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HIMALAYAN PEAKS & LOWLAND WILDLIFE
Nepal's Himalayan & Tropical Lowland Paradise
Nepal offers one of Asia’s most remarkable combinations of soaring Himalayan scenery, vibrant forests, and exceptional wildlife. This spring journey explores the bird rich slopes of the eastern Himalayas, the tropical lowland forests of Koshi, and the world famous wildlife of Chitwan National Park. From dazzling broadbills, barbets, minivets, and woodpeckers to Bengal Tigers, One horned Rhinos, Asian Elephants, and the endearing Red Panda, the diversity is extraordinary. With well situated forest lodges, expert local guides, and clear views of towering peaks including Mount Everest, this tour provides a deeply rewarding immersion into Nepal’s natural and cultural treasures.
Tour Overview
Apr 7–Apr 27, 2027
Nepal is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where the world’s highest mountains rise above lush forests and tropical wetlands alive with wildlife. This spring journey explores the full breadth of these ecosystems, beginning in Kathmandu’s forested foothills and ending in the jungles and rivers of the Terai. In the highlands, blooming rhododendron and magnolia forests cloak the Singalila Ridge, where Long tailed Broadbill, Red headed Trogon, laughingthrushes, and parrotbills move through radiant forest light. Clear mornings may reveal Kangchenjunga and even Mount Everest, while quiet bamboo trails offer unforgettable encounters with the much loved Red Panda.
From these misty heights, the tour shifts dramatically as we descend into the species rich lowlands of Koshi. Here, river islands, wetlands, and forests hold a spectacular array of tropical birds including Swamp Francolin, Indian Courser, and a dazzling selection of warblers, cuckoos, and orioles. The region is also home to the friendly Jhangad people, whose villages add cultural depth to our exploration. With luck, we may encounter rare mammals such as Wild Water Buffalo, Asian Elephant, and the endangered Ganges River Dolphin.
Finally, the journey culminates in Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. Here, Sal Forests and riverine grasslands support Bengal Tiger, One horned Indian Rhino, Gharial, and an impressive selection of forest and wetland birds. Jeep safaris, gentle walks, and time with local naturalists offer close and respectful wildlife viewing in some of Nepal’s most beautiful landscapes.
Paired with welcoming lodges, excellent Nepalese and Darjeeling cuisine, and superb spring weather, this tour delivers a rich and immersive experience of Nepal’s birds, mammals, and mountain scenery.
Ecosystems Experienced
Nepal spans an exceptional range of habitats, from Himalayan rhododendron and bamboo forests along the Singalila Ridge to mid elevation woodlands around Kathmandu and the rich tropical lowland ecosystems of the Terai. Lush mountain slopes support laughingthrushes, parrotbills, and Red Pandas, while Koshi’s wetlands, river islands, and Sal Forests harbor a vibrant mix of tropical birds, elephants, and river dolphins. Farther west, Chitwan National Park protects expansive grasslands and riverine forests home to Bengal Tiger and One horned Indian Rhino.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Spring temperatures vary by elevation. Valleys are warm and comfortable with cool mornings and evenings. Higher Himalayan areas are cooler, while the tropical lowlands are warm to hot by day but pleasant at night.
Rainfall
Spring is mostly dry and stable. Showers are brief and infrequent, with generally clear conditions and good visibility across regions.
Seasons
Spring is Nepal’s premier wildlife season. Forests are lush, birds are highly active, and mountain views are often clear—an ideal time to experience the country’s full ecological range.
Previous Field Reports
Key Species
Satyr Tragopan
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
Greater Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros
Spotted Laughingthrush
Long-tailed Broadbill
Fire-tailed Sunbird
Leader
+ Local Leader
Andrew Whittaker
Primary Leader
Senior VENT leader and Amazonian bird expert with over 30 years of fieldwork, species discoveries, and a contagious passion for wildlife and conservation worldwide.
Read MoreItinerary
Click here to download the 2027 itinerary PDF
Day 1
Begin your journey to Nepal with an overnight flight to Kathmandu, connecting through Doha.
Settle in for the adventure ahead as you travel toward the Himalayas and one of the world's great birding destinations.
Day 2
Arrive in Kathmandu and settle into Gokarna Forest Resort, a peaceful retreat surrounded by protected forest at the edge of the city.
Enjoy your first taste of Nepal's exceptional birdlife, where colorful barbets, cuckoos, and a remarkable diversity of Himalayan species can be found just steps from your room.
Unwind after your journey while taking in the welcoming culture and natural beauty that make Nepal such a memorable destination.
Day 3
Start the day with an optional pre-breakfast bird walk before heading into the Kathmandu Valley in search of Nepal's only endemic bird, the Spiny Babbler.
Spend the afternoon exploring the protected forest surrounding the resort with a local guide, discovering a rich mix of resident and migratory Himalayan birdlife.
Experience one of the valley's premier birding locations, where spring migration and centuries of conservation create exceptional opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Day 4
Spend a full day birding the mountain forests of the Kathmandu Valley, exploring diverse habitats from subtropical woodlands to temperate pine, oak, and rhododendron forests.
Search for an impressive variety of Himalayan species, including Long-tailed Broadbill, colorful flycatchers, laughingthrushes, woodpeckers, and mixed-species flocks moving through the forest.
Enjoy the scenery and biodiversity of this remarkable hill landscape before returning to the resort for a relaxing evening.
Day 5
Fly over the Himalayas to southeastern Nepal before beginning the scenic journey toward Habre’s Nest, our mountain home on the Singalila Ridge.
Travel through lush lowlands, rice fields, tea plantations, and forested foothills, with birding stops along the way for species such as Indochinese Roller, Asian Openbill, and Red-wattled Lapwing.
Arrive at the charming Habre’s Nest Homestay, where warm Nepalese hospitality, mountain views, and a peaceful forest setting welcome us for the days ahead.
Day 6
Arrive at Habre’s Nest and begin exploring the forests of the Singalila Ridge, one of the Eastern Himalayas’ richest birding regions.
Set out on forest trails in search of colorful Himalayan species, with the sounds of tragopans, cuckoos, and songbirds filling the spring air.
Settle into the rhythm of daily birding, enjoying the peaceful mountain setting and warm hospitality of the lodge.
Day 7
Spend the day exploring the montane forests surrounding the lodge, where mixed-species flocks reveal a remarkable variety of Himalayan birds.
Search for specialties such as laughingthrushes, parrotbills, wren-babblers, and other elusive forest birds hidden among the bamboo and understory.
Continue the search for Red Panda, with expert trackers working throughout the forest to increase our chances of memorable encounters.
Day 8
Venture deeper into the Singalila forests in search of one of the region’s most iconic birds, the stunning Satyr Tragopan.
Explore rhododendron and broadleaf forests alive with spring migrants, flowering plants, and the songs of breeding birds.
Enjoy opportunities to photograph unique Himalayan species from forest trails and the lodge’s birding areas.
Day 9
Take an early morning excursion to higher elevations for sweeping Himalayan views and a new range of mountain habitats.
Search alpine forests and open slopes for high-elevation species such as Blood Pheasant, Fire-tailed Sunbird, and Golden Bush-Robin.
Experience the dramatic scenery of the Eastern Himalayas, with clear days offering unforgettable views of the world’s highest peaks.
Day 10
Continue exploring the forests around Habre’s Nest, seeking out rare and colorful birds among bamboo groves, rhododendrons, and evergreen forest.
Look for mixed flocks featuring minlas, fulvettas, nuthatches, warblers, and vibrant Himalayan flycatchers.
Enjoy an evening outing beneath the stars, with chances to encounter owls, night birds, and nocturnal mammals.
Day 11
Spend a final day in the Singalila Ridge, revisiting favorite birding sites and searching for any species still waiting to be discovered.
Take in the remarkable biodiversity of this Himalayan landscape, from orchids and flowering forests to unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Reflect on the highlights of the journey while enjoying a final evening at Habre’s Nest surrounded by the mountains.
Day 12
Descend from the Himalayas into Nepal’s tropical lowlands, with scenic stops along the way for birding and wildlife viewing.
Explore wetlands and river habitats in search of waterbirds, migrants, and specialties including Greater Painted Snipe, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, bee-eaters, and colorful herons.
Arrive at Koshi Wildlife Camp, a peaceful riverside base near Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and enjoy a first look at the rich lowland habitats surrounding camp.
Day 13
Explore the wetlands and grasslands of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, one of Nepal’s premier birding destinations and a haven for migratory and resident species.
Take an early morning boat excursion along the Koshi River, searching for specialties such as Bengal Florican, Indian Courser, Small Pratincole, and other grassland birds.
Discover the diverse habitats around Koshi Camp, where ponds, woodland, and grasslands attract an impressive variety of birds and wildlife.
Day 14
Continue exploring Koshi Tappu’s rich mosaic of wetlands, riverbanks, and forests in search of birds including storks, herons, raptors, francolins, and colorful woodland species.
Visit nearby forest habitats for a new set of specialties, with possibilities including Black Baza, Oriental Pied Hornbill, woodpeckers, cuckoos, and other lowland birds.
Keep watch for Nepal’s remarkable wildlife, including Wild Water Buffalo, deer, otters, elephants, and other mammals that call this protected landscape home.
Day 15
Begin the day birding Barju Lake, a productive migrant hotspot, before flying onward to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Settle into our forested lodge near Chitwan, the gateway to one of Nepal’s most iconic wildlife landscapes, with opportunities to explore the surrounding habitats.
Enjoy an afternoon introduction to the area’s birdlife, with chances for species such as Crested Goshawk, Orange-headed Thrush, and Rufous-necked Laughingthrush around the lodge grounds.
Day 16
Begin exploring Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s richest wildlife areas, with jeep safaris through Sal forests, grasslands, wetlands, and river habitats.
Search for a variety of tropical lowland birds, including Great Hornbill, Red-headed Trogon, Black Baza, and colorful bee-eaters and barbets.
Watch for Chitwan’s impressive wildlife, from Indian One-horned Rhino and deer to monkeys and other mammals roaming the park.
Day 17
Continue exploring the diverse habitats of Chitwan on safari, discovering new bird species and experiencing the incredible biodiversity of the Terai region.
Visit the Vulture Restaurant, an important conservation project supporting Nepal’s recovering vulture populations, with opportunities for close views of several species.
Learn about the vital role vultures play in the ecosystem and the ongoing efforts to protect these remarkable birds.
Day 18
Explore more of Chitwan’s forests, rivers, and grasslands in search of wildlife highlights, including elephants, rhinos, deer, and the elusive predators of the park.
Enjoy additional birding opportunities, with chances to find species such as Great Slaty Woodpecker, Common Green Magpie, Black-naped Monarch, and Red Avadavat.
Experience the peaceful rhythms of the Terai landscape, where rich habitats support an extraordinary variety of life.
Day 19
Take part in a memorable elephant walk through the forest with local mahouts, offering a unique perspective on Chitwan’s wildlife and the chance to encounter rhinos near their wallows.
Reflect on the conservation successes of this remarkable park while enjoying close encounters with its iconic wildlife.
End the day along the riverbank, watching the sunset as elephants are bathed and the sounds of Chitwan’s wilderness surround you.
Day 20
Depart Chitwan and begin the journey back toward Kathmandu, with transfers arranged based on international flight schedules.
Continue the final leg of your Nepal adventure, reflecting on the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and birding experiences of the journey.
Day 21
Fly home with lasting memories of Nepal’s diverse habitats, from Himalayan forests to tropical lowlands and the remarkable wildlife encountered along the way.
Arrive home with a deeper appreciation for the birds, landscapes, and conservation efforts that make Nepal such a special destination.
What’s Included
Accommodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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