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14 Days Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour
The 14-day Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour in Nepal is ideal for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and birding enthusiasts. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Nepal’s rich biodiversity across varied landscapes, from the dense jungles of Bardia and Chitwan to the tranquil lowlands of the Terai.
Your journey begins with a visit to Bardia National Park, the largest national park in the lowland Terai. Here you can spot rare and endangered species such as Bengal tigers, Wild elephants, one-horned rhinos, swamp deer, black bucks, marsh mugger crocodiles, and a variety of birds like kingfishers, black-necked storks, hornbills, herons, little pratincoles, and eagles.
From there, you’ll continue to Chitwan National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its wildlife safaris and vibrant birdlife. Along the way, you’ll also explore cultural and spiritual destinations such as Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a great place for birdwatching in Nepal. The route offers the opportunity to capture stunning landscapes, authentic village life, and jungle wildlife through your lens.
Throughout the tour, you’ll have expert naturalists and local guides to help you track elusive wildlife and identify rare bird species, such as Bengal florican, great thick-knee, warblers, paradise flycatchers, falcons, tits, and woodpeckers. What makes this wildlife photo tour truly unique is the opportunity to experience Nepal’s rich ecological diversity in one trip.
Best Season
March, April, May and September, October, November, December
Travel Distance
1315km/817miles
Difficulty
Destination
Baraiya National Park, Lumbini, Chitwan National Park, Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve
Transportation
Private Vehicle
Start / End
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Accommodation
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Language
English | Chinese
Route
KTM-Bardiya-Lumbini-Chitwan-koshitappu
Activities
Birdwatching and wildlife photography
Trip Type
Birdwatching and wildlife photography
Highlights of 14 Days Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour
- A great chance to learn and witness endangered wild animals and birds in Bardia National Park, Chitwan National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
- Enjoy a jungle safari in Chitwan and Bardia National Park with a chance to spot and photograph wild animals in their natural habitat.
- Capture the perfect shot up close with the help of our expert local wildlife guide, who knows just where to find the best views.
- Visit a nearby Tharu village to experience their unique culture, traditional homes, and way of life.
- Explore various amazing places in Nepal, such as Lumbini, Chitwan, and Koshi Tappu Reserve.
Outline Itinerary of 14 Days Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour
14 Days Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and Transfer to the Hotel
The first day of the 14 Days Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography trip begins with the arrival at TIA in Nepal. Our office representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel in a private vehicle. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thamel.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | No meals included |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel |
Day 02: Fly to Nepalgunj and Drive to Bardiya National Park
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 2hrs |
| Travel Distance: | 87km/54miles |
| Flight Hours: | 45 min |
The second day of the birdwatching tour begins with breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast, you will depart for the domestic airport to catch your flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, one of our representatives will meet you and escort you to the Eco resort located in Bardia National Park. You will receive welcome drinks upon check-in. Take some time to rest and relax in the garden and around the resort. In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Bardiya National Park |
Day 03: Jeep Safari Inside the Bardiya National Park
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 5hrs |
| Travel Distance: | 40km/25miles |
On Day 3, we will enjoy a jeep safari inside Bardiya National Park. After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting 5-hour jeep safari inside the Bardiya National Park. Today’s primary focus is tracking tigers and their activities. Tigers roam throughout the park, and numerous signs of their presence can be found. However, spending time in areas where tigers are frequently spotted can increase our chances of an encounter.
During the safari, we’ll explore three well-known tiger territories within the national park. These areas are known for frequent tiger sightings and have been carefully chosen by our expert naturalist guides. As part of the adventure, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch in a peaceful jungle spot. By late afternoon, we’ll return to the eco resort where you can relax and reflect on the day’s thrilling encounters in the wild.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Bardiya National Park |
Day 04: Jeep Safari Inside the Bardiya National Park
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 6hrs |
| Travel Distance: | 40km/25miles |
On the fourth day, too, we will continue our jeep safari in the Bardiya National Park, with a few more hours of tiger tracking if you were unable to locate the tiger the previous day. Otherwise, you will explore jungles to spot other animals, such as the one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, black buck, swamp deer, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles, cranes, and Gangetic dolphins. After another six hours of Jeep safari, we will return to the resort for an overnight stay.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Bardiya National Park |
Day 05: Wildlife and Bird-watching Tour Around Bardiya
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 3hrs |
| Travel Distance: | 102km/63miles |
Day 5 is about bird-watching and biodiversity. After enjoying breakfast at the resort, we’ll head out by jeep to explore a nearby Blackbuck conservation area and Badaiya lake, which is home to a variety of wildlife species. This area is particularly rich in flora and fauna and offers excellent opportunities for nature photography and observing animals and birds in their natural habitat.
Some of the birds among many species that you will get to see are Lesser Whistling-Duck, Bar-headed Goose, Graylag Goose, Knob-billed Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Common Shelduck, and Cotton Pygmy-Goose. These wetlands are also a haven for migratory birds during certain seasons, making it an ideal day for bird lovers. We’ll wrap up the day with some light exploration before returning to the hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel | Nepalgunj |
Day 06: Drive to Lumbini and Tour around Lumbini Wetland
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 6hr |
| Travel Distance: | 236km/147miles |
On the sixth day of our tour, we will have breakfast and then board our jeep to leave Nepalgunj for Lumbini. The drive is around six hours. Once in Lumbini, we will explore the wetlands in Lumbini for a short time for bird-watching activities.
Some of the birds commonly found in the wetlands are the Common Coot, Gadwall Duck, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Mallard Duck, Black-headed Ibis, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Lesser Adjutant, among others. After a few hours of bird watching, we will check into a three-star hotel in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel |
Day 07: Bird-watching Tour around Lumbini Grassland
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 1.5hr |
| Travel Distance: | 60km/37miles |
The seventh day of our tour also revolves around touring Lumbini, but today, we will explore the Lumbini grassland. The drive from our hotel to the grasslands takes about 1.5 hours. Once we reach there, we will explore the beautiful region on foot. We can see a variety of animals and different species of birds.
We will also visit beautiful Jagdishpur Taal, home to different aquatic animals. There too we will notice the activities of birds such as the Booted Eagle, Eurasian Wigeon, Grey Francolin, Purple Heron, the Sarus Crane in their breeding pairs, and Purple Swamp Head around water resources. In the evening, we will return to our hotel for an overnight stay.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel |
Day 08: Drive to Chitwan National Park via Vulture restaurant
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 6hr |
| Travel Distance: | 180km/112miles |
On the eighth day, we will drive to Chitwan National Park covering a distance of 180 km. The day begins with breakfast in the Lumbini Hotel, after which we board the jeep and drive for six hours to Chitwan.
Before reaching Chitwan, we will first visit the Vulture restaurant. Vulture restaurant is a conservation site created to support and protect the endangered vulture species. Here, visitors can observe vultures feeding in a controlled and safe environment. This offers a rare insight into their natural behavior and the conservation efforts helping their survival.
After spending some time here, we continue our journey and enter the lush forests of Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s top wildlife destinations. We’ll check into a comfortable 3-star hotel and rest for the night.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel |
Day 09: Full-day Jeep Safari Inside the Chitwan National Park
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 6hr |
| Travel Distance: | 70km/44miles |
The ninth day of the safari photography adventure is all about a jeep safari around Chitwan National Park. After an early breakfast, we’ll set off on a thrilling full-day safari through the dense jungles, riverbanks, and grasslands of the park.
The main highlights of the day is tiger tracking. With the help of expert guides, we’ll visit areas known for frequent Royal Bengal Tiger sightings. Notable frequent tiger activity sites inside Chitwan National Park include Rapti Machan, Tinkune, Dumre Check Post, and Bhallori. With some luck and patience, you may spot a Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel |
Day 10: Jeep safari and walking tour
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 4hr |
| Travel Distance: | 50km/31miles |
On the tenth day of your safari photography adventure, we continue our adventure in and around Chitwan National Park. Today, we will focus on birding and nature exploration. Today’s highlight includes a guided walk outside the national park to observe a diverse range of birds and wildlife in their natural habitats.
You’ll have the chance to spot both common and rare bird species such as the Lesser Whistling Duck, Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Asian Emerald Dove, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, and various types of Sunbirds. You may also encounter other endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros or wild elephants. In the afternoon, enjoy a short village walk through a nearby Tharu settlement.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel |
Day 11: Drive to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 8hr |
| Travel Distance: | 360km/224miles |
The new day begins, and we will drive towards Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve today. The drive from Chitwan to Koshitappu takes about 8 hours. Along the way, we will reach a few destinations where we will stop to take pictures and soak in the beauty of nature.
We will stop for a bit on Koshi Bridge as well to take some amazing pictures of Gangetic dolphins if we get lucky. After a few hours of driving, we will reach the Koshitappu Nature Reserve. For the night, we will stay in the eco lodge.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Koshi Tappu |
Day 12: Birdwatching Inside Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 4hr |
| Travel Distance: | 30km/19miles |
On Day 12, we will spend the full day exploring Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Koshi Tappu is one of the best places in Asia for birdwatching. This peaceful wetland is home to around 441 number of bird species, including 14 species that are only found in Nepal. This gives you the chance to encounter 20 species of ducks, 2 types of ibis, the white-tailed stonechat, striated marsh warbler, 30 types of shorebirds, and over 110 species of water birds.
Expect to see many beautiful birds like ducks, ibises, herons, storks, and even rare species like the Bengal Florican and Swamp Francolin. Aside from birds, the reserve supports a healthy population of wildlife, including the Blue Bull (Nilgai), Wild Boar, Hog Deer, and the Rock Python. After a full day in nature, we will return to our eco-lodge near the reserve for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Koshi Tappu |
Day 13: Morning Bird Watching and Fly Back to Kathmandu
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 07-17 |
| Travel Duration: | 1hr 30 min |
| Travel Distance: | 50km/31miles |
| Flight Hours: | 35 min |
The thirteenth day begins with a final morning birdwatching session around the serene Barju Taal area, located near Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and a famous birding site. Early mornings are an ideal time to observe active species such as waterfowl, storks, ibises, and various waders, as they hunt and feed around the wetland.
After breakfast and a few hours of bird photography, we’ll make our way to the airport for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, our team will transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, where you can relax and enjoy your final evening in Nepal.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast and Lunch |
| Accomodations: | 3 Star Hotel |
Day 14: Fly back to Home
Today is the final day of the iconic Wildlife and Birdwatching Tour. You will have a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then head to the airport, concluding our amazing bird-watching and wildlife photography trip. We hope you enjoyed your tour and that you will return to enjoy other amazing tours or treks.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast |
Explore with Local Experts! Our experienced guides, porters, and staff are locals who know every trail, culture, and hidden gem. Travel with us for an authentic adventure!
Wildlife and Bird Species to Look Out For
During this 14-day safari photography adventure, you’ll explore three of Nepal’s most wildlife rich areas: Bardia National Park, Chitwan National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. In Bardia National Park, there’s a good chance of spotting the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, along with elephants, rhinoceroses, sloth bears, and deer wandering through the dense jungle and grasslands. You might also catch a glimpse of the rare Gangetic dolphin if you’re near the Koshi River. Bardia is peaceful and less crowded than other parks, which makes every wildlife moment feel more personal and exciting.
In Chitwan National Park, the wildlife comes alive. It’s one of the best places in Asia to see the one-horned rhino and, with some luck, another tiger encounter. You’ll also see wild boars, monkeys, gharial crocodiles, and many types of deer. Chitwan is especially great for birdwatching, too. From bright kingfishers and green bee-eaters to the elegant lesser adjutant stork, the park is full of color and sound. The experience feels even richer when you ride through the forest in a jeep or walk softly on footpaths.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a dream for bird lovers. The peaceful wetlands here are home to around 441 bird species, 14 of which are found only in Nepal. From large flocks of ducks and storks to the endangered Bengal Florican, every step here brings something new. You’ll also see animals like the blue bull (nilgai), wild buffalo, and even rock pythons slithering through the grass.
Challenges of Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour
The wildlife and birdwatching photography tour is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. However, certain challenges come with it. Here are some of the challenges associated with wildlife photo safari:
Physical Demands
One of the key challenges of the Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography trip is the physical demands of the trek. The challenging terrains, long hikes, and extreme weather are some of the major examples of the physical demands.
Technical Challenges
You must know your camera’s settings well to take great wildlife photos. Important factors include lighting, focus, shutter speed, and ISO. It takes time and practice to master these skills.
Being Patient
One major challenge of the wildlife photo safari is to be patient. Animals and birds are unpredictable and don’t follow daily routines, so you must be patient to get the desired photo shoot.
Tips for Planning a Successful Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Trip
A successful wildlife and birdwatching photography trip is one of the most exciting ways to explore Nepal’s natural beauty. With the right preparation, this 14-day journey can become a truly unforgettable adventure. Here are some practical tips to help you plan better:
- Research in destination: Firstly, you should research the places you are going to visit and the animals or birds you hope to photograph. You may want to photograph Bengal tigers in Bardia or rare birds in Koshi Tappu. Knowing what to expect helps you pack the right gear and plan your time wisely.
- Understand local wildlife behavior: Once you know your destinations, take time to learn about the behavior of local wildlife. Keep a safe distance, remain quiet and patient, and avoid sudden movements. The best photos often come from observation and stillness.
- Respect the environment: Above all, respect the environment. Follow the “Leave No Trace” principle. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Who Should Join a Wildlife and Bird Photography Tour?
Anyone who wants to see wildlife and birds in their natural habitat can join this wildlife and bird photo clicking trip. They may be birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, new or experienced photographers, and travelers seeking adventures.
- New or experienced photographers: This tour is ideal for both those learning to take photos and those who are experts.
- Birdwatchers or nature enthusiasts: These include individuals who want to observe different types of birds, animals, and wildlife in their natural habitats.
- Adventure seekers: Those who want to explore national parks, walk through jungles, and experience the wild side of Nepal beyond the tourist trails.
Benefits of Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour with Himalayan 360
Himalaya360 is one of the most popular tour agencies in Nepal. We provide some of the best tour and trekking packages in Nepal. Here’s why you should choose Himalayan 360 for this trip.
- Customizable itineraries: Himalaya360 allows you to customize an itinerary. This allows you to focus on the species, landscapes, or parks based on your photography goals.
- Expert guides: Our guides have 10+ years of experience in the field and are trained in navigation, safety, and wildlife tracking.
- Eco-friendly values: We strongly adhere to the “Leave No Trace” approach and collaborate exclusively with partners who prioritize conservation and sustainability.
What to Pack for a Photography Tour?
Photography Gear
- Camera
- Lenses
- Tripod
- Filters
- Memory cards
- Batteries
- Lens cleaning kit
Clothing
- Layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm layers
- Hiking boots
- Comfortable clothing
- Hat and gloves
- Sunglasses
Essentials
- Passport and visa
- Travel Insurance
- First-aid kit
- Daypack
- Water bottle
- Cash and credit cards
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Notebook
- Guidebook
Optional items
- Binoculars
- Drone
- Laptop
- Travel adapter and converter
FAQs
1. How long does the Chitwan National Park birding tour last?
2. What kind of wildlife can we expect to see Chitwan National Park birding tour?
3. What equipment is needed for the Wildlife Photography Trip of Nepal?
4. What types of accommodation will we stay in during the Wildlife Photography holiday?
5. Which regions of Nepal do you visit during the Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour?
6. What is the most common mode of transportation for the Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour?
7. How much is the entry fee to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve?
8. What is the best time of year for a wildlife photography and birdwatching tour in Nepal?
9. What is the permit fee for foreign tourists to visit Chitwan National Park?
10. Which endangered species of animals are found in the Wildlife and Birdwatching Photography Tour in Nepal?
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