Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by your local guide or representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in and a brief rest, there will be a welcome briefing to discuss the itinerary, check trekking gear, and answer any questions about the Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner with cultural performances, setting the tone for your birding adventure in the Himalayas.

After breakfast, you will either drive (6–7 hours) or fly (25 minutes) to Pokhara, a scenic lakeside city and the gateway to the Annapurna region. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan range, including Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri, while the overland journey gives a glimpse of rural Nepalese life and lowland bird habitats along the Trishuli River.

Pokhara is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to acclimate before starting the trek.

After an early breakfast, you'll leave Pokhara and drive for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to Shyauli Bazar (around 1,200 meters), a scenic riverside village and the starting point of your Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek. The drive takes you through lush valleys and terraced farmland, offering glimpses of rural life and lowland bird species along the way, such as White-throated Kingfisher.

From Shyauli Bazar, begin your trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village perched on the hillside. The trek is a steady uphill climb of about 4–5 hours, passing through subtropical forests rich in birdlife. This section is excellent for spotting Laughingthrushes, Bulbuls, Drongos, Spotted Doves, and Chestnut-crowned Warblers. Keep an eye out for Himalayan Griffon Vultures soaring above as you ascend.

Upon reaching Ghandruk (1,940 meters), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). Ghandruk is also home to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) visitor center, where you can learn more about the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong, a beautiful village perched on the hillside overlooking the Modi Khola Valley. This section of the Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek takes around 5–6 hours, offering a mix of forested trails, stone steps, and sweeping mountain views.

The trail descends steeply to the Kimrong Khola through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo—prime habitats for several bird species. Keep your eyes open for Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers, Blue-fronted Redstarts, Bar-throated Minlas, and Black-faced Warblers. You may also spot larger birds like Kalij Pheasants rustling in the undergrowth.

After crossing the river, the trail climbs steadily through terraced farmland and forest to reach Chhomrong, the last major settlement before entering the upper Annapurna sanctuary. Chhomrong offers magnificent close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak), making it an ideal place for photography and rest.

In the late afternoon, take a short birdwatching walk around the village’s edges, where open woodlands and farmlands attract sunbirds, white-eyes, and flycatchers.

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, as you trek from Chhomrong to Dovan, gradually transitioning from village landscapes to denser forest habitats. The trail starts with a steep descent to Chhomrong Khola, followed by a steady ascent through the settlements of Sinuwa and Bamboo before reaching Dovan. The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours and covers varied terrain including stone steps, lush bamboo forests, and moss-covered rhododendron groves.

The bamboo forests between Sinuwa and Bamboo are known habitats for Satyr Tragopans, though they are elusive and best spotted early in the morning. Keep an eye on the canopy for Black-eagle glides, and scan the undergrowth for skulkers and warblers. The humidity and dense vegetation make this a prime zone for insectivorous birds.

Upon arrival in Dovan (2,600 meters), you'll find yourself surrounded by thick forest and steep valley walls, creating a peaceful and immersive Himalayan wilderness atmosphere.

Today’s trek from Dovan to Deurali takes you further into the Annapurna Sanctuary, as you ascend into higher-altitude temperate and subalpine forest zones. The trail follows the Modi Khola River, winding through dense forests of oak, bamboo, and rhododendron, past dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. This scenic section takes about 4–5 hours and gains roughly 630 meters in elevation.

Though bird density may decrease with elevation, the open cliffs and rocky slopes near Deurali offer opportunities to spot high-altitude specialists. Keep an eye on the sky for Lammergeiers and Himalayan Griffons circling the valley walls.

Deurali (3,230 meters) is the last major stop before reaching Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Nestled below towering peaks, it offers spectacular views and a peaceful setting for acclimatization and evening birdwatching.

Today is the most dramatic and rewarding day of the trek as you ascend from Deurali (3,230 m) to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at 4,130 meters, passing through Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC) along the way. The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours, with gradual but steady elevation gain as you approach the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheater of towering peaks including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail).

The trail opens up into alpine meadows and glacial moraines, where the vegetation becomes sparse and the scenery increasingly awe-inspiring. Birdwatching at this elevation is more specialized but still rewarding. Look out for high-altitude species such as:

Grandala – flocks may be seen flying low over the valley or foraging on the ground, Snow Pigeon, Alpine and Altai Accentors, Yellow-billed and Red-billed Choughs, Himalayan Snowcock (rare, but sometimes heard in early mornings), Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) soaring along cliff edges

Despite the harsher conditions, the openness of the terrain improves visibility for birdwatching and photography. You’ll reach ABC by early afternoon, giving you time to rest, explore, and absorb the 360° Himalayan panorama.

After a stunning sunrise over the snow-capped Annapurna range and a final round of high-altitude birdwatching at ABC, you’ll begin your descent to Himalaya, retracing your steps down through Machapuchare Base Camp (MBC), Deurali, and Dovan before arriving at Himalaya. This section takes about 6–7 hours, but with a more relaxed pace and dedicated birding stops, it becomes a full day of rewarding downhill trekking and wildlife observation.

As you lose elevation, biodiversity increases. The transition from alpine to subalpine and temperate forests reintroduces a variety of forest-dwelling bird species. Keep your binoculars ready for:

Grandala (in the early descent from ABC), Alpine Accentor and Snow Pigeon, Hoary-throated Barwing, White-browed Fulvetta, Himalayan Bluetail, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Bar-throated Minla.

Descending allows more time to scan for birds that may have been missed on the ascent. The forested slopes between Deurali and Dovan are particularly productive in mid-morning, with the sound of warblers, laughingthrushes, and woodpeckers often echoing through the trees.

You’ll reach Himalaya (2,920 m) by late afternoon, where you can enjoy some evening birding near the riverside and forest edges. The location offers a peaceful atmosphere and a good variety of bird activity just before dusk.

Today’s trek continues your descent from Himalaya (2,920 m) to Sinuwa (2,340 m), retracing the lush mid-hill forests that are exceptionally rich in birdlife. This section of the Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek takes about 4–5 hours, offering ample opportunities for slow, observational walking and photography.

The trail winds through dense rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests, creating an ideal habitat for a wide range of Himalayan birds. The descent makes it easier to pause often and scan the forest edges and canopy for active flocks and hidden species. Expect to encounter:

Himalayan Cutia, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Black-throated Parrotbill, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Himalayan Woodpecker, Green-tailed Sunbird, Grey-hooded Warbler.

The quieter forest sections between Dovan and Bamboo are particularly productive for birding, especially in the early morning. Keep watch for Satyr Tragopan and Kalij Pheasant, which are occasionally spotted near the trail, especially in shaded gullies.

Arriving in Sinuwa, you'll have time to relax and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding forested hills. A short evening walk around the village perimeter can offer sightings of sunbirds, minivets, and white-eyes in the lower canopy.

Today’s trek from Sinuwa (2,340 m) to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) is a scenic and bird-rich descent through lower temperate forest, terraced fields, and traditional villages. The walk takes around 4–5 hours, but with dedicated birdwatching stops, it can easily become a full day of rewarding observation.

As you lose elevation, the bird diversity increases, and the forest opens up to a mix of bamboo groves, broadleaf woodland, and agricultural landscapes—each attracting different bird species. Key sightings may include:

White-crested Laughingthrush, Greater Yellownape, Crimson Sunbird, Oriental White-eye, Slaty-backed Forktail (near streams), Verditer Flycatcher, Grey Bushchat, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Long-tailed Shrike,

This area is also excellent for spotting raptors like the Crested Serpent Eagle and Black Eagle, especially when thermals rise late in the morning.

Upon reaching Jhinu Danda, take a relaxing walk down to the hot springs near the Modi Khola River. This peaceful riverside location is a great place for evening birding—look for dippers, kingfishers, and herons along the water.

Your final day on the Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek begins with a short, easy descent from Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) to the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola River. After crossing the bridge, it’s just a 5-minute walk to reach the jeep pickup point.

From here, a private vehicle will drive you back to Pokhara, a scenic journey of around 2.5 to 3 hours through terraced hillsides, riverside villages, and lush forested valleys. Though the trekking has ended, the return drive still offers occasional roadside birding opportunities—watch for:

Plumbeous Water Redstart along riverbanks, White-throated Kingfisher perched near fields, Oriental Magpie Robin, Black Drongo, and Red-vented Bulbul in village areas, and Common Myna and Cattle Egret in agricultural zones.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll have the rest of the day to relax or explore the city at your leisure. For those still eager to birdwatch, Phewa Lake and its surroundings offer excellent late afternoon viewing of waterbirds, kingfishers, and urban woodland species.

After an unforgettable journey through the Himalayan forests, alpine meadows, and bird-rich valleys of the Annapurna region, today you return to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Depending on your preference and schedule, you can either:

Fly: A scenic 25-minute flight offering sweeping views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang ranges. On clear days, the flight itself is a visual highlight of the trip.

Drive: A 6–7-hour overland journey along the Prithvi Highway, passing through river valleys, terraced fields, and charming roadside villages—great for a final taste of rural Nepal.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m), you’ll check in to your hotel and have time to relax, explore the local area, or shop for souvenirs. If you have energy and interest, a short visit to nearby sites such as Thamel Garden, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or Taudaha Lake can offer some relaxed urban birding opportunities.

The Birding Crown Jewel of Kathmandu Valley

Your final day of the Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek concludes with a full-day excursion to Phulchowki Hill, the most famous birding destination in the Kathmandu Valley and a biodiversity hotspot in central Nepal. With over 300 bird species recorded, this lush hill is a haven for both migratory and resident Himalayan birds.

About Phulchowki

Rising to an elevation of 2,762 meters, Phulchowki features diverse forest types—subtropical broadleaf, temperate oak, and evergreen forest—as you ascend. This gradient of habitats creates excellent conditions for spotting a wide range of species.

Birding Highlights

Cutia nipalensis (Himalayan Cutia), Hoary-throated Barwing, Rufous-gorgeted and Snowy-browed Flycatchers, Blue-winged and Chestnut-tailed Minlas, Green-tailed Sunbird, Black-throated Tit, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Speckled Piculet & Darjeeling Woodpecker, Red-billed Leiothrix & White-crested Laughingthrush.

Early morning is the best time for mixed-species feeding flocks, often found in the middle elevations between Godavari and Phulchowki Gate. As you move higher, the forest gets denser and quieter, favoring more secretive and high-elevation species.

Suggested Schedule

• 5:30–6:00 AM: Drive from Kathmandu to Godavari (base of Phulchowki)
• 6:30 AM onward: Begin birding from Godavari to the summit area, stopping at key elevations
• Picnic lunch in the forest
• Mid-afternoon: Begin slow descent, continuing birdwatching
• 4:00–5:00 PM: Return to Kathmandu

Birding Tip: Bring warm layers, water, and a packed lunch. A spotting scope is helpful for distant canopy species and raptors. Hiring a local birding guide is highly recommended to maximize sightings of Phulchowki’s rarities and endemics.

This serene forest walk is a fitting end to your Nepal birdwatching adventure—offering the chance to spot elusive species and reflect on your highland-to-lowland checklist.

After nearly two weeks of trekking, birdwatching, and exploring the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, today marks the end of your Annapurna Base Camp Birdwatching Trek.

Your guide or driver will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours before your flight. As you ascend above the Kathmandu Valley, you’ll carry with you not just memories of majestic peaks, but also a diverse checklist of birds ranging from Himalayan Monals to sunbirds and kingfishers.

Thank you for being part of this unique birdwatching adventure in Nepal. May your onward journey be safe, and your binoculars stay focused on new horizons. We hope to see you again for more Himalayan wildlife and cultural explorations.