The surrounding hills of Kathmandu Valley are a dream destination for nature lovers, bird watching, and cultural explorers. This carefully designed tour combines breathtaking natural landscapes with the rich medieval heritage of Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive north of Kathmandu to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, one of the most important conservation areas near the capital.
Home to 177 species of birds, this lush forest reserve offers excellent opportunities to spot rare and migratory birds in their natural habitat making it the perfect place for bird watching. The peaceful trails, dense woodlands, and panoramic views of the valley make it a paradise for eco-tourism and hiking enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Rare bird species sightings
Serene forest walks
Spectacular views of Kathmandu Valley
The tour continues to Phulchowki Hill, located approximately 20 km southeast of Kathmandu. With 288 recorded bird species, it is the most popular bird watching destination in the Kathmandu Valley.
Its rich biodiversity, subtropical forests, and tranquil environment provide an exceptional experience for bird lovers and photographers alike.
After immersing yourself in nature, the tour transitions into a cultural journey through Nepal’s medieval heritage sites.
One of the holiest Hindu temples in the world, Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and a member of the Hindu Holy Trinity. Located along the sacred Bagmati River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major pilgrimage destination and a remarkable example of traditional Nepali pagoda architecture.
A stop at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, offers a captivating and spiritually rejuvenating experience. Surrounded by monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist culture, this sacred monument is an important center of pilgrimage and meditation.
Renowned for its extraordinary art and architecture, Patan Durbar Square reflects the rich cultural heritage of the medieval period. Patan’s history dates back to the 4th century BC, and the four ancient stupas at its corners are believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka.
The palace complex consists of three main courtyards:
Mul Chowk
Sundari Chowk (featuring the exquisite royal bath, Tusha Hiti)
Keshav Narayan Chowk
Krishna Mandir
Hiranya Varna Maha Vihar (Golden Temple)
Patan Museum
Mahabouddha Temple
The square beautifully blends Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments, showcasing the artistic brilliance and religious harmony of Nepal’s Newar civilization.
Bird watching in two premier natural reserves
Cultural exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Insight into medieval art and architecture
Spiritual experiences at sacred Hindu and Buddhist landmarks
Perfect combination of nature, culture, and history
This tour offers a comprehensive and unforgettable experience of Kathmandu Valley — ideal for nature lovers, cultural travelers, and spiritual seekers alike.
Outline Itinerary
Price Details.
For more information on price, please make a booking through the booking link on this webpage or alternatively, email us at ehtours@explorehimalayatravel.com and we shall revert to you shortly thereafter.
Detail Itinerary.
Upon arrival in the Land of the Himalayas, Nepal, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative at the airport. You will then be escorted to your hotel in Kathmandu for check-in and relaxation.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: After breakfast, you will be driven to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park with a packed lunch for a full day of bird-watching activities.
Located in the northern part of Kathmandu, the park covers an area of approximately 159 sq. km and is rich in diverse flora and fauna. Shivapuri is home to 177 species of birds, including at least nine endangered species, making it one of the best bird-watching destinations near Kathmandu.
Regularly recorded bird species include:
Black-throated Tit
Hume’s Warbler
Himalayan Griffon
Mountain Bulbul
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher
Grey-winged Blackbird
Hair-crested Drongo
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Grey Treepie
White-capped Redstart
Enjoy exploring the forest trails and observing birds in their natural habitat while surrounded by peaceful Himalayan foothills.
After completing the bird-watching excursion, you will drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Morning: After breakfast, you will be driven to Phulchowki Hill with a packed lunch for a full day of bird-watching activities.
Located approximately 18 km south of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,760 meters above sea level, Phulchowki Hill is considered the premier bird-watching destination in the Kathmandu Valley. Its rich forest habitat and varied elevation make it home to a remarkable diversity of bird species.
Regularly recorded resident species include:
Besra
Black Eagle
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
Kalij Pheasant
Common Hill Partridge
Ashy Wood Pigeon
Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon
Mountain Scops Owl
Collared Owlet
Golden-throated Barbet
Speckled Piculet
Crimson-breasted Pied Woodpecker
Rufous-bellied Pied Woodpecker
Grey-chinned Minivet
Striated Bulbul
Orange-bellied Leafbird
Spotted Forktail
Chestnut-headed Tesia
Grey-bellied Tesia
Enjoy exploring the serene forest trails while observing these fascinating bird species in their natural habitat.
After completing the bird-watching excursion, you will drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Morning: After breakfast, you will be driven to Phulchowki Hill with a packed lunch for bird-watching activities. This excursion offers excellent opportunities to observe and identify a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat while enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings.
After completing the bird-watching activities, you will drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, you will proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred and historic landmarks.
Located approximately 6 km (4 miles) east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in a lush natural setting along the sacred Bagmati River, this multi-storied pagoda-style temple features a gilded roof and beautifully carved silver doors.
The main sanctum houses a sacred five-faced Shiva lingam, representing Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and a principal deity of the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
Pashupatinath is the focal point of the annual Maha Shivaratri festival, celebrated in February or March on the new moon night. During this time, thousands of devotees and sadhus from Nepal and India gather to worship Lord Shiva. Behind the temple complex lie the Hindu cremation ghats along the Bagmati River, an important spiritual site for last rites.
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in Nepal and among the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. The iconic eyes painted on the stupa symbolize wisdom and awareness, while the symbol between them represents unity.
At the base of the stupa are prayer wheels inscribed with the Tibetan mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum.” The surrounding brick wall features 108 images of meditating Buddhas set behind copper prayer wheels.
Often referred to as “Little Tibet,” Boudhanath remains the best place in the Kathmandu Valley to observe traditional Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Numerous Tibetan monasteries surround the stupa, making it the focal center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Boudhanath is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination in Nepal.
Located about 5 km (3 miles) from Kathmandu, Lalitpur — commonly known as Patan — is celebrated as the “City of Fine Arts.” The ancient city is traditionally believed to be enclosed by four stupas built in the 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka.
At the heart of the city lies Patan Durbar Square, one of the seven monument zones of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The square is filled with:
Ancient royal palaces
Pagoda-style temples
Stone baths
Hindu and Buddhist statues
Intricate wood and bronze carvings
Major attractions include:
Krishna Mandir
Hiranya Varna Maha Vihar (Golden Temple)
Patan Museum, which houses an impressive collection of bronze statues and religious artifacts, some dating back to the 11th century
The blend of Hindu and Buddhist monuments reflects the artistic excellence and cultural harmony of medieval Nepal.
After completing the sightseeing tour, you will return to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast at the hotel
Leisure till departure
Our representative will escort you to the International Airport for onward destination.
