Nepal Raptor Tour

Home , Besra, Black eagle, Black kite, Cinereous vulture, Collared falconet, Crested honey buzzard

Nepal Raptor Tour

Endangered Asian Vultures close during the fall migration. This recently discovered hawk-watch is located at the Once among the most abundant edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area raptors in Asia, world populations of and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. White-rumped Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and Slender-billed The raptor flight at Thulo Kharka during our Vulture have crashed drastically since the stay will be dominated by Steppe Eagles 1990s. These three species are virtually on (EN) of all ages and plumages. We should the brink of extinction and thus considered expect between 10 and 300 eagles each day. to be critically endangered (CR). This tour We should see them overhead, at eye level, offers the possibility of seeing well all three. and from above, and at incredible close The endangered (EN) Egyptian Vulture, and ranges. The second-most common migrant near threatened (NT) Bearded Vulture, will be Himalayan Vulture (NT), of which we Himalayan Vulture, and Cinereous Vulture should see dozens every day, mainly Hundreds of migratory can also be seen. immatures, but also a few adults. Himalayan Vultures fly past Raptors of the Central Terai Thulo Kharka every year. Most are The Best Himalayan Raptor juveniles, but some adults—such as Migration At the base of the Himalayas, the Terai-Duar this one—can be seen too. savanna and grasslands ecoregion spans © S. Seipke Tucked away in the foothills of the Nepali from Uttar Pradesh in India to the south- Himalayas, the small mountain village of western extreme of Bhutan. This narrow strip Thulo Kharka is one of the best places in Asia (av. 25 km) contains the highest density of to watch and photograph large raptors up tigers, rhinos and ungulates in Asia.

Copyright © Raptours, L.L.C. 2014–2016. All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without Raptours, LLC’s express consent. 1 Annapurna Range as seen from our hotel in Thulo Kharka. © Sergio Seipke

Our ﬁrst stop in the Terai is Lumbini—the With over 540 species of birds recorded revered place of birth of Siddharta Gautama, Chitwan National Park is the quintessential better known as Buddha. It is also superb central Terai birding destination. Raptors raptor-watching country. Here we will target we’ll target here include Osprey, Black- Black-winged Kite, Indian Spotted Eagle winged Kite, Crested Honey Buzzard, (VU), Greater Spotted Eagle (VU), Western Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk- Marsh Harrier, Pied Harrier, Shikra, and Eagle, Hen Harrier, Shikra, Gray-headed White-eyed Buzzard. Also Griﬀon Vulture, Fish-Eagle (NT), Collared Falconet, and and several species of vultures we’d see at Peregrine Falcon. One-horned Rhino (VU), Thulo Kharka, but here at a local vulture several species of deer, Gharial (CR), and restaurant. Sarus Cranes and Lesser Adjutant Mugger Crocodiles can be seen here as well. can be seen too. Lucky visitors may spot a Tiger (EN), however this is unlikely.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | 5 NOVEMBER Days 3–8 | 7–12 NOVEMBER

Arrive in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan Our daily routine will be quite simple. International Airport (IATA code: KTM). 7.00–8.00 am, optional general birding on Transfer to Hotel Shanker in Thamel. Visit a trails. 8.15 am, meet for breakfast. 9.00 am, large colony of Indian Flying Fox, and Black we’ll meet at the hawk-watch, pick our Kite roost at sunset. Dinner and overnight in favorite spot, set up our chairs and enjoy the Kathmandu. migration! Around noon we’ll eat lunch at the hawk-watch. Meals are brought to us Day 2 | 6 NOVEMBER from one of the little restaurants nearby. We’ll continue watching raptors through Local Bearded Vultures are seen several times a week at Thulo Breakfast and checkout. Shuttle to airport. 3.00–4.00 pm depending on bird activity. Kharka. Fly to Pokhara (25 min). Drive to Phokedanda 5.00–6.00 pm, optional general birding on © S. Seipke (1,250 m a.s.l.). From there we will hike uphill trails. 7.00 pm, dinner. 8.15–8.30 pm, (1.5 h) to Thulo Kharka (2,000 m a.s.l.). We will optional raptor evening talks. Overnight in rely on hired help to carry our luggage and our small hotel. equipment. Check-in upon arrival, and relax after at the hawk-watch while eating lunch Day 9 | 13 NOVEMBER and watching the migration. The lookout is a short 5-min (level) walk from the hotel. Last day at the mountain. Morning as usual, Dinner and overnight in Thulo Kharka. but be all packed before lunch. After lunch

Copyright © Raptours, L.L.C. 2014–2016. All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without Raptours, LLC’s express consent. 2 we’ll hike back to the main road. Day 13 | 17 NOVEMBER 2.00–3.30 pm, drive to Pokhara. Check-in at the Temple Tree Resort. 4.00 pm, meet at the 7.00 am, breakfast and checkout. Drive to lobby. Visit the garbage dump where we Chitwan National Park. Check-in at the expect to see roosting Egyptian Vultures Tigerland Safari Resort (TSR). Lunch around (EN), and other birds. 7.00 pm, drinks and noon. Bird the lagoon behind the hotel. dinner by the pool. Overnight at the Temple 4.00 pm, walk in the park and float on the Tree Resort. Rapti river looking for Gray-headed Fish Eagle (NT) and other birds. This is our best Day 10 | 14 NOVEMBER chance to see a Gharial (EN). Dinner and overnight in TSR. The second part of the tour begins today: lowlands of the Terai. 7.00 am, breakfast. Day 14 | 18 NOVEMBER 8.00 am, check-out and start our way to Lumbini. We’ll make stops at selected places 7.00 am, breakfast. 7.45 am, leave on AWD Watch hundreds of Steppe Eagles fly by the hawkwatch at Thulo to target raptors and other birds, and to eat vehicles to spend all day in Chitwan NP Kharka, many of them at eye level lunch. Around 4.00 pm, arrival at our hotel, targeting raptors, birds, and mammals. We or below, and at unbelievable close the Lumbini Buddha Garden (LBG), and should see many species of raptors and range. check-in. 5.00–6.00 pm, bird around the other birds. Mammals likely to be seen © S. Seipke hotel. Raptors here include Black-winged include Dusky Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Hog Kite, Western Marsh Harrier, and Common Deer, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, and Kestrel. 7.00 pm, dinner. Overnight at the One-horned Rhino. Sloth Bear and Tiger, if LBG. we are lucky! Picnic lunch in the park. Dinner and overnight at the TSR. Day 11 | 15 NOVEMBER Day 15 | 19 NOVEMBER 7.30 am, breakfast. 8.15 am, leave to visit a local vulture restaurant. We will target 7.00 am, breakfast. 7.45–10.00 am, walk in Black-winged Kite, Egyptian Vulture (EN), the community forest. 10.45 am, check-out. White-backed Vulture (CR), Himalayan 11.00 am, start heading back to Kathmandu. Vulture (NT), Griffon Vulture, Western 1.00 pm, lunch stop. 6.00 pm, arrive in our Marsh Harrier, and White-eyed Buzzard. hotel. Check-in. 7.00 pm, dinner and tour Lunch at the hotel. Visit the birth place of wrap-up. Buddha in the afternoon, and bird the lagoon and reed beds nearby. 7.00 pm, Day 16 | 20 NOVEMBER dinner. Optional evening raptor talk. Overnight at LBG. Catch flights back home, or continue on the Western Terai Extension.

Day 12 | 16 NOVEMBER Get close and personal with Asian raptor specialties such as this 7.30 am, breakfast. 8.15 am, leave to look for Indian Black Eagle. raptors around Lumbini. We will target © S. Seipke Indian Spotted Eagle (VU) and Pied Harrier. We may visit another vulture restaurant depending on yesterday’s results. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at the LBG.

The Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is Vulture (CR), Cinereous Vulture (NT), tucked against the Indian border in Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable the far western Terai subtropical lowlands. Hawk-Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle (VU), Some 420 species of birds have been Steppe Eagle (EN), Bonelli’s Eagle, Hen recorded in the reserve, including 43 species Harrier, Shikra, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, of diurnal birds of prey. Slender-billed Gray-headed Fish Eagle (NT), and Black Vulture (CR) breeds in the reserve. In 2015 Kite. we watched up to 11 individuals soaring together! Also seen here: Osprey, The reserve boasts one of the largest Black-winged Kite, Crested Honey populations of Swamp Deer (VU), which in Buzzard, White-rumped Vulture (CR), turn supports a healthy population of royal Himalayan Vulture (NT), Red-headed Bengal Tiger (EN).

Swamp Deer in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. © Sergio Seipke

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | 20 NOVEMBER Leopards in the hopes of seeing one. Swamp Deer, Sambur, Spotted Deer, and Jackal can Fly to Dhangadhi. Drive to Mahendranagar. be seen too. Box lunch in the reserve. Then a Check-in at African style Suklaphanta short nap and back to the game. 6.00 pm, Wildlife Camp (SWC). Relax or bird the arrive at SWC. 7.00 pm, dinner. Overnight in surrounding village and camp garden. SWC. 7.00 pm, dinner. Overnight at the SWC. Day 7 | 26 NOVEMBER Days 2–6 | 21–25 NOVEMBER Breakfast and checkout. Drive back to 6.00 am, breakfast. 6.45 am, leave for Dhangadhi, and catch our early afternoon Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve on AWD ﬂight to Kathmandu, where the tour ends. vehicles. Our main raptor target here is Flight schedules change frequently. Plan Slender-billed Vulture (CR), of which we your international return ﬂight for the next Critically Endangered Slender- should see several every day. Of course we day. Extra nights in Kathmandu can be billed Vulture is readily seen in will spend much time tracking Tigers and arranged upon request. the Western Terai Extension. © S. Seipke

Email Raptours, L.L.C. ([email protected]) to reserve your place in this tour, or book online at www.raptoursllc.com.

Copyright © Raptours, L.L.C. 2014–2016. All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without Raptours, LLC’s express consent. 4 Tour Map 84° E DETAILED PORTION OF MAIN TOUR ITINERARY 0 30 60 kilometers Thulo Kharka Phokedanda 0 30 60 miles

Pokhara

MAIN TOUR 28° N ITINERARY

TOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY From Kathmandu To Lumbini Chitwan NP

30° N H C H Sukla I N Phanta I A Reserve N Thulo M Kharka A & Phokedanda L Dhangadhi E Pokhara A Y A S

28° N P N Kathmandu A T Lumbini A U Chitwan H L B 0 100 200 km NP

0 60 120 mi 26° N

82° E 84° E 86° E 88° E

TARGE T SPECIES

1. Osprey (LC) 11. Cinereous Vulture (NT) 21. Shikra (LC) 31. White-eyed Buzzard (LC) Pandion haliaetus Aegypius monachus Accipiter badius Butastur teesa 2. Black-winged Kite (LC) 12. Crested Serpent Eagle (LC) 22. Besra (LC) 32. Himalayan Buzzard (LC) Elanus caeruleus Spilornis cheela Accipiter virgatus Buteo burmanicus 3. Bearded Vulture (NT) 13. Changeable Hawk-Eagle (LC) 23. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (LC) 33. Collared Falconet (LC) Gypaetus barbatus Nisaetus cirrhatus Accipiter nisus Microhierax caerulescens 4. Egyptian Vulture (EN) 14. Mountain Hawk-Eagle (LC) 24. Northern Goshawk (LC) 34. Common Kestrel (LC) Neophron percnopterus Nisaetus nipalensis Accipiter gentilis Falco tinnunculus 5. Crested Honey Buzzard (LC) 15. Black Eagle (LC) 25. Western Marsh Harrier (LC) 35. Amur Falcon (LC) Pernis ptilorhynchus Ictinaetus malaiensis Circus aeruginosus Falco amurensis 6. White-rumped Vulture (CR) 16. Indian Spotted Eagle (VU) 26. Hen Harrier (LC) 36. Eurasian Hobby (LC) Gyps bengalensis Clanga hastata Circus cyaneus Falco subbuteo 7. Slender-billed Vulture (CR) 17. Greater Spotted Eagle (VU) 27. Pallid Harrier (NT) 37. Peregrine Falco (LC) Gyps tenuirostris Clanga clanga Circus macrourus Falco peregrinus 8. Himalayan Vulture (NT) 18. Booted Eagle (LC) 28. Pied Harrier (LC) Gyps himalayensis Hieraaetus pennatus Circus melanoleucos 9. Griﬀon Vulture (LC) 19. Steppe Eagle (EN) 29. Black Kite (LC) Gyps fulvus Aquila nipalensis Milvus migrans 10. Red-headed Vulture (CR) 20. Bonelli’s Eagle (LC) 30. Grey-headed Fish Eagle (NT) Sarcogyps calvus Aquila fasciata Haliaeetus ichthyaetus

Sergio has observed and photographed raptors for the past 20 years. He was born in Argentina, TOUR LEADER and enjoys helping others to search for and identify raptors.

Sergio is currently working on Raptors of South America, to be published by Princeton University Press, and the ﬁrst ﬁeld guide to the raptors of the Sergio Seipke region.

Sergio is the owner of Raptours, L.L.C. and carries on Bill Clark’s legacy of raptor touring.

Sergio speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Tulsi was born in Nepal, today residing in the capital city of Kathmandu with his wife and young TOUR CO-GUIDE son.

Tulsi has studied Nepal’s wildlife extensively including its vultures and eagles, as well as endangered Red Pandas. He has worked on projects documenting the illegal trade in wildlife, Tulsi Subedi including owls and other birds of prey throughout Nepal. He has a Master’s Degree from Nepal’s national university and was an intern at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in North America.

SUGGESTED FIELD GUIDES

GRIMMETT, R., T. INSKIPP, and C. INSKIPP. 2000. Birds of Nepal. Helm Field Guides.

FERGUSON-LEES, J., and D.A. CHRISTIE. 2005. Raptors of the World. Paperback Edition. Princeton University Press, New Jersey.

Make a difference!

RAPTOURS®, L.L.C. will make a ﬁnancial contribution to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for every member that signs up for this tour. Join us on this tour and make a lasting contribution to raptor conservation.

RAPTOURS®, L.L.C. is also a sponsor of the Nepal Raptor Migration Project run by former Hawk Mountain intern Tulsi Subedi.

TOUR DATES & AVAILABILIT Y SINGLE SUPPLEMENT WEATHER & CLOTHING

Main Tour 5–20 Nov 2016 Main Tour: $450 Cold nights in Thulo Kharka, but Terai Ext. 20–26 Nov 2016 Terai Extension $280 warmer and humid in the Terai | Bring layers, warm gloves and socks, Main Tour 5–20 Nov 2017 R APTOR SPECIES EXPEC TED sunscreen, and a hat. Also a rain coat or Terai Ext. 20–26 Nov 2017 a folding umbrella. 35 BOOKING CLOSES ON HEALTH COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 1 September Some travel vaccines and malaria Visa required for all foreigners, prophylaxis are advisable | Proof of GROUP SIZE LIMIT except Indians yellow fever vaccination may be required Main Tour | 2–12 DIFFICULT Y Terai Extension | 2–12 LOC AL CURRENCY Moderate TOUR PRICE Nepalese rupee COMFOR T Main Tour: $4,850 Terai Extension: $2,950 Basic to Excellent Guide-to-participant ratio 1:6 or better

Tour Details

TOUR PRICE roommate is not available, you will be Main Tour price includes hotels (double required to pay the single supplement. occupancy), meals, soft drinks, entry fees, COUNTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ground transportation, domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and guide fees. All foreigners, except Indians, must have a Tour Extension price includes visa. You can apply for one in advance, or get accommodations (African style tented one upon arrival at Tribhuvan International camp), meals (dedicated chef), soft drinks, Airport in Kathmandu. The visa application entry fees, 4×4 vehicles, round-trip domestic process upon arrival takes about one hour. flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, and A valid passport is required. guide fees. A single-entry visa valid for 60 days costs $30. International flights, extra nights in Kathmandu, alcoholic beverages, items of DIFFICULT Y personal nature, tips, and insurance of any We need to make a 1.5-h uphill hike from kind are not included. Phokedanda to reach Thulo Kharka. The trail SINGLE SUPPLEMENT is wide (10 ft / 3 m) and well maintained, but it is a climb of 2,450 ft (750 m). Single rooms will be subject to availability. Walking sticks are advisable. Porters will Roommates will be assigned to those carry our luggage and equipment for us. The participants willing to share a room. If a rest of the tour is easy.

We will stay at an altitude of 6,700 ft Make sure to bring warm clothes; fleece, hat, and mittens are essential. Be prepared to (2,000 m) above sea level in Thulo Kharka, wear at least three layers of clothing at times, and at lower altitudes elsewhere. as early mornings can be chilly but Hotel Shanker in Kathmandu is rated at temperature rises quickly later. Good, 4 stars. It has swimming pool, nice gardens, it breathable, comfortable (broken in!), is conveniently located within a 5-minute footwear, such as quality hiking boots, is walk from downtown Thamel. Rooms have recommended. private bathrooms with bathtub, hair drier, HEALTH safe box, and wi-fi access. Meals are either à la carte or buffet. Thulo Kharka is a remote place in the foothills of the Himalayas. Access to medical Accommodations at Thulo Kharka are care will be very limited if needed. We comfortable but basic. Brand new facilities strongly recommend you purchase travel with single and double rooms with private health insurance. Make sure your policy bathrooms and hot water are available, but does not exclude trekking or hotel rooms are not heated during the night. mountaineering, and that it covers Access to the Internet is slow but quite emergency helicopter evacuation and reliable. Laundry is not available here. Menu international medical evacuation. is limited to a few choices and food is rather simple, hearty and authentic Nepali. There is no risk of yellow fever in Nepal. The government of Nepal requires proof of The Temple Tree Resort is rated at 4 stars. yellow fever vaccination only if you are Rooms are very comfortable, have a minibar, arriving from a country with risk of yellow and microwave oven and coffee maker. fever. Private bathrooms with hot shower and hair drier. Swimming pool, two in-house Resident Mountain Hawk- Malaria is present throughout Nepal in areas Eagles visit the hawkwatch restaurants and food patio. <2,000 m. Drug resistance to Chloroquine at Thulo Kharka almost on a has been documented. Both the Lumbini Garden Resort and the daily basis. © S. Seipke Tigerland Safari Resort are rated at 3 stars, For detailed information on health with ample gardens which offer good precautions, anti-malarial medication, and birding. Laundry available. Meals are either à vaccines recommended for Nepal, visit la carte or buffet. CDC’s website 6 weeks before departure.

WEATHER & CLOTHING LOCAL CURRENCY

Temperatures in Thulo Kharka in November Local currency is the Nepalese rupee, and may reach 80 ºF (25 ºC) on a sunny day but exchange rate is roughly 100 Nepalese may drop signiﬁcantly during the night to rupees for U.S. dollar. ATMs are readily 40 ºF (5 ºC). We expect several cloudy days available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but not but only the occasional shower. Chitwan NP later in the tour. Travelers’ checks and cash and Lumbini sit on the lower, wetter, and a can be exchanged at both these cities as bit warmer Terai. Average highs in November well. around 80 °F (27 °C), and 60 °F (16 °C) are to be expected. Mid-November is the It is recommended to start the tour with beginning of the dry season in the Terai and local currency cash for expenses such as little or no rain should occur. souvenirs, drinks, or phone calls.

I understand that the tour to which I am a party demands that I be in good health and physical condition. I You will be required to acknowledge the risk and hazards of travel in remote areas where injury, delay or unanticipated events may sign this form upon occur. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities meeting with your tour of the activity. I may be subjecting myself to dangers and hazards which could result in illness, injury, or leader at the tour starting death. I recognize that such risks, dangers, and hazards may be present at any time during the trip. I also point. Please read realize that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the carefully before time in which I am participating in the tour. I realize that I will be traveling in remote areas with poor or no booking. access to emergency and/or medical services. I understand that there is a risk that accidents or illness can occur in remote places where medical facilities, emergency treatment or other services cannot be rendered. I understand that there is a risk involved in the consumption of food or drink.

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