Butterfly watching in Nepal - 9 Days

Butterfly watching in Nepal - 9 Days
Trip Information

    Introducing Nepal as a Butterfly Hub.

    Nepal is a small landlocked Himalayan country. Nepal is widely regarded as a biodiversity hotspot, containing a wide variety of butterfly species. A country's diverse terrain and climatic conditions provide a diversity of habitats that sustain a diverse range of butterfly species.

    Butterflies have been a part of Nepal's natural history for millennia. Several species are essential to cultural and religious traditions. Butterflies have long been the topic of scientific research in Nepal, in addition to their cultural significance. British naturalist Brian Houghton Hodgson conducted the first scientific study of butterflies in Nepal in the mid-nineteenth century.

    Because of its location on multiple butterfly species' migratory paths, Nepal is an important destination for butterfly diversity and conservation. Numerous migratory butterfly species pass through Nepal on their annual migrations, using the nation as a stopover and breeding ground. The painted lady (Vanessa cardui), common jezebel (Delias eucharis), and common crow (Euploea core) rely heavily on Nepal's warm, subtropical plains for migration.

    According to government statistics, Nepal today has about 600 different species of butterflies, accounting for around 3.72% of the world's butterfly species.

    Around 10% of Nepal's butterflies are Palearctica species found above 3,000 m, whereas 90% are Oriental species found in Swayambhu Area, the base of the hills, and forest streams at Godavari, Nagarjun, Budhanilkantha, and Sundarijal.

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    Butterfly Watching in Nepal.

    Nepal is a popular destination for butterfly-watching. A substantial number of butterfly species thrive in the country's various environments, which range from lowland tropical woodlands to high-altitude alpine meadows. Nepal is home to around 650 different butterfly species, making it a popular destination for butterfly enthusiasts.

    The Kaiser-i-Hind, Bhutan Glory, Golden Kaiser, Blue Apollo, and Common Peacock are all popular butterfly species in Nepal. Furthermore, Nepal is home to a number of rare and endangered butterfly species, making it a perfect location for eco-conscious tourists.

    Nepal is a popular destination for butterfly enthusiasts due to its diverse habitats and large number of butterfly species. Whether visiting the Terai grasslands and wetlands, the Himalayan alpine meadows and forests, or any of Nepal's other various ecosystems, visitors will enjoy a superb butterfly-watching experience.

    Best Butterfly-Watching Location in Nepal.

    Nepal is an excellent destination for butterfly watching, with a variety of settings offering tourists the opportunity to see a wide variety of butterfly species. Here are some of the greatest places in Nepal to see butterflies:

    • Chitwan National Park: Chitwan National Park is considered one of the best destinations in Nepal for butterfly watching, with over 600 kinds of butterflies reported there. The park's diversified ecosystems, which include grasslands, woods, and wetlands, are perfect for a wide range of butterfly species. Over 600 species of butterflies live in the park, including several rare and endangered species like the Kaiser-i-Hind, Bhutan Glory, and Common Peacock.
    • Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park: Located near Kathmandu, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is noted for its diverse habitats, which include forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Butterfly species such as the Blue Apollo, Golden Kaiser, and Himalayan Fritillary may be seen.
    • Phulchowki Hill: Located near Kathmandu, Phulchowki Hill is a high-altitude woods. The hill is home to several butterfly species, including the Black-Veined White, Orange Oakleaf, and Himalayan Oakblue.
    • Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: Located in Nepal's east, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is known for its grasslands and ponds, which are home to a variety of butterfly species. Visitors to the reserve can witness species such as the Common Jezebel, the Great Eggfly, and the Common Indian Crow.
    • Langtang National Park: Langtang National Park, located in the Himalayas, is noted for its alpine meadows and woodlands, which provide a home for high-altitude butterfly species. Visitors to the park may see common brimstone,Himalayan fritillas, and white-edged blue butterflies.
    • Bardia National Park: Located in western Nepal, this park is known for its diverse habitats, which include grasslands, forests, and wetlands. The park is home to several butterfly species, including the lime butterfly, common tiger, and blue pansy.

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    Essential Resources for Butterfly Watching.

    Butterfly watching, sometimes referred to as butterfly spotting or butterfly observing, is a wonderful way to enjoy nature while learning about these amazing insects. Holiday Planner Nepal recommends the following essential gear for butterfly watching:

    • Binoculars: The most important tool for butterfly-watching is a pair of binoculars. You may be able to obtain a better view of the butterflies without upsetting them. Look for binoculars that have at least 8x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 25mm or greater.
    • Camera: A camera may be useful for photographing the butterflies you encounter. Always look for a camera with a zoom lens that can take high-quality photos of butterflies.
    • Insect repellent: Using insect repellent while observing butterflies can help keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects at bay.
    • Wear Sunscreen and a hat. To protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, wear sunscreen and a hat.
    • Notebook and pen: A notebook and a pen are also useful tools for data collection and analysis in a range of professions. When you miss the opportunity to photograph it, sketch or take notes on the outward characteristics of the butterfly that you notice. Such data is useful not just for categorizing butterflies, but also for supplying a plethora of information on other activities.
    • Local Expert: Although they are optional, it is still preferable to hire a local guide.

    Some Rules and Regulations while Watching Butterflies.

    Butterfly watching, often known as butterfly photography, is a popular outdoor activity in Nepal. Butterfly Watching is a pleasant and delightful activity; nevertheless, there are certain crucial norms and laws to follow to ensure that you do not disturb or harm the butterflies' natural surroundings. Holiday Planner Nepal strongly urges you to follow the following regulations while Butterfly Watching in Nepal.

    • Do not try to catch or Touch Butterflies: Butterflies are delicate creatures, and even a light touch can cause damage to their wings. Catching or gathering butterflies is illegal in Nepal, and violators face fines and imprisonment. 
    • Do not use nets or traps: Using nets or traps to catch butterflies is illegal in Nepal. These approaches can injure butterfly wings and trap other insects and animals.
    • Avoid the use of flash photography: Flash photography may startle butterflies and force them to flee. In protected areas, flash photography should also be avoided since it may harm the natural habitat of butterflies and other wildlife.
    • Local norms and traditions should be respected: Be mindful of local customs and traditions while butterfly-watching in Nepal. Walking on prayer flags, for example, is deemed disrespectful, as is disrupting religious or cultural things.
    • Do not litter: Place any garbage in appropriate bins or take it with you when you leave the area. Littering can harm the ecosystem as well as the butterflies that live there.
    • Do not bother other people: Be considerate of other tourists and guests while butterfly-watching in Nepal. You should also avoid creating loud noises or participating in activities that may disturb the neighborhood's peace and quiet.

    If you follow these guidelines, you can have a safe and enjoyable butterfly-watching experience in Nepal while also respecting the natural environment and the creatures that live there. 

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    Outline Itinerary for Butterfly watching in Nepal.

    • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
    • Day 2: Drive or Flight to Chitwan National Park.
    • Day 3: Full-day butterfly watching at Chitwan National Park.
    • Day 4: Full-day butterfly watching at Chitwan National Park.
    • Day 5: Drive to Pokhara.
    • Day 6: Full-day butterfly watching at Pokhara.
    • Day 7: Return to Kathmandu.
    • Day 8: Sightseeing at Shivapuri National Park.
    • Day 9: Departure from Nepal.

     

    Availability
    • The trip departs everyday if the year
    • The trip and trek is fully customizable we can customize the trip according to the need and necessity of our clients

    • The trip is available for solo travelers group travelers and private travelers

    • We organize the trip for a large group and can provide service for a group of 100+ members as well

    • If the given date are not appropriate for the travllers and trekkers the trip can be conducted on the custom date provided by our clients

    • Holiday tours Nepal advises all our clients to book at least 7 days prior so all the arrangements can be done in time specially sometimes in themountains the accommodation are booked prior so prior booking helps a lot

    Contact us at [email protected] or send us a text at +977-9816710843 or +977-9818178630 we are available 24/7 on whatsapp viber wechat for additional informations.

    Useful Information

    Step by step process to get the Visa after landing in Nepal and what is the cost for visa in 2025?

    • Follow the signs or the instructions of the persons and proceed to the arrival hall first.
    • Fill out the arrival card that is provided at the immigration area or use the kiosk machine.
    • Staffs and there are signs that will guide you to fill the form, paying the fees and getting visa.
    • After filling the form procced to the dedicated counter to pay the visa fee.
    • Visa fees can be paid in dollars, euro, pound and Nepali rupees is also accepted.
    • For 2025 there is a on arrival visa, and the cost for a visa is USD 30 for 15 days. For 30 days the visa cost is USD 50; for 90 days, the visa cost is USD 125.
    • After paying the fees present your passport, visa application, arrival card and payment receipt at the immigration counter.
    • After all this process the immigration officer will issue the visa.
    • After getting the visa you can come out of the airport and meet our representatives who will be waiting with a name plate outside the airport.
    • As you walk out of the airport and cross the road you will meet our airport representative who will take you to the hotel and after that we will meet and talk in detail about the trip.

    Why doesn’t Holiday Planner Nepal encourage joining groups or traveling with other travelers?

    What we believe in is when you book the trek solo or with the group you know the solo traveler or the group book it solo because you don’t want to join a group and want to enjoy the trek by yourself and the cost is the same so why to join a group and ruin the experience.

    Everyone has different mentality according to which the chemistry may not match up when joining a group which may lead to bad experience.

    What is the difference between joining a group, going solo or with group you know?

    Aspect

    Trekking solo

    Group you know

    Group of strangers

    Flexibility

    Set you own pace and schedule your trip freely

    Decisions are made by collaboration

    A preplanned itinerary should be followed.

    Comfort level

    Sometimes can be felt lonely when the guides and porters are not there

    Familiar companions who offer physical and emotional support

    Requires getting adapted to new personalities and characters can be frustrating sometimes

    Safety

    Immediate help if guides and porters are around but in case of night time can be a problem.

    Trusted companion with you in the twin room can provide support

    Group leaders and members will provide safety.

    Cost

    Maybe higher compared to group

    Shared cost reduces a bit of expenses

    Economical as group discounts are provided in big groups

    Social interaction

    Limited unless meeting new people

    Familiar environment with the person and travelers we know

    Opportunity to make new friend but sometimes characters may cause problems

    Planning

    Fully flexible and the plan can be changed anytime

    Group planning and then a final decision

    Pre arrange itineraries by the organizer

    Adaptability

    Full freedom for changing plans

    Adjustments can be made with a member or the team

    Must stick to the group plans and schedule.

    Experience rated and provided till date

    Peaceful, freedom and flexibility

    Quality time well spent with the persons we know

    Unknown peoples and characters outcome can be both good or bad.

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