Godawari and Phulchoki Bird Watching Tour

Overview

Godavari and Phulchoki lies in Kathmandu valley within 85o 16.00’E and 27o 37.00’N. This forest includes low altitude to the highest mountain encircling the Kathmandu valley within an elevation of 1400m to 2760m. The mountain encloses an area of 50 sq. Km. A temple of Phulchoki can be found at the top of the mountain and an incredible view of the Kathmandu valley is seen from the area also the great views of the mountains and best sunrise from the valley. It is one of the last surviving cloud forests of central Nepal. The chief plant species are Alder, Pine, Rhododendron, Oak, etc.

Godavari and Phulchoki inhibit different species of birds. It is also identified as one of the Important Bird Area of Nepal. Lots of birds migrate to the area in winter. Birds found in the forest are Satyar Trogopan, Himalayan Cutia, Hoary-throated Barwing, Blue-winged Siva, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Golden-throated Barbet, Eurasian Cuckoo, Green-billed Malkoha, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Mountain Scoups Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Buzzard, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Eurasian Jay, Common Green Magpie, Maroon Oriole, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Blue Rock Thrush, Chestnut Thrush, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Siberian Rubythroat, White-browed Shortwing, Golden Bush Robin, Wallcreeper, Spotted Forktail, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Grey-bellied Tesia, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Black-throated Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Sunbird, etc. The important bird watching season is September to April where different migratory and resident birds are seen. The mammalian fauna found in the forest is Common Leopard, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, and Red Giant Flying Squirrel, etc.