests, rhododendron stands, and pine slopes. Common sightings include Kalij Pheasant, Spiny Babbler (Nepal’s endemic bird), Chestnut-headed Tesia, and Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
For those with limited time in Kathmandu, Shivapuri provides an easy-access introduction to Himalayan birding.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Target Species: Spiny Babbler, Rufous Sibia, Black-faced Warbler, White-collared Blackbird
5. Pokhara and Its Surroundings – Raptors and Lake Birds
The scenic lakeside city of Pokhara is more than just a gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas—it’s a birding hotspot itself. The wetlands around Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake attract a rich mix of ducks, egrets, cormorants, and kingfishers.
Just above Pokhara, sites like Thulo Kharka, Dhampus, and World Peace Pagoda offer excellent forest birding and spectacular raptor watching. Birders can often spot Steppe Eagles, Himalayan Vultures, Booted Eagles, and Black Eagles soaring above the valley.
Pokhara is also one of the easiest places to photograph the Himalayan Monal, Nepal’s dazzling national bird, on nearby ridges.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Target Species: Himalayan Monal, Steppe Eagle, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous Sibia
6. Annapurna Conservation Area – From Lowlands to Alpine Heights
The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is Nepal’s largest protected region, encompassing tropical valleys, temperate forests, and high-altitude alpine zones. This vast elevation range supports more than 480 bird species, making it a birdwatching treasure.
Popular birding trails include Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Thulo Kharka, where you can see Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Spotted Nutcracker, Scarlet Finch, and Bar-throated Minla. Higher up near Manang and Muktinath, birders might encounter alpine specialists like Grandala and Altai Accentor.
Birdwatching in ACA can be combined with trekking, offering a perfect mix of adventure and nature observation.
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Target Species: Himalayan Monal, Grandala, Spotted Nutcracker, Scarlet Finch
7. Langtang National Park – Birds Among the Mountains
Located north of Kathmandu, Langtang National Park is a stunning alpine sanctuary known for its scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Birders will find more than 370 recorded species, including several Himalayan gems.
The park’s mixed forests and alpine meadows are home to Snow Partridge, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Grandala, and Yellow-billed Chough. The Langtang Valley Trail offers excellent birding combined with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and glacial rivers.
Because the park is less crowded than Annapurna, it offers a more serene birding experience.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December
Target Species: Blood Pheasant, Grandala, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Monal
8. Bardia National Park – Western Terai’s Hidden Gem
Far less visited than Chitwan, Bardia National Park in western Nepal offers pristine wilderness and outstanding birding opportunities. The park’s riverine forests, grasslands, and wetlands harbor more than 400 bird species.
Birders can encounter Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Hornbill, Black Stork, Lesser Adjutant, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle. During winter, migratory ducks and waders gather along the Karnali River, while the park’s grasslands hide the rare Finn’s Weaver.
Bardia is ideal for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path birdwatching destination with excellent chances to see both birds and mammals.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Target Species: Great Hornbill, Finn’s Weaver, Crested Serpent Eagle, Lesser Adjutant
9. Sagarmatha National Park – Birding in the Shadow of Everest
Home to Mount Everest, Sagarmatha National Park is one of the highest birding areas in the world. At altitudes above 3,000 meters, you can spot high-Himalayan specialists adapted to extreme conditions.
The park shelters Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Grandala, and Alpine Accentor. Along the trails to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche, birders can enjoy sightings of rosefinches, redstarts, and accentors against breathtaking mountain backdrops.
For bird photographers, the combination of vivid plumage and snow-covered landscapes offers some of the most dramatic frames in Nepal.
Best Time to Visit: April to May and October to November
Target Species: Blood Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Grandala, Altai Accentor
10. Lumbini and Taulihawa Wetlands – Birds and Buddhism
The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini in Rupandehi district, is also a rising birdwatching destination. Its surrounding wetlands and paddy fields attract more than 250 bird species, particularly during the winter migration season.
The Lumbini Crane Sanctuary and nearby Taulihawa Marshes host Sarus Cranes, Indian Rollers, White-throated Kingfishers, and Pied Harriers. Early morning walks in the monastic zone allow birders to enjoy spiritual calmness alongside beautiful birdlife.
The blend of culture, peace, and nature makes Lumbini a truly unique birding destination.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Target Species: Sarus Crane, Indian Roller, Pied Harrier, Cinnamon Bittern
Bonus Tip: When to Go Top 10 Birdwatching Destinations in Nepal
The best time for birdwatching in Nepal is from October to April, when the skies are clear and migratory birds arrive from the north. Spring (March–May) is also excellent, with colorful breeding plumage and flowering forests.
For high-altitude species like the Himalayan Monal and Grandala, spring and autumn are ideal. For wetland and migratory species, winter offers the best opportunities.
Conclusion for Top 10 Birdwatching Destinations in Nepal
From the tropical wetlands of the Terai to the alpine meadows of the Himalayas, Nepal is a dreamland for birdwatchers. Every region reveals a new set of species and habitats, making the country one of Asia’s most diverse birding destinations.
Whether you’re chasing the elusive Spiny Babbler, photographing the dazzling Himalayan Monal, or watching flocks of cranes take flight over Lumbini, Nepal promises unforgettable birding adventures.
So pack your binoculars and camera—birdwatching in Nepal is not just a hobby, it’s an exploration of life, color, and wilderness at its purest.
