Best Bird Watching Spots in Pokhara, Nepal (Guide 2025)

In Nepal, total 915 species birds is recorded according to research,  467 different species of birds can be seen in pokhara area. Pokhara, Nepal’s tranquil lake city, isn’t just a gateway to the Himalayas — it’s also a hidden paradise for bird watchers. From lush forests to serene lakes and ridge-top trails, the Pokhara Valley is home to over 300 species of birds, including Nepal’s only endemic bird, the elusive Spiny Babbler. Whether you’re wandering along the shores of Phewa Lake or hiking through Raniban Forest to the Peace Pagoda, you’ll find vibrant flocks, rare migratory visitors, and majestic raptors soaring overhead. In this guide, we’ll explore the best bird watching spots in Pokhara and the amazing birdlife you can expect to see in each.

Bird Watching in Pokhara – Best Locations and Species to Spot

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s top destinations for bird watching, thanks to its rich biodiversity and varied landscapes including lakes, forests, and hillsides. Whether you’re a beginner birder or an experienced ornithologist, Pokhara offers some of the best birding spots in Nepal with over 467 species recorded in the region.

One of the most popular places for bird watching in Pokhara is the Phewa Lake area, especially the Raniban Forest and the trail to World Peace Pagoda. This zone offers a mix of wetland and forest species including the Spiny Babbler—Nepal’s only endemic bird—along with Chestnut-headed Tesia, Long-tailed Broadbill, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White-throated Kingfisher, and Brown Fish Owl. During winter months, Phewa Lake attracts migratory waterbirds such as Bar-headed Geese, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Great Crested Grebe, Northern Pintail, and Whiskered Tern.

For more tranquil and rural birding, the Begnas and Rupa Lakes in the Lekhnath area are ideal. These lakes are surrounded by light forests and wetlands, home to species like the Kalij Pheasant, Scaly-breasted Munia, Common Snipe, Indian Spot-billed Duck, and Purple Heron. Bird photographers and nature lovers can often spot Red-wattled Lapwing, Ashy Prinia, and Black Drongo along the shorelines and fields.

If you’re interested in raptors and vultures, the Ghachowk Vulture Restaurant and nearby Dobhilla are must-visit locations. These areas near the Seti River provide safe feeding zones and nesting areas for endangered vultures in Nepal. You can expect sightings of up to eight vulture species including the Himalayan Griffon, Slender-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, and White-rumped Vulture—making Pokhara a hotspot for raptor observation in South Asia.

Another top birding route includes Sarangkot, Naudanda, and Kaskikot hills, which offer panoramic views of the Annapurna range along with rich forest birdlife. This ridge is great for spotting Rufous Sibia, Blue Whistling Thrush, Long-tailed Minivet, Black Eagle, Himalayan Buzzard, and Grey-hooded Warbler. The area is also a great place to see mixed-species flocks during the early morning hours.

The best time for bird watching in Pokhara is from October to March, when both local and migratory birds are most active. Early mornings are ideal for bird activity and photography. Whether you’re exploring wetlands, tropical forests, or Himalayan ridgelines, birding in Pokhara is a rewarding experience that connects you with Nepal’s natural beauty and avian diversity.

Spiny Babbler ( Turdoides nipalensis ) :-

Spiny Babbler can be seen in frequently  from east of Nepal to west of Nepal above 1500 m-2135 m below and in winters from 500 m – 1830 m.  It can be recognized with help of their some attractive parts of their body like Downcurved black bill, white on face, dark brown upper parts without prominent streaking, white iris and strong, fine black streaking on throat and breast.

During the spring we can see a variety of migratory and breeding birds.

We are trying to save the birds of all over Nepal, birds plays the vital role in saving the green earth.

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