Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Nepal is a paradise for the birdwatcher with a vast array of exceptionally rich bird life of over 864 species recorded, which are home to over 8% of the World’s total bird population. From the lowland jungle of the Terrai and the Kosi Tappu barrage through dense rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills to the windswept plateaus of the high Himalaya there is always something to keep one twitching.
The various national parks like Chitwan and Bardia harbor a wide variety of birds. But Koshi Tappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia. Nepal’s national bird is the Daphe or the Impeyen Pheasant which is found in the Himalayan region.
Birds of the Kathmandu Valley: Within the Kathmandu valley alone, over 500 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds. The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20 km South East of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded to date. The birds have seen here including babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, Minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted fork tail.
The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve Situated to the North of Kathmandu, is another important location. Nagerjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill is situated 5 km to the northwest of Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju, is a renowned sight for bird enthusiasts with blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli's eagles, great Himalayan barbets amongst the many species found here.
The wetlands in the valley, the banks of the Manohara River on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati River, which flows into the Valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorge, are good places for watching waders and waterfowls. Harboring 40 species of birds mostly dependent on wetlands, Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali, attracts flocks of migrant birds.
Popular Bird Watching Sites outside the Kathmandu Valley:
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: As well as other kinds of fauna, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best locations for birding. Still within Nepal’s sub-tropical Terai belt, this is the smallest (175 sq km) and easternmost reserve in Nepal, just to the North East of the convergence of the Sapta Koshi and Trijuga Khola rivers. Its situation on the Sapta Koshi floodplain means that the environment of this reserve varies dramatically according to the seasons. During the Monsoon (May to September) the flow becomes torrential and covers most of the floodplain, while during the dry seasons, many flat, sandy islands are exposed. The habitat is a combination of scrub grassland and deciduous riverside forest, with over 280 species of birds recorded so far, including 20 species of duck, ibises, storks, swamp partridges (Francolinus gularis), herons, egrets, Bengal floricans (Eupodotis Bengalensis), and many other exotic and migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park: Chitwan National Park is approximately five hours drive by road from Kathmandu or a 35 minute flight situated in the central Terai region. It is renowned for its array of birds, with over 255 species recorded, including many species of parakeets as well as Blue-Throat (thrush), Long-tailed Nightjar, Indian Peafowl, Great Barbet, red-billed blue magpie and Tick ell's red-breasted blue flycatcher. A two night/three day package, staying at a lodge in Sauraha, is an ideal way to combine bird watching with other pursuits.
Bardia National park: Bardia is also a popular destination for bird watching situated in the far West of Nepal it is an area of extensive jungle which is covered by sal forest riverine and grass lands. A boat ride on the slow moving expanse of the Karnali River provides plenty of opportunities to view a vast variety of birds including Ruddy Shelduck, darters, brahmini kites, brown headed gulls, cormorants, oriental pied hornbills, night heron & purple heron, cinnaon bitterns, orioles and majestic peacocks.
Some Itineraries for Bird watching Tours Itinerary 1:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the airport, welcome by our representative and transfer to the Hotel. At the hotel briefing about the program by our representative
Day 02: Sightseeing
Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath, Patan city
Day 03: Kathmandu sightseeing
Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur.
Day 04: Drive to Phulchowki
Phulchowki is situated about 15km Southeast of KTM; this mountain is 2759m high. It is a good spot for hiking. Rhododendron of different varieties and colors from pure white to dark red are found here. This is also the most popular bird watching spot in the valley. 265 species of birds are recorded here. The birds seen here include flycatchers, yuhinas, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, rosefinches, babbkers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki hill where Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including lesser Rackettailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.
Day 05: Flight to Biratnagar. Drive to Koshi Tappu
Koshi Tappu is easily accessible from Biratnagar after an hour and half drive. Biratnagar is well connected by road (519 km) and several flights with Kathmandu. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. The Reserve covers 175sq.km and established in 1976. The vegetation is mainly tall Khar-pater grassland with a few patches of Khairsissoo, scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverside forest. The Reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving populations (about 100 individuals) of Wild Buffalos are found here. Other mammals occurring here are hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and blue bull. A total of 423 species of birds are recorded here, including 20 of ducks, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal Floricans. 183 species of different birds are recorded a day here. Visitors can encounter minimum 100 types of birds in a day.
Day 06: Koshi Tappu
A full day Bird activity on foot and in boat, Koshi Tappu is one of the Asia’s finest wetlands and fabulous bird watching area. Almost all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, tems and gulls occur here plus a great variety of land-birds that include such specialties as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and Straited Marsh Wabler.
Day 07: Koshi Tappu to Chitwan National Park.
Drive to Chitwan for 9-10 hrs through the beautiful landscapes. There are ample chances to see White-rumped need tail Swifts and Ibis bills en-route. Upon arrival in Lodge, welcome and get information by the naturalist. Chitwan National Park is the most famous national park in Nepal. Offering 450 species of birds including four species of deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar and other wildlife. This park is well known for one horned Rhinoceros and it is a shelter for few Royal Bengal Tigers. Beside this Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna.
Day 08: Chitwan
After tea or coffee, go for a bird watching tour. Jungle Safari excursion by jeep or bicycle to the 'Twenty Thousand Lakes' or Wildlife Walk in the dense jungle of the Chitwan National Park, elephant ride, canon ride, village visit. In the evening enjoy a cultural dance performed by local villagers.Day 09: Chitawan
Full day jungle activities like jungle walk, canon ride, bird watching, nature walk etc.
Day10: Chitawan – Bardia National Park
Drive to the Bardia National Park, Bardia National Park is the largest lowland sanctuary and most undisturbed wilderness area in western Terai of Nepal. Thickly covered with the trees and carpeted with grass and savannah, the park has the second largest tiger population after Chitwan National Park. Other wild animal roams here are the one horned rhino, wild elephant, swamp deer, black buck antelope, crocodile and Gangetic Dolphin etc. Endangered birds include the Bengal florican, lesser florican, silver-eared mesia and Sarus crane.
Day 11: Bardia
Jungle activities: elephant-back safari, nature walks, jungle drive, bird watching, trekking in the Churia Hills to observe more birds, overnight in the tented camp.
Day 12: Bardia
Jungle activities: Cultural visits to Tharu village, Gangetic Dolphin viewing, rafting in the Karnali River. In the evening enjoy the Tharu (ethnic tribe) Cultural performance.
Day 13: Bardia-Nepalgunj/flight to Kathmandu
Drive to Nepalgunj about 2hrs then fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu for shopping etc
Day 15: Departure to onward destination.
Itinerary 2 :
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the airport, welcome by our representative and transfer to the Hotel. At the hotel briefing by our representative
Day 02: Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), Patan city
Day 03: Drive to Phulchowki
Phulchowki is situated about 15km Southeast of KTM; this mountain is 2759m high. It is a good spot for hiking. Rhododendron of different varieties and colors from pure white to dark red are found here. This is also the most popular bird watching spot in the valley. 265 species of birds are recorded here. The birds seen here include flycatchers, yuhinas, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, rosefinches, babbkers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki hill where Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including lesser Rackettailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.
Day 04: Flight to Biratnagar, Drive to Koshi Tappu
Koshi Tappu is easily accessible from Biratnagar after an hour and half drive. Biratnagar is well connected by road (519 km) and several flights with Kathmandu. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. The Reserve covers 175sq.km and established in 1976. The vegetation is mainly tall Khar-pater grassland with a few patches of Khairsissoo, scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverside forest. The Reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving populations (about 100 individuals) of Wild Buffalos are found here. Other mammals occurring here are hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and blue bull. A total of 423 species of birds are recorded here, including 20 of ducks, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal Floricans. 183 species of different birds are recorded a day here. Visitors can encounter minimum 100 types of birds in a day.Day 05: Koshi Tappu
A full day Bird activity on foot and in boat, Koshi Tappu is one of the Asia’s finest wetlands and fabulous bird watching area. Almost all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, tems and gulls occur here plus a great variety of land-birds that include such specialties as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and Straited Marsh Wabler.
Day 06: Drive Koshi Tappu-Biratnagar and fly to Kathmandu.
Day 07: Kathmandu sightseeing
City sightseeing of places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur
Day 08:Transfer to the airport for international departure.
For More Detail and Bookings Feel Free to Contact Us : [madanprasain@gmail.com]
Monday, June 6, 2011
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| Ilam Tea Garden |
The district is famous for tea and six 'As' - aalu (potato), alaichi (cardamom), aduwaa (ginger), akabare khursani (red round chilly), olan (milk) and amliso (a grass from which brooms are made, Thysanalaena). Among the six 'As', potato, ginger, cardamom, red round chilly and amliso are exported to Siliguri and Darjeeling in India and Tea is exported to foreign countries.
Ilam is inhabited by the people from various sects and ethnic group and is an interface of different cultures and religions. Ilam has natural green hills covered with tea plantation and forests, diverse climate, simple living style and houses depicting its own arts and unique style. The following touristic places with panoramic view are eager to welcome guests:
Shriantu: Antu Hill situated in the far east of Ilam, famous for viewing sunrise. Most of the flat land of the Terai, Mirik, Kurseong, darjeeling along with beautiful tea gardens can be seen from this place.
Sandakpur: Situated in the north of Ilam, Sandakpur is the main touristic place. Sunrise, sunset, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, all parts of Ilam district and Darjeeling in India can be viewed from this place. various kinds of animals like musk deer and red panda and rare species of birds like pheasant can also be seen here.
Siddhithumka: This place is also famous for panoramic views of sunrise and sunset and most of the flat land of the terai.
Mangmalung: This is situated in the middle of the forest at the upper part of Ibhang and is the important religious place for the Kiratis. This place is regarded as the origin of the Kirat religion. There is also a cave of Matrika Kirateswar and a festival is observed every year with a great pomp and show.Mai Pokhari: is a pristine lake amid natural forest. The pond surrounded by the thick forest of fir, juniper, birch and pine is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Various species of orchids, rhododendron, herbs; rare animals like musk deer, leopard, porcupine, jackal; numerous migratory birds and rare insects, are found in the region. The lake is also considered holy as the abode of Goddess Bhagabati. An annual fair is held here every autumn around the month of October or November. Mai Pokhari is about 18 kilometers from Ilam Bazaar which is about 30-minute drive.
Kanyam and Fikkal: have large estates for which Ilam has been famous for the last 140 years. These tea plantation areas are popular among tourists for picnicking, sightseeing, and taking photographs. Fikkal is a business center in the area. It falls on the Mechi highway on the way to Ilam.
Chhintapu: Mt. kanchenjunga along with most parts of Ilam can be viewed from here. 11 types of rhododendron, rare birds, butterflies important for research study, important herbs like yarshagumba (aphrodisiac) and Paanch Aaulay and rare animals like red panda and musk deer are found in here.
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| Mai Pokhari |
Access: Ilam Bazaar is in Ilam district Mechi Zone. It is approximately 700 kilometers and 18 hour-drive to east of Kathmandu. Daily bus services ply for Ilam from central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu. Buses are also available from the major cities. There are flights from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and Bhadrapur from where Ilam can be driven to via Birtamod.
The famous Darjeeling city of India is just 2-hour’s drive from Pashupatinagar on the Nepal-India border of Ilam district. Nepali nationals and Indians can commute by the land to India from Pashupatinagar in Ilam. However, this entry/exit poin is for local use and Indian tourists only. Entry and exit from the eastern point for other travelers is allowed from Kakkarbhitta in Jhapa.
Food and Accommodations: Good to moderate facilities are available for food and accommodation in Ilam Bazaar. Besides home-stay facilities are also available in selected areas; telephone, medical and other tourist facilities are also available in Ilam Bazaar.
When to visit: The subtropical climate of Ilam ensures good weather throughout the year. The best time to visit Ilam is between October-December, or from April-February. People from different parts of Nepal visit Maipokhari in Ilam for an annual festival on Kartik Ekadasi which falls in October or November. Thousands visit Mai Beni during Maghe Sankranti which falls in January.
Predominant Culture: The main groups residing in Ilam are Brahimins, Chhetris, and Lepchas. A Lepchas is at initial stage at Antu and is in the process of being extended.
Pilgrimage Sites are numerous in and around Ilam. The popular ones are:
· Gajur Mukhi a stone tunnel with carved images of Hindu deities. It is on the bank of Deumai Khola, west of Ilam Bazaar. Gajur Mukhi is 4-hour drive from Ilam Bazzar.
· Pathibhara is in Ilam is believed to be as the younger sister of Pathibhara Devi in Taplejung. The temple is in Hanspokhari, southeast of Kolbung VDC and is on the way to Ilam on Mechi Highway.
· Mai Beni house the temple of Lord Shiva at the confluence of rives Mai Khola and Jogma Khola. It is located about 3 kilometers away from Ilam Bazaar. Thousands of devotees gather here on the day of Maghe Sankranti in January.
Besides these there are: Narayansthan in Ilam Bazaar, where a special festival takes place on Krishna Asthami; Bhimsensthan near Ilam Chowk; Singha Bahini in South Ilam, with a beautiful garden in the temple complex; Sati Devi Temple, on Puwa Khola west of Ilam Bazaar, which is a cultural, religious and magnificent site for domestic as well as other tourists.
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