Birds of Nepal (Birding Trek Adventure)

Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu 1350m
Prior to your landing in Kathmandu, you should have some excellent views of the Himalayas eastwards of Dhaulagiri. After checking into your hotel you will be briefed by your Tour leader on your programme.

Day 02: Phulchowki 1520-2760 m.
After a very early breakfast we depart for Phulchowki 18km Southeast of Kathmandu. Phulchowki at 2760m is the highest of the mountains encircling the Kathmandu valley and provides an ideal introduction to the birds of Nepal. Regularly recorded resident species include Besra, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Ashy Woodpigeon, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Owlet, Golden-throated Barbet, Speckled Piculet, Crimson-breasted Pied and Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpeckers, Grey-chinned Minivet, Striated Bulbul, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Spotted Forktail, Chestnut-headed and grey-bellied Tesias, Chestnut-crowned and black faced Warblers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Grey-throated and Spiny Babblers, White-crested, striated, Rufous-chinned and grey-sided Laughing thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Cuttia, White-browed Green and Black-eared Shrike-Babblers, Hoary Barwing, Blue-winged Minla, Nepal Fulvetta, Yellow-browed Tit, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Black-throated Sunbird, Maroon Oriole, Eurasian and Lancelated Jays, Red-billed Blue Magpie and Brown Bullfinch. A further 55 species have been known to visit the area as migratory or occasional visitors. Phulchowki’s forests are also very rich in flora and butterflies. Mammals include Leopard, Yellow-throated Marten and Orange-bellied Squirrel. After this fine introduction to Nepali Birds, we will return to our hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03: By Road to Pokhara
A scenic drive of approximately 7 hours plus a stop for lunch at Mugling beside the Trishuli River. The southern side of the lake is covered in extensive forest with rich bird life and excellent views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake and Pokhara. We will have plenty of time for a late afternoon exploration of this forest.

Day 04: 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 Machhapuchhre, 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, Minivetts, 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 05: Pothana 2035m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
We start with a short drive to Hengja. The starting point for our trek. The trail first runs through thin forest and terraced fields to Dhampus (1600m). From here we climb through secondary forest for about l.5 hours to Pothana (2035m), which lies on an oak-forested ridge top with good views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South and plenty of Birds.

Day 06: Riverside 1390m Walking approx. 4 hours
After an early morning bird watching excursion we start with a walk along the ridge before descending steeply to Thorka 1820m and Landrung 1715m above the Modi Khola. From here the trail descends further to our campsite beside the Modi Khola. Some of the species likely to be seen along this route are: Red-headed and Eurasian Black Vultures, Black and Bonelli’s Eagles, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Common Hill Partridge, Speckled and Ashy Woodpigeons, Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Collared Owlet, Upland Pipit, Striated Bulbul, Golden-throated Barbet, Bay and Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpeckers, Slaty-backed and Spotted Forktails, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Chestnut-crowned and Black-faced Warblers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Greater and Lesser Scaly-breasted Wren-Babblers, White-crested and Striated Laughing-thrushes, Red-billed Leiothrix, Cuttia, Hoary Barwing, Nepal Fulvetta, Yellow-browned Tit, Black-throated Sunbird, Yellow-billed Blue, Red-billed Blue and Green Magpies, Cinnamon Sparrow, Jungle Nightjar, Pacific Swift, Blue-capped Rock-Thrush, Tickell’s Thrush, Ferruginous, Asian Sooty and Little Pied Flycatchers.

Day 07: Phainsi Kharka 2300 Walking 5 hrs. approx.
We will start with a couple hours’ climb to Ghandruk 1950m which is also the seat of the headquarters of the Annapurna conservation area. Above Ghandruk the trail continues through thick forest of oak and rhododendron to our next camp site at Phainsi Kharka. Again, the area is very rich in birds and we will have plenty of time to look out for them.

Day 08: Banthanti 2650m. Walking approx. 4 hours
We continue our climb through thick forests to Tadapani and its magnificent views of Annapurna South, Himchuli and Machhapuchhre. After a brief descent we have another short climb before the trail levels out. Our camp site is situated beside a lodge approximately five minutes walk before Banthanti. The lodge is surrounded by thick forest and a large population of birds.

Day 09: Chitre 2450m Walking approx. 5 hours
We continue our climb following a small river which becomes a narrow gorge to Deurali, a pass of 3080m with awesome views of the Annapurna Range, the Kali Gandaki Gorge and Dhaulagiri. From the pass we descend through forest (look out for monkeys) to a forest clearing campsite besides a small stream (weather permitting), otherwise we will continue for another 45 minutes to the Dhaulagiri Lodge. Birds found here include Eurasian Black Vulture, Northern Goshawk, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Hill Partridge, Koklas and Kalij Pheasant, Eurasian Woodcock, Ashy Woodpigeon, Collared Owlet, Tawny Owl, Orange-rumped Honey Guide, Scaly-bellied Green, Crimson-breasted Pied and Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpecker, Maroon-backed and Altai Accentors, Orange-flanked, Golden, White-browed and Rufous-breasted Bush Robins, Blue-capped Redstart, Plain-backed and Long-tailed Mountain Thrushes, Long-billed Thrush, White-collared and Grey-winged Blackbirds, Chestnut and Mistle Thrushes, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Black-faced Warbler, Greater Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Great, Brown and Black-throated Parrotbills, Striated, Spotted and Black-faced Laughing-Thrushes, White-browed and Green Shrike-Babblers, Hoary Barwing, Black-browed, Yellow-browed and Grey-crested Tits, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Lancelot Jay, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Nutcracker, Red-browed Finch, Eurasian Goldfinch, Common Crossbill, Plain Mountain-Finch, Collared Crossbeak, Rosefinches and Bullfinches. Other wildlife along the route include Rhesus Macaque, Grey Langur, Red Fox, Lesser Panda, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Tahr, Bharal and Orange-bellied Squirrel.

Day 10: Forest Camp or Dhaulagiri Lodge.
We spend today Birdwatching in this great forest, alive with birds.

Day 11: Gorepani Walking approx. 3 hours.
We start with an climb to Gorepani again the trail passes through forests of oak and rhododendron. The rest of the day is spent birding around Gorepani.

Day 12: Nagi via Poon Hill Walking approx. 6 hours.
We start with a climb to Poon Hill (3193m) which can be reward with excellent mountain views from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna. Higher up the the oak and rhododendron forest are replaced by conifers with open grass and scrub covered slopes. Look out for Altai Accentor and Plain-Mountain Finch in open grassy areas near Poon Hill. After Poon Hill we start descending for Nagi (2600m) through Oak and Rhododendron forest with a rich population of birds.

Day 13: Purano Goan Walking approx. 6 hours.
We continue descending to Purano Goan. With plenty of birds,

Day 14: Pokhara  Walking approx. 4 hours
A steep descent to the Rhurungbi Khola brings us to the confluence with the Modi Khola and Birthanti 1200m and drive to Pokhara.

Day 15: 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.

Day 16 Chitwan: Full day Safari Programme

Day 17 Chitwan: We depart the Lodge by Land Rover for an excursion further into the Chitwan National Park.

Day 18 Chitwan: After lunch we have a one hour drive to Hetauda where hopefully we will find the very rare Ibis bill in the gravel beside the Rapti River.

Day 19 Kathmandu: After an early morning Bird watching walk we transfer by road to Kathmandu.

Day 20 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 artifacts. 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 kilometers 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 center to watch the spinning, dyeing and weaving of hand made carpets of intricate designs.
Bhadgaon: 13 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Bhadgaon 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.
Swoyambhu Nath: 6.5 kilometers west of Kathmandu, situated on a hillock, this 2000 years old stupa is the world's 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.
Boudhanath: 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu, this colossal Buddhist stupa is built on a octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels and is surrounded by houses of Buddhist priests and Lama monks. 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 kilometers Northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.

Day 21: Final departure from  Kathmandu

Or stay longer or for short tours such as game drive at National parks safari, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc- please ask us).  

Cost per person:

US$ 2655.
Pound £1690.
EURO €1845.
Australian $2655.
Canadian $2655.

Fixed group departure 2011:

8th and 25th March 2011.
10th April 2011.
7th and 12th May 2011
20th and 26th September 2011.
9th, 18th and 27th October 2011.
16th, 24th, and 30th November 2011

Fixed group departure 2012:

10th, 16th, and 27th March 2012.
12th and 25th April 2012
5th and 18th May 2012
19th, and 27th September 2012.
3rd 15th and 29th October 2012.
10th and 25th November 2012

For the convenience of our travelers to Nepal and fallow up the fixed departure itinerary of Explore Alpine adventure guarantees all fixed group departures dates.

Group Departures are for an adventurous individual person willing to join a small group of other travelers. We can arrange group trekking tours or individual trekking tours, to suit your requirements. Please you can choose any dates which will be suitable for you and please match your arrival in Kathmandu and departure from Kathmandu. 

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation in lodge during the trek period. 
  
• Necessary Domestic air tickets and airport tax as per itinerary. 
  
• English speaking local expert guide, porters
  
• Accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu/ Pokhara on double sharing with breakfast as per itinerary.
  
• All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu/ Pokhara and entry fees as per itinerary.
  
• Airport transfers and escort
  
• Insurance of the guide and porters as per itinerary.
  
• Jungle safari tour as per itinerary with full board and national park fees and all jungle activities including Elephant riding.
  
• Rafting as per itinerary .
  
• All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
  
• Travel & Rescue arrangement if necessary.
  
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  
• All government taxes.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

• International flight & departure tax
  
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  
• Personal Trekking gears (available on hire in Nepal)
  
• Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.

Equipment List for trekking:

 FOOT WEAR

• Trekking boots: (one pairs), Thick socks (4 pairs)
• Light socks (3 pairs)
• Camp shoes (1 pair)
• Sandals (1 pair)

 CLOTHING

• Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers (1)
• Fleece jacket or pullover ( 1)
• Warm cotton trousers (2 pairs)
• Shirts and T-shirts ( 4 pieces)
• Lightweight cotton long pants ( 3 pairs)
  
• Long under wear (2 pieces)
• Short under wear (4 pieces)
• Sun hat or scarf ( 1) Woolen hat (1)
• Sunglasses (1)
• Lightweight gloves (1)
• Rain coat(1)
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof (1)

OTHER EQUIPMENT

• Sleeping bag (4 seasons) 1
• Down jacket -1
• Day pack – 1
• Water bottle – 1
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Flash light with spare bulbs, batteries, lip salve,  gaiters.

Booking & Payment Conditions

Explore Alpine Adventure and Alpine Explore Nepal tour and trek is a well-known government licensed trekking and touring company in Nepal. We accept your bookings under the following terms and conditions.

1. When you confirmed trip, we need photo copy of your passport and 30% down payment of the total price for advance flight tickets, hotel booking and permit process.

2. Payments can be wired by bank transfer to our company bank account or Master Card and Visa Card. but we give preference bank transfer to our company account.

Please inquiry for bank accounts for your convenience.

3. Bank service charge should be paid by the clients themselves at the time of deposit.

4. In addition, payments can be made by Cash, Travels Cheque, Master Card or Visa Card as well. If you would like to make the payment by Master Card or Visa Card, the cards payment handling bank service charge 3.5% will charge to the card holder. 

5. After receiving photo copy of your passport, and 30% advance form you, we send you final confirmation receipt.

6. Remaining balance can be made after your arrival in Nepal. Full payment should be made before trip departure. Be mindful, we also reserve the right to cancel your trip provided full amount is not paid in time.

7. Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour or Trek to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

8. If you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company, we will arrange travel insurance for you.

9 Cancellation by the Client: Cancellation of a confirmed booking must be made by the Client in writing either in written documents or on an email. Cancellation shall valid with approval from the company after receiving document. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and as a cancellation charge, 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

10 Risk & Liabilities:

We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a life time journey in this connection, we perform our duties honestly & seriously to make your journey very smooth & pleasant. However, the entire programs in Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of theirs’ own policies.
There for Explore Alpine Adventure and its related organization shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstance such as govt. restriction, Land slide, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness or accident, Any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients on the spots.

Thank you for choosing Explore Alpine Adventure. We look forward to meet you In Nepal and serve you better.

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