Overview

The Godawari and Phulchoki bird-watching tour is one of the best birding places in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley nestles the forest within its landscape. It represents a critically important ecological enclave, uniquely spanning a significant elevation gradient from 1400m to 2760m within a compact 50 sq.km area. Its most distinctive feature is its status as one of central Nepal’s last surviving cloud forests.  This designation underscores its unique microclimate and the specialized biodiversity it harbors. This specific environment supports a rich tapestry of flora, including Alder, Pine, Rhododendron, Oak, and temperate broadleaf and coniferous mixed forests, which in turn sustain an extraordinary array of fauna.

Godawari and Phulchoki Birdwatching Tour

As an identified Important Bird Area (IBA), Godawari and Phulchoki are vital sanctuaries and migratory stopovers, attracting a remarkable diversity of avian species, particularly from September to April. The presence of both low-altitude and high-altitude forest species, from the elusive Satyar Trogopan to the majestic Mountain Hawk Eagle, highlights its ecological complexity. Beyond birds, the forest is home to significant mammalian species like the Common Leopard and Red Giant Flying Squirrel. The combination of its unique cloud forest ecosystem, high species diversity in a relatively small area, and its role as a critical refuge near an urban center makes Godawari and Phulchoki an invaluable natural heritage site, offering not just breathtaking views but also crucial insights into Himalayan biodiversity and the urgent need for its conservation.

A Trip birding in Kathmandu 

Godavari and Phulchoki harbor different species of birds. It ranks among Nepal’s Important Bird Areas. Lots of birds migrate to the area in winter. The Godawari and Phulchoki forests are home to rare bird species like Satyar Trogopan, Himalayan Cutia, and Hoary-throated Barwing. The Blue-winged Siva, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, and Grey-headed Woodpecker. Also, Golden-throated Barbet, Eurasian Cuckoo, Green-billed Malkoha, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Mountain Scops Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, Ashy Wood Pigeon.

Great place for birding at Godawari and Phulchoki forever 

Likewise, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Buzzard. Also, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shikra, Eurasian Jay, Common Green Magpie, Maroon Oriole. Similarly, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Blue Rock Thrush, Chestnut Thrush. As well as Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Large Niltava, Siberian Rubythroat.

The most beautiful birds are Golden Bush Robin, Wallcreeper, Spotted Forktail, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Grey-bellied Tesia, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, and Striated Laughingthrush, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Black-throated Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Sunbird, etc. Bird watchers can observe a variety of migratory and resident birds from September to April, the prime bird-watching season. The mammalian fauna found in the forest is Common Leopard, Barking Deer, Yellow-throated Marten, and Red Giant Flying Squirrel, etc.