Annapurna Forests and Pokhara Birding Trek with Nepal Birding Guide
Link Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk on a ten-day birding trek, then explore Pokhara's lakeside habitats and finish with forest birding at Phulchowki near Kathmandu.
About this tour
Move from the Annapurna foothills into oak and rhododendron forest on a ten-day itinerary that also makes room for lakeside and valley birding. The walking route links Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk, while Pokhara and Phulchowki add contrasting habitats before the journey ends in Kathmandu.
A drive from Kathmandu brings you to Pokhara, with possible roadside observations and afternoon birding beside Phewa Lake. The trekking section begins at Nayapul and follows the Modi Khola toward Tikhedhunga. As the trail climbs to Ghorepani, farmland and lower forest give way to woodland suited to Himalayan species. Birding is integrated into the walking days rather than reserved for a few separate stops.
Around Ghorepani and Tadapani, the guide searches for pheasants, laughingthrushes, sunbirds, yuhinas and other forest birds. Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant and Rufous Sibia are among the possible species. Sunrise at Poon Hill is optional before the Tadapani walk. The descent toward Ghandruk adds further forest observation and a visit to a Gurung village before returning by vehicle to Pokhara.
A full day in Pokhara explores Peace Pagoda Forest, nearby wetlands and Phewa Lake. Waterbirds, kingfishers and raptors provide a different birding emphasis from the trekking forests. After the road journey back to Kathmandu, a final day at Phulchowki brings another search for Himalayan woodland birds, including possible Himalayan Cutia and Fire-tailed Sunbird.
Spring and autumn are the recommended periods. Guests need reasonable fitness for moderate mountain walking, with teahouse stays and full-board meals during the trek. Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel stays include breakfast, while city lunches and dinners are excluded. Birding guidance, listed private transport, ACAP and TIMS arrangements, a porter for every two guests, government charges, a checklist and a first-aid kit form part of the package. All bird encounters remain dependent on natural conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Nepal.
Birds you can spot
Ithaginis cruentus
target
Aethopyga ignicauda
target
Cutia nipalensis
target
Lophophorus impejanus
target
Lophura leucomelanos
target
Heterophasia capistrata
target
Turdoides nipalensis
target
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and briefing
Transfer from Kathmandu airport to your hotel. Meet the birding guide to discuss route, equipment and walking preparations; time to rest depends on the arrival schedule.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive along the Prithvi Highway through river valleys and farmland. Look for roadside birds where practical, followed by birding beside Phewa Lake and a Pokhara hotel stay.
Day 3
Nayapul to Tikhedhunga
Drive about one and a half hours to Nayapul, then follow the Modi Khola on foot. Search forest and farmland for barbets, minivets, flycatchers and other birds on the way to Tikhedhunga.
Day 4
Forest climb to Ghorepani
Walk uphill through oak and rhododendron woodland. Search for Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, laughingthrushes, sunbirds and other forest birds before the overnight stay in Ghorepani.
Day 5
Ghorepani to Tadapani
An optional sunrise outing visits Poon Hill before the walk toward Tadapani. Bird the cloud and rhododendron forests for possible pheasants, Rufous Sibia, redstarts and flycatchers.
Day 6
Ghandruk and return to Pokhara
Bird around Tadapani early, then descend through forest to Ghandruk. After lunch and time in the Gurung village, drive to Pokhara; a lakeside outing may be possible later.
Day 7
Pokhara habitat day
Visit Phewa Lake, Peace Pagoda Forest and nearby wetland areas. The day concentrates on a mix of waterbirds and forest birds, with observations shaped by the season.
Day 8
Return to Kathmandu
Drive back through valleys and villages, pausing for birding when suitable. Arrive at the Kathmandu hotel and prepare for the following forest excursion.
Day 9
Phulchowki forest birding
Spend a full day in Phulchowki's mixed woodland. Search for Himalayan Cutia, sunbirds, niltavas, tesias and other forest birds, then return to Kathmandu.
Day 10
Onward departure
Use any time before your flight for rest or personal plans. The airport transfer concludes the program.
Locations & map
- Kathmandu - Nepal
- Pokhara - Nepal
- Nayapul - Nepal
- Tikhedhunga - Nepal
- Ghorepani - Nepal
- Tadapani - Nepal
- Ghandruk - Nepal
- Phulchowki Hill - Nepal
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: March to May; October to November
Included
- Airport transfers and listed private vehicle journeys
- Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels with breakfast
- English-speaking birding guide
- ACAP permit and TIMS card arrangements
- Trekking teahouses with full-board meals
- One porter for each pair of guests
- Government charges, bird checklist and first-aid kit
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Kathmandu and Pokhara lunches and dinners
- Personal insurance, equipment and expenses
- Drinks, snacks and laundry
- Gratuities and emergency evacuation
- Other unlisted services
Policies & FAQ
What walking fitness is needed?
Participants should be comfortable with moderate mountain walking. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required by the operator.
Are porters included?
The package provides one porter for every two guests.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.