Nepal's Himalayan & Tropical Lowland Paradise

Red Panda © Andrew Whittaker

A spellbinding opportunity to experience the exceptional wildlife treasures of Nepal during an epic journey through the breathtaking Himalayas and species-rich tropical lowland forests and wetlands. This unique and charming country, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is truly blessed with spectacular scenery and teeming with captivating wildlife. Our carefully planned tour offers a pageant of thrilling, colorful tropical birds (around 375 species) and a remarkable array of world-class mammals—providing all the ingredients of an extraordinary tour to this enchanting part of Asia.

Nepal is best known for its majestic snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the top of the world, the mighty Mount Everest (seen on this trip). However, a well-kept wildlife secret and complete contrast lies to the south, where species-rich tropical lowland forests abound. These protected Sal Forests are dissected by huge rivers and home to a flourishing population of rhinos, tigers, elephants, and even rare river dolphins. We explore both of these fascinating realms from well-situated forest-based lodgings and enjoy big game (on safari excursions) while gaining insight into the culturally fascinating Jhangad people of Koshi.

Springtime is the optimum time to visit Nepal. We will enjoy a tantalizing array of localized eastern Himalayan birds in these enchanting forests, plus many endearing mammals, none more so than the Red Panda. We begin at our fabulous forested hotel complex in bustling Kathmandu with trips to nearby Pulchowki Hills Reserve and dry valleys. Brightly colored, easy to see birds simply abound: barbets, bee-eaters, sunbirds, minivets, woodpeckers, and parakeets. The hotel’s forested golf course is home to Kalij Pheasant, herds of Spotted Deer, Golden Jackal, and groups of Rhesus Macaques. Particular attention will be given to locating Nepal’s endemic Spiny Babbler, and to find two stunners: Long-tailed Broadbill and Red-headed Trogon.

Following a short flight east we arrive 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) and Mount Everest can be seen on clear days. Our delightful Himalayan base is a paradise situated along the Singalila Ridge. The forested slopes will be a blaze of color with magnificent blooming rhododendrons and magnolia trees. Here we will explore the mystical bamboo-clad trails, or delight at drop-dead views of secretive forest dwellers at the blind, including an amazing variety of laughingthrushes. Forested valleys below will echo with mystical bird songs such as the much-wanted tragopan, cuckoos, rock-thrush, yuhina, and flocks of cute parrotbills. Observing the world’s cutest mammal—the Red Panda, a jaw-dropping male Tragopan, or the mighty snow-covered Mount Everest are truly unforgettable experiences!

In the lowlands at Koshi, rich wetlands, river islands, and forests await, offering a totally different dimension and set of exciting new colorful tropical birds. Our quaint Koshi base is nestled in a fascinating rural area that’s home to the friendly Jhangad people and is also a true avian migrant hotspot. Past visits have recorded Firethroat (a country first), Tibetan Sand-Plover, Daurian Starling, Baikal Bush Warbler, and Green Warbler. The lodge offers a bird blind beside a pool and is an exceptional spot for daytime roosting owls, orioles, warblers, cuckoos, and woodpeckers. The nearby extensive Koshi National Park is great for mammals such as Asian Elephant, Wild Water Buffalo, and the rare, endangered Ganges River Dolphin, as well as many super-cool birds including sought-after Swamp Francolin, Bengal Florican, and Indian Courser.

We finish on a high note at the famous Chitwan National Park (a World Heritage Site) with its diverse tropical lowland forests and waterways showcasing exceptional big game and an impressive variety of fascinating new avian prizes. Here we’ll enjoy daily jeep safaris through rich Sal Forests in search of the majestic Bengal Tiger and armor-plated One-horned Indian Rhino while rivers hold the endangered Gharial. Other highlights here will include a fascinating bird walk with elephants to see bathing rhinos and a visit to the pioneer Vulture Restaurant blind, which offers exceptional views of up to six species of wild vultures coming in to feed, including the endangered Slender-billed.

Accommodations good; excellent homemade Darjeeling and Nepalese cuisine; exceptional birding on the grounds at all lodges; transport by land cruisers, the upper section in Himalayas along some bumpy roads; some elevation climbs that require good health; tropical lowland forests jeep safari excursions; easy short, flat walks and relaxed boat trips; mix of weather from pleasant spring climate, mild to cool in the mountains, and warm to hot in the lush tropical lowlands but pleasant at night.

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros © Andrew Whittaker