Nepal's Himalayan & Tropical Lowland Paradise

Red Panda © Andrew Whittaker

An opportunity to experience the exceptional wildlife treasures of Nepal on an epic journey through this unique and charming country, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, that’s blessed with breathtaking scenery and simply teeming with wildlife.

Nepal is best known for its snow-capped Himalayan Peaks, including the mighty Mount Everest (seen on this trip). A total contrast is found to the south, which is carpeted with diverse tropical lowland forests that are dissected by huge rivers, and home to rhino, tigers, elephants, and even rare river dolphins! We explore both of these fascinating realms from well-situated forest-based lodgings. Our carefully planned tour offers a pageant of exciting, colorful tropical birds (around 375 species) and big game (on safari excursions), as well as insight into the culturally fascinating Jhangad people of Koshi.

Springtime in Nepal is the optimum time to visit. We will enjoy a plethora of eastern Himalayan and colorful tropical lowland birds in these enchanting forests, plus many endearing mammals, none more so than the Red Panda. The Himalayan foothills along the delightful Singalila Ridge will be in a blaze of color from magnificent blooming rhododendrons and magnolia trees as we explore mystical bamboo-clad trails. Below, forested valleys will echo with mystical bird songs such as the much-wanted tragopan. At Koshi, rich wetlands, river islands, and forests offer a totally different dimension and set of new avifauna. Our quaint Koshi base is nestled in a fascinating rural area that’s home to the friendly Jhangad people and is a true avian migrant hotspot. Past visits have recorded Firethroat (a country first), Indian Cormorant, and Green Warbler. The lodge offers a bird blind beside a pool and is also great for owls. The nearby extensive national park is good for mammals such as Asian Elephant, Wild Buffalo, and the rare endangered Ganges River Dolphin. We finish at the famous Chitwan National Park (a World Heritage Site) with its diverse tropical lowland forests and waterways. Here we’ll enjoy daily jeep safaris through rich Sal Forests in search of Bengal Tiger, One Horned Indian Rhino, and the endangered Gharial, along with another impressive variety of new birds. Other highlights from our forested lodge will include a fascinating bird walk with elephants to see rhino, and a visit to the pioneer Vulture Restaurant, with up to five species of wild vultures coming in to feed at close quarters.

We begin at a superb retreat in bustling Kathmandu from a fabulous forested hotel complex with a day trip to visit nearby Pulchowki Hills Reserve. Brightly colored easy to see birds abound. At dusk we look for its resident Brown Wood-Owls and Brown Fish-Owls. The hotel’s forested golf course is home to Kalij Pheasant, plus herds of Spotted Deer, Golden Jackal, and groups of Rhesus Macaques. Particular attention will be made to locate Nepal’s endemic Spiny Babbler, and to find two stunners, the Long-tailed Broadbill and Red-headed Trogon.

We take a short flight east, arriving at the gateway to Nepal’s great Himalayan Range—with its giant spurs, Singalila, and Chola—virtually enclosing this region in a titanic horseshoe. Snow-capped Kangchenjunga (Sleeping Buddha) can be seen on clear days from our delightful lodge; higher up, a dawn trip offers awe-inspiring views of the top of the world, Mount Everest. Our remote Himalayan paradise is located at 9,000 ft., offering comfort and flexibility for spectacular birding and panda observations. We’ll explore well-kept trails through exotic flowering rhododendron and bamboo-forested ridges with awe-inspiring views and starry nights. There is simply no better place to see Red Panda! Assisted by a team of outstanding local Panda trackers, we’ll have exceptional chances of multiple quality sightings (boasting 13 encounters in our past three tours)! Exciting and poorly-known avian gems await us here, too, such as the exquisite Satyr Tragopan, the poorly-known Hill Partridge, and with luck, the amazing Blood Pheasant.

Accommodations good to excellent; exceptional birding on the grounds at all lodges; Himalayan base in one comfortable remote forest-based lodge in Singalila National Park; Koshi Wildlife Camp in spacious excellent African style tented camp (with private bathrooms and showers); at Chitwan a well-run excellent forest based eco lodge; accommodations offer excellent homemade Darjeeling and Nepalese cuisine; transport into Habre’s Nest includes upper section by land cruisers along some bumpy roads with birding on our doorstep, along jeep tracks, or on well-kept trekking trails with some elevation climbs; does require good health; however, no very high altitudes reached; tropical lowland forests offer Jeep safaris with easy short, flat walks plus a couple of relaxed boat trips; pleasant spring climate, mild to cool in the foothills and warm to hot in the lush tropical lowlands, but temperatures drop and are pleasant at night.

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros © Andrew Whittaker