As a passionate birdwatcher, I have explored Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from the lowland Terai to the towering Himalayas, to witness its incredible avian biodiversity. Nepal is home to around 900 bird species, making it one of the best destinations for birdwatching in the world. Covering various ecological zones, Nepal’s national parks, wetlands, and hill forests provide habitats for both resident and migratory birds. In this article, I’ll take you through the best birdwatching spots in Nepal, categorized by region, district, and province, along with numerical data for each.
1. Chitwan National Park (Bagmati Province, Chitwan District)
One of Nepal’s most famous birdwatching destinations, Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 549 species of birds. The park’s mixture of grasslands, wetlands, and forests makes it an ideal habitat for birds like:
Bengal Florican (Critically Endangered)
Grey-crowned Prinia
Slender-billed Babbler
Raptors, hornbills, and various species of kingfishers
The Bishazari Lake, Narayani and Rapti rivers, and the park’s buffer zone are key birdwatching areas.
2. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Province 1: Sunsari, Saptari, Udayapur Districts)
Located in the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River, this reserve is the best place in Nepal for water birds. With 441 recorded species, it is a prime spot for migratory birds from Siberia and Tibet. Key Birds Found:
Bar-headed Goose
Greater and Lesser Adjutant Stork
Spoon-billed Sandpiper
Falcated Duck
Major birdwatching areas within the reserve include Nandan Pond and Kamaldaha Pond.
3. Phulchoki Hill (Bagmati Province, Lalitpur District)
At 2,791 meters, Phulchoki is the highest point around the Kathmandu Valley and a hotspot for birdwatchers, with 265 species recorded here. Key Birds Found:
Babblers, warblers, and woodpeckers
Steppe Eagles and Booted Eagles
Himalayan Cutia and Rufous-bellied Niltava
The Godavari Botanical Garden, at the base of the hill, is another excellent birding location.
4. Bardia National Park (Lumbini Province, Bardiya District)
Bardia National Park covers 968 square kilometers and is home to over 400 species of birds. This park is a great alternative to Chitwan, with fewer tourists but equally rich wildlife. Key Birds Found:
White-rumped Vulture (Critically Endangered)
Pallas’s Fish Eagle
Lesser Fish Eagle
Best birdwatching areas include the Karnali River banks, Badhaiya Lake, and the Babai River buffer zone.
5. Shuklaphanta National Park (Sudurpashchim Province, Kanchanpur District)
Located in the far-western Terai, Shuklaphanta is an excellent spot for grassland and wetland birds, hosting about 450 bird species. Key Birds Found:
Bengal Florican
Lesser Adjutant Stork
Finn’s Weaver
Birdwatching is best in open grasslands and wetlands, where flocks of migratory birds gather in winter.
6. Langtang National Park (Bagmati Province, Rasuwa District)
For those interested in high-altitude birdwatching, Langtang National Park is the perfect destination. With about 250 species, it is one of the few places to spot birds in the alpine zone. Key Birds Found:
Himalayan Monal (National Bird of Nepal)
Satyr Tragopan
Snow Partridge
This area is particularly rich in pheasants, raptors, and high-altitude passerines.
Nepal’s Birdwatching Statistics at a Glance
Total bird species in Nepal: 900+
Threatened species: 37
Endemic species: 1 (Spiny Babbler – Turdoides nipalensis)
Key bird habitats: 27 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs)
Nepal offers some of the best birdwatching experiences in South Asia, with its incredible diversity of landscapes and habitats. Whether exploring the Terai’s lush wetlands or trekking in the Himalayas, birdwatchers can witness some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful birds. Conservation efforts remain crucial in protecting these species and their habitats for future generations.
Written By: Pari Adhikari (Tourism Professional and Trekking Guide)
