over 250 species of birds. Rare birds include Impeyean pheasant, the national bird, snow cock, snow pigeon, giant horn-bill, saras crane, babblers and others, etc. Every year millions of birds migrate from Tibet, Siberia and the northern mountains to the lowlands and the Terai. The Koshi Barrage is also one of the most important migratory habitats. Other lakes and ponds in the Terai and the midlands also form important migratory routes. Bird watching is a very pleasant experience during late autumn and early spring when the migration occurs.

Skiing
Nepal has some of the steepest mountain slopes in the world. Though not available on a commercial scale, skiing is one of the exciting forms of adventure possible in Nepal. Skiing can be done on the slopes of western Nepal, Langtang area and some parts of the Khumbu area. Rental equipment are hard to find and must be provided on ones own.

Boating
Boating is a common form of transport in the lowlands and the Terai in Nepal. Leisure boating can be done in various locations. Pokhara has many lakes. Therefore, Pokhara is also known as the lake District of Nepal. These turquoise lakes, reflecting the Annapurna Range on their waters, are ideal for boating. The most famous and pleasurable ones are the lakes of Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Traditional canoe-style boating can be done in Chitwan and on some other rivers, including the Koshi. Windsurfing is also available in Pokhara from time to time.

Fishing
Fishing has formed a basic livelihood for numerous communities in the hilly and the Terai regions of Nepal. With its numerous rivers and lakes, Nepal is an ideal location for pleasure fishing and angling. Some of the popular rivers for fishing and angling are Betrawati, Indrawati, Karnali and Koshi. While fishing, one should look out for other aquatic species too, especially the fresh water dolphins in the Koshi, Rapti and Narayani river systems.
 

Flower Tour
Due to diversity in climate and topography, many different varieties of flowers are found in Nepal. They range from tropical flowers found in the Terai to flowers such as rhododendron that are found only above the snowline. Out of the many varieties of flowers found in Nepal, many species of orchids and varieties of rhododendron are the rarest and most of them are found nowhere on earth. The Lali-Guras Festival, the festival of rhododendron flowers, is held annually at Helambu. Lali-Guras is the Nepalese name for the red rhododendron, and is the national flower of Nepal With all this richness in flowers, Nepal is a flower lover`s paradise. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to be in Nepal for floricultural indulgence. Due to its richness in flowers, Nepal is also known as the 'only flower that blooms in winter'.

Special interest tours are conducted throughout the year to match all the tastes. Lepidepterology is one, since eleven of the fourteen families of butterflies are found in Nepal. These exotic species are specially visible in the summer and the monsoon seasons. Similarly fossil hunting, archaeological, zoological, geological, mythological, meteorological, historical tours, game hunting, village tours and other special interest tours take place throughout the seasons.

Pony treks
Ponies have been a cheap and convenient form of transport for man and materials in the Himalaya since ages, and are still an easy way to explore the remote areas. Nowadays, ponies are being utilized extensively for trekking. Pony treks follow nearly the same routes as the ones for trekking. The pony treks are offered mostly in the western region, normally around Pokhara and also to the hinterlands of Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).

Nature walk
Hiking in Nepal can be a very pleasant experience. It is also the best way to know about the lifestyles and culture of the people and the scenic beauty of the places. A day`s hike can be done from Pokhara, Kathmandu, Tansen or from any of the hill resorts such as Dhulikhel, Kakani and Nagarkot. Hiking routes are normally along foot-tracks that have been in use for centuries. The pleasant seasons of spring and autumn are the best times to hike when the sky is clear and the mountains present their full glory. Be sure to take along drinking water, maps and picnic lunch to make the hike a memorable experience. Interacting with the local people can be a very informative and illuminating experience in Nepal because the country probably has the most hospitable and friendliest people on earth. Also check out the local culture and monuments on the way.

Photography
Photographic expeditions are gaining grounds in Nepal in recent years. There are destinations and areas in Nepal, which are photographers' delights.