Bird Conservation Trip

Arrive Tribhuvan International Airport; Tiger Tops transfer to Dwarika's Hotel — a 5-star oasis in the heart of the city. Afternoon optional city temple tour — Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath — with their blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture and ritual.

Arrive Tharu Lodge around noon; settle into rooms before a hearty Nepali daal bhaat in the garden. Afternoon briefing over tea/coffee. Late afternoon Land Rover into Chitwan National Park for a first taste of jungle birdlife — 568 different species have been recorded in the park.

Early start with packed breakfast; about one hour to the Mahabharat range — the beginning of the Himalayan foothills and perfect habitat for Nepal's endemic Spiny Babbler and other middle-hill birds. Return for lunch. Afternoon with Tharu Lodge manager DB Chaudhary, an avid bird lover and conservationist, by Land Rover to Jayatyu Vulture Restaurant — a pioneering site for extremely endangered vultures of the Indian subcontinent. Eight of nine Nepal vulture species have been recorded here (four resident, four winter visitors). October–April is a good window for nesting White-rumped, Slender-billed and Egyptian vultures.

Early breakfast (lodge special omelette). Strap on walking boots and bamboo stick for a full Land Rover overview of the park with packed lunch and refreshments. Boat ferry across the Narayani for waterfowl, then into the heart of the park targeting Great Hornbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Woolly-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Hill Myna, Pale-footed Bush Warbler, Jerdon's Babbler, Slender-billed Babbler and many more.

Early breakfast then a full-day trip to Lumbini — Buddha's birthplace and a landscape rich with natural habitat and breeding pairs of Sarus cranes. Visit the International Crane Foundation / Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, protecting habitat for cranes and diverse other wildlife. Strong birding also for owls, raptors, babblers and storks.

Last full birding day: a full day's walk inside the park — the best way to spot and watch birds in detail, revisiting key sites from earlier days. Hiking boots and sunscreen; staff handle food and drinks. Bring the Chitwan bird list and aim to tick as many species as possible.

Last morning ticks before breakfast, then transfer to Bharatpur for the flight to Kathmandu. Evening at Dwarika's; optional city tour with a Tiger Tops operator. Dinner can be arranged at the refurbished Royal Stables / Chez Caroline.

Day at leisure until transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.