Annapurna Birdwatching Trek – 14 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short birding walk around the hotel gardens or nearby green spaces. In the evening, attend a tour briefing covering the trekking route, birdlife, and equipment check.

After an early morning flight to Pokhara, enjoy a scenic drive to Birethanti (42 km | 1.5 hrs), the gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area. From here, begin your trek through terraced fields, charming villages, and subtropical forests before ascending the famous stone staircases to Ulleri. Along the Modi Khola and forested trails, there are excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Possible sightings include **Crested Kingfisher**, **Grey Wagtail**, **Grey Bushchat**, and the **Streaked Laughingthrush**. Overnight at a local lodge in Ulleri.

Today's trail climbs through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests, one of the finest birding habitats in the Annapurna region. The forest is home to numerous Himalayan species, and with a bit of luck, you may encounter Darjeeling Woodpecker, Chestnut-tailed Minla, and Speckled Wood Pigeon while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery. Overnight at a lodge in Ghorepani.

Pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise and panoramic Annapurna views. Excellent high-altitude birding for rosefinches, accentors, and alpine finches at first light.

Start before dawn with a hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After breakfast, continue trekking through lush rhododendron forests toward Tadapani. This section offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with possible sightings of White-capped Redstart, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, and White-collared Blackbird. Overnight at a local lodge.

The trail descends through dense forests before climbing to the beautiful Gurung village of Chhomrong, the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp. Keep an eye on the skies and forest edges for Golden Eagle, while Russet Sparrow, Fire-tailed Sunbird, and Dark-rumped Rosefinch may be seen along the route. Overnight at a lodge in Chhomrong.

Today's trail descends to the Chhomrong Khola before gradually climbing through bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests. This habitat supports several iconic Himalayan birds, including the colorful Himalayan Monal, the elusive Satyr Tragopan, and Brown Bullfinch. Overnight at Bamboo.

Continue ascending through cool, moss-covered forests that gradually give way to alpine vegetation. This stretch is excellent for birdwatching, where you may encounter Vinaceous Rosefinch, Green Shrike-babbler, Coal Tit, and the attractive Variegated Laughingthrush. Overnight at Deurali.

Leaving the tree line behind, trek through the spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. The alpine landscape provides habitat for several high-altitude bird species, including Alpine Accentor, Plain Mountain Finch, and the majestic Himalayan Vulture soaring overhead. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp.

After an early breakfast, begin the descent from Annapurna Base Camp, retracing the trail through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and the beautiful Himalayan forests to Bamboo. The changing elevation offers another excellent opportunity to observe Himalayan birdlife. Possible sightings include the Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Tibetan Snowcock on the higher rocky slopes, and the striking White-winged Grosbeak. Overnight at a local lodge in Bamboo.

Today's trek follows lush forest trails through Sinuwa and Chhomrong before descending to Jhinu Danda, famous for its natural hot springs beside the Modi Khola. Along the route, keep an eye out for Black-faced Warbler, Ultramarine Flycatcher, and Common Kestrel. After lunch, drive back to Pokhara and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lakeside. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Spend the morning exploring the wetlands and lakes around Pame, one of Pokhara Valley's best birding sites. This rich habitat supports numerous waterbirds and grassland species. Possible sightings include Common Sandpiper, Woolly-necked Stork, Nepal's endemic Spiny Babbler, and Lesser Whistling Duck, along with many other wetland birds. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast, take a short scenic flight back to Kathmandu. In the late afternoon, enjoy birdwatching around Ichangu, a peaceful forested area on the outskirts of the city. Possible sightings include Spotted Forktail, Cattle Egret, and Blue-throated Barbet, providing a pleasant conclusion to your Himalayan birding adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your transfer to the airport for departure. We bid you farewell with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas, wildlife, and birding adventures.