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January Hike

It was wonderful taking a short hike not far from Kathmandu, the first hike of the year 2024, hahaha! I was actually leading a group of school kids from a local school through the Shivapuri national parks within the valley. Its beautiful natural park with many different species of wildlife.

It was a challenging a bit to keep motivating the kids, at the same time trying to make them learn through this hike through the natural park, an experiential learning, that we called LDP or leadership Development program in out doors, out of the class rooms

This is very important, that can totally shape their future and enhance the learning skills and school education.

I always enjoy being out there in nature, anyway and taking or going into the nature with other people is also enjoyable, provided they are like minded, nature lover and loves the outdoor, out of their comfort zone.

Journey of thousand miles begins with a single steps- Lao Tzu

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Babai river Journey!

Every moment was moment of excitement and exploration – such a journey on the calm (mostly), pristine, beautiful and natural green water of Babai river meandering through the Bardia national park of west Nepal.

There was an excitement of wildlife crossing the river before and behind us, while floating or in the night when we camped as we could witness the wild tracks of Big Cat, Wild Elephant, Rhino with many Deers with Otter coming to water.

At the same time birds were all there, though no pictures of them this time. The patiently waiting and hunting Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Kingfishers such as Crested Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Common and White-throated Kingfishers, actively and regularly flying around, and hunting. Many Ruddy Shelduck in pairs flying back and forth over us was beautiful sights

It was wonderful journey that was combined with a short visit of bardias national park, designed as per the time available of our clients. The elusive Big Cat did show up but just crossing couple of times and well sighted by other group. Such is the wildlife safari in natural forest and it has its own different charm and experience.

Great trip!

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Birding

The winter birding season is here and some migratory birds are here too already. I have guided and birding in Godawari and Phulchauki – my favorite birding sites in Kathmandu valley, located not far from the main city area. Here’s some birding pictures…

Blue and clear sky, beautiful forest, fresh air and lively chirping of birds around…Wow!

Top of the Phulchowki Hill, the highest valley rim (2760m), was great with beautiful and panoramic view of mountains from Everest (visible only when the sky is very clear) in the east to Annapurna with Jugal, Langtang and Ganesh Hima and Gorkha mountains peaks in the west.

Great place to be there for nature walk and birds

Yes, there the mixed flock of birds feeding and moving out, did you see!

Warblers, challenging birds to have a good look at (Buff-barred Warbler), yet one of my fav group!

There you Green-backed Tit, gotcha!

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BIRD photography

“I have already clicked some thousand shots, my camera battery ran out but I am still not satisfied and want to take more photos from all angle, in different pose, in the ground, up on the air, flying shots, in different backgrounds, some very close up even I have big tele-lens.”

“What made me very uncomfortable seeing and to be around was, an injured bird, that was not happy and comfortable seeing it surrounded by people, who were trying their best to click the picture of that bird in every possible angle and up-close shots. This was a pair of rare passage migrants that was trying its best to be there for some time even the habitat is shirking and unsuitable for them to be around due to human activities and altered habitats.”

“I do love to take pictures of birds, trying my best not to cross the boundary, making sure the birds do not feel threatened or worry of their safety. In spite of being careful, many times we have not been very friendly as they have flown away”

“I mean, we talk about the ethical photography, lecture how to be careful, making sure that the welfare of birds must come first, besides many regulation and norms of being out there in nature for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature photography. It seems like, the human nature is such and no matter how well they know or informed and aware, the twist of such ethic is there some time.”

“Having talked about the unethical photography, I am sure there are many ethical and birds/wildlife photographers who will spend time first to let the environment accept them and they are truly wonderful and caring human.”

I love this wonderful mantra for anyone engaging in outdoor activities, not just photographers. , “take nothing but pictures, live nothing but footprints” even though footprints here I think is not the physical one. It emphasizes the importance of minimal impact on the environment and wildlife.

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Saving Vultures

Pics for 15th International Awareness Day celebration

Critically endangered White-rumped Vulture

Slender-billed Vulture, another critically endangered vulture

Himalayan Vulture, may not be listed as critically endangered but if we are not working to save it, it will be not be that long, this could be another vulture in the list!

Live and let live!

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Birds of the …

Here’s more birds that are here now in the season

Whimbrel

Whimbrel is rare and passage migrants and has not many record in the country itself. Its great to see few of them in Kathmandu valley, a treat and joy to see it though one seems has injured leg, that we hope that will heal before it fly to its onward destination.

Black-tailed Godwit

BTG is also a rare and passage migrants, has been been here since last few days

And just few days ago Gul-billed Tern and now Common tern is also thrilling the bird lovers and bird photographers in the valley.

This is amazing!

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Birds of the month

Just before the migration, its a time when we get many passage migrants that pass by the valley. This is not an easy time to see the birds though we can not stay out of the birding places as much as possible even in rain.

This Brahminy Kite, though have been recorded in winter season but this is the time when it has been staying here for quite some time, and exactly same time in 2016 and in the same location. It has caused quite a sensation to the bird photographers too.

Some time these passage migrants are seen only for very short time and this time its nice and surprisingly staying longer and seen still. Here’s this Gull-billed Tern, that is also mesmerizing the the birdwatches and photographers, specially the new photographers.

Hope to see more and looking forward to welcome the migratory species soon.

Happy birding!

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Nature at its best

Its the season of rain called Monsoon, that starts from June to last till the end of September. Well that used to be the way but now a days, due to climate change its not a normal and lasting longer. This year has not been normal too as the rain started much later and its nothing like what we got last year.

Its the season when its not easy to travel around but I really like it as nature is in best. So green, lush and refreshing with cleaner and aromatic air. This is the beauty of season. Here’s some of pictures from around.

Love the rainy season, monsoon season, a challenging season though! It regenerate the earth, recharged the much needed water that is used by everyone on this planet.

Sal (Shorea robusta) leaf, hard wood tree.

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Nature around us

Common Mongoose, also called Indian Grey Mongoose are commonly seen in the garden besides the building, farmland and forest. Love its smart and alert look, when we encounter or see something around.

Garden Lizard, is among many nature’s beauty that seen around in the garden mainly, decorating the garden even more with flowers and plants

Giant Rat

Toad

Rat Snake

Hoary-bellied Himalayan Squirrel

Rabit

These are just few and when we explore, we will be full of surprise how many, beautiful and important life living around us.

Live and let live!

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nature walk in Surayabinayak

It was nice weekend nature walk, pursuing mainly birds around this shrine of Surayabinayak (Ganesh temple), that is one the place that gets the first ray of sun in the valley. There are few pilgrimage location beside the world heritage site of Bhaktapur itself.

The temple area is the refuse to many Alexandrine Parakeet, that is believed to have established here after they escaped the human cage, even though they are mainly found in the lowlands, in the southern parts of the country. Besides many highlights were there such as Fire-breasted and Plain Flowerpecker, Rufous Woodpecker and Barbets

After birding visited another beautiful place Bhaktapur guest house after Covid era located near the natural area, out of main town, introduced to friends and was glad to be there this time!

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Back to nature!

Located very next to the bustling city of concrete jungle Kathmandu, Shivapuri national park is an oasis for the nature and adventure lovers. The park is an important biodiversity area of the country within the valley only that spreads from 1500m to 2730m of elevation in the area of 159 sq. km only. At the same time it is getting extremely popular for the weekend getaway with family and friends for the people who loves to be out there in nature.

I was there yesterday leading our weekend birding walk, though birding was not so easy due to the people visiting in groups.

And I was not expecting to have a large group of my own due to the monsoon season, even in short notice. We did recorded some 50 species of mainly forest habitat with some urban seen near the park.

And freshness feeling being out there and fresh air with the a clear view of the valley was great as that we do not get this kind of view in other season. It was great birding and meeting people of all like minded who loved nature particularly and weekend well spent!

Want to join me!

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Misty walk!

Finally, the monsoon is said to be here, in the country after a long dry spell and soaring temperature even in Kathmandu where we are. The lowlands in the south has been miserable and unbearable due to hot and high humidity. It is good and bad both as rain is so important for the country like our where most of paddy plantation is rain dependents and water is always needed for all the biodiversity to thrive every where. At the same time the heavy monsoon is also the cause of many problems due to flooding and landslides that we have already heard in some places in the east Nepal.

While there it was nice and cool walk at Hatiban hill, before we got back to hot day.

Let’s hope nature does not play hard on us or any where in the world, even though human has not been as responsible as they should be.

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Parakeets

On the occasion of, “World Parrot Day”, even though, we have only one very rare called, Vernal Hanging Parrot in Nepal but Parakeets and here’s the pictures of some of them are as- Alexandrine Parakeet , Rose-ringed or ring-necked Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet

Happy World Parrot Day!

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Mountain Journey

Continues to Annapurna Base Camp after Mardi Himal

After making a steep descending to Landruk, large village with comfortable accommodation and good food and night, we headed to the gateway to this sanctuary to Chhomrong.

Settled opposite to the Mardi and above the gorge, overlooking the Hiuchuli peak, its beautiful village or rather town. Many hotels, good food and accommodation, place to have the last minute top up of any things specially chocolate or cookies or even warm cloths.

Down to the river and up to Sinuwa, from where you really entering to the gorge, on the side of Hiuchuli. Beautiful forest rich for birds and other biodiversity. Mountain goats and Black Bear can be encountered along the trail or from the place we overnight.

Most people travel an our farther to Dovan but we stayed in quieter and more friendly place called Bamboo, that was great.

Next day continue to the main sanctuary. The rain after the lunch made even more challenging when the trail had to make a longer stretch to avoid the avalanche prone area in this time of the area. The rain and snow made the trail very wet, muddy and slippery but we managed to arrive to MBC (Machhapuchhare Base Camp) 3700m. Just before arriving while snowing, beautiful flock of birds- Grandala were a great sight and I even managed to get the pictures even though that did not come sharp or well but was so glad I saw them, that I was hoping to see!

Next day, when the snowy weather did not allow us to continue to our last destination Annapurna Base Camp in the morning, we just had to wait as it was snowing heavily most of time. Just when we had a lunch, the snowfall becomes light and more lights, we hurriedly started walking to get as far as possible. Still very slippery trail, with lots of snow on the side and along the trail, we were so happy to have arrived to Annapurna Base Camp well before two hours of walk.

It was wonderful and was so happy that Anne made it to this place that was more important to me than anything this time. We took some time, walked to the moraine ridge, beautiful view of glacier and moraine river below the main Annapurna base camp in front of us. I could feel the formidable wall of this 10th highest mountain of the world just opposite to us, that I have seen and enjoyed many times in the previous trips. Well not so this time and have to be back again.

Next day starting a day from MBC in rain, all the way to Bamboo, was the most challenging walk to be able to keep the balance, not falling down the trail. Anyway was okay, even we got all wet but down to comfortable place.

From Bamboo, hike to Sinuwa and then to Chhomrong, where we had lunch before making a steep descend down to the long suspension bridge and to Samrong where got the jeep and drove out to Pokhara.

Was so glade to be in Pokhara and then back home in Kathmandu even though the journey has comes to the end for this time to start a new. Next time, new journey and new place of even same….

Life is a beautiful journey!

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Mountain Journey

Mardi Himal

Starting from Pokhara after a short flight from Kathmandu, we drove to Kande, the starting point of our journey, that took us some 40 minute. I was excited to start this journey with one of my client and friend Anne R from Norway with a my support staffs. This was her no 11 trip to Nepal as a mountain lovers and hiker. What a privilege, I had again to lead this journey after Covid era. First part was to visit the Mardi Himal and second was to Annapurna base camp, both are the best short hiking journey ( for me and many) truly into the heart of the mountains. This is the shortest journey to be in the mountain, in the lap of the mountains, surrounded by many snowy peaks. Its really something words can not be enough to describe its grandeur and nature’s beauty that capture one’s heart.

From Kande we hiked up to Thulokot, first view point and place of annual Raptors count in Nepal, where we had light a break for lunch and continue to Pothana and to Pittam Deorali through the beautiful forest and ridge. Arrived there just in time before the rain and cold see some snowy hills in the north as it was also snowing in the mountains, looked beautiful

Next morning, we continued our journey. The weather has been great till we arrived at Forest camp for lunch but had to stay there due to continues and heavy rain that afternoon. Next day, great morning and just when we were about to arrive at Badal Danda, the snow and rain made it even more challenging, though was not for long.

Badal Danda is actually the best location for mountain and surrounding views, on the top of the ridge/hill. The Machhapuchhare and Annapurna peaks are so close that you could let your hands feel it. It was wonderful!

Next day after enjoying the morning, we hiked back to Forest Camp and steep down to Landruk, large village, that has the old trail to base camp and many other destination.

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SPARROW World

Just realized that how I missed this day as World Sparrow Day, that is Mach 20! So still a month later. Anyway sharing some pictures of Sparrows seen and clicked around.

House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow and Russet Sparrow!

Happy World of Sparrow!

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January 2023

The first month of the year 2023 is a thing of past and I have been trying to write about how did I spent those 31 days that is only in memories now. As we think and talk about making new year’s resolution every time when the new year rolls in. I never make such a promises to myself and to others, as trying the best, with passion, interest and keep moving on optimistically is the way to tackle the journey of life!

Well, I must say month of January has been a great month that allowed me to have wonderful visit to some new destinations in the country. On the first week of the month I took a week long journey to some of my wished area out of Kathmandu.

It was a part of an official visit to Vultures Safe Zone located next to river Narayani and Chitwan national park, To Jagdishpur Lake near Lumbini and Gulmi districts of Nepal in the north west of Butwal town, next to Tansen.

After that trip, got busy with birds and birding activities. such as Urban bird count and wintering wetland water birds count, besides weekend bird walks. These are great events that we participate as a citizen scientist and I truly enjoy this passion.

This winter the weather has been great, though very mild and no rain so far since last many months. May be, one of the reason, the number of of wintering water birds has been not very positive, all over the country. The wetland we used in Kathmandu valley were Bagmati from Chovar with Taudah, Nagdah and Manohara river and Bisnumati. This is bit pity that the birds number counted was much less than previous years. Unfortunately this might continue as the human activities is also destroying their habitats but I believe, nature is very resilience and can bounce back and is happening too in some parts of the world.

The urban birds still hanging okay in diversity but the numbers are certainly not so encouraging to see. Some species like House Crows and Rock Pigeons are doing great.

To be able to see and enjoy the nature, birds in the nature, we still have to learn lot to give a place to nature and allow besides us. Its always healing and joy to see the beautiful nature thriving right nest to us.

Enjoy, love and protect the nature!

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Morning nature!

Nature is amazing as always!

The dew drops of the night on the ground is so beneficial to the plants and animals and for farming in this dry season, when the rain is not here and changing its patterns due to climate change that is happening naturally and accelerating fast by human activities.

And also walk in the morning, one might get little wet shoes but its so beautiful looking at the plants and trees and see the nature active- birds are calling, feeding, flying and singing, saying common words wake up and enjoy the best part of the day- morning!

Have a great day!

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Snow Leopard Tracking Adventure 2022

Hello everyone, namaste!

Bong Waterfall

Back here after some time! Reason for being not so regular-not so motivated in writing and also frequent out in nature. This post should have been before the earlier post, Tufted Duck.

Just got back from two wks Himalayan trekking journey after 2 years of Covid break! It was real mountain, real trekking on the hills and mountains combined with Chitwan national park visit. Definitely, it was great to be out for a longer time in the mountains and with nature.

After Meta

We start a trip with 6 hours journey to Beshi Sahar, the “gateway” to famous Annapurna Circuit journey with a team of 9 people. Next day, another half day drive on dirt road brought us to Chame (the district headquarters of Manang), at an elevation of 2500m, by the glacier fed river Marsyangdi, located on the northern lap of Mount Annapurna 2 and Lamjung Himal. The afternoon was spent exploring around. It was nice overnight at hotel Karma still with the luxury of electricity and internet!

Walking with Mules, the local transporters of the area

The next morning after a hearty breakfast, we set out on our 2 wks journey on foot. Crossed the suspension bridge after going through the official check point at Koto. It was wonderful to be out in fresh air, along the beautiful gorge of Phu river. The trail along the valley was easy with gentle climbs after crossing the river to its eastern bank. The rocky cliffs, waterfalls and river gorge were quite an impressive scenery. The trail continued and after 4 hours of walking, finally found a place to eat, a small tea shop. After tasty Dalbhat, we continued our journey along the valley for some time before making a short but steep climb, that brought us to a small village of Meta, that used to be just goths (livestocks shelter) in the past. It was a long and tiring first day of the trip, that took us almost 9 hours to trek but was very glad to have made it well. The warm dining room with famous Nepali Khukri rum made it just a great evening, making our tiredness a thing of the past! Hahaha…

At Chyakhu 3650m

Waking up in the chilly morning but with clear day, with clear view around was wonderful. I woke up early and explored around for birds and just found Hill and Snow Pigeons mainly. The sun also was so pleasant and warm. When others were up visited a couple of goths (Goat shelter) of the area with locals with a local.

Blue painted Prayer rocks

After breakfast, we set out for our next destination Chyakhu, apparently in short distance from here. The trail went round to the west before it started following the valley, passing a couple of temporary settlements, before dropping to the dry river that and a short steep up brought us to the other side, leading to the wider valley of Chyakhu. This administrative place now has the Govt offices and bank. It was actually a place where people from Nar bring their livestocks up here in summer. It was a large settlement with stone houses with goat shelters but now looks like abandoned as people now are more into the tourism or moved down to the valley

Rocky trail

And next day hike to Phu along the valley, passing Kyang and short steep climb to the gate, the trails ease out to the valley of Phu. Cross the bridge and just few minute walks brought us to the hotel at Phu, where we stayed 3 nights

Blue sheep on the cliff

The village of Phu (Phoo) surrounded by the barren but spectacular hills and mountain still has very traditional houses of stone that were almost invisible from a distance as they blend so well, with the surrounding. These settlements were created by just local materials of rocks, woods and clay- great eco-technology of the past, though some tinned roof and cement houses are appearing too. The village has Govt office and hotels with two main monasteries and new one is being built in the village itself.

Spectacular rock

The two full days were spent exploring around and tracking wildlife, mainly Snow Leopard and a hike to near the Himlung Himal, a famous 7000m high mountain of the area, was wonderful. I was amazed by this record of Grey-backed Shrike at this elevation of 4500m, the highest point, where they were breeding. I knew they migrate high up in the hills and mountain area for breeding but never saw them at this height and was great to hear the call and some that was more intense than what I used to hear them in winter while in Kathmandu.

Phu village

After Phu, we retraced back to Chyakhu and trekked to Nar Gompa, where we used the hotel of monastery. It was nice spending time there with monks and in the monastery.

Himalayan peak

Next morning explored the birds around in the early morning and after breakfast we took the steep and scenic trail to Nar, another large and main village of this area, more people and more houses built in similar way as in Phu. The landscape was more habitable, and we could see people busy in their farms and around, located just opposite to Pisang Peak.

Himalayan Vulture

The hotel we spend was also nice and only place with regular electricity, so we all managed to charge or phones and batteries well. Two night, we stayed there before the big day to Kangla pass.

Himlung peak and glacier

The day we set out for pass and to Ngawal, we started walking very early at 5am through a beautiful valley with milder and gradual climb before the serious climb to the pass of 5320m. The trail towards the pass had some snow on the trail. So finally we made to the top well in 6-7 hours of time with all the rests we made. It was great being and feeling out there and could feel and see the victory on the people’s face, that was great feeling for me too. We celebrated there for some time and made to Ngawal through a very steep down hill trail. Later when we looked towards the pass, the weather was not so pleasant and looked not easy but important we all did it well! Hurray team!

Nargompa

Ngawal at 3600m was just very pleasant after the higher elevation we stayed and Manang the famous town on the one of the top ten trekking trails of the world, (once listed) over the Throngla was luxury, better food and accommodation. We did stay one extra day and explored the area tracking Snow leopard and other wildlife.

Going up there!

For me, it was wonderful to see some birds specially Siberian Duck (Ruddy Shelduck) that some pairs, now stay there throughout the year, breed and do not migrate. Tibetan Blackbird, split from Eurasian Blackbird at Manang, was the other highlight.

Approaching pass Kang La

And finally we drove back to Beshi Sahar and travelled to Chitwan for our main wildlife safari, that was wonderful. The wildlife and birds that got my list are here as:

At the pass Kangla 5320m

Chukar Partridge, Himalayan Monal (Danphe)

Chukar Partridge

Anybody wants to join me next time!!!

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Tufted Duck

It’s not usual to see this Duck here, this time of the year. This is migratory waterfowl that we usually see them in winter season. Thy breed in Eurasia and winters in Asia and many par parts of Europe and has been recorded in many other parts of the world.

This Tufted Duck, beautiful male duck has been here in one of lake in Kathmandu since last months, enjoying just by itself though another migratory duck- Northern Shovler joined it for just a day and was not seen later. The reason, why it’s here could be simply due to the health issues or could be many. It could have lost its orientation for some time, resting due to some health issue, or it is trying to adopt due to the climate change. Many other species that believed to be seen are being recorded in unexpected places and habitat.

Whatever the reason, it’s always great to see them around. Thanks for your visit Tufted Duck and be happy!

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Koel, Crows and Eagle

Summer migrants are here and busy raising their family. The cat and mouse game of Asian Koel and Crows is an amazing sight. It’s interesting to see how Koel managed to lay their eggs on Crow’s nest, while being chased by crows. Eventually accepting the nature’s way and raise the Koel.

And most of our wintering birds are gone back to their breeding home though some late migrants are still here, just this one majestic Steppe Eagle that I found on by birding at Chovar area.

Happy Birding and Happy Easter!

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By the Rapti

In a quick visit to Chitwan while I was staying in, Into The Wild Resort near the national park, managed to get down to the river Rapti and enjoyed the walk in its northern bank. This river drains the Chitwan valley, an important wetland of the valley, most important forms the northern boundary of Chitwan national park, one of the finest and first national parks of the country. The nature parks holds the major wildlife and extremely rich in natural biodiversity, including bird population

Rapti in the morning

It was nice walking in the morning and evening, both in different prospective that I enjoyed really well.

Rapti bank in the evening

Welcome to visit this area and the national park!

Red-naped Ibis flying over the river!
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Crow’s beak

Found this beautiful Crow, that had a bit longer upper beak than the lower one. I have come across in other birds also but seen more on House Crows, that we have here. In some Crows, earlier, I have also seen the cross-bill, weird! It seems like these birds are doing okay with their health so far, that we have seen. However, they could or must have serious issue on their health, that we have not seen or surveyed. It is said that this deformation is called AKD (Avian Keratin Disorder). The reason behind this disorder has many factors such as food and contaminated nutrients, bacteria, environments and other diseases.

What ever the reason is, they must have a discomfort in feeding, preening and other activities that they do with their beak. It could and probably is a threat to their survival due to the slow starvation.

The nature, hope has its own way to sort this out.

Just get it over and heal birds!

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Taudah Lake

Visited Taudah today, the one and only natural lake of Kathmandu valley today, hoping to see some migratory birds. The lake looked beautiful without many people around (weekend is crowded) but was empty and calm. After some wait we saw only four Common Teal (Green-winged) landing on the lake, only migratory waterfowl, still around but all others including Cormorants were gone. It seemed a bit early for all the departures this year!

Could it be the weather, the sudden change of rise in mercury in the valley, a climatic factor, they have to go already this time. Well, looks like something like that! We humans are contributing the change in the natural habitat of birds and wildlife and fuelling the action of climate change fast! When are we going to learn!

Anyway it was nice to see some regular birds like Black-Crowned Night heron, Cattle Egret, Pond Heron, Common and Jungle Myna. It was also delightful to see some remaining Steppe Eagle soaring around, and they will soon migrate too.

Hoping they will be back in the fall. See you again!

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SPARROW Day

“I love Sparrow“

House Sparrow (female)

It is said and seen Sparrows that live with the human or habitat created by human are having challenging time to survive due to many human factors such as habitat, lack of food, pesticides, even though they are trying their best to be around and fascinating us.

House Sparrow (male)

Love them and let them be around!

Russet Sparrow
Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Happy World Sparrow Day 2022!

Bisket Jatra

In Nepal, we celebrated our new year, on the first day of year 2081 (Baisakh 1), recently on 13 April.

During this day, mainly in Kathmandu valley, there is event of street festivals called- Bisket Jatra, that is celebrated in few places only.

I was actually going birding with friend in this area nearby (Tokha) and got caught in the festival celebration and enjoyed for some time.

Snow Leopard Trek-2

You are an amazing nature’s gift to this world. You are mysterious and elusive yet one of the most beautiful and mesmerising creature on this planet earth. I would not be able express, how amazing you are and seeing you in your natural habitat is just awesome, wonderful, that I will always have in my mind!

Taking this trip, in search of an elusive (as some people would say) Snow Leopard, in the beginning of Feb 2024, was with mixed feeling of expectation and hope, fully aware of the chances or luck, that we may have in nature, specially in Nepal’s nature where, seeing and photographing the wildlife is so different, a natural and at the same time extremely difficult especially in the our mountain terrain with high altitude situation.

First evening, got the rain and snow, but the next day was sunny, a wonderful day with snowy view around, even we had to walk on the snowy path most of time. As we went towards the mountain, the temperature was dropping with -11 deg c at Chame. Another snowy day was on the way to Ngwal, a challenging day but seeing a pair of Golden Eagle and Goldcrest was just a great compensation, that I would say to myself.

We were always looking out to catch the glimpse of any wildlife, including the ghost of the mountain as the Snow Leopard are called here. The Himalayan Vulture, Lammergeier and many other Himalayan birds were always there, soaring, flying and calling around, making me always excited and hopeful.

We used to set out very early, not worrying too much of our lunch and used to get back later in the evening and this continued dedication and try was worth and we managed to see the female Snow Leopard with its cub in the evening and saw the mom Leopard next day too, that is when we managed to get its photos and see well in the light. Just awe-struck, mesmerised we stayed there as long as it was there and enjoyed every moment.

So mission accomplished on this my second Snow Leopard tracking expedition, but first time with clients in this area. Wow! What an amazing experience!

Hoping to be back again to see this beauty of nature, we wrapped up our trip with this great experience.

Thanks nature!