12 Days Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour in Nepal

Spring (March to May)

With temperatures between 16°C and 28°C, spring is a perfect time for wildlife and bird photography. You can see vibrant birds like Himalayan Monal, Scarlet Minivet, and Golden-throated Barbet during their breeding season. Animals such as one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and langurs are active in Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks. Blooming flowers, like rhododendrons, enhance the beauty of the landscapes.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August)

The monsoon season in Nepal brings rain and incredible greenery. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, though you may need to plan around rainy days. Birds such as Red Junglefowl, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Kingfishers are commonly seen. Resident animals like deer, elephants, and crocodiles are active in the parks, enjoying the abundant water sources. The lush forests and dramatic cloudy skies provide a unique setting for photography.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the best season for birdwatching and wildlife photography in Nepal. Migratory birds like Bar-headed Geese, Siberian Rubythroat, and Demoiselle Cranes join resident species. The weather is clear and mild, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. This makes it easy to explore and take photos. During autumn, you can spot animals like wild elephants, leopards, and gharials in the lowlands.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Nepal is quieter for migratory birds, but it is a good time to see resident species such as Spiny Babbler, Himalayan Griffon, and Kalij Pheasant. Animals like rhinos, deer, and wild boars are more visible due to the thinner vegetation. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C in the lowlands, but it gets colder in the mountains, so be prepared.

Geography

With such diverse geography featuring the Himalayas, hills, and Terai, Nepal is one of the best destinations for wildlife and birdwatching photography. The Himalayas are home to some rare birds, such as the Himalayan Griffon and Snow Partridge. Imagine taking a picture with mountains in the background; isn’t it amazing? Similarly, the hills are ideal places to look for Red Panda and many types of pheasants. Terai, with its perfect landscapes of grasslands and wetlands, is a superb place to capture shots of animals such as rhinos, tigers, and crocodiles. Each of these landscapes offers a very specific and unique image worthy of capturing the natural beauty of Nepal.

Natural Parks & Conservation Areas

Nepal is home to several national parks and conservation areas, offering an abundance of wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. In places like Chitwan National Park, you can photograph one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Bardiya National Park is home to both wild elephants and leopards. These national parks and conservation areas are well-preserved. These places allow for an immersive photography experience where you can capture animals and birds in untouched environments.

Accessibility

Most of Nepal’s national parks and wildlife reserves are accessible, hence making it rather easy for any photographer to travel around this rich biodiversity area. Many parks, such as Chitwan and Bardiya, are only a few hours’ drive from the major cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Therefore, it is so easy that it offers excellent opportunities for photographing wildlife and birdlife without having to spend a long, painstaking journey traveling to them. Time spent getting around is consequently maximized in the field to be able to get that perfect shot.

Climate

Nepal’s climate is ideal for wildlife and birdwatching photography all year round. In the spring and Autumn, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28°C, perfect for capturing birds. The monsoon brings lush greenery, though rain can limit your time outdoors. In winter, the crisp air, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C in the lowlands. This variety in climate ensures that every season offers something unique for wildlife and birdwatching photographers.

Access To Many Locations

On a photography tour, you can expect to visit a wide range of locations, each offering unique and stunning photography opportunities. You will visit national parks, reserves, and special scenic spots. All these places are chosen anew for their beauty and the different environments they provide. This journey allows you to photograph various landscapes, from rolling hills to lush forests, each teeming with its own wildlife. You can move from one stunning location to the next without any hassle, making sure you get the best shots of nature.

Variety of Flora and Fauna

You will be amazed to observe an extraordinary array of plant and animal species throughout this tour. The different environments you will visit host numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and unique plants. You can shoot flowers in their colors, eluding species that add variety and make your photography very rich and beautiful. This would be full of surprises for each day of your tour.

Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset

Expect to witness some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets, which will add magic to your photos. The colors of the sky during these times create a soft, golden glow on the landscape. The peaceful mornings and evenings offer the perfect atmosphere for capturing nature at its best. Whether it is the sun rising over mountains or the sunset casting shadows on the forest, these times of the day will offer you stunning photo opportunities.

Expert Guidance

Throughout the tour, expert guides will help you make the most of every photography opportunity. They will help you learn how to use your camera, find the right angles, and capture amazing moments. With their knowledge, you will discover the best times of day to photograph different animals and plants. They will also direct you to those few hidden treasures that may work out beautifully in your photographs. Whether you are just learning how to photograph or you are already experienced, their tips will help you gain more from photographs.

Comfortable Logistics

The logistics of the tour are designed to make your experience smooth and stress-free. Transportation is arranged, so you won’t need to worry about how to get from one place to another. You will stay in cozy and relaxing accommodations, giving you the chance to rest after a day of shooting. Meals will be provided, so you can focus on your photography and enjoy the trip without stress. All the details, from transportation to accommodations, are taken care of, so you can simply enjoy the experience.

Life-Time Experience

The photography tour will be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will remember forever. You will have the chance to visit amazing places, see incredible wildlife, and improve your photography skills. It is not only about taking pictures; it is about experiencing nature in a way you never have before. You will be able to cherish the memories of a lifetime through photographs and leave with a sense of fulfillment and joy out of all the experiences shared along the way.

During the photography tour, you will stay in 3-star hotels that offer comfortable and convenient accommodations. You will stay 2 nights in Kathmandu, 1 night in Nepalganj, 2 nights in Lumbini, and 3 nights in Chitwan. During your stay in Kathmandu, the hotel will provide well-equipped rooms. You will get free Wi-Fi, clean facilities, and a restaurant offering both local and international dishes. In Nepalganj, the hotel ensures a peaceful stay with comfortable rooms. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and amenities to make you feel at ease after a day of travel.

In Lumbini, your accommodation will offer quiet and comfortable rooms with reliable service, which will be perfect for resting after exploring the area. In Chitwan, you will enjoy 3 nights in a hotel with modern facilities, including hot water, air-conditioning, and spacious rooms. Each hotel is carefully chosen to make your experience relaxing, with easy access to local attractions and nature reserves for photography. After each exciting day, you will have a cozy place to rest and prepare for your next adventure.

Variety of Wildlife: Chitwan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 68 mammal species, 544 bird species, and 56 reptile and amphibian species.

Endangered Species: You can see some endangered species, such as Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceros, along with Asian elephants, Gharial crocodiles, and diverse bird species.

Ecosystem Diversity: The park boasts tropical and subtropical forests, grassland landscapes, river habitats, and complex wildlife networks.

Safari Experiences: You can enjoy jeep safaris, elephant-back tracking, canoe river excursions, walking safaris, and guided wildlife observation.

Cultural Interactions: Experience the indigenous Tharu community, traditional wildlife practices, local conservation efforts, and cultural heritage sites.

Photography Opportunities: You can capture stunning wildlife documentation, landscape photography, rare species encounters, natural habitat photography, and seasonal environmental changes.

Elephant Rides

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to experience an elephant ride. This means that you will sit on the elephant and explore the deep jungle. This unique ride lets you explore the wildlife from an elevated position. While sitting on elephants, you can also spot other animals, such as rhinos, tigers, and various species of birds and animals. It is a calm and close-up experience to the area. Chitwan National Park is mainly popular for this ride.

Jeep Safaris

The jeep safaris also provide an exciting way to explore the larger national parks. Jeeps travel great distances, affording the opportunity to see various wildlife, from magnificent elephants down to very rare birds. This is an expedition of great joy and sweeping scenery to photograph, great wide-angle shots of animals in the wild, a delightful thrill to any kind of photographer.

Walking Tours

These tours provide a more intimate experience with nature. Led by experienced guides, such walks give you a close encounter with the smaller wildlife and unique plants of the area. You can soak up the tranquility of the jungle while focusing on minute details of the natural scenery, making walking safaris a choice that fits well for wildlife photographers in pursuit of details or tranquility.