Butterfly Watching Tour in Nepal

Butterfly Watching Tour in Nepal

With a stunning diversity of 651 species, which represents 3.72 percent of the world's butterflies, Nepal is a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts. The country's varied habitats provide ideal conditions for a wide range of butterfly species, making it a premier destination for butterfly watching.

Prime Butterfly Watching Locations

Nepal boasts several fabulous destinations where enthusiasts can observe species like the Great Orange Tips, Purple Sapphire Circles, Oakblues, and Common Brimstones. Key locations include:

• Kathmandu Valley: Favored for its mild daytime temperatures, which hover around 18ºC in mid-winter, making it a haven for butterflies all year round. The best seasons for butterfly watching here are late March to April, mid-May to mid-June, and late August to September.

• Phulchowki, Jamachowk, and Shivapuri: These forested hilltops offer rich biodiversity and are excellent spots for observing a wide variety of butterfly species.

• Godavari, Nagarjun, Budhanilkantha, and Sundarijal: These areas, particularly around the base of the hills and forest streams, are known for their Oriental butterfly species.

• Chobar Gorge: This open country area in the valley, while having limited butterfly activity, still hosts some very common Oriental species.

• Nagarkot, Suryavinayak, and Chandragiri: These open scrubby bush areas provide additional prime spots for butterfly enthusiasts.

Historical and Scientific Interest

Nepal’s butterflies have attracted the attention of naturalists and scientists for over 150 years. British residents and their subordinates initially took a keen interest in studying and cataloging these beautiful creatures, although such activities are now banned. Post-1950, Japanese expeditions furthered the scientific study, leading to the establishment of the Natural History Museum at Swayambhu in 1974.

Diverse Species

Approximately 10 percent of Nepal’s butterflies are Palearctic species found at altitudes above 3,000 meters, while about 90 percent are Oriental species. This diversity is evident across the various ecological zones of Nepal, from the lush forests of the Kathmandu Valley to the higher elevations of the Himalayas.

Best Seasons and Conditions

While butterflies can be found year-round in Nepal, the optimal times for butterfly watching are:

• Late March to April: Spring brings a burst of activity as many species emerge.
• Mid-May to Mid-June: Early summer provides excellent conditions for observing a wide range of butterflies.
• Late August to September: The post-monsoon period sees another peak in butterfly activity.

Nepal’s rich butterfly fauna and the numerous ideal spots for observing these beautiful insects make it a must-visit destination for butterfly watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether exploring the verdant valleys or the higher reaches of the hills, the vibrant colors and diverse species of Nepal’s butterflies promise a mesmerizing experience.