16 jours circuit ornithologique privé Bardia, Chitwan, Nawalpur et jungles, Népal

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu - Unwind and settle in

Take time to rest and relax after your journey.

• Optional (time-permitting): Enjoy a cultural introduction to the Kathmandu Valley with visits to the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and the historic Durbar Square, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich heritage.
• Evening: Welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine
• Accommodation: Hotel Shambala (four-star) or similar
• Meals included: Welcome dinner

Day 2: Birding in Godawari, Phulchauki Hill, Southern Kathmandu Valley

Begin your exploration with a scenic drive to Godawari, located on the edge of the lush Phulchauki Hill, the highest peak in the Kathmandu Valley. This area is a haven for birdwatchers, home to over 300 recorded species.

Spend the day birding in the Godawari Community Forest and botanical gardens, where vibrant birdlife thrives amidst rich forest cover and serene trails. Keep an eye out for species such as the Spiny Babbler (Nepal’s endemic bird), various laughingthrushes, and colourful minivets.

• Travel: Approximately 40-minute drive from Kathmandu
• Accommodation: Hotel Shambala (four-star) or similar
• Meals included: Welcome dinner

Day 3: Phulchauki Summit birding adventure (2,760m)

Embark on a 4WD journey to the summit of Phulchauki Hill (2,760m), the highest point in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its dense subtropical forest and rich biodiversity. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the valley and, on clear days, glimpses of the distant Himalayas.

Descend slowly on foot, birdwatching along the forested trails that wind through rhododendron, oak, and pine. This area is a birding paradise, with potential sightings, including the black eagle, kalij pheasant, mountain scops owl, cutia, Himalayan cutia, and the elusive red-headed trogon, among many others.

• Accommodation: Hotel Shambala (four-star) or similar
• Meals included: Welcome dinner

Day 4: Fly to Biratnagar, wetland birding in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Take a short 30-minute flight to Biratnagar, followed by a scenic drive to the renowned Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, one of Asia’s finest wetland habitats. Spend the day exploring the rich ecosystems of the reserve, birding along the floodplains, wetlands, and grasslands. This Ramsar-listed site is a sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds, as well as rare wildlife.

Possible sightings:

• Bengal florican (critically endangered)
• Greater and lesser adjutant storks
• Yellow-wattled lapwing
• Wild elephants
• Arna (wild water buffalo) - one of Nepal’s rarest mammals

Additional information

• Accommodation: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp or Soaltee Westend (optional, no price difference)
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Full-day exploration of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Spend the day immersed in the diverse landscapes of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its surrounding buffer zones. Traverse wetlands, grasslands, and riverbanks with your expert guide, maximizing your chances of spotting rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.

The area offers exceptional opportunities for both birdwatching and wildlife encounters, with a dynamic mix of migratory birds, freshwater dolphins, reptiles, and large mammals. Keep your binoculars ready - you never know what might appear from behind the tall grasses or soar across the sky.

• Accommodation: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp or Soaltee Westend
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6: Travel to Chitwan, gateway to the jungle

On this day, journey westward to the lush lowlands of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal’s premier wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, transfer to your serene jungle retreat nestled along the river.

Settle into your surroundings and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Terai region, where grasslands meet dense forest - home to an incredible array of flora and fauna.

• Accommodation: Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Days 7 - 9: In the heart of Chitwan - Birding and wildlife encounters

Over the next three days, dive deep into the wild beauty of Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest national park and a haven for biodiversity. With guided jeep safaris, river excursions, and forest walks, you’ll explore a mosaic of habitats - ranging from riverine forests and tall grasslands to oxbow lakes and sal woodlands.

Birdlife highlights:

Home to over 600 recorded species, Chitwan offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Keep an eye out for the majestic great hornbill, vibrant parakeets, delicate sunbirds, elusive leafbirds, and the intricately nesting baya weaver.

Wildlife highlights:

Chitwan is famed for sightings of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bears, leopards, and, if luck is on your side, even a royal Bengal tiger.

• Accommodation: Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (daily)

Days 10 - 11: Wetlands, wildlife, and sacred sites

Depart Chitwan for the western lowlands of Nepal on a six to seven-hour scenic drive, with enriching stops along the way.

First, visit the Vulture Safe Zone, one of the most successful conservation areas in South Asia, where eight of Nepal’s nine vulture species can still be seen. This area plays a critical role in protecting these endangered scavengers from extinction.

Continue to the Jagdishpur Reservoir, a designated Ramsar wetland, and the surrounding Sarus Crane Sanctuary - an open haven for Nepal’s tallest flying bird, the elegant sarus crane, along with a wide range of wetland species.

Optional:

Take time to visit Lumbini Garden, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha, where serene monasteries and ancient ruins tell stories of peace and spiritual heritage.

• Accommodation: Buddha Maya Garden or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast only

Day 12: Journey to the wild west, travel to Bardia

Prepare for a long but rewarding nine to ten-hour overland journey as you travel west to Bardia National Park, one of Nepal’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. The changing landscapes - from the Terai lowlands to the fringes of dense jungle - offer glimpses into rural life and untouched beauty along the way.

Arrive at your tranquil lodge on the edge of the park and settle in, ready for the next chapter of your birding and wildlife adventure.

• Accommodation: Bardia Forest Resort or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Days 13 - 14: Into the wilderness - Exploring Bardia National Park

Spend two full days immersed in the pristine wilderness of Bardia National Park, Nepal’s largest and least disturbed protected area. With fewer visitors and vast stretches of untouched jungle, Bardia offers a more intimate and rewarding wildlife experience.

Accompanied by expert naturalists, set out on jeep safaris, riverbank walks, and hide-based birding sessions, exploring the park’s rich mosaic of sal forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats.

Birding highlights:

Keep your binoculars ready for incredible sightings, including the rare white-naped woodpecker, the formidable great slaty woodpecker, various hornbills, nocturnal owls, and soaring raptors.

Wildlife encounters:

Bardia is one of the best places in Asia to spot the elusive royal Bengal tiger, along with Asian elephants, swamp deer, and other rare mammals.

• Accommodation: Bardia Forest Resort or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (daily)

Day 15: Return to Kathmandu - Unwind and reflect

Depart Bardia with a drive to Nepalgunj Airport, followed by a short domestic flight back to Kathmandu. As you return to the capital, take time to relax and reflect on the incredible journey through Nepal’s diverse landscapes and wildlife havens.

• Evening: Enjoy some well-earned downtime - perhaps explore the vibrant markets of Thamel for souvenirs, or unwind at your hotel with views over the city.
• Accommodation: Hotel Thrieve or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast only

Day 16: Departure

Depart from Nepal.