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Kathmandu & Annapurna Circuit Trek, March/April 2005,
Observers - Ramesh Karki, Dave Allan and John B O'Connell-Davidson
Highlights
Problems
Itinerary
23/24 March London - Kathmandu
Dave and I arrived in Kathmandu in late evening of the 24 where we were meet by a representative from Explore Nepal who would be looking after during our time in Nepal and transferred to the Hotel Kantipur Temple Hose in Thamel area of Kathmandu where our guide for the trip Ramesh Karki was waiting for us.
25 March Kathmandu
A day excursion to Phulchowki, the highest peak of the Kathmandu Valley at just over 2800 m: 9,000 feet. The day was not as productive as normal as it was a public holiday and many locals were visiting the area for picnics. With this disturbance Cuita the target bird for the area was not seen or heard, however, we had seen or heard over 84 species of birds during approximately 8 hrs of birding.
26 March Kathmandu – (1311 m 4300 ft) Besisahar (796 m 2611 ft)
We left at 08:00 by car from Kathmandu to the Besisahar, which is at the end of the normal road and the start of the Annapurna Circuit Trek and our campsite. From now on until we arrived back in Pokhara we would be camping in the tents provided by Explore. On the way to Besisahar we stopped many times during the journey whenever we saw anything of interest. We arrived in Besisahar at about 14.30 and birded away from the village in the late afternoon on the wooded hillside to the North but the area was very quiet. Although the road ends at Besisahar it is still possible to use local buses, which travel on the rough road / track to Bhulbhule
27 March Besisahar - Ngadi (904 m 2966 ft)
An early morning start, which will become the normal day until the end of the trek. The day starts with a cup of tea at 05.30 followed by breakfast and we start walking between 06.30 & 07.00. Lunch is taken between 11.00 & 12.30 depending upon were food has been arranged between Ramesh and the cook. Today we follow the rough road that runs alongside the Marsyangdi River that we will be following, crossing backwards & forwards many times, for the next eight days. Many small birds were seen feeding upon bushes (possible called Quricas incana [this is the name Ramesh gave it] which is very similar to the Chilean fire bush) that had small red flowers on them which gave many birds bright red foreheads. We arrived at Ngadi at 13.30 and birded on the wooded hillside to the north but this was curtailed by rain from 16.30.
28 March Ngadi - Jagat (1308 m 4293 ft)
On leaving Ngadi the path runs along terraced fields before climbing towards Bahundanda, which is about 400m above the Marsyangdi River. All this is pleasant easy walking before descending to cross back across the river at Syange. North of Syange the river narrows to a gorge as one continues walking up hill with high mountains either side before it levels out just before Jagat where we arrive at 16.15.
March 29 Jagat - Tal (1679 m 5510 ft)
Eearly birding for an hour before breakfast in the forest just before Jagat was not very productive. After leaving Jagat the path counters slowly up hill towards Chame and then climbs steeply as the gorge narrows even further before the area opens out to gravel flats at Tal, which were probably the bed of a lake at some stage. It was while we were in the gorge that one of the camp staff saw a flock of about 20 Cranes flying North at about 10:00. Although we did not see these birds from the description he gave we came to the conclusion that they were probably Demoiselle Cranes. We arrived at Tal at 14.30 and after an hour of rain spent the late afternoon exploring the hillside just before the village.
30 March Tal - Danagyu (2235 m 7334 ft)
Leaving the village the path soon enters the steep walled gorge. It was in this area that we heard 8 Nepal Wren Babblers calling from different locations and we had excellent views of a pair feeding & preening in the undergrowth below the path close to the river. The path crosses the river once more and now is on the West bank for about 3k before crossing to the other bank before once more crossing back before Dharapani. After this village the trail now heads through pinewoods passing through Bararchhap, which was devastated by a landslide in 1995, then on to Danagyu.
31 March Danagyu - Bhratang (2900 m 9513 ft)
The trail from Danagyu is through forests of rhododendron, oak and walnut before they give way to predominately pine as the trail goes up and down following the river to Koto where there is a police check point. An hour or so latter you reach Chame, which is the administrative centre for Manang District. At Chame the trail once more cross the river and wends its way through pine forests before it opens out into a level area that is full of apple orchards at Bhratang.
1 April Bhratang - Humde (3400 m 11156 ft)
Soon after leaving Bhratang the trail has been cut in the rock face of the gorge before arriving at another bridge. Very soon after crossing the bridge trail climbs steeply through the pine forests before the finally opening out into the Manang valley. The landscape has now changed, to a semi arid one as it is in the rain shadow of the Annapurnas with the area dotted with stunted pines and junipers across the valley floor. An hour or so latter you pass through Pisang where there is another police checkpoint, which is near the airport. Soon after Pisang the valley opens out even more with dramatic views of the mountains either side of the trail before arriving at Humde.
2 April Humde - Manang (3550 m 11646 ft)
The trail from Humde is wide and easy with spectacular views of Annapurna III & IV to the South West and the Chulu West, Central & East to the North East. There are some small shallow lakes soon after leaving Humde, which are worth visiting for birds. Eventually the trail crosses a small wooden bridge, which takes the trail across the Marsyangdi for the last time just before Braga. The villages and the structures in this area are now all Tibetan in style. There is an old monastery above Braga, which is now deserted with the monks moving to a new one a couple of kilometres away. The wide valley is very sparse with only low growing trees and shrubs, which are covered with thorns to try to prevent the goats from eating them. We arrived hour latter at the large village of Manang where after lunch we explored the area. The days now until we cross the pass are more to do with altitude acclimatisation than trekking.
3 April Manang - Yak Kharka (4046 m 13274 ft_
The trail winds its way up the hillside from Manang above the river and it is an easy mornings walk to scattered group of teahouses called Yak Kharka, which means yak pasture. An afternoon birding on the hillside did not prove to be too fruitful but altitude acclimatisation was more important.
4 April Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi (4615 m 15142 ft)
Soon after leaving Yak Kharka there is a short climb before reaching Letdar. The trail now winds it way slowly above the river on the East bank and if you look over to the West there are normally herds of Blue Sheep (bharal) grassing on the hillside. The path then cuts down to the river before climbing once more as it snakes its way towards Thorong Phedi where we arrived just before 1 pm.
5 April Thorong Phedi – Thorong La (5415m, 17,769 ft) - Muktinath (3664 m 12020 ft)
The day we crossed the Thorong La was always going to be a long one and it can take between 8 to 12 hours depending upon conditions at the top. So an early 4 am start in a bright starlit sky to ensure we crossed the top before the wind became to strong and the sun made the snow conditions slippery underfoot. The path is steepest soon after leaving Thorong Phedi zigzagging its way up the slope towards the high camp, where due to wind blowing the snow during the night, the snow conditions were tricky and required careful negotiating. After a long slow climb the top suddenly comes into view with a simple teahouse at the top which servers the most expensive tea in Nepal. The views at the top are spectacular and after a tea and photos it is soon time descend to Muktinath. The path down at the start was snow-covered in places and at times slippery underfoot as it zigzags through the moraine and finally out of the snow at about 4800m. At the bottom of the pass there are a few teahouses at Chabarbu and the path now crosses level rough pastures before finally dropping to Muktinath, where we arrives in the early afternoon.
6 April Muktinath – Kagbeni (2840 m 9318 ft)
This was always meant to be an easy day after crossing the pass, so we had an early morning visit to the temple at Muktinath and birded in the valley directly below it for the morning. After lunch a walk down a very wide track, which jeeps some times use, through the very dry and open barren landscape of the area. As one nears Kagbeni the irrigated bright green fields stand out against stark barren landscape of the valley floor and the way Northwards to Mastang.
7 April Kagbeni – Matpha (2670 m 8760 ft)
We now followed the Kali Gandaki until Tatopani (in four days time) and the area we are walking for the next three days are subject to very strong Northerly winds from about 10 am until dusk as the heat on the Tibetan plateau draws the air up the valley. So an early morning start to be across the Thak Khola and be in Jomosom by 10 am was our objective. There is a large army presents in the Jomosom and the wide paved road, which runs through the centre of the town, is lined with teahouses and shops either side. An hour or so latter after leaving Jomosom we reached Marpha by way of a wide dirt road. This dirt road may one day stretch from Tibet to Beni but at present it runs from Jomosom until Gasha which is used by tractors and motor bikes which wiz past at monotonous regularity. If the road is ever completed to Beni it surely will spoil the nature of this wonderful area of the Himalayas.
8 April Matpha – Kalopani (2533 m 8310 ft)
Today the weather changed today and light rain in the morning on and off gave way to more general heavy rain in the afternoon before we reached Kalopani. We spent a good part of the day searching the Kali Gandaki gravel beds for signs of Ibis Bills or other waders. It was not until we had almost reached the end of the bed of sand and stones, which make up this section of the Kali Gandaki, and in the worst possible weather conditions we found two Ibis Bills feeding in a small side-stream.
9 April Kalopani – Kopchepani (1615 m 5300 ft)
Today our itinerary was a morning walk to Gasha and an afternoon birding in the area and in the early morning next day. However, when we arrived at Gasha there was an extremely large army presents there and we were advised not to go on the hillsides or in the forest at this present time. With the weather closing in once more we decided to leave and camp further down at Kopchepani. The route from Jomosom to Gasha is wide and easy but now the Kali Gandaki flows through a gorge and the trail has a long, rough and steep descent to Kopchepani.
10 April Kopchepani – Tatopani (1275 m 4182 ft)
With the weather being extremely bad higher up a large number of breeding birds had come down to escape the snowfalls with reports of over 1 metre falling higher up. This snowfall I believe shut the Thorong La pass for at least two days. Soon after leaving Kopchepani we saw about 35 Grandulars 2/3 of them males fly around beneath us in rays of sunshine is one sight I shall always remember. After a steep drop the valley begins once more to open out and the trail finally reaches the river once and it is then an easy walk into Tatopani for lunch. The afternoon was spent resting and soaking in the hot springs, which the village is famous for.
11 April Tatopani – Chitre (2385 m 7824 ft)
Not long after leaving Tatopani we left the trail that carried onto Beni and took the one to Ghorepani, which was our destination in two days time. Soon after crossing the Kali Gandaki we had a long steep climb up a endless stone stairway through fields and trees gaining height all the time until we entered the forest towards the top. The trail then once more now opened out with terraced fields either side as it climbs slowly but steadily to Chitre where we arrived in mid afternoon where we had a few unproductive hours on the hillside.
12 April Chitre – Deurali (3121 m 10238 ft) – Ghorepani (2865 m 9400 ft)
As the crow flies it is only 4 k from Chitre to Ghorepani but we decided to go up the valley to Deurali and then down the 3100m ridge to Ghorepani. We left early from Chitre and explored the forested valley on the way to Deurali. The path through this area is little used and it was an excellent area to bird in the forest of rhododendron, bamboo and pine. After an extremely steep climb just before lunch we arrived at Deurali and in the afternoon birded in an excellent area of bamboo and rhododendron forest as it runs along the ridge towards Ghorepani where we arrived in late afternoon.
13 April Ghorepani – Hille (1485 m 4872 ft)
A 4.30 am start for the sunrise at Poon Hill (3195 m 10481 ft) is one of the must in the area and it also is an excellent birding site amongst the bamboo and rhododendron forest, which cover the hillside especially if you can find a quiet clearing away from the main path and the other visitors. After a late breakfast the walk down is easy and gentle through bamboo and rhododendron forest, which is draped in moss but surprisingly quiet for birds. After at Ulleri (2246 m 7370 ft) the tail drops very steeply down a stone stairway that seems endless (3500 steps approximately) before we arrived at Hille.
14 April Hille – Birethanti (1045 m 3428 ft) – Pokhara (797 m 2615 ft)
The trail now undulates as it runs down now by the river through paddy fields and corn crops before reaching the road at Birethanti where a car took us to Pokhara where we arrived in early afternoon. From mid afternoon we birded the along the East shore and the top end of the lake which was very productive.
15 April Pokhara - Kathmandu
It is just under an hours flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and back to the Kantipur Temple House for lunch. In the afternoon we went South of Kathmandu and birded for a couple of hours on a small lake at Taudaha and the Bagmati River nearby. The Bagmati River here smells almost like an open sewer but it was surprisingly good for birds.
16 April
Sightseeing and shopping in the morning before the flight back to London.
Notes.
Himalayan Snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) a number heard calling high above the valley above Yak Kharka on the 3/4 and 7 seen next day on the trail to Phedi with one pair very close to the path.
Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) 1 on the 2/4, 36 next day in the fields above Manang and seen in small numbers on the 6/4 - 7/4 and heard on the 8/4.
Hill Partridge (Arborophila torqueola) Heard calling in the forest Phulchowki 25/3.
Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) 2 in the forest at Phulchowki on the 25/3.
Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) 1 on the 15/4 at a small lake at Taudaha 15/4. This was possibly a bird that may have been injured and did not return North in the spring, however, we did see it fly strongly along the river.
Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) 2 in near Manang on the 2/4.
Common Teal (Anas crecca) 1 male & 2 females in the Bagmati River at Taudaha on the 15/4.
Gargany (Anas querquedula) 7 males & 1 female in the river by the campsite at Tatopani 10/4.
Red-crested Pochard (Rhodonessa rufina) 1 male & 2 females at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Common Pochard (Aythya farina) 2 at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Tuffed Duck (Aythya fuligula) 2 at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei) 3 in the forest between Ngadi - Jagat 28/3.
Rufous-bellied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos hyperythrus) 1 Phulchowki on the 25/3
Darjeeling Pied Woodpecker (Dendrocopos darjellensis) 2 in the forest at Phulchowki on the 25/3 and 1 in the forest Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Lesser Yellownape (Picus chlorolophus) 1 between Ngadi – Jagat 27/3 .
Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) 4 in the forest Chitre – Deurali 12/4 & 1 14/4 between Hille – Birethati and heard calling on the 26/3, 28/3, 29/3, 13/4.
Great Barbet (Megalaima virens) A bird often heard calling in the forest below 2000m, 2 at Phulchowki on the 25/3 and observed in small number on the 27-29/3 & 11-14/4.
Golden-throated Barbet (Megalaima franklinii) 1 at Phulchowki on the 25/3 and heard in the lower altitude forest on the 26 & 28/3 and 13 & 14/4.
Blue-throated Barbet (Megalaima asiatica) Heard calling on the 26, 27/3 & 14/4.
Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala) 2 during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar on 26/3 & heard calling 14 & 15/4.
Hoopoe (Upupa epops) 1 on the 14/4 & 2 next day around the hotel in Pokhara.
Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) 1 during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar on 26/3.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti) Seen in good numbers during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar on 26/3 and in good numbers again next day between Besisahar - Ngadi.
Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) 4 by the river between Hille – Birethati 14/4.
White-throated Kingfisher (Halycon smyrnensis) Frequently during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar on 26/3 and 1 between Kalopani – Kopchepani 16/4 and 3 near Pokhara 14/4.
Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris) 1 seen by the river 27/3 between Besisahar – Ngadi & 1 Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Large Hawk Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides) Widespread and frequently heard below 2300m and 1 observed on the 28/3 between Ngadi – Jagat.
Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) Heard near Kathmandu 15/4.
Eurasian Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) Frequently heard from 11/4 on and 1 on the 11/4 & 3 12/4.
Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus) Widespread and frequently heard (but unfortunately not seen) below 1500m.
Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea) 1 between Ngadi – Jagat 28/3 and heard calling on the 26 & 27/3.
Green-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis) 1 between Tatopani – Chitre 11/4.
Rose-ringed (Ring-necked) Parakeet Psittacula krameri 1 in the forest at Phulchowki on the 25/3 and 3 between Hille – Birethati on the 14/4.
Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) Heard calling on the 11/4 between Tatopani – Chitre.
House (Little) Swift (Apus affinis) Very common at lower levels. Seen feeding in large flocks on the 26-28/3 30/3 and 12, 14 & 15/4. Small numbers on the 29/3 & 10/4.
Fork-tailed (Pacific) Swift (Apus pacificus) 1 above the river gorge between Ngadi – Jagat and 5 between Jagat – Tal 29/3.
Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba) 4 between Tatopani – Chitre 11/4.
Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) Heard call near Humde during the night 1/4 and again at Ghorepani 12/4.
Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei) 1 heard calling in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and again 1 heard between Chitre – Deurali 12/4 & 2 heard between Ghorepani - Hille 13/4.
Asian Barred Owlet (Glaucidium cuculoides) 3 between Ngadi - Jagat 28/3, 2 Tatopani – Chitre 11/4 & 1 Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Little Owl (Athene noctua) 1 dead bird hanging as a trophy from a line in the village of Khobang which had been killed by a man (who seemed quite pleased with himself) with a catapult when it was roosting near by.
Spotted (Little) Owlet (Athene brama) 1 in a tree just above the road between Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3.
Grey (Jungle) Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus) Heard calling near the campsite at Besisahar 26/3.
Rock (Dove) Pigeon (Columba livia) Seen in good numbers on most days during the trek.
Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris) 1 on the 31/3 between Danagyu – Bhratang and in good numbers on the 2 & 3/4 between Humde - Yak Kharka.
Snow Pigeon (Columba leuconota) A flock of 12 birds on the 3/4 between Manang - Yak Kharka, good numbers again next day Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi and a single bird 9/4 Kalopani – Kopchepani which could have been brought lower by the bad weather higher up.
Speckled Wood Pigeon (Columba hodgsonii) 20+ in the forest at Phulchowki on the 25/3.
Ashy Wood Pigeon (Columba pulchricollis) 3 in the forest between Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) Widespread and seen on over ½ the days of the trek especially at lower altitudes.
Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis) Common except at higher altitudes.
Barred Cuckoo Dove (Macropygia unchall) 1 in the dense forest at Phulchowki on the 25/3.
Purple Swamphen (Porohyrio porphyrio) 2 at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Common Moorehen (Gallinula chloropus) 4 at the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Common Coot (Fulica atra) Good numbers at the lake at Pokhara 14/4 and 2 on the small lake at Taudaha 15/4.
Solitary Snipe (Gallinago solitaria) 2 in a small stream below the temple at Muktinath 6/4.
Snipe species 1 in a forest stream between Chitre – Deurali 12/4 and although had three brief views of it we were unable to possibly identify it but it could have been a Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola).
Common Greenshank (Triga nebularia) 4 at the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) 1 at a small lake below the temple at Muktinath 6/4, 1 at the lake at Pokhara 14/4 and 3 on the Bagmati River near Taudaha 15/4.
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoteucos) 6 by the river between Matpha – Kalopani 8/4, 1 at the lake at Pokhara 14/4 and 2 on the Bagmati River near Taudaha 15/4.
Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) 7 on the Bagmati River near Taudaha 15/4.
Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) 2 seen feeding in a small side-stream off the main river near the village of Kokhetani 8/4. We had asked a local man if he had seen any ‘Pani Has’ (which literally means ‘water duck’) and he said he had seen them quite often by the river and after extensive searching in very heavy rain we had good views of two birds.
Bronze-winged Jacana (Metopidius indicus ) Large numbers at the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius placidus) 1 the Bagmati River near Taudaha 15/4.
River Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) 1 by the river during the trip Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3.
Grey-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) 2 flying over very close at the Bagmati River near Taudaha 15/4. Ramesh stated that earlier in the year he seen over 30 birds feeding in the fields near by.
Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) 1 feeding in a field at Manang at 3540m, a high observation for this species.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) Abundant in Kathmandu & Pokhara and during road journeys. 1 just below Muktinath 6/4 at 3800m.
Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) 3 at 10:50 29/3 just after Chame and 1 over Tal also on the 29/4. 1 over Tal at 08:35 and another at Karte at 10:15 on the 30/3. 1 at 11:20 just after Gunsang and 1 Yak Kharka 15:10 on the 3/4. 1 4/4 late afternoon at Thorong Phedi. 1 at Muktinath 15:00 5/4 and maybe the same one next day 6/4 at 15:00 near Kagbeni. 1 above Gasha 11:00 9/4. 1 above Sikha 11:15 11/4. A single above Poon Hill at 08:30 12/4 and maybe the same bird again next day 13/4 at the same place 09:20.
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) 1 above Besisahar 15:00 26/3. 1 just below Jagat 28/3. 2 above Dana 10/4 at 09:45. 1 just S of Ulleri 13:35 13/4 and 8 next day 14/4 at 12:00 just before Pokhara .
White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) 7 birds 4 k before Dumre 26/3 at 12:30.
Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) 1 bird on the 4 k before Dumre 26/3 at 12:30.
Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis) 27/3 1 adults at 09:00 N of Besisahar and 1 juvenile at 09:15. 28/3 near Lampata between 08:25 & 08:45 3 adults 1 juvenile, then at 09:30 6 juveniles. 30/3 at 06:45 at Tal 9 juveniles all moving S, 4 adults 10:15 N of Karte, 1 juvenile just N of Bagarchhap at 5:00. 31/3 1 juvenile at 07:10 & another at 08:00 near Lata Marang and 2 adults & 2 juveniles at Koto 11:15. 1/4 1 adult 10:50 above the forest before Pisang, 1 adult & 2 juveniles at 11:40 after Pisang and 1 juvenile 15:15 at Humde. 2/4 1 adult flying N at 08:30 then as we neared Braga we counted 8 adults & 20 juveniles, however, soon after Braga the count went up to about 40 birds with about a ¼ of them being adults. The reason for such a large number soon became apparent when just off the trail lay a dead mule, which was providing a feeding frenzy for them. 4/4 1 juvenile at 08:20 Gunsang. 6/4 1 adult at Jharkot 12:40. 8/4 1 adult just before Tukuche at 09:00, 1 juvenile just after that village and 4 adults & 2 juveniles near Khobang at 10:30. 9/4 1 adult 09:15 near Lete, 1 juvenile above Ghasa at 11:00 and 1 adult near Pairothapla at 15:00. 10/4 2 adults & 2 juveniles at 09:10 near Dana. 11/4 1 adult near Sikha at 11:15. 12/4 1 adult & 1 juvenile above Poon Hill at 08:30 and 1 adult near Deurali at 13:00. 13/4 1 juvenile above Poon Hill at 09:20 possibly the same bird as the previous day, 2 juveniles over Ulleri at 13:30. 14/4 1 adult near Birethati at 12:00.
Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) 16 birds counted during the road trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3.
Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) 2 at 10:50 over the road during trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3.
Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela) 2 Ngadi – Jagat 28/3 and 4 Ghorepani – Hille 13/4.
Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis) 1 possible 27/3 near Ngadi.
Besra (Accipiter virgatus) 1 possible at Phulchowki 25/3 and one also possible near Besisahar 26/3.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) 2 on each day of the 28, 29 & 30/3 and single birds 10/4 & 11/4.
Buzzard Species 2 high in a very heavily overcast sky between Matpha – Kalopani 8/4 possibly Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo).
Upland Buzzard (Buteo hemilasius) 2 at Yak Kharka chasing off 2 Goldern Eagles with one of the birds attaching its self to the back of one the eagles and pecking at it while the eagle fly off to the West.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) 2 at Yak Kharka being harassed by 2 Upland Buzzard.
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) 5 during the road trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3 and 1 next day 27/3.
Bonelli’s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) 1 during the road trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3. 1 Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4 and maybe the same juvenile 10 & 11/4.
Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Microhierax caerulescens) 1 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3.
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Common and seen in small numbers on 11 days during the trek.
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficillis) Over 100 birds on the lake at Pokhara 14/4 & 1 15/4 on the lake near Taudaha 15/4.
Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) 2 birds at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 6 during the road trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3, 1 in the river Besisahar - Ngadi 27/3. 2 birds at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4 and 1 15/4 on the lake near Taudaha 15/4.
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) Common at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Great Egret (Casmerodius albus) 4 at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx internedia) 3 at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) Common in Kathmandu valley and at Pokhara.
Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) 1 at near Kathmandu 25/3 and over 100 at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4 and good numbers again next day 15/4 around the Bagmati River at Taudaha.
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) 1 near Kathmandu 15/4.
Cinnamon Bittern (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus) 1 at the top end of the lake very near the road at Pokhara 14/4.
Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) 3 above the road during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3.
Orange-bellied Leafbird (Choropsis hardwickii) 2 at Pokhara 25/3 and 2 between Ngadi – Jagat 27/3.
Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) Seen in small numbers on 8 days.
Grey-backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus) Seen in small numbers on 7 days.
Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) 1 heard at Phulchowki on the 25/3 and 2 between Chitre 12/4.
Yellow-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris) 3 near Ghorepani 12/4.
Red-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) 2 between Besisahar - Ngadi and 2 Tatopani - Chitre 11/4.
Common Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis) 3 on the 29/3 between Jagat – Tal.
Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) 3 near Besisahar 26/3 and 4 27/4 between Besisahar - Ngadi.
Grey Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae) Heard at Phulchowki 25/3. 4 between Besisahar - Ngadi 27/3 and quite common between Ngadi - Jagat 28/3. 2 on the 10/4, 4 11/4 and 2 14/4.
Spotted (Eurasian) Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) 1 seen and heard a number of times between Bhratang – Humde 1/4 and heard again Matpha – Kalopani 8/4.
Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) Recorded in good numbers on all days between Danagyu to Matpha 31/3 to 7/4.
Yellow-billed (Alpine) Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) Recorded in good numbers on all days between Humde to Kalopani 2/4 - 8/4.
House Crow (Corvus splendens) Abundant in Kathmandu valley and at lower altitudes.
Large-billed (Jungle) Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) Ubiquitous and common the only bird seen every day.
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 2 Humde - Manang 2/4, 4 betweem Manang - Yak Kharka 3/4 and 2 near Thorong Phedi 4/4.
Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) 1 on the 26/3 during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar, 1 between Kopchepani – Tatopani 10/4 and another next day Tatopani – Chitre.
Maroon Oriole (Oriolus trailli) 4 forest at Phulchowki 25/3, 2 near Chitre 12/4 and 1 between Hille – Birethati 14/4
Large Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei) 2 near Besisahar 26/3, 3 between Besisahar - Ngadi 27/3 and 1 28/3.
Black-winged Cuckooshrike (Coracina melaschistos) Single birds 28/3 Ngadi – Jagat, 11/4 Tatopani – Chitre and 12/4 Chitre – Deurali.
Long-tailed Minivet (Pericrocotus ethologus) We referred to the male of this species as the ‘Nike’ bird due to the making on the wings. Seen in good numbers on most days below 2,500m.
Short-billed Minivet (Pericrocotus brevirostris) 4 forest at Phulchowki 25/3, 6 between Tal – Danagyu 30/3 and good number next day between Danagyu - Bhratang. 1 in the forest between Matpha – Kalopani 8/4.
Yellow-bellied Fantail (Rhipidura hypoxantha) Good numbers in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and observed on 6 other days during the visit with good numbers near Chomrong 26/4.
White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis) 3 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3.
Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) Common from 25/3 until 28/3 and again near Pokhara & Kathmandu.
Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus lecucophaeus) Recorded in good numbers on 9 day during the trip at lower altitudes.
Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) 2 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and 1 Ngadi – Jagat 28/3.
Lesser Racket Tailed Drongo (Dicrurus remifer) 1 possibly 27/3 between Besisahar - Ngadi 27/3.
Spangled Drongo ( Dicrurus hottentottus ) 2 between Besisahar – Ngadi 27/3 and 3 next day Ngadi - Jagat. 1 Tatopani – Chitre 11/4 and 3 Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii) Common 30/3 on the Marsyangdi River and record in small numbers always near rivers on 7 further days during the trek. Juveniles were seen on 4 of these days.
Blue-capped Rock Thrush (Monticola cinclorhynchus) Recorded on 6 days during the trip but not at the lower or higher altitudes.
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush (Monticola rufiventris) 2 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and a single Ghorepani – Hille 13/4.
Blue Whistling Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus) Very common except at higher altitudes.
White-collared Blackbird (Turdus albocinctus) 1 female near Deurali 12/4.
Grey-winged Blackbird (Turdus boulboul) ) 1 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and 2 between Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Dark-throated Thrush (Turdus ruficollis) 3 in the forest clearings between Bhratang – Humde 2 T.r. atrogularis and the other T.r. rufficollis. A single T.r. rufficollis between Kagbeni – Matpha 7/4.
Dark-sided (Asian Sooty) Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) 2 Tal – Danagyu 30/3 and 1 Ghorepani – Hille 13/4.
Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea) 1 female 29/3 in the forests between Jagat – Tal.
Rufous (Orange)-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata) 5 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and recorded on 6 other days during the trek in small numbers.
Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra) 1 pair recorded between Jagat - Tal 30/3.
Ultramarine Flycatcher (Ficedula superciliaris) 1 males recorded between Jagat - Tal 30/3 and 6 males & 1 female 9/4 between Kalopani – Kopchepani.
Slaty-blue Flycatcher (Ficedula tricolor) 1 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3, 2 females 29/3 Jagat - Tal and single males on the 9/4 & 11/4.
Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassina) 5 in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and again in small numbers on 7 days between the altitudes of between 1900m to 2200m.
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis) 2 recorded in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3 and seen and heard in small numbers on 6 other days.
Rufous-bellied Niltava (Nillava sundara) 3 recorded in the forest at Phulchowki 25/3. Recorded in small numbers throughout the trek 27/3, 29/3 9/4 and 12/4.
Pygmy Blue Flycatcher (Muscicapella hodgsoni) 2 males between Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Orange (Red)-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus) 1 female at Phulchowki 25/3 and recorded in small numbers on the 30/3, 1/4, 2/4, 8/4 19/4 and 20/4.
Golden Bush-robin (Tarsiger chrysaeus) 1 just below Deurali 12/4 in the bamboo forest.
White-browed Bush Robin (Tarsiger indicus) 1 pair just below Deurali 12/4 in the bamboo forest on the 3100m contour and another pair next day in the bamboo forest below Poon Hill on the 3000m contour.
Oriental (Asian) Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Common at Phulchowki and at lower altitudes.
Blue-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus coeruleocephalus) 1 male between Kagbeni – Matpha 7/4 and next day between Matpha – Kalopani 7 males & 1 female.
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) 1 6/4 between Muktinath - Kagbeni & 2 between Matpha – Kalopani 9/4.
Hodgson’s Redstart (Phoenicurus hodgsoni) Recorded in small numbers on the 27/3, 28/3, 30/3 10/4 & 14/4.
White-throated Redstart (Phoenicurus schisticeps) 8 between Muktinath – Kagbeni 6/4, 1 male 7/4 and 2 between Matpha – Kalopani 8/4.
White-winged Redstart (hoenicurus erythrogaster) Very common between Bhratang – Manang 1 & 2/4 and a pair between Manang - Yak Kharka 3/4.
Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis) Small numbers recorded each day at the higher attitudes with good numbers between Chitre – Hille but this may have been due to the bad weather higher up.
White-capped Water Redstart (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus) Widespread and common during the trek, especially in the near water below 2900m.
Plumbeous Water Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosus) Very common near rivers during the trek except at higher altitudes.
Little Forktail (Enicurus scouleri) 3 between Kopchepani – Tatopani just before Rupse, which is on the right bank of the river, at a series of waterfalls on the Rupse Chhahara (which I am lead to believe means ‘beautiful waterfall’) this is the same place that I saw a pair during my 1996 trip.
Slaty-backed Forktail (Enicurus schistaceus) 2 in the river between Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Spotted Forktail (Enicurus maculatus) 1 adult near Chitre 12/4 in the small stream just after the village.
Grandala (Grandala coelicolor) 35 Grandulars 2/3s of them males fly around beneath us between Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4 this almost certainly was due to the bad weather higher up forcing the birds down.
Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) Recorded in small numbers on 10 days during the trek.
Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata) Good numbers between during the trip Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3 and again 27/3 Besisahar – Ngadi and 2 on the 28/3.
Grey Bushchat (Saxicola ferrea) Widespread and common except at higher altitudes.
Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti) 1 male very close to the path between Matpha – Kalopani 8/4.
Chestnut-tailed Starling (Sturnus malabaricus) Seen in good numbers on the 27 & 28/3 and 14/4.
Brahminy Starling (Sturnus pagodarum) 1 just below the temple at Braga at 3400m an high record for this species.
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Abundant in the Kathmandu Valley and up to altitudes of 2000m.
Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) Common in the Kathmandu Valley.
White-tailed Nuthatch (Sitta himalayensis) Recorded in good numbers at Phulchowki 25/3 and seen again on the 9/4, 12/4 & 13/4.
Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) 1 possible 29/3 between Jagat – Tal 29/3, 2 near Manang 2/4 with one feeding extreamly close to the village and over 10 minutes of good video was taken of it. Single also seen on the 8/4 Matpha – Kalopani & 10/4 Kopchepani – Tatopani.
Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) 2 near Deurali on the 12/4.
Rusty-flanked Treecreeper (Certhia nipalensis) 2 Bhratang – Humde 1/4, 2 Matpha – Kalopani 8/4, 1 Chitre – Deurali 12/4 and 2 at Poon Hill in the forest 13/4.
Rufous-vented Tit (Parus rubidiventris) Recorded in good numbers 1/4, 12/4 and 13/4 all in mixed forests.
Coal Tit (Parus ater) 6 between Bhratang – Humde 1/4 and good numbers on the 11 & 12/4 between Chitre – Hille.
Grey-crested Tit (Parus dichrous) Recorded in good numbers between Matpha - Kopchepani 8 & 9/4 and Tatopani - Ghorepani 11 & 12/4.
Great Tit (Parus major) Recorded on 5 days during the trek.
Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus) 3 at Phulchowki 25/3 and seen in good numbers on 12 days during the trek except at the higher altitudes.
Black-lored Tit (Parus xanthogenys) 3 at Phulchowki 25/3 and recorded in small numbers on the 27 – 29/3, 9 & 10/4 and 13 & 14/4.
Yellow-browed Tit (Sylviparus modestus) 1 between Tatopani – Chitre 11/4 and very good numbers next day Chitre – Ghorepani.
Black-throated Tit (Aegithalos concinnus) 8 at Phulchowki 25/3 and recorded in small numbers on the 30 & 31/3 and in good numbers between Matpha – Tatopani 8 –11/4.
(Winter) Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) 1 heard near Yak Kharka 4/4 and 1 near Kagbeni 6/4.
Plain Martin (Riparia paludicola) large flock observered during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3.
Eurasian Crag Martin (Hirundo rupestris) In small number each day between Bhratang - Yak Kharka 1 – 3/4 and good numbers each day between Muktinath – Kopchepani 6 – 9/4.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) Abundant in the Kathmandu valley and at lower altitudes. 1 near Manang 2/4, 1 at Muktinath 6/4 and 2 near Matpha 8/4.
Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica) Common in the Kathmandu valley and the 26 & 27/3.
Asian House Martin (Delichon dasypus) 200 recorded above Ngadi 27/3 and 100+ each day between Ngadi - Tal 28 & 29/3.
Nepal House-martin (Delichon nipalensis) and 100+ each day between Ngadi - Tal 28 & 29/3.
Striated Bulbul (Pycnonotus striatus) 8 between Jagat - Tal 29/3.
Himalayan (White-checked) Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) Common throughout the trek at lower altitudes.
Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) Very common during the first part of the trek at lower altitudes.
Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala) 2 on the hill side above Ngadi 27/3.
Mountain Bulbul (Hypsipetes mcclellandii) Seen in small number 28 – 30/3 and in good numbers between Tal - Bhratang 31/3 – 1/4.
Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) Common throughout the trek at lower altitudes.
Striated Prinia (Prinia criniger) Common between Besisahar – Ngadi 27/3 and seen but but more oftern heard on 5 other days.
Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) Due to an oversight this species was not recorded but was observed quite often during the trek. However, it was recoded as common between Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Chestnut-headed Tesia (Tesia castaneocoronata) Heard at Phulchowki 25/3, 1 between Besisahar – Ngadi 27/3 and heard again 9/4.
Grey-bellied Tesia (Tesia cyaniventer) Heard at Phulchowki 25/3 and heard on 2 other days during the trek.
Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) 3 on each day Besisahar - Jagat 27 & 28/3 and observerd on 4 other days.
White-browed Tit Warbler (Leptopoecile sophiae) A simply stunning bird of higher altitudes. 6 between Manang - Yak Kharka 3/4 and 6 the following day to Thorong Phedi. 1 male near Muktinath 6/4 and a pair near the trail between Matpha – Kalopani 8/4.
Aberrant Bush Warbler (Cettia flavolivacea) 1 between Besisahar – Ngadi 26/3, 1 Kopchepani – Tatopani 10/4 and 2 Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler (Cettia acanthizoides) 1 between Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Grey-sided Bush Warbler (Cettia brunnifrons) Common between Ghorepani - Hille 13/4.
Smokey Warbler (Phylloscopus fuligiventer) 1 in a clearing at 3,000m below Poon Hill 13/4.
Tickell’s Warbler (Phylloscopus affinis) 2 6/4 near Muktinath and common between Kagbeni – Kalopani 7 & 8/4.
Western Crowned Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus occipitalis) 3 at Phulchowki 25/3 and again in small numbers on 4 other days during the trek. NOTE. Western Crowned Leaf & Blyth’s Leaf Warbler are very difficult to separate out unless you hear the calls or have good views of them. This has lead to an under recoding of these birds.
Blyth’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus reguloides) Common Chitre - Ghorepani 12/4 and recorded on 4 other days.
Buff (Orange)-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher) Common at Phulchowki 25/3, also Besisahar – Ngadi 27/3, Chitre – Deurali - Ghorepani 12/4 and in small numbers on the 29/3, 9, 13 & 14/4.
Ashy-throated (Grey-faced) Warbler (Phylloscopus maculipennis) Common at Phulchowki 25/3, Chitre - Ghorepani 12/4 and 3 between Danagyu – Bhratang 31/3.
Lemon-rumped Warbler (Phylloscopus chloronotus) Common on the 31/3 & 1/4 Danagyu - Humde and 4 between Tal – Danagyu 30/3.
Hume’s Warbler (Phylloscopus humei) 2 at Phulchowki 25/3 and on 10 days of the trek except at the higher altitudes.
Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) 1 at Phulchowki 25/3.
Large-billed Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus magnirostris) Heard on 3 occasions during the trek 30/3, 9/4 & 12/4.
Golden-spectacled Warbler (Seicercus burkii) 3 at Phulchowki 11/4 and on 7 days of the trek except at the higher altitudes.
Whistler’s Warbler (Seicercus whistleri) 1 on 9/4 Kalopani – Kopchepani, 2 Chitre – Deurali 12/4 and 3 Ghorepani – Hille 13/4.
Grey-hooded Warbler (Seicercus xanthoschistos) Common at Phulchowki and fairly common in the early and latter parts of the trek.
Chestnut-crowned Warbler (Seicercus castaniceps) Good numbers at Phulchowki and also between, Pothana to Chomrong 19/4 & 20/4 and recorded on 3 other occasions during the trek.
Black-faced Warbler (Abroscopus schisticeps) Common at Phulchowki 25/3, 4 between Tal – Danagyu 30/3 and 1 next day Danagyu – Bhratang.
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) 1 possibly between Tal – Danagyu 30/3 and heard between Bhratang – Humde 1/4.
White-throated Laughingthrush (Garrulax albogularis) Common at Phulchowki and common on the 12/4 Chitre – Ghorepani.
White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) A bird often heard from considerable distances. Heard in the forest Phulchowki 25/3 and 14 birds near the path between Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Striated Laughingthrush (Garrulax striarus) Common at Phulchowki 25/3 and Chitre - Ghorepani 12/4.
Spotted Laughingthrush (Garrulax ocellatus) Heard near Deurali 12/4 and again next day from Poon Hill.
Streaked Laughingthrush (Garrulax lineatus) Recorded in small numbers between Jagat - Danagyu 29 & 30/3 common between Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4 and 2 at Poon Hill.
Variegated Laughing Thrush (Garrulax variegates) Common between Bhratang – Humde 1/4 and Muktinath – Kagbeni 6/4.
Black-faced Laughing Thrush (Garrulax affinis) 3 Bhratang - Humde 1/4 and common between Ghorepani - Hille 13/4.
Chestnut-crowned Laughing Thrush (Garrulax erythrocephalus) Common at Phulchowki 25/3 and 6 Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4.
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus erythrogenys) 2 at Phulchowki 25/3 and heard on the 27, 28/3 & 14/4.
Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficollis) 2 between Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4 & 1 Ghorepani – Hille 13/4.
Nepal Wren-babbler (Pnoepyga immaculata) 2 very close to the path feeding in small bushes by the river very close to Tal 30/3. We heard at least 9 other males calling in the area around Tal that day. 3 males heard calling next day Danagyu - Bhratang and 4 heard calling between Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4.
Pygmy Wren-babbler (Pnoepyga pusilla) 1 heard at Phulchowki 11/4 and 1 very briefly Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Black-chinned Babbler (Stachyris pyrrhops) 1 briefly 28/3 and 4 next day near the path Jagat – Tal and heard calling again Hille – Birethati 14/4.
White-browed Shrike-babbler (Pteruthius flaviscapis) 2 at Phulchowki 25/3.
Hoary-throated Barwing (Actinodura nipalensis) 1 Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Blue-winged Minla (Minla cyanouroptera) 4 at Phulchowki and common between Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Chestnut-tailed Minla (Minla strigula) Common at Phulchowki, 6 Besisahar - Ngadi 27/3 and common Chitre –Hille 12 & 13/4.
Rufous-winged Fulvetta (Alcippe castaneceps) Common at Phulchowki and again Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
White-browed Fulvetta (Alcippe vinipectus) Common at Phulchowki and in the latter ½ of the trek.
Nepal Fulvetta (Alcippe nipalensis) Common at Phulchowki.
Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis) Common at Phulchowki and seen in good numbers on 5 other days.
Stripe-throated Yuhina (Yuhina gularis) Common at Phulchowki and Chitre – Hille 12 & 13/4.
Rufous-vented Yuhina (Yuhina occipitalis) 1 at Phulchowki and common Chitre – Hille 12 & 13/4.
Rufous (Black-capped) Sibia (Heterophasia capistrata) Common at Phulchowki and between Chitre – Hille 12 & 13/4. This bird was only heard on two occasions during the first part of the trek from Besisahar – Chitre 26/3 – 10/4.
Great Parrotbill (Conostoma oemodium) 2 in the bamboo forest at 3,100m near Deurali 12/4 and 2 on the 13/4 at 3,000m just below Poon Hill where we heard 3 calling males in the bamboo forest below us.
Brown Parrotbill (Paradoxornis unicolor) 1 in the bamboo forest at 3,100m near Deurali 12/4.
Fulvous Parrotbill (Paradoxornis fulvifrons) 2 possibly a pair in the bamboo forest at 3,100m near Deurali 12/4.
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus) 2 at Phulchowki 25/3, 3 near Besisahar 26/3, 1 9/4, 2 10/4 and common Chitre – Deurali 12/4.
Purple Sunbird (Nectarinia asiatica) 1 male & 1 female above the path between Kopchepani – Tatopani 10/4.
Mrs Gould’s Sunbird (Aethopyga gouldiae) 2 at Phulchowki 25/3, 1 between Tal – Danagyu 30/3 & 3 next day between Danagyu – Bhratang and 2 Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4.
Green-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) Common at Phulchowki 25/3 and also common on the 11 – 13/4 Tatopani – Ghorepani.
Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata) 1 between Kopchepani – Tatopani 10/4 and 1 Tatopani – Chitre 11/4.
Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) Common between Besisahar – Jagat 27 – 29/3 and seen in small numbers on 3 other days.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Abundant in the Kathmandu valley and at Pokhara area.
Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans) Recorded on the Jomosom side of the trek in small numbers on the 9/4 Kalopani – Kopchepani and 11 – 14/4 Tatopani – Birethati.
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) Widespread and common except between Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi 4/4.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) Seen on most days during the trek near rivers.
White-browed Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) 3 during the journey Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3, 1 Jagat – Tal 29/3, 1 Hille – Birethati 14/4 and 2 near Kathmandu 15/4.
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) Fairly common throughout the trek at lower altitudes.
Richard’s Pipit (Anthus richardi) 4 on the grass area at the top end of the lake at Pokhara 14/4.
Upland Pipit (Anthus sylvanus) Heard in a field below the path near Ulleri 13/4.
Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni) 1 at Phulchowki 25/3 and seen on 13 other days during the trek.
Rosy Pipit (Anthus roseatus) Fairly common at higher altitudes and seen on 10 day during the trek.
Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris) 1 near the temple at Muktinath 6/4.
Robin Accentor (Prunella rubeculoides) 5 between Humde - Manang 1/4 & 2 next day Manang - Yak Kharka and 2 Muktinath – Kagbeni 6/4.
Rufous-breasted Accentor (Prunella strophiata) 1 Kalopani – Kopchepani 9/4 and 2 between Ghorepani - Hille 13/4.
Brown Accentor (Prunella ) A common bird of the higher altitudes seen in good numbers from Bhratang 31/3 to Kalopani 9/4 with over 100 seen on the 1/4.
Plain Mountain-finch (Leucosticte nemoricola) 32 between Muktinath – Kagbeni 6/4 and 3 Matpha – Kalopani 8/4.
White-rumped Minia (Lonchura striata) 2 near Besisahar 26/3, a small flock near the campsite at Ngadi 28/3 and 2 feeding in the bushes near Birethati 14/4.
Fire-frounted Serin (Serinus pusillus) 100+ in two flock between Kagbeni – Matpha 7/4 and possibly one of the same flocks next day at Matpha of 35+ birds.
Yellow-breasted Greenfinch (Carduelis spinoides) 40+ near Ghasa 9/4 and good numbers between Tatopani - Chitre 11/4.
Dark-breasted Rosefinch (Carpodacus nipalensis) Good numbers at Poon Hill and between Ghorepani – Hille 13/4.
Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) 5 near Ghorepani 12/4, 2 next day at Poon Hill and 2 Hille – Birethati 14/4.
Beautiful Rosefinch (Carpodacus pulcherrimus) A common bird of the higher altitudes seen in good numbers from Tal 30/3 to Kalopani 9/4.
White-browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus thura) Good number on the 9/4 between Kalopani – Kopchepani and 4 at Poon Hill 13/4.
Streaked Rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilloides) 6 between Humde - Manang 2/4, common Muktinath – Kagbeni 6/4 and 2 females near Deurali 12/4.
Red-frounted Rosefinch (Carpodacus puniceus) 2 between Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi 4/4.
Red-headed Bullfinch (Pyrrhula erythrocephala) 1 between Kopchepani – Tatopani 10/4.
Collared Grosbeak (Mycerobas affinis) 2 males & 1 female at Poon Hill 13/4.
White-winged Grosbeak (Mycerobas carnipes) 3 in the forest between Bhratang – Humde 1/4, 2 feeding in the village just below the monastery at Bagra 2/4 and 3 between Kagbeni – Matpha 7/4.
Crested Bunting (Melophus lathami) 2 between Besisahar – Ngadi 27/3, 3 next day Ngadi – Jagat, 5 between Kopchepani – Tatopani 10/4 and 1 near Chitre 11/4.
Rock Butting (Emberiza cia) A common bird of the higher altitudes seen in good numbers from Danagyu 31/3 Tatopani 10/4 although the birds from the 7/4 on could have been forced down by the bad weather higher up.
Mammals & Reptiles List
Indian Flying Fox ( Pteropus giganyeus) easily seen hanging from the trees in the Royal Palace grounds in Kathmandu.
Orangebellied Squirrel (Dremomys lokriaah) 2 at Phulchowki 25/3, 1 near - Besisahar and 1 between Besisahar – Ngadi 27/3.
Himalayan Mouse Hare (pika) (Ochotina roylei) Seen on three day scampering between the rocks in the under growth 31/3, 1/4 and 6/4.
Rhesus Macaque (Macaca assmensis) Apart from those that are around the temples in Kathmandu 1 down by the river at Tatopani.
Common Langoor (Presbytis entellus) Seen in good numbers on the 28/3, 29/3 and 31/3 in forest.
Himalayan Weasel (Mustela sibirica) 2 on the 2/4 and 1 on the 6/4 above Muktinath.
Small Mangoose (Herpesttes aeropunctatus) 2 not far from the road during the trip from Kathmandu – Besisahar 26/3.
Yellow-throated Martin (Martes flavigula) This is a stunning animal to see at close quarters and is considerably bigger than the stone marten with its tail and limbs proportionately longer. The tail is almost about three-fourths the length of head and body. 1 on the opposite side of the river between Besisahar – Ngadi 27/3, extremely good views of a pair on the hill just before Tal and 2 in the forest just before Ghorepani 12/4.
Bharal (blue sheep) (Pseudois nayaur) Over 80 4 /4 and 24 on the 5/4 on the hillside between Manang - Thorong Phedi.
Himalayan Rock Lizard. 1 on the and on 10 days of the trek except at the higher altitudes. 27/3, 3 28/3 between Ngadi – Jagat and 1 in the campsite at Tatopani 10/4.
Smooth Lizard (light brown in colour not certain of species) 1 between Tal – Danagyu 30/4
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