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The Birds of Machhapuchhare and Chitwan National Park
Grade 3 maximum altitude 3820m
Day 1 Kathmandu 1350m
Kathmandu, prior to your landing in Kathmandu, you should have some
excellent views of the Himalayas eastwards of Dhaulagiri. Evening welcome dinner and final
briefing.
Day 2 Kathmandu
Kathmandu stands at 1350 meters and the valley is surrounded by hills
at an altitude of around 2400 meters. There are three important cities in the valley, the
most significant being Kathmandu itself. Patan is the most Buddhist of the three and is
across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu, but so close as to be almost an
extension of the capital. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is the most
"mediaeval" and is situated in the eastern part of the valley. While Kathmandu
and Patan have undergone great changes in the two decades since Nepal ended its long
isolation, Bhaktapur has changed very little and is still much as it was three decades
ago.
Machendra Nath Temple, a pagoda of high artistic beauty. Hanuman
Dhoka,
historic seat of Royalty with old temples and palaces. Temple of the Living Goddess
(Kumari) with profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens.
Kasthamandap, an
edifice constructed from wood of a single tree. The National Museum houses a splendid
collection of ancient artefacts. Singh Durbar, an imposing stucco palace built in neo
classical style as residence of the erstwhile Rana prime ministers now acts as State
secretariat.
Patan, 5 kilometres Southwest of Kathmandu, Patan is full of
Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples. It is also known as the city of artists. Visit
Durbar Square, residential palace of Malla Kings. See Krishna Mandir with stone carvings
from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabarata, statue of bird God Garuda, Big Bell Royal baths,
Ashoke Stupa, Taleju Temple, Temples of Maha Buddha and Jagat Narian. Visit the Tibetan
refugee centre to watch the spinning, dyeing and weaving of hand made carpets of intricate
designs.
Bhadgoan, 13 kilometres west of Kathmandu, Bhadgoan was built in
889 A.D. and is home of medieval art and architecture. See Durbar square with the Lion
gate, Palace of 55 windows, Bell of barking dogs, Nayatapola, Bhairava and Dattaraya
Temples and monastery with carved Peacock windows.
Swayambu Nath, 6.5 kilometres west of Kathmandu, situated on a
hillock, this 2000 years old stupa is the worlds most glorious Buddhist shrine and is
surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper
gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Boudhnath, 8 kilometres east of Kathmandu, this colossal
Buddhist stupa is built on a octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels. It is 1500 years
old and is the largest Lamaist shrine in the world.
Pashupati Nath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most
famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometres Northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the
sacred Bagmati river, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly
carved
Day 3 Hyangja 900m
We start with a 6 hrs. drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara stopping for
lunch along the way. After Pokhara we continue with a short drive to the Tibetan Refugee
Camp at Hyangja. Here we should have a fine introduction to the Nepal
birdlife. This
should include Egret, Kites, Hawks, Eagles, Vultures, Pigeons, Doves, Parakeets, Cuckoos,
Swifts, Kingfishers, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Swallows, Minivets, Bulbuls, Shrikes, Chats,
Mynas, Orioles, Drongos and Magpie.
Day 4 Lumre Riverside 1100m Walking approx. 4hrs.
After a early morning birding walk on the ridge above
Hyangja, we start
for a short distance along the road, before heading across paddy fields, through Surikhet
and the Mardi Khola. We cross the river by a foot bridge at Lamachok were we stop for
lunch. This spot below the cliffs besides the river is a excellent place for Kites,
Vultures, Kingfishers, Forktails River Chat and Redstart. We also see plenty of Butterfly
and flowers. You may also consider a swim in this crystal clear waters which are
surprisingly warm as they do not originate from glaciers. After lunch we follow this small
river to our campsite beside the river on the forest edge.
Day 5 Aderung Forest Camp 2000m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
From our campsite beside the river we enter forest and climb to a
forest clearing with a single small house. The trail follows a small stream providing
excellent opportunities to see Forktails, Riverchat, Redstart, Woodpeckers, Barbets,
Minivets, Bulbuls, Leafbirds, Rubythroat, Bush Robins, Blue Whistling Thrush, Ground
Thrush, Blackbirds, Stonechats, Babblers, Laughing Thrush, Warblers, Leaf Warblers,
Flycatcher Warblers, Prinia, Flycatcher, Tits, Nuthatch, Tree Creepers,
Flowerpeckers,
Sunbirds, an Drongos.
Day 6 Papron Deorali 2900m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
We continue to climb through Rhododendron and Magnolia forest to the
main ridge that we will follow for the next two days points directly to the centre of the
famous Machhapuchhare (6995m). Our campsite is situated in Rhododendron forest. Birds are
everywhere her and include Nepal and Fire-tailed Sunbirds, Babblers, Laughing Thrushes,
Cuttia, Hoary Barwing, Minla, Fulvetta, Sibia, Yuhina, Parotbill, Tesia, Bush Warbler,
Leaf Warbler, Flycatchers, Tits, Finch, Nuthatch, Tree Creeper, Buzzard, Eagle and
Vultures
Day 7 Korchon 3600m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
We climb through steep rocky grassland edged by Rhododendrons to Khumai
where we stop for lunch. We should have our first views of Pheasants and the Rhododendrons
just below the lunch stop is usually full of birds including Golden Bush-robin,
Rufous-bellied Niltava and Rosefinch. On the open grassland we can see Pipits and
Accentors. After another steep climb through Pheasant Terrain we reach Korchon and camp a
short distance down in a outcrop of Rhododendron. The sheer size and beauty of the
Annapurna range is breathtaking.
Day 8 Pipar Gully 3200m Walking approx. 5 hrs.
We start along a thick bamboo covered ridge with plenty of evidence
that the Red Panda is common resident here and various species of Sunbirds and Rosefinches
can be seen at close range. The second part of today's walk involves ups and downs as we
descend across several ridges to a clearing in thick Bamboo and Rhododendron. Today will
be our best chance to see Blue sheep and Himalayan Thar. Alpine Chough, Ravens,
Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle and Accentors should be a common sight here.
Day 9 Pipar 3260m Walking approx. 4hrs.
After a short descent we cross a small river and climb through bamboo
through heavily forested jungle. Keep together as traces of a ‘path’ are
sometimes non existent. The chances of sighting the Danfe Pheasant (the national bird of
Nepal) and other interesting high altitude birds and animals are good. After reaching a
clear with stunning views we continue down a good trail past a small lake to a clearing in
the Rhododendrons and our camp for the next two days. A small stream near the camp
provides water for washing and bathing.
Day 10 Pipar
Full day for exploring the surrounding jungle for birds and other
wildlife. Below the campsite animal trails provide access to the steep heavily forested
mountain side. Closer to the campsite are Rhododendrons with open grass areas, whilst
steep slopes covered in Rhododendrons continue above the camp to rocks and steep grass
slopes. You should be able to find a large number of birds here and all six species of
Himalayan pheasants can be found in the surrounding area.
Day 11 Khobang 1750m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
A short climb brings us back to Pipar Lake from here the trail goes
steeply downhill, first through open grass covered grass covered steep slopes with rock
outcrops followed by Rhododendrons and later thick forest. The relentless walking downhill
is tough on the knees but take your time as birds are plentiful. The campsite is a small
flat field with a few cows surrounded by forest. The area is full of birds and include
Skylark, Flycatcher, Bulbul, Sibia, Sunbirds, Tits, Nepal Cutia, Yuhina, Woodpeckers,
Drongo, Barbet, Leaf Warblers, Parakeet, Malkoha, Minivets, Thrush, Flycatchers, Warblers,
Tailorbird, Wood Shrike and Minla.
Day 12 Khobang
Full day exploring surmounting forest.
Day 13 Kodi Khola 1315m Walking approx. 5 hrs.
Decent to the Seti Khola and follow the valley floor passing through
several small villages. Plenty of birds and Butterflies along the way.
Day 14 Pokhara
We continue along the river for a short distance before a short climb
to the plateau above. We follow the edge of the plateau with excellent views of Kestrel,
Vultures, Eagles and Kites flying past us over the edge of the plateau. A short steep
decent brings us to Lamachok and lunch beside the Mardi Khola. You have time for a swim
and a beer before a short walk to the roadside from where we take a bus to
Pokhara,
camping at the Tourist Camping Ground. Hot showers are available in nearby Hotels. You
will also have time to swim in the lake, take a boat out or explore the forest on the
southern shore of the Lake. You will also have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs, most
of which are made in the Tibetan Refugee Camp and are sold in the campsite by the
inhabitants of the camp.
Day 15 Pokhara 915m
Today we explore in detail the forest along the southern shore of the
lake. Apart from the many birds found here, you will also be rewarded with some of the
best views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare, Pokhara has to offer. Species regularly
seen in this forest and along the shore of the lake include Besra, Red-thighed Falconet,
Pallid and Pied Harriers, Eurasian Griffon, Red-headed and Eurasian Black Vultures, Kalij
Pheasant, Ducks, Gulls, Terns, Waders, Bulbul, Black-backed Forktail, Puff-throated
Babbler, White-crested, Lesser Necklaced and Rufous-chinned Laughing Thrushes, Red-billed
Leiothrix, Minivets, Crimson Sunbird, Maroon Oriole, Lesser Racket-tailed
Drongo,
Red-billed and Green Magpies, Long-tailed Mountain Thrush, Chestnut-headed and
Grey-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Small and Rufous-bellied Niltavas and
Snowy-brown Flycatcher, Long-tailed Broadbill, Pale Blue Flycatcher, White-tailed Robin,
Spiny Babbler, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Striated Munia, Lesser Whitethroat and
Thick-billed Warbler.
Day 16 By Road to Chitwan
Transfer by road from Pokhara to Chitwan. A drive of approx. 4 hours.
After checking in, you will have time for a late afternoon Nature Walk or Elephant Safari.
The Royal Chitwan National Park covers 932 sq. km. and supports some 450 species of birds.
Flocks of Common and Demoiselle Cranes occur on passage between March and May and
October/November. Along the marshes and small lakes there are Cormorants, Darter, Cinnamon
Bittern, Black-crowned Night and Purple Herons, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked and Lesser
Adjutant Storks, Lesser Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Balloons Ruddy-breasted and
Brown Crakes, Purple Gallinule, Bronze-winged Jacana, Painted Snipe and Stork-billed
Kingfisher, Chestnut-crowned and Spotted Bush Warblers, Yellow bellied
Prinia, Clamorous
Reed, dusky and Smoky Warblers, and Red-capped Babbler. Forest species regular seen are
Lesser Fishing and Grey headed Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, Kalij
Pheasant, Emerald Dove, Orange-breasted Green and Pompadour Green Pigeon, Moustached
Parakeet, Green-billed Malkoha, Brown Hawk Owl, Crested Treeswift, Pied and Great
Hornbills, Streak-throated Green, Rufous, Himalayan Golden-backed and Greater Golden-
backed Woodpeckers, Large Woodshrike Rosy Minivet, Black- crested Bulbul, Golden fronted
Leafbird, Pale-chinned Flycatcher, Black-napped Monarch, Puff-throated Babbler,
White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, Thick-billed
Flowerpecker, Hill Mynah, Black-hooded Oriole, White-rumped Shama, Lesser
Necklaced,
Greater Necklaced and Rufous-necked Laughing-thrushes, Nepal Fulvetta, Streaked
Spiderhunter, yellow-bellied Warbler, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Forest Eagle, Tawny Fish Owls,
Red-headed Trogon, White-browed Piculet, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Long-tailed Broadbill,
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Little Spiderhunter.
Elephant Safari, travel through open grassland and dense forests
on elephant back in search of rare game. Be on the look out for the great one horned
rhino, four species of deer, wild boar, sloth bear, leopard, bison and the big one, The
Royal Bengal Tiger.
Canoeing, a traditional dugout canoe takes you on a silent trip
down the Rapti River to view birds, crocodiles and the animals of the river bank.
Nature walk, our trained naturalists take you to prime spots to
view deer, rhino, sloth bear and other wild life. Detailed knowledge of the wild life and
jungle will enhance your trip.
Birding, an early morning walk along the Rapti River is a must
to view many of the 450 species of exotic birds including Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican
and Paradise Flycatcher. Again, you will be accompanied by our experienced naturalists.
Evenings are as exciting as the days’ adventures. Our
friendly trained naturalists and jungle guides are there to make you feel at home and tell
you exciting jungle stories.
Day 17 Chitwan
Full day Safari Programme
Day 18 Chitwan
We depart the Lodge by Land Rover for an excursion further into the
Chitwan National Park.
Day 19 Chitwan
After lunch we have a one hour drive to Hedauda where hopefully we will
find the very rare Ibisbill in the gravel beside the Rapti river.
Day 20 Kathmandu
After an early morning Birdwatching walk we transfer by road to
Kathmandu.
Day 21
Depart Kathmandu
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Bird sightings depend greatly on season, timing, and
patience. Sightings mentioned in the itinerary are only a guide line and can
not be guarantee
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