Birds of Kathmandu Valley

Bagmati & Manohara:

Bird watching begins right here in Kathmandu by the banks of Bagmati and Manohara rivers. Birds sighted along these rivers are the Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Ibisbill, Wood Sandkipers and Plovers. The Chovar gorge and Tanda are recommended sites along these rivers. Away from human disturbances many birds are seen here.

Phulchoki:

An ideal location to start around the valley is Phulchoki, which is teeming with a wide variety of birds. Over 90 different kinds of birds have been recorded here including the endemic Spiny Babbler. Other birds found here are the Cutie, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Wood Peckers, black Throated Parrotbill etc.

The Shivapuri watershed & Wildlife Reserve

This site is another popular destination for the bird watchers. It lies 2 km north of Kathmandu. Some of the birds sighted here are the Laughing Thrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Little Pied flycathers, Ruby Throats, Babblers etc.

Nagarjun:

The other destination is Nagarjun, which lies northwest of Kathmandu, only 10 minutes drive from Thamel. Some of the birds sighted here are Pheasants, Magpies, Sunbirds, Rubby Throats etc.

Best time for bird watching

• March-May
• October-February