Nepal - Birds of Mountains & Marshlands

Summary

Naturetrek's long and close association with Nepal is nowhere better exemplified than at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp which has been host to hundreds of our clients over the years. Situated in the extreme south-east of the country, the camp lies in the Sapta-Koshi river plain and affords entry on foot, in vehicles and by raft into one of the most important wetland areas in Asia. On a typical day over a 100 bird species can be expected, including waterfowl and waterbirds, grassland inhabitants and migrants from the Himalayas or further north in Siberia. In a country better known for its mountains, Koshi provides a remarkable contrast in lowland habitats and many rarities have been recorded within the reserve. After four action-packed days of birdwatching we return by air to Kathmandu, hoping that conditions are clear for spectacular views of the high Himalayas en route. We maximise a 2-day stay in the capital for sightseeing and birdwatching in the areas surrounding the city, where we should encounter an exciting mixture of sub-Himalayan residents and migrants from elsewhere in Asia, such as Black-throated and Scaly Thrushes, Himalayan Bluetail and Siberian Rubythroat. At the conclusion of the tour, it is possible to extend the holiday by taking a 3-day extension to Chitwan National Park in the lowland Terai of Nepal. Over 500 bird species have been noted in this superb reserve which embraces tracts of forest admixed with grasslands and riverine habitats. Best known for its population of endangered Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Chitwan also protects a fine variety of mammals in addition to the abundance of birdlife, all of which we can enjoy during excursions from a comfortable base at a safari lodge.