Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour

Max. Altitude

1,400m

Difficulty

EasyThe trip is easy and suitable for everyone, including children and older people. It does not require any skills in mountain climbing or traversing difficult terrain.

Best Season

Mar, Apr, May and Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Start / End

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Accommodation

3-Star hotel

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Route

Kathmandu-Bardia-Lumbini-Chitwan

The 12-day Nepal Terai wildlife and bird watching photography tour is one of the wonderful tours in Nepal. You will start in Kathmandu and then fly to Nepalgunj. Then travel to Bardiya National Park for three exhilarating days of jeep safaris. The jeep safaris allow you to photograph well-known animals, such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants, as well as many different species of birds. Besides jeep safaris, private birdwatching and wildlife tours near Bardiya would help you photograph the park from every possible angle.

There is no end to the adventure as you move on to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and explore the surrounding wetlands and grasslands renowned for their unique avifauna.. You will spend two consecutive days of photography in this peaceful setting. Then you will visit the Chitwan National Park, stopping by a vulture restaurant. You will have the next two days of jeep safaris and walking tours in Chitwan, giving you further opportunities to capture photographs of its rich diversity of animals and vegetation. The tour ends with a drive back to Kathmandu for your departure flight, carrying a collection of beautiful wildlife and bird photos from your wildlife and birding tours.

Per Person From

$1,596

12 Days

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Per Person From$1,59612 Days

Major Highlights of Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour

  • Full-day jeep safaris in Chitwan National Park, which is famous for its high biodiversity and opportunities to photograph iconic species.
  • Combine the excitement of a jeep safari with the more personal experience of a walking tour in Chitwan, offering diverse photographic views.
  • Take a vulture restaurant outing to observe one of the planet’s most unlikely conservation success stories, with opportunities to capture their images.
  • Begin your experience in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant and historic capital city.
  • Experience jeep safaris in Bardiya National Park for great wildlife photography opportunities.
  • Engage in the fantastic wildlife and colorful birdlife photography in Bardiya.
  • Discover Lumbini’s diverse range of ecosystems, such as grasslands and wetlands, which are vital habitats for migratory birds.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour at a Glance

Distance, walking time and high point for each day
DayItineraryDistance / TimeAltitude
01Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
02Fly to Nepalgunj and to Bardiya National Parkroad transfer87 km2 hrs
03Jeep safari inside the Bardiya National Parkroad transfer40 km5 hrs
04Jeep safari inside the Bardiya National Parkroad transfer40 km6 hrs
05Wildlife and bird-watching tour around Bardiyaroad transfer102 km3 hrs
06Drive to Lumbini and Tour around Lumbini wetlandroad transfer236 km6 hrs
07Bird-watching tour around Lumbini grasslandroad transfer60 km1.5 hrs
08Drive to Chitwan National Park via Vulture restaurantroad transfer180 km6 hrs
09Full-day jeep safari inside the National parkroad transfer70 km6 hrs
10Jeep safari and walking tourroad transfer50 km4 hrs
11Drive back to Kathmanduroad transfer180 km6 hrs
12Fly back to Home
On foot, across 2 trekking days0.0 km0 hrs0 m

Reviews from our Guests

From travellers who walked this exact itinerary.

★★★★★

This was exactly the kind of trip I was hoping for. Quiet mornings, lots of time outdoors, and no pressure to constantly move or rush. Bardiya felt raw and natural, and the safaris gave enough time to watch wildlife properly. I enjoyed the birdwatching days the most, especially around wetlands where you could just stand and observe. Lumbini was calm and added a nice break between safari days. Chitwan was more active, but still enjoyable and well-organized. I also liked learning about conservation during the visit to the **vulture restaurant**. The journey back to Kathmandu through the villages was a nice ending. Everything felt balanced and thoughtfully planned. If you enjoy wildlife, photography, and peaceful travel, this tour makes a lot of sense. I honestly had a great time in Nepal.

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EP
Emily ParkerDecember 2025 · Guided by Ram Mahato
★★★★★

This tour was a wonderful way to explore Nepal through wildlife and birdwatching. Bardiya National Park offered exciting jeep safaris, while the birdwatching days felt calm and relaxing. I enjoyed walking around the wetlands and observing birds quietly without pressure. Lumbini added a peaceful atmosphere, and Jagdishpur Taal was excellent for bird photography. Chitwan was another highlight, with diverse landscapes and wildlife sightings during the full-day safari. The visit to the vulture conservation area was meaningful and informative. Traveling between destinations felt smooth, and the overall pace allowed time to enjoy each place. The mix of forests, wetlands, and rural landscapes kept the journey interesting. I felt connected to nature throughout the trip and appreciated the care taken in planning each day by Himalayan 360. This experience gave me some of my best memories in Nepal.

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LG
Leonel GrantDecember 2025 · Guided by Ritesh Shrestha
★★★★★

This 12 day wildlife and birdwatching tour gave me a calm and meaningful way to explore Nepal. From Bardiya to Chitwan and Lumbini, every place felt different and special. The jeep safaris were comfortable and allowed enough time to observe animals and birds without feeling rushed. I enjoyed the early mornings, quiet wetlands, and changing landscapes, especially during birdwatching sessions. Lumbini felt peaceful, while Bardiya and Chitwan offered rich wildlife experiences. The visit to the vulture conservation site was interesting and educational. Koshi Tappu was a highlight for bird photography, with open views and a relaxed atmosphere. Everything felt well planned, with a good balance between travel, exploration, and rest. This trip helped me slow down, enjoy nature, and truly appreciate Nepal’s wildlife and scenery. I would happily recommend this tour to nature and photography lovers.

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LB
Lucas BennettDecember 2025 · Guided by Ramkrishna Tharu
★★★★★

My experience on this wildlife and birdwatching tour was rewarding from start to finish. The journey through Bardiya, Lumbini, and Chitwan showed me a side of Nepal that feels untouched and peaceful. I enjoyed watching birds in wetlands and forests and observing animals during jeep safaris. Each day felt different, with changing landscapes and fresh experiences. The birdwatching walks were calm and enjoyable, especially in Lumbini and Jagdishpur Taal. Chitwan offered great wildlife viewing, and the full-day safari allowed us to explore deep inside the park. Traveling back to Kathmandu through villages gave a nice ending to the trip. The pace was comfortable, and there was enough time to relax and enjoy each place. This tour gave me lasting memories and beautiful photographs, and it made my time in Nepal truly special.

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HM
Hannah MooreDecember 2025 · Guided by Ramkrishna Tharu
★★★★★

This tour felt very easy and natural from the start. Nothing felt forced or rushed, which I really appreciated. Bardiya was quiet and full of wildlife, and the jeep safaris were relaxed enough to actually enjoy watching animals and birds. Birdwatching around the wetlands was calm, and I liked just standing there observing without needing to move all the time. Lumbini was peaceful, and Jagdishpur Taal surprised me with how many birds we saw. Chitwan was busier but exciting, especially during the full-day safari. The long drives didn’t feel tiring because the scenery kept changing. I liked that the trip focused more on nature than luxury. Overall, it was simple, well-paced, and very enjoyable. I came to Nepal curious and left feeling satisfied, relaxed, and happy with my experience.

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RC
Ryan CollinsDecember 2025 · Guided by Ram Mahato
★★★★★

The guide for our group arranged by the  Himalayan 360 was fantastic throughout the trip. He knew the parks well and always positioned us quietly so we could observe wildlife properly. His calm attitude helped during early mornings and long travel days. He checked on everyone and made sure we were comfortable. What really stood out was the last night in Kathmandu. We didn’t just go our separate ways. We shared dinner, talked about the photos we took, and laughed about small moments from the journey. It felt relaxed and genuine. Ending the trip like that made everything feel complete. The guide wasn’t just leading a tour; he was part of the experience.

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EG
Elena GarcíaOctober 2025 · Guided by Ritesh Shrestha
★★★★★

There was one day during birdwatching near Jagdishpur Taal when I seriously underestimated the walking time. My legs were sore, and I questioned my fitness for a moment. I slowed down, took breaks, drank water, and focused on enjoying the surroundings instead of rushing. By the end, I felt proud for sticking through it. The rest of the tour balanced effort and comfort well. Jeep safaris made wildlife viewing easy, and quiet mornings were perfect for photography. Bardiya and Chitwan were highlights, while Lumbini added calmness. The long drives were tiring but manageable. Overall, this trip reminded me that small challenges are part of travel and often make the experience more memorable. Nepal gave me both effort and reward, and I truly enjoyed it.

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MR
Marco RinaldiSeptember 2025 · Guided by Barad Neupane

Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour Day By Day Itinerary

Download this itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, our team representative will welcome you and take you to the hotel. After checking in, you can relax or explore the area before your adventures the next day. Stay overnight in Kathmandu’s hotel.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:No meals included
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 02: Fly to Nepalgunj and drive to Bardiya National Park

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:2 hours
Travel Distance:87km/54 miles
Flight Hours:40 min

Attraction of the Day: Bardiya National Park

Day 2 of your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, the gateway to the western Terai region. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, you will embark on a 2-hour scenic drive through local villages and agricultural landscapes to reach the entrance of Bardiya National Park. After settling into your lodge or resort near the park, the remainder of the day can be spent relaxing and perhaps taking a short introductory walk around the lodge premises before enjoying dinner and preparing for our next day wildlife adventures.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Resort in Baridya

Day 03: Jeep safari inside the Bardiya National Park

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:5 hours
Travel Distance:40km/25 miles

Attraction of the Day: Wildlife and Safari

Today, we will go on a jeep safari inside Bardiya National Park. Our guide will take you through the park, where we might see wildlife like tigers, elephants, and rhinos. The jeep safari will enable us to cover a large area and observe animals in their natural habitats. You can engage in a photography session of the wildlife and the beautiful surroundings.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Resort in Baridya

Day 04: Jeep safari inside the Bardiya National Park

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:6 hours
Travel Distance:40km/25 miles

Attraction of the Day: Wildlife and safari

Another day of jeep safari at Bardiya National Park is up to us. You will spend the day visiting the area you didn’t visit yesterday. Your guide will take you to places where you can see wild animals like leopards, boars, and birds. The park also has forests, grasslands, and rivers. The safari also allows you to take pictures of the animals and the fantastic, colorful birds. After a long day, you will return for an overnight stay at the Eco Resort.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Resort in Baridya

Day 05: Wildlife and bird-watching tour around Bardiya

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:3 hours
Travel Distance:102km/63 miles

Attraction of the Day: Blackbuck conservation area, Badaiya Lake

Today, we will embark on a 3-hour wildlife and bird-watching tour around Bardiya. We will visit important sites to observe various birds like the Bengal Florican, kingfishers, and other colorful species. We will search for birds and a few small mammals and enjoy the serenity of the park environment. You may also take nature walks, take photographs, and indulge in the biodiversity of life at Bardiya today.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 06: Drive to Lumbini and Tour around Lumbini wetland

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:6 hours
Travel Distance:236km/147 miles

Attraction of the Day: Lumbini wetland and various birds

We will drive from Bardiya to Lumbini, a sacred and peaceful place where you can find a mix of history and nature. Lumbini Wetland is home to a diverse array of birds. You can see some migratory birds, waterfowl, and resident species like herons and kingfishers. In addition to the birds, the wetland has lush vegetation. This place offers excellent opportunities to capture flora and fauna in their natural form.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 07: Bird-watching tour around Lumbini grassland

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:1.5 hours
Travel Distance:60km/37 miles

Attraction of the Day: Lumbini Wetland and Jagdishpur Taal

Today, we’ll take a peaceful walk around Lagdishpur Taal. It is the largest reservoir in Nepal that spans a surface area of 225 hectares (2.25 km²) and sits at an elevation of 197m above sea level. Jagdishpur Taal has become a paradise for bird watchers and photographers alike. In total, 295 bird species have been recorded here, including 113 winter visitors, 9 summer visitors, 12 passage migrants, and 147 resident species. Some commonly spotted birds include the Asian Openbill, kingfisher, eagle, and the elegant Sarus Crane.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 08: Drive to Chitwan National Park via Vulture restaurant

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:6 hours
Travel Distance:180km/112 miles

Attraction of the Day: Vulture Restaurant and Chitwan National Park
On day 8, we will drive to Chitwan. On the route to Chitwan, we visit the Vulture Restaurant. This conservation effort provides safety to threatened vultures, allowing you to observe different vulture species up close. We then continue to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to more than 525 birds, over 50 mammal species, and 55 amphibians and reptiles.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 09: Full-day jeep safari inside the National park

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:6 hours
Travel Distance:70km/44 miles

Attraction of the Day: Wildlife and birds inside a national park
On day nine, you will explore Chitwan National Park with a full-day jeep safari. You will travel deep into different environments like sal forests, grasslands, and riverbanks. This 6-hour trip gives you a great chance to see the park’s famous wild animals, including endangered species like one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, four-horned antelope, Golden monitor lizard, and many colorful birds such as storks, eagles, and hornbills.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 10: Jeep safari and walking tour

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:4 hours
Travel Distance:50km/31 miles

Attraction of the Day: Birding around outside the National Park

Today, we resume the adventure with a jeep safari and a walking tour at Chitwan National Park. The jeep safari will take us deep into the southwestern parts of the park to spot wildlife. The walking tour enables us to connect with nature and enjoy birdwatching. You can expect to see and capture several birds, including the Indian Roller, Lesser Adjutant Stork, and several types of kingfishers, on camera.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Time:07-17
Travel Duration:6 hours
Travel Distance:180km/112 miles

Attraction of the Day: Thamel

Today is the second-to-last day of the bird photography tour. After breakfast in the morning, we will return to Kathmandu. We will see villages and surroundings on the drive through rural areas, giving you a new photographic experience. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will proceed to Thamel, a vibrant area characterized by its multicolored streets, local shops, and bustling street activity. You can shop on arrival in Kathmandu or relax in the hotel.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel

Day 12: Fly back to Home

On the last day of your tour, you will drive to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. As we travel to the airport, consider the amazing wildlife you’ve seen and the great photos you’ve taken in Nepal. We hope you enjoyed this unforgettable tour and look forward to your coming back to experience different adventures.

Itinerary Details
Itinerary FactDetails
Meals:Breakfast

Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour Included/ Excluded

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Accommodation & Food

  • 2 nights in kathmandu (sharing basis)
  • 3 night in Bardiya (sharing basis)
  • 1 night in Nepalgunj (sharing basis)
  • 2 night in Lumbini (sharing basis)
  • 3 night in Chitwan (sharing basis)
  • Food: 11 Breakfast, 10 Lunch, 09 Dinner
  • Accommodation: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, Bardia national park, Nepaljung, Lumbini, Chitwan national park, Koshi tappu wildlife reserve due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
  • All personally ordered foods and drinks.
  • Single room (if no. of pax is odd number then one room will be triple)

Entrance fees and Visa

  • All itinerary mentioned places entrance fees
  • Visa Fees for Nepal

Transportation

  • All ground transfers as per itinerary.
  • Domestic flight as per itinerary
  • International flight tickets

Guide

  • Experienced English-speaking local guide.
  • Personal supporter to carry your cameras and stuff

Others

  • Local expert for your jungle activites
  • Food for vulture during vulture restaurant tour
  • Nepal onarrival visa form submission
  • Free luggage storage services in Kathmandu
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek
  • Meeting with expert before your trip start
  • Personal clothing and gear, and personal expenses including shopping, snacks, drinks, alcohol, etc.
  • Additional costs incurred due to causes beyond our control, for example, weather conditions, landslides, itinerary modifications, illness, government policy changes, strikes, etc.
  • Tips to the crew.
  • All other costs and expenses not listed in “including”

FAQs for Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour

Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography Tour Information

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Mar, Apr, May and Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Weighing It Against the Alternatives

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