Everest Region Himalayan Monal Birding Trek with Nepal Birding Guide
Search Everest-region forests for Himalayan Monal on an eleven-day journey through Namche, Thamo and Khumjung, with a Phulchowki birding day after the return to Kathmandu.
About this tour
Search for Himalayan Monal in the Everest region on an eleven-day birding and photography journey that reaches Khumjung without continuing to Everest Base Camp. The walking route passes river valleys, forest and Sherpa villages, with an acclimatization day near Namche and a final forest excursion at Phulchowki near Kathmandu.
The journey begins with arrival in Kathmandu, followed by half a day of valley birding and a drive to Khurkot. From Manthali, fly to Lukla and start the trek to Phakding. The Dudh Koshi trail then leads toward Namche Bazaar through pine, fir and rhododendron habitat, with the birding guide watching for pheasants and other mountain species along the way.
A day around Thamo combines acclimatization with a gentle birding walk through pine and juniper country. Continue to Khumjung, the advertised high point at 3,790 meters, to search woodland and open mountain habitats for male and female Himalayan Monals. These birds are the principal target, but their presence and photographic opportunities remain subject to natural conditions. Other mountain birds add interest throughout the walking days.
The return passes Everest View Hotel before descending to Monjo and continuing to Lukla. After the flight to Manthali and drive to Kathmandu, spend a full day at Phulchowki. Its subtropical and temperate woodland adds another habitat and possible Himalayan Cutia, Rufous-bellied Niltava and other forest species to the journey before departure.
Guests need fitness for moderate trekking at altitude. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day, though this does not remove altitude-related risks. The package covers listed road transfers, round-trip Manthali to Lukla flights, local birding and licensed trekking guides, park and municipal permits, a porter for every two trekkers and full-board teahouse stays. Kathmandu hotel accommodation includes breakfast, and Khurkot accommodation is included. Personal travel insurance is mandatory and emergency evacuation costs are excluded. March to May and October to November are the recommended periods.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Nepal.
Itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu arrival
Transfer from Tribhuvan airport to the hotel and rest after the journey. An evening briefing introduces the birding and trekking program.
Day 2
Valley birding and Khurkot
Spend half a day birding suitable habitats around Kathmandu Valley. After lunch, drive through hills and river landscapes to Khurkot for the overnight stop.
Day 3
Manthali flight and Phakding
Travel early to Manthali for the flight to Lukla. Begin the walk beside the Dudh Koshi through villages and forest to Phakding, observing mountain habitat along the trail.
Day 4
Birding walk to Namche
Follow the river and cross suspension bridges on the way to Namche Bazaar. Bird pine, fir and rhododendron forest for possible pheasants and other Himalayan species.
Day 5
Thamo acclimatization outing
Remain in the Namche area for acclimatization, with a gentle birding walk around Thamo. Look through pine and juniper habitat while adjusting to the elevation.
Day 6
Khumjung Monal search
Walk toward Khumjung through woodland and open mountain landscapes. Search for Himalayan Monal and other birds, with time for observation and photography before the village stay.
Day 7
Everest View Hotel to Monjo
Bird along the route via Everest View Hotel, then descend through villages and forest toward Monjo. Search for pheasants, finches and other mountain birds along the way.
Day 8
Return trek to Lukla
Follow the Dudh Koshi route back through forest and settlements to Lukla. Use the final walking day for further bird observation and photography.
Day 9
Flight and drive to Kathmandu
Fly from Lukla to Manthali, then continue by road to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and rest after the mountain journey.
Day 10
Full day at Phulchowki
Travel to Phulchowki for a day in subtropical and temperate woodland. Search for Himalayan Cutia, niltavas, tits, raptors and other forest birds, returning to Kathmandu afterwards.
Day 11
International departure
Transfer to the airport according to your onward flight. The eleven-day program ends in Kathmandu.
Locations & map
- Kathmandu - Nepal
- Khurkot - Nepal
- Manthali - Nepal
- Lukla - Nepal
- Phakding - Nepal
- Namche Bazaar - Nepal
- Thamo - Nepal
- Khumjung - Nepal
- Monjo - Nepal
- Phulchowki Hill - Nepal
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: March to May; October to November
Included
- Airport and listed domestic road transfers
- Three-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast and Khurkot hotel
- Return Manthali to Lukla flights
- Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu municipal permits
- Licensed trekking guide and professional birding guide
- One porter per two trekkers
- Trekking teahouses and full-board meals
- Phulchowki birding day, first-aid kit, taxes and service charges
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Kathmandu lunch and dinner unless specified
- Mandatory personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses, drinks and camera charges where applicable
- Tips and personal trekking equipment
- Emergency evacuation and extra hotel nights caused by delays
Policies & FAQ
Does this visit Everest Base Camp?
The standard route reaches Khumjung and returns via Monjo. It does not continue to Everest Base Camp.
How high does the program go?
Khumjung is the advertised high point at 3,790 meters. The schedule includes a Namche-area acclimatization day, and participants should discuss altitude and fitness before booking.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.