Nepal boasts over 800 species of birds, almost 10% of the world`s recorded population. This is not surprising, in a country which ranges from near sea level in the Terai region through the low hills and the foothills to the mighty Himalayas and the highest place on earth.

Bird Watching in the Kathmandu Valley
   Within the Kathmandu valley alone over 500 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds.
    The most popular bird watching spot is Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20 km southeast of Kathmandu, over 265 species have been recorded to date.Birds seen in the area include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds.
    Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated has recorded over 100 species of birds including the lesser Racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.
    The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, situated 11km to the north of Kathmandu, is another exciting location along with Nagarjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill situated 5km from Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju.Among the birds are blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli`s eagles, Great Himalayan barbets to name but a few.
    The highlights for bird sightings of the wetlands in the valley include the banks of the Manohara river on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river, which flows into the valley from Shivapuri hill exiting through Chobhar Gorge.
    Taudaha Lake Harbours over 40 species of birds mostly dependent on wetlands,situated on the to Dakshinkali it attracts flocks of migrant birds. Good roads links lead to the vicinity of all these places.

Popular Bird Watching Sites Outside the Kathmandu Valley
  Chitwan National Park
   Is approximately five hours by road from Kathmandu or a 35 minute flight, situated in the Terai region it is renowned for its variety of birds, with over 255 species recorded. there are many species of parakeets. Other birds include birds include many species of Parakeets the Blue Throat (thrush), Long-tailed Nightjar, Indian Peafowl, Great Barbet, Red-billed Blue Magpie and Tickell`s Red-breasted Blue Flycatcher. A two night/three day package, staying at a lodge inside the Park, is an ideal way to combine bird watching with other pursuits.Longer stays can be arranged.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
   The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best locations for birding. Situated within Nepal`s subtropical Terai belt, this is the smallest (175 sq km) and easternmost reserve in Nepal, it lies just to the north east of the convergence of the Sapt Koshi and Trijuga Khola rivers.Its situation on the Sapt Koshi flood plain means that the environment of this reserve varies dramatically according to the seasons. During the monsoon (May to September) the flow becomes torrential and covers most of the floodplain, while during the dry seasons, many flat, sandy islands are exposed.The habitat is a combination of scrub grassland and deciduous riverine forest, with over 280 species of birds recorded so far, including 20 species of duck, ibises, storks, swamp partridges, herons, egrets, Bengal floricans and many other exotic and migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal.