Xmas birding in Nepal's top three

Nepal’s unique topography, ranging from lowland terai with sub-tropical jungles to polar conditions in the Himalayan highlands supports a rich natural history. Wildlife specialist Naturetrek offers an action-packed, value-for-money, 10-day ‘Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour’ exploring Chitwan NP, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and the forested hills of the Kathmandu Valley, departing London 20th December 2008.

Nepal has a vast array of exceptionally rich bird life with over 850 species recorded, encompassing over 8% of the world’s total bird population. The tour begins in Kathmandu, enjoying some of the valley’s cultural and architectural highlights. Beautiful pagoda-style Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas (shrines), and elaborate royal palaces provide homes for Barn Owl and Night Heron.

Next, drive up Phulchowki Mountain (2,740m), offering magnificent views of snow-clad Himalaya before descending on foot through temperate and subtropical forest, keeping watch for Himalayan woodpecker, Red-flanked Bluetail, Fire-tailed Sunbird, and possibly Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Nepal Parrotbill and Nepal Cutia. On to Chitwan NP, (UNESCO World Heritage Site) protecting 932-square-kilometres of Sal and riverine jungle. Here, over 500 bird species have been recorded – the highest diversity in Nepal, along with mammals including endangered Indian Rhinoceros, Tiger and Leopard.

Continue east, across Nepal’s terai (lowlands), to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, one of Asia’s finest wetlands and a fabulous birdwatching area offering nearly all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, terns and gulls and a large variety of landbirds, especially warblers and birds of prey.

Here, spend Christmas and Boxing Day exploring grasslands, river, lagoons and woodlands on foot and onto the Koshi River by raft in search of Marsh Mugger and fish-eating Gharial Crocodile – and perhaps encounter endangered Ganges River Dolphin. Back at camp keep watch for scores of ghostly Indian Flying Foxes that pass over most evenings. Return to Kathmandu via Biratnagar, for a final night before homeward flights.

The tour costs £1,995 p/p including flights, transfers, accommodation and expert local ornithologist guides.

For more information and bookings, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.