Annapurna Bird Watching Trek

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant tourist hub of Kathmandu. After checking in and a short rest, we’ll have a brief orientation meeting to go over the trip details, introduce the team, and answer any questions.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the local markets, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner, or simply relax at the hotel to recover from your journey.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner

After an early breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic drive to Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside paradise nestled beneath the Annapurna range. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering lush hills, terraced fields, river valleys, and small towns along the Prithvi Highway.

We'll stop for lunch en route and take occasional breaks to stretch and enjoy the scenery. If the weather is clear, keep an eye out for glimpses of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges in the distance.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in at your lakeside hotel. The evening is free to stroll along Phewa Lake, enjoy the local cafés, or rest before the adventure continues.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we depart Pokhara and drive to Nayapul (1.5–2 hours), the traditional gateway to the Annapurna region. From here, we continue driving uphill to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna mountains.

The road to Ghandruk has improved in recent years, though the final section may be a bit rough and bumpy. We'll reach Ghandruk by early afternoon, allowing time for a short acclimatization walk around the village and nearby viewpoints.

Ghandruk offers spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail), and is known for its rich Gurung culture, traditional stone houses, and friendly locals. It's also a great spot for birdwatching and photography, with opportunities to spot Himalayan bulbul, white-capped redstart, and possibly even the elusive monal.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Ghandruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek begins with a gradual ascent through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, offering a rich natural environment ideal for birdwatching and nature photography. The trail from Ghandruk to Tadapani takes about 4 hours, moving steadily upward with some steeper sections.

Along the way, listen for the calls of laughing thrushes, barwings, and the Himalayan monal, Nepal’s national bird. The forested route is especially vibrant in spring, when rhododendrons are in full bloom.

We’ll reach Tadapani in time for lunch. This small settlement, perched on a ridge, offers panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The afternoon is free for rest, exploration, or spotting birds around the forest edge.

Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we continue our trek on a stunning forested trail toward Ghorepani, one of the most iconic stops in the Annapurna region. The path leads through a dense forest of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, often alive with birdsong and full of opportunities to spot species like rufous sibia, yuhinas, minivets, and possibly more sightings of the Himalayan monal.

The trek takes about 5 to 6 hours, with moderate ascents and descents throughout the day. We’ll pass occasional small settlements and rest stops before arriving in Ghorepani, a charming village sitting just below the famous Poon Hill viewpoint.

On arrival, check in to your teahouse and enjoy views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and surrounding ranges. Rest well, as we’ll be rising early the next morning for a sunrise hike.

Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin the day early, hiking up to Poon Hill (3,210m) before dawn (optional but highly recommended – approx. 45 min–1 hr). At the top, you'll witness one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Himalayas, with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare (Fishtail) glowing in golden light.

After enjoying the views and taking photos, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then we begin our descent to Ulleri, a trail that winds down through rhododendron forests and charming villages like Banthanti and Nangethanti. Expect about 4–5 hours of trekking, including sections of well-known stone steps leading to Ulleri.

From Ulleri, we board a private jeep for the return drive to Pokhara (2.5–3 hrs). Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by Phewa Lake, perhaps with a well-deserved meal and a hot shower.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is dedicated to birdwatching in the Pokhara Valley, which is known for its diverse birdlife and beautiful landscapes. We'll visit several key locations, each offering unique opportunities to spot a variety of species.

Morning:
We’ll start early with a visit to Phewa Lake, where waterfowl, kingfishers, and shorebirds are commonly seen. The calm waters and surrounding forests are home to species such as grey wagtail, white-capped redstart, and the occasional eagle or vulture soaring above.

Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Peace Pagoda area. These areas are prime for birdwatching, with species like the mountain hawk-eagle, Himalayan griffon vulture, and numerous smaller passerines like the Gray tree pie, Himalayan bulbul, Spiny Babbler endemic birds of Nepal and fire-capped tit.

This day will be flexible, depending on the birds spotted and the group's interests. We'll also have time to rest and enjoy lunch at one of the lakeside cafés.

Evening:
After a full day of birdwatching, return to Pokhara for some leisure time, where you can visit local shops, cafes, or simply relax by the lake.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll begin our drive back to Kathmandu, retracing our route along the scenic Prithvi Highway. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, offering another opportunity to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of Nepal’s rolling hills, terraced fields, and river valleys.

Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant and take breaks for stretching, photo opportunities, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Trishuli River.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Thamel. After checking in, you can spend the evening relaxing or exploring the city. If time allows, you may want to visit some of Kathmandu's iconic landmarks like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Durbar Square.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we head to the Godawari and Phulchowki Hill area, a renowned birdwatching hotspot located just south of Kathmandu Valley. This area offers a mix of forested trails, open grasslands, and clearings, making it perfect for spotting a wide variety of bird species.

Morning:
We’ll drive to Godawari, a picturesque town known for the Godawari Botanical Garden, where we will begin our birdwatching excursion. From here, we’ll begin the trek towards Phulchowki Hill (2,765m), which is the highest point around Kathmandu Valley.

This area is rich in both resident and migratory bird species, with the opportunity to see Himalayan woodpeckers, grey-headed bullfinch, fire-tailed sunbird, black-throated parrotbill, and rufous-bellied Niltava. We may also encounter various raptors and small passerines along the trail.

Afternoon:
After lunch in the area, we’ll continue exploring different parts of Phulchowki Hill for more birdwatching opportunities, focusing on forest birds in the oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. If you're lucky, you might spot the elusive Himalayan pheasant or other high-altitude species. The area is also rich in flora, so it’s a great combination of nature walks and birdwatching.

In the late afternoon, we’ll drive back to Kathmandu, where you can unwind at your hotel or have some free time to explore the city.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today marks the end of our amazing Nepal adventure. After breakfast, you’ll have some free time for last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing in Kathmandu. You can visit the local markets or stroll through Thamel, where you can pick up souvenirs, handicrafts, and unique Nepalese items.

If you have time before your flight, feel free to explore any final sights in the city, such as the Garden of Dreams, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or Patan Durbar Square—depending on your interests.

You’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your departure flight, with plenty of memories and stories to take home from your adventure in Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast