Nepal Mammal and Bird Watching Tour

Trip Overview

The Nepal Mammal and Bird Watching Tour is a comprehensive journey through Nepal’s most biodiverse lowland ecosystems, designed for travelers seeking in-depth wildlife exploration guided by expert naturalists. Blessed with extraordinary ecological range, Nepal hosts over 210 mammal species and 874 recorded bird species, making it one of Asia’s richest wildlife destinations. This carefully curated itinerary traverses premier conservation landscapes, including Chitwan, Bardiya, and Shukla Phanta National Park, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and the Sarus Crane Sanctuary of Lumbini, each representing distinct habitats shaped by rivers, grasslands, wetlands, and subtropical forests.

The tour offers exceptional opportunities to observe “Big Five” mammals of Nepal: Royal Bengal Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Gaur Bison, and Wild Water Buffalo, alongside rare and globally threatened bird species. From Bengal Floricans and Swamp Francolins in Koshi Tappu to Sarus Cranes in Lumbini and grassland specialties of Shukla Phanta, birdlife unfolds in astonishing variety. Exploration is conducted through jeep safaris, dugout canoeing, elephant-back excursions, and guided jungle walks, allowing close yet ethical encounters with wildlife while deepening understanding of conservation and habitat protection.

Beyond observation, the journey offers profound restoration through nature immersion. Time spent amid silent forests, flowing rivers, and open plains supports mental clarity, emotional balance, and holistic health rejuvenation through natural exploration. Thoughtfully paced with comfortable wildlife lodges and luxury safari tents, the tour blends scientific insight, quiet reflection, and sensory engagement. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and mindful travelers, this journey reveals Nepal not only as a land of mountains, but also as an extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries of the world.

Total Duration

16 Nights / 17 Days

Max Elevation

250m

Grading

Easy

Trek Start / Ends

Kathmandu, Nepal

Suggested Season

Oct – May

Accomodation

Hotels and Wildlife Resorts and Luxury Tents

Trip Highlights

Encounter Nepal’s Big Five mammals: Tigers, Rhinos, Asian Elephants, Gaur Bison, and Wild Water Buffalos.
Search for globally threatened and endangered bird species.
Enjoy Jeep Safaris in Chitwan, Bardiya, and Shukla Phanta National Parks.
Dugout canoeing, guided jungle walks, and elephant-back safaris in Chitwan.
Explore the Sarus Crane Sanctuary in Lumbini.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Meet and greet by a Karnali representative at the airport.
Transfer to a hotel and receive a detailed briefing on the tour.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu on a B/B basis.

Day 2

Fly to Biratnagar and Drive to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Early morning flight to Biratnagar.
Drive to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, known for wild water buffalos, waterfowls, and grassland birds.
Search for rare bird species such as Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, and Ashy Minivets.
Overnight stay in luxury safari tents.

Day 3 – 4

Explore Birds of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Visit various habitats to explore birds and wildlife.
Chance to spot fishing cats and freshwater Gangetic dolphins.
Overnight stays in luxury safari tents.

Day 5

Drive to Chitwan National Park

Drive from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to Chitwan, Nepal’s first national park.
Travel Distance and Time: 372 km, 8 Hrs 45 mins.
Check-in at a wildlife resort on a full-board basis.

Day 6 – 7

Explore Birds and Wildlife of Chitwan National Park

Enjoy a Jeep safari, dugout canoe ride, guided jungle walk, and elephant-back safari.
Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, One-horned Rhinos, Gaur Bison, Sloth Bears, and more.
Overnight stays in a wildlife resort on a full-board basis.

Day 8

Drive to Lumbini

Scenic 4 hours (160km) drive from Chitwan to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Search for Sarus Cranes, Brown Rock Chats, and other bird species.
Overnight stay in a hotel on a full-board basis.

Day 9

Explore Birds of Lumbini

Visit different habitats to observe a variety of birds.
Overnight stay in a hotel on a full-board basis.

Day 10

Drive to Bardiya National Park

Early morning drive (6-7 hours; 270 km) to Bardiya National Park from Lumbini.
Explore habitats for Royal Bengal Tigers, wild Asian Elephants, and fresh water Gangetic Dolphins.
Overnight stay in a wildlife resort on a full-board basis.

Day 11 – 12

Search for Royal Bengal Tigers, Birds, and Other Wildlife in Bardiya

Two full days of wildlife and birdwatching in prime habitats.
Overnight stays in a wildlife resort on a full-board basis.

Day 13

Drive to Shukla Phanta National Park

3-4 hour (156 km) drive to Shukla Phanta, home to Swamp Deer and grassland birds.
Explore wildlife-rich areas.
Overnight stay in a wildlife resort on a full-board basis.

Day 14 – 15

Explore Mammals and Birds of Shukla Phanta National Park

Search for rare bird species, Royal Bengal Tigers, and other mammals.
Overnight stays in a wildlife resort on a full-board basis.

Day 16

Drive to Dhangadi Airport and Fly to Kathmandu

Drive to Dhangadi for a return flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight stay in a hotel on a B/B basis.

Day 17

Trip Concludes and Departure

Karnali Excursions provides an airport transfer for departure.

Tour Cost

USD 2399 per person

Based on twin-sharing rooms with a minimum of 2/4 participants basis.

Cost Includes:

All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and transfers.
Double occupancy hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast.
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu, including all entry fees.
English-speaking trekking guide to ensure a smooth and informative trek.
Best available local hotels in Chitwan, Lumbini, Bardiya and Shukla Phanta and luxury tents in Koshi Tappu Reserve.
Meals as per itinerary to fuel your tour experience.
Conservation fee for protected area entry.
Flight fare: Kathmandu to Birtnagar and Dhangadi to Kathmandu.
Well-equipped and insured supporting staff to ensure your safety and comfort.

Cost Does Not Include:

Nepal entry visa fee, which must be obtained upon arrival or in advance.
International flight fares to and from Nepal.
Airport departure tax for international flights.
Travel insurance, which is essential for coverage in case of emergencies.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, unless specified in the itinerary.
Rescue charges, should evacuation be required.
Medical expenses if treatment is needed during the trek.
Personal equipment, such as shoes, clothing, and gear.
Any personal expenses, such as souvenirs, drinks, and snacks.
Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.

Request Detail Itinerary

Resources

Trip Preparation Guide
Trip Preparation Guide
Nature & Culture Travel Experiences in Nepal

By Karnali Excursions

(Applicable to: Lumbini Tour, Red Panda Tour, Tiger & Temple Tour, Bird Watching Tours, Wildlife Safari Tours, Multi-Adventure Tours, Kathmandu Day & Half-Day Tours)

Introduction: Welcome to Nepal

Nepal is a land of extraordinary diversity, where sacred heritage sites, subtropical forests, wetlands, grasslands, and Himalayan foothills coexist within a compact geographical space. Karnali Excursions designs nature and culture itineraries that are immersive, ethical, and thoughtfully paced, allowing travelers to experience Nepal’s wildlife, spiritual landmarks, and living traditions with comfort and insight.

This guide provides essential pre-departure and on-arrival information to help you prepare for a smooth, safe, and enriching journey.

1. Nepal Visa Information

Most international travelers can obtain a Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Visa Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- At least one blank page
- Passport-size photograph
- Visa fee payable in cash (USD preferred)
Visa Options:
- 15 Days
- 30 Days
- 90 Days
Travelers may also apply online in advance through Nepal’s official immigration portal to speed up airport procedures. Entry regulations may change, so we advise checking official government updates shortly before departure.

You can obtain a visa from your nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate, or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. For more details, visit Nepal Immigration.

1. Department of Immigration, Government of Nepal – main portal for visa information & online services
https://www.immigration.gov.np/

2. Online Visa Application Portal (Official)
https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
(Used for pre-arrival tourist visa forms)

2. Entry & Arrival in Nepal
- Arrival airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
- Karnali Excursions representatives will meet guests for pre-arranged airport transfers
- Most tours begin in Kathmandu Valley, unless otherwise specified
3. Health & Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers and mandatory for multi-day adventure programs.

Insurance should cover:
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Emergency evacuation (especially for wildlife or remote areas)
- Trip interruption or cancellation
- Loss of baggage and personal belongings
4. Physical Requirements & Activity Levels

Nature and culture tours are non-technical and suitable for most travelers.

Activity Levels by Tour Type:
- Cultural Tours (Kathmandu, Lumbini): Easy walking, city sightseeing
- Wildlife Safaris: Jeep safaris, short nature walks, boat rides
- Bird Watching Tours: Gentle walking, early mornings
- Red Panda Exploration: Moderate hiking in forested hills
- Multi-Adventure Tours: Rafting, walking, and short trekking (e.g. Poon Hill)
No prior trekking or wildlife experience is required unless specified.

5. Accommodation Overview

Accommodation varies by destination and itinerary:
- Kathmandu / Pokhara / Lumbini: 3–5 star hotels or heritage boutique hotels
- National Parks & Wildlife Reserves: Eco-lodges and jungle resorts
- Hill Regions (Ilam, Sandakpur): Comfortable lodges or guesthouses
- Short Treks: Tea-house lodges
Accommodation is generally twin-sharing, with single supplements available.

6. Transportation in Nepal
- Private tourist vehicles for sightseeing
- Domestic flights where applicable
- 4WD jeeps for wildlife safaris
- Boats (Koshi Tappu, Chitwan)
- Rafting equipment and certified river guides for adventure tours
Road conditions may vary due to terrain and weather; flexible timing is essential.

7. Food & Dietary Needs

Nepal offers a diverse cuisine influenced by Himalayan, Indian, and Tibetan traditions.
- Meals are provided according to itinerary
- Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice
- Bottled or purified drinking water is recommended
8. Climate & Best Travel Seasons
- Spring (Mar–May): Flowers, wildlife activity, pleasant temperatures
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, ideal for culture and nature
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild in lowlands, cooler in hill regions
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, excellent birding in wetlands
9. Packing Essentials

Recommended items include:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain protection (especially during monsoon)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Binoculars (for wildlife and birding tours)
- Camera with zoom lens
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medications
- Power bank and universal adapter
10. Wildlife & Nature Ethics

Karnali Excursions follows responsible tourism principles:
- No wildlife disturbance or feeding
- Maintain silence during safaris and birding
- Respect park regulations and guides’ instructions
- Photography without flash in sensitive areas
11. Cultural Etiquette
- Greet locals with “Namaste”
- Dress modestly at temples and monasteries
- Remove shoes before entering religious sites
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Walk clockwise around stupas and shrines
12. Safety & Local Support
- All tours are led by trained local guides
- Wildlife safaris are conducted with licensed naturalists
- Emergency support is coordinated through Karnali Excursions’ Kathmandu office
- Medical facilities are available in major cities and park headquarters
13. Currency & Practical Information
- Local currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
- ATMs widely available in cities; limited in remote areas
- Credit cards accepted in hotels and major restaurants
- Carry small denominations for tips and local purchases
14. Responsible & Sustainable Travel

Your journey supports:
- Community-based tourism
- Conservation of wildlife habitats
- Local employment and heritage preservation
Final Note

Nepal is not only a destination—it is an experience of living culture, sacred landscapes, and remarkable biodiversity. With thoughtful preparation and the guidance of Karnali Excursions, your nature and cultural journey will be enriching, comfortable, and deeply memorable.
Recommended Readings

Recommended Readings

Several western and local Nepalese authors have written significantly important guide books on Nepal’s flora and faunas. This reading list has been created for your enjoyment and information on Nepalese reality, history, culture, flora and faunas.

01.

Rough Guide to Nepal
by Rough Guides

03.

Nepal (Insight Guides)
by Insight Guides

05.

Heart of the Jungle
by KK Gurung

02.

Lonely Planet Nepal
by Lonely Planet

04.

Helm’s Field Guide to the Birds of Nepal
by Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp

06.

Wildlife Heritage of Nepal by Hemant R. Mishra
Fixed Departures Dates

Fixed Departure Dates

SN Name of the Tour Fixed Departure Dates Number of Days

1. Nepal Mammal and Bird Watching Tour TBA 17 days

SN	Name of the Tour	Fixed Departure Dates	Number of Days
1.	Nepal Mammal and Bird Watching Tour	TBA	17 days

Trip Extension

Bhotekoshi Rafting (2 Days)

Experience thrilling Class III–IV rapids on one of Nepal’s steepest and most exciting rafting rivers.
Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and pristine river gorges throughout the adventure.
Stay overnight in a comfortable riverside camp with great food and expert rafting guides.

Trishuli Rafting (Day Tour)

Enjoy a fun-filled rafting experience with moderate rapids.
Glide through scenic valleys, terraced hillsides, and impressive rock formations along the Trishuli River.
Benefit from expert safety instruction and a well-coordinated day trip with professional rafting guides.

Himalayan Panorama Flight

Experience breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest Himalayan peaks, including Everest and Annapurna.
Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and scenic Himalayan flight.
Capture stunning close view photographs of snow-capped ranges, glaciers and diverse landscape.

Breakfast Gazing Everest