Wings of Nepal: Tiger Grass to the Annapurna Foothills
16-Day All Inclusive Birding Expedition $6,700
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu
February 12, 2027
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the iconic Kathmandu Guest House. This historic boutique hotel established in 1968 has welcomed legendary mountaineers, authors, and explorers for over five decades. Set within a beautiful garden courtyard and home to the Museum of Nepali Art (MoNA), the KGH is itself a cultural landmark that helped shape Kathmandu's most vibrant tourist district.
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the extraordinary neighborhood of Thamel — a labyrinth of colorful lanes filled with Tibetan handicraft shops, trekking gear outfitters, traditional bookstores, bakeries, rooftop restaurants, and local art galleries. The narrow streets are alive with the sights and sounds of Kathmandu street life at its most vibrant. Evening welcome tea and cocktails with your expedition team in the KGH garden courtyard, followed by a briefing with your birding guide.
Elevation: 4,600 ft/ 1,400m Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House (KGH), Thamel
Day 2: Kathmandu Cultural Tour
February 13, 2027
Elevation: 4,600 ft / 1,400m · Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House (KGH), Thamel
A full day exploring the Kathmandu Valley's cultural treasures, with birding woven in.
Morning — Swayambhunath. We climb the 365 stone steps — past prayer wheels, carved sculptures, and the temple's resident rhesus macaques — to Swayambhunath, one of Nepal's oldest and most sacred Buddhist stupas and one of the defining symbols of Nepal. The hilltop opens to sweeping views across the Kathmandu valley. It's also a fine urban birding spot: Black Kites wheel overhead and Spotted Owlets roost in the old trees.
Afternoon — Patan. After lunch, we visit Patan, an ancient royal city within Kathmandu famed for Newari art. The Patan Museum — set in a restored 17th-century palace on Durbar Square — holds one of Asia's finest collections of Hindu and Buddhist bronze and gilt-copper sculpture. Afterward, wander Patan Durbar Square and its Golden Temple. Dinner on your own in Thamel.
Day 3: Phulchowki Hill - Full Day Birding
February 14, 2027
Elevation: 4,600–9,058 ft / 1,400–2,760m · Travel: 1 hr 20 min each way · Accommodation: KGH, Thamel
An early-morning departure for Phulchowki Hill, the highest point on the Kathmandu Valley rim and a forested hill long popular with birders. Its slopes of rhododendron, oak, and alder hold an excellent variety of Himalayan forest birds across the elevational gradient, and we'll spend a full day exploring them. Many species of birds nest or winter in this rich habitat. We should see a good variety of woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers, laughingthrush, barbets, thrushes, sunbirds and other species. This is our best opportunity for the Spiny Babbler, Nepal's only endemic bird. The skies above the forest can show us raptors including Black Eagle and Mountain Hawk-Eagle fly above the forest.
Day 4: Fly from Kathmandu → Koshi Tappu
February 15, 2027
Elevation: 4,600 ft → 246 ft / 1,400m → 75m · Accommodation: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp
This morning we fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, in Nepal's eastern lowlands — about a 45-minute flight — then drive roughly two to three hours to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp, a classic safari-style tented camp set among shade trees on the banks of the Sapta Koshi River, surrounding us in the sounds of the reserve and within easy reach of the wetlands at first light. Koshi Tappu is Nepal's premier Ramsar-listed wetland, with over 527 species recorded. Among the birds we hope to find along the wetland edges and riverine forest are Lesser Whistling Duck, Stork-billed Kingfisher, and Black-hooded Oriole, with a chance of the endangered Pallas's Fish Eagle overhead.
Day 5: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
February 16, 2027
Elevation: 246 ft / 75m · Accommodation: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp
A full day among Koshi Tappu's wetland, grassland, and riverine habitats. A pre-dawn start at the Koshi Barrage may turn up specialties such as Indian Skimmer, Small Pratincole, and Bar-headed Goose among the waterfowl and waders. Mid-morning, a boat trip on the Sapta Koshi explores a quieter stretch of river that can hold Great Thick-knee and River Lapwing — and the Gangetic River Dolphin. In the afternoon we turn to the grasslands, on the lookout for Swamp Francolin and the critically endangered Bengal Florican and Rufous-vented Grass Babbler.
Day 6: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
February 17, 2027
Elevation: 246 ft / 75m · Accommodation: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp
Our third and final day at Koshi Tappu, with time to track down what we've yet to see. The morning is spent in the tall lowland forest and riverside groves, watching the canopy for Wreathed Hornbill and the skies over the reserve for soaring White-rumped and Red-headed Vulture. In the afternoon we visit the wetland pools and grasslands, where tall waders such as Lesser Adjutant and Black-necked Stork may be stalking the shallows.
Day 7: Drive to Chitwan National Park
February 18, 2027
Elevation: 246 ft → 330 ft / 75m → 100m · Accommodation: Tigerland Safari
Today we leave Koshi Tappu and travel west across the lowland plains to Chitwan National Park. The road crosses several Himalayan river systems — the Kamala, Bagmati, and Narayani — whose boulder-strewn beds are prime habitat for two of Nepal's most sought-after birds, the Ibisbill and Wallcreeper. We'll break the journey to search these rivers, also watching for Little Forktail and Long-billed Plover among the stones. Our destination in Chitwan is Tigerland Safari Resort, a cluster of comfortable cottages in eight acres of riverside greenery, with the national park's forest just across the water.
Day 8: Chitwan National Park -
February 19, 2027
Elevation: 330 ft / 100m · Accommodation: Tigerland Safari Resort
Our first full day in Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where over 540 recorded bird species share a mosaic of lowland forest and tall grassland with some of Asia's best-known wildlife.
We spend the morning birding the forest for Great Hornbill and the jewel-like Red-headed Trogon. In the afternoon we head out across the tall grasslands, scanning for Indian Peafowl and the park's larger residents — a grazing Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, herds of Spotted Deer, and, as every visitor hopes, the slim chance of an elusive Bengal Tiger.
Day 9: Chitwan National Park — Full Day
February 20, 2027
Elevation: 330 ft / 100m · Accommodation: Tigerland Safari Resort
Another full day in Chitwan, whose name means "heart of the jungle" and in 1973 became Nepal's first national park. Today we split our time between tall grasslands, shady forest trails, and the oxbow lakes — a Ramsar-listed wetland rich in birdlife. The lakes and grasslands may give us a stately Purple Heron and a Pied Harrier, while the forest floor holds a chance of the dazzling Indian Pitta. After dark, an owling session along the lodge perimeter brings the hope of a Mottled Wood Owl or Brown Hawk-Owl calling from the trees.
Day 10: Drive to Kande → Trek to Australian Camp (Thulakharka)
February 21, 2027
Elevation: 330 ft → 5,800 ft → 6,070 ft / 100m → 1,768m → 1,850m · Accommodation: Hotel Guarans, Thulakharka
Depart Chitwan for the five-hour drive to Kande (5,800 ft), a trailhead village above Pokhara in the Annapurna foothills with birding stops along the way. From Kande, a one-hour hike through oak and rhododendron forest leads to Australian Camp at Thulakharka (6,070 ft) — one of Nepal's finest vantage points, with a sweeping panorama of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) massifs. Afternoon birding on arrival around the camp's forest edges and terraced farmland. Anticipated Species on the hike and at the camp include: Kalij Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Verditer and Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Red-billed and Yellow-billed Chough, Eurasian Kestrel and Himalayan Monal, Nepal's national bird.
Day 11: Thulakharka — Full Day Montane Birding
February 22, 2027
Elevation: 6,070 ft / 1,850m · Accommodation: Hotel Guarans, Thulakharka
A full day of montane birding from the Australian Camp area with panoramic Himalayan views. The Annapurna Range (and the unmistakable fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhre form a wall of ice and rock as a backdrop to the day's birding. The mixed forest of oak, rhododendron, and alder at this elevation hosts a rich assemblage of Himalayan mid-elevation specialists rarely encountered in the lowlands. Species here include: Satyr Tragopan, Nepal Parrotbill, Rufous Sibia, White-browed Fulvetta, Black-eared Shrike and Spiny Babblers, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Blue-fronted and White-capped Water Redstarts. When not enjoying the huge diversity of forest species we will search the sky for Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Himalayan Griffon and Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
Day 12: Mardi Himal Trail Birding
February 23, 2027
Elevation: 6,070–7,500+ ft / 1,850–2,300+m · Overnight: Thulakharka
A full-day birding excursion along the Mardi Himal trekking route from Thulakharka — ascending into higher elevation forest and alpine scrub with increasingly spectacular mountain views. The route ascends through dense rhododendron and oak forest into bamboo zones and open rocky slopes, each habitat zone yielding different species assemblages. Return to Thulakharka for the final night in this mountain habitat. Anticipated Species include: Blood Pheasant and Snow Partridge (found in the rocky alpine zones),Grandala, Fire-tailed and Green-tailed Sunbird, Stripe-throated and Whiskered Yuhina, White-browed and Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin, Alpine and Altai Accentor, Rosy Pipit and Tickell's Leaf Warbler
Day 13: Trek Down → Pokhara + Fewa Lake Birding
February 24, 2027
Elevation: 6,070 ft → 2,700 ft / 1,850m → 820m · Accommodation: Waterfront Resort by KGH Group, Pokhara
Morning descent on foot (approximately one hour) from Thulakharka to the trailhead, followed by jeep transfer to Pokhara (2,700 ft), Nepal's second city. Check in to the Waterfront Resort, an elegant lakeside property on the shores of Phewa Lake. Afternoon birding around the lake and its forested margins. Species near the lake include: Pied, Common and Crested Kingfisher, Osprey, Grey Heron, Great and Little Egret, Little Cormorant, Asian Openbill Stork, Eurasian Coot, Green Sandpiper, Ruddy Shelduck and Red-crested Pochard
Day 14: Pokhara Valley Birding → Fly to Kathmandu
February 25, 2027
Elevation: 2,700 ft / 820m · Accommodation: Kathmandu Guest House (KGH), Thamel
Final morning birding in the Pokhara Valley, one of Nepal's most beautiful birding settings, with the Annapurna massif reflected in the lakes and rice paddies alive with activity. The Pokhara Valley's combination of lake, forest, wetland, and open farmland produces excellent species diversity. Afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to Kathmandu Guest House for the final night.
Anticipated species here include: Indian Roller, Green Bee-eater, Coppersmith Barbet, Alexandrine and Rose-ringed Parakeet, White-throated Kingfisher, Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Jungle and Common Myna, Spotted Owlet and Steppe Eagle
Day 15: Flexible Day in Kathmandu
February 26, 2027
A flexible day for revisiting favorite sites, exploring Kathmandu's cultural treasures, or simply relaxing. Options include a return trip to productive birding areas based on species we may have missed, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath or Boudhanath Stupa, or time for shopping and personal exploration.
This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to share highlights and tally our trip list.
Day 16: Depart Kathmandu for Home
February 27, 2027
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey home, taking with you memories of Nepal's incredible birdlife, landscapes and hospitality.
Note: This itinerary may be adjusted based on local conditions, weather and bird activity to maximize the group's experience.
Application Steps
Please fill out all IMT Applications and Forms electronically and E-Sign with the understanding that the Applicant and IMT agree to the use of electronic signatures as a legally binding method of signing this Agreement and Forms. The parties hereby agree that either party may electronically sign by utilizing a digital signature.
STEP ONE: Application Form
Fill up the online application form at this link.
STEP TWO: Physician's Certificate
In order to participate on an IMT guided trek or climb, we require you to have a physician’s certificate and to submit that certificate at your earliest convenience or at least 90 days of your Trek/Climb. You can download a printable medical form here.
STEP THREE: Passport Information and Personal Photo
Please provide IMT with a color copy of the first two pages of your Passport which shows your name, signature, date of birth, passport number and citizenship. Please insure that your Passport is valid for no less than 6 months after the beginning of your trip.
In order to obtain your trekking permit, please provide IMT with an electronic photo of your head and shoulders, no hat or glasses, looking straight at the camera. Please send this photo to Sonam@imtnepal.com.
STEP FOUR: Payment Information
IMT is pleased to offer our clients 2 quick and easy online payment options:
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Electronic Funds Transfer which allows you to pay directly from your bank with no additional fees;
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or by Credit Card. Please note that A 3% surcharge will be applied to all credit card transactions.
You can pay online at this link.
STEP FIVE: NOTIFICATION
We will notify you by email when we have received your completed Application and that you have been accepted for participation in an IMT trek/climb. We will send you additional instructions and updates to your email address.
STEP SIX: INSURANCE
You are required to purchase medical evacuation coverage for the duration of your trek. It is essential that within 20 days of making your initial deposit to IMT, you should contact Dan Drennen or Mark Reineke at: 1-866-979-6753 at Travel Insurance Center. Let them know you are an IMT client as they are familiar with our insurance requirements. We also strongly encourage you to purchase trip cancellation insurance as IMT does not provide refunds..