Every month has a story. Some are based entirely in Kathmandu, juggling time between work and documenting the flora and fauna around me. Some turn out to be like September 2026 was for me—“sauntering and soaking up nature’s visual extravaganza.” Three different locations and three different habitats.
BEGNAS
As the first week started, it was time to head out to Begnas, Pokhara, to teach Basic First Aid with Himalayan Medics. Begnas Lake Resort wanted all 50 of its staff members to be trained in Basic First Aid. This was the first time I had come across a resort choosing to train its entire staff in Basic First Aid. Kudos to them for taking this initiative.
I had briefly visited the property before, and seeing how much nature surrounded it, I had longed to come back one day and explore the natural diversity this place had to offer. The manifestation seemed to work, and here I was, in a place overlooking Begnas Lake, with nothing but the sounds of birds and insects coming from the surrounding forest.
Early in the morning and after the classes, I would walk around the property to see what species could be found in the area. A decade ago, when I was exploring the other side of the lake, I had seen several species of birds and insects. Walking around the property, memories of those moments started coming back, and I found myself wondering if those same species could also be found here.
One of the species I came across was the Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider near the banks of the lake. While documenting it, I was also able to spot its nest, filled with spiderlings. The one species I wasn’t able to spot this time around was the Common Kingfisher—not so common, as the name might suggest.
In the cumulative three nights and four days of staying and exploring the property in my free time, there were plenty of insects and birds that I was able to spot, with some also being documented. There are mammals around the area as well, including Civet Cats, Jungle Cats, Yellow-throated Martens and many more, but I wasn’t able to spot any during this visit. Having said that, I did manage to spot an Asian House Shrew (Suncus murinus) for a brief moment before it disappeared under the grass cover.
Butterflies were one of the attractions here, with the gardens in full bloom. I was able to spot and document species such as Common Yamfly, Restricted Demon, Common Four-ring, Common Maplet, Black-and-white Helen, Common Grass Yellow, Common Hedge Blue, Lilacine Bushbrown, Punchinello, Purple Sapphire, Tailed Jay, Suffused Snow Flat, and a Paris Peacock. The latter had to be documented from a little farther away, on the outskirts of the forest, as I could see leeches homing in on me. I was also able to spot a Common Jester and a Lemon Pansy in the grounds of a nearby school.
Damselflies could be seen flying around, and I was able to document a couple of species. There were very few moths that I was able to spot with the limited time I had, but nevertheless, I was able to document a few. These included Handmaiden Moth (Syntomoides imaon), a species from the genus Hypena, along with the larva of a possible Condica species, a possible member of the family Lasiocampidae, and the larva of a Tussock Moth.
Over the years, I haven’t been able to document a midge fly. I spotted one during an evening walk as dusk was setting in. This one was a non-biting midge from the family Chironomidae.
The other insects I was able to document during my stay included some bee species such as Sweat Bees (family Halictidae), a Black Potter Wasp (possibly Allorhynchium argentatum), a wasp-mimic jumping spider (genus Rhene), a few grasshoppers, a couple of mantis species, and some ant species such as the Spiny Ant (possibly Polyrhachis illaudata) and Red-headed Giant Carpenter Ant (Camponotus singularis). A Tiger Beetle, possibly Cosmodela virgula, also landed near the banks of the lake while I was documenting some butterflies. Missing the opportunity to document it wasn’t an option.
Waking up early with the lake view in front of me, I would long for the clouds in the north to move away so that the mountains would reveal themselves and I could see the golden hues touching the snow-capped peaks. The retreating monsoon meant random showers. Nevertheless, I was able to see the morning light fill the atmosphere. Down on the lake, I could see a couple of boats checking their nets for fish. Grey Treepies could be seen flying from one tree to another, while some warblers and Common Tailorbirds were singing in the shrubs below the cottage where I was staying.
Even with the limited time I had there, I was able to hear or see species such as White-crested Laughingthrush, Spotted Dove, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Himalayan Black-lored Tit, Crimson Sunbird and Common Tailorbird. I could also hear the Blue-throated Barbet and Great Barbet, while documenting a Common Green Magpie proved impossible with the dense foliage.
Even though I had only a very brief time in the forest, which was covered with Katus-Chilaune trees mixed with some Khair and Sissoo, and a garden filled with different flowering plants, including Bicolor Skullcap, Crêpe Ginger, Orange Ginger, Begonias, Pennywort, Skyflower and Ginger Lily, I was able to enjoy the abundance of flora and fauna this place had to showcase.
BARDIYA
Back in May, Suraj and I had led a pilot familiarization trip with two influencers to Bardiya, with the primary focus being on exploring Dalla and the surrounding areas. The trip started and ended at Nepalgunj Airport. This time, we had five people to take along as they documented their experiences throughout the journey. We had influencers and experts from the worlds of food, travel, and tourism.
Tracking the weather before the trip, there had been frequent rain from the retreating monsoon, and the weather was a little cooler than usual. The scenic fifty-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj didn’t disappoint, even though there was cloud cover over much of the region. The Himalayan mountain range in the north popped in and out of the clouds, revealing its majestic, towering, snow-clad peaks. We were able to spot the Annapurna range, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, and some smaller peaks in the northern region.
After checking into our respective homestays in Dalla and having some lunch, our guide, Sushila Mahatara, came with Sitaram to brief us on the following day’s trip. After the briefing, we headed to the Girwa riverside.
As soon as we stepped onto the grassland, Sushila told us that a tiger was crossing the river some 200 metres from where we were. Heading towards the bank, we were able to see the head of a male tiger above the water as it crossed the river. This was our first sighting of the day.
After the group had taken in what had just happened and waited to see if there would be any other sightings, Sushila talked about leading us to another spot where there was a treehouse in the middle of a jungle.
While heading out, before getting into the jeep, I was able to spot a Yellow-crowned Woodpecker pecking at a dead tree and a Bengal Monitor Lizard on another tree.
Along the way, we could see a herd of Spotted Deer in the distance, with one of them giving a predator call from inside the jungle. A Mottled Wood Owl flew towards a Simal tree and disappeared into its foliage. After looking around the area, we headed to another riverbank nearby on the same Girwa River. As we neared the bank, we were again able to see another tiger crossing the river, some 50 metres from where the previous tiger had crossed.
This time, it was a mother tiger with her two cubs. The mother and one of the cubs disappeared into the grass after crossing the river, but one cub was a little more curious. It stopped and looked back, staring directly at us. With us some 100–150 metres away, the moment, along with the river crossing by the three tigers, was surreal for the team. The evening was spent talking about the experience and planning for the next day’s jungle safari.
Early the next morning, after checking out of the homestay, we headed towards the gates of Bardiya National Park in Thakurdwara. We divided the team between two separate jeeps, with Sushila leading one and her sister, Manju, leading ours. The plan was to meet at a designated place for breakfast in a couple of hours.
Heading into the national park, we were able to spot some Grey Langurs. A little farther along, Manju stopped the jeep after hearing a predator alarm call from a Barking Deer. After waiting for about thirty minutes, we were able to see a leopard walking away from us further down the trail. I was just able to get a faint photo of its back, as the monsoon had covered the jungle with dense foliage.
It was a fairly normal jungle safari, with sightings of birds such as Crested Serpent-Eagle, White-rumped Shama and Jungle Babblers. I had hoped for some sightings of pittas and flycatchers, but this time there was no luck. I was more focused on taking some close-up shots of the foliage and insects.
While on the jungle safari, we were also privileged to see a herd of Wild Asian Elephants crossing the jungle towards a watering hole. There were calves in the group as well, some of them resting under the treeline.
The remaining day and the third day were spent exploring the art and culture of the area, connecting with locals and hearing different stories, including accounts of tiger encounters. Having the influencers immerse themselves in the local community was the key point of the trip.
I was also able to document and show the team some species from the small world, including Little Branded Swift (Pelopidas agna), a possible Wandering Midget Damselfly (Agriocnemis pygmaea), Sweetpotato Leaf Beetle (Aspidomorpha miliaris), Green Metalwing (Neurobasis chinensis), Stretch Spiders (genus Tetragnatha), Chalky Percher (Diplacodes trivialis), and others.
The three-night, four-day trip went by in a flash, and we soon found ourselves heading back to Nepalgunj Airport. Before reaching there, we visited the Krishnasar (Blackbuck) Conservation Area.
We only visited a small portion of the 16.95 km² area. As we entered the property, we could see a couple of herds of female and juvenile Blackbucks grazing. There were a few mature males among them as well, with some chasing the younger males away from their herds.
For me, bringing people to this area is very important. It is an opportunity to show why a species can come to the brink of extinction in a region and why continued efforts are needed to bring its population back. From 1975, when a herd of nine Blackbucks was discovered, to the population increasing to 202 in 2009, the results of those efforts speak for themselves.
BACK IN KATHMANDU
Back in Kathmandu, I had a couple of days before heading out again. Utilising the time, I started planning for the book launch. Working with Ritu di and Suraj on this part was a relief, as it meant I could focus on the printing, which was being done in Nepal.
Initially, I had planned on printing it abroad, but with the hassle of importing it, along with the other logistical issues, I decided to find a good press that would work on a photobook. Shortlisting it to Sewa Printing Press took some time, but I’m happy that I will be able to get the book ready for the October 2 launch date.
Along with this, I was also eagerly trying to spot a Collared Scops Owl behind my house. I had heard its call during the first week of September but couldn’t spot it properly.
HELAMBU
A new role and a different location. I was headed to Helambu as a first aid responder for a documentary filming crew from abroad. This was my first time in this location, and the closest I had previously been was Melamchi, a couple of years back.
Work for me this time was pretty easy, as the crew was super friendly and professional. Their professional background, working on big productions and in studios in the US and beyond, set them apart.
The two-night, three-day assignment went by very quickly, and we were heli-ed back to Kathmandu.
While in Helambu, I was able to see and document some insects around the monastery where we were staying. Once everything was packed up and night had fallen, I would be able to see moths attracted to the lights around the monastery, including Leopard Moth (most likely Zeuzera multistrigata), Lichen Moth (Vamuna remelana), Footman Moth (Barsine orientalis), Cyana adita, Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sciticaudaria), a moth from the subfamily Ennominae, a moth from the genus Ditrigona, among others.
Birds also seemed to be abundant, as during my stay I was able to spot White-throated Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Eurasian Wren, White-crested Laughingthrush and others. Far above the hills, in between the forest cover, I was also able to hear what seemed like the call of a Crested Serpent-Eagle.
An amazing place to be, I am already thinking about coming back and spending more time documenting the species I am able to find.
A busy month of observing nature up close, meeting beautiful people and learning about different places, September 2026 will be remembered. Below are some of the species of flora and fauna that I was able to see or document during the month of September.
Bird:
Gray Treepie, White-crested Laughingthrush, Spotted Dove, White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Himalayan Black-lored Tit (Machlolophus xanthogenys), Common Green-Magpie, Crimson Sunbird, Common Tailorbird, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Rufous Treepie, Crested Serpent-Eagle, White-rumped Shama, Paddyfield Pipit, Indian Pied Starling, Mottled Wood Owl, Blackbuck, Blue-throated Barbet, Black Bulbul, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Scaly-breasted Munia, Green Bee-eater, Black Kite, White-throated Laughingthrush, Striated Laughingthrush, Blue whistling Thrush, Eurasian Wren, etc.
Invertebrates:
Larva of a possible Genus Condica, Common Yamfly Butterfly (Loxura atymnus), Sweat bees (family Halictidae), Non-biting midge (family Chironomidae), Restricted Demon (Notocrypta curvifascia), Damselfly of a possible Genus Prodasineura, Common Four-Ring (Ypthima huebneri), Handmaiden Moth (Syntomoides imaon), Short-horned Grasshoppers (Family Acrididae), Caterpillar (possible family Lasiocampidae), Ornamental Tree Trunk Spider (Herennia multipuncta), Cicada nymph, Possible nymph of Jeweled Flower Mantis (Creobroter gemmatus), African Giant Snail (Lissachatina fulica), Praying Mantis, Larva of a Tussock moth, Caddisfly of possible Genus Dipseudopsis, Harvestmen Spider, Moth Genus Hypena, Common Maplet Butterfly (Chersonesia risa), Black and White Helen (Papilio chaon), Black-and-white Helen Swallowtail (Papilio nephelus), Common Grass Yellow Butterfly (Eurema hecabe), Fly (Genus Carcelia), Tiger Beetle (of possible Cosmodela virgula), Spiny ant (possible Polyrhachis illaudata), Common Hedge Blue Butterfly (Acytolepis puspa), Lilacine Bushbrown (Mycalesis francisca), Common Jester (Symbrenthia lilaea), Lemon Pansy (Junonia lemonias), Wasp-mimic Jumping Spider (genus Rhene), Red-Headed Giant Carpenter Ant (Camponotus singularis), Punchinello Butterfly (Zemeros flegyas), Purple Sapphire (Heliophorus epicles), Hover fly (Dideopsis aegrota), Tailed Jay Butterfly (Graphium Agamemnon), Paris Peacock Swallowtail (Papilio paris), Suffused Snow Flat Butterfly (Tagiades gana), Black Potter Wasp (possible Allorhynchium argentatum), Scarlet Skimmer Dragonfly (Crocothemis servilia), Grass fly (possible family Chloropidae), Baronet (Euthalia nais), Little Branded Swift (Pelopidas agna), possible Wandering Midget Damselfly (Agriocnemis pygmaea), Sweetpotato Leaf Beetle (Aspidomorpha miliaris), Green Metalwing (Neurobasis chinensis), Stretch Spiders (Genus Tetragnatha), Chalky Percher (Diplacodes trivialis), Leopard Moth (most likely a Zeuzera multistrigata), Lichen Moth (Vamuna remelana), Footman Moth (Barsine orientalis), Cyana adita, Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sciticaudaria), Moth from the Subfamily Ennominae, Moth from the Genus Ditrigona, Earwig (most probrally Forficula nepalensis), Yellow Coster Butterfly (Telchinia issoria), Giant Honeybee (Apis laboriosa), Joro Spider (Trichonephila clavate), etc.
Mammal:
Asian House Shrew (Suncus murinus), Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta), Bengal Tiger, Chital, Common Leopard, Asian Elephant, Terai Grey Langur.
Reptile & Amphibian:
Common Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis), House Gecko (genus Hemidactylus), Bengal Monitor Lizard(Varanus bengalensis), Chequered Keelback (Fowlea piscator), Asian Bullfrog, Oriental Garden Lizard, etc.
Flora:
Bicolor Skullcap (Scutellaria discolor), Crêpe Ginger (Hellenia speciosa), Orange Ginger (Lily Hedychium coccineum), Begonias (Genus Begonia), Pennywort (possible Hydrocotyle nepalensis), Skyflower (Duranta erecta), Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium), Wild Cane (Saccharum spontaneum), Sponge Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca), Possible Callicarpa macrophylla, Mountain Coffee Bush (Possible Genus Breynia), Bush Morning Glory (Ipomoea carnea), Sesame (Sesamum indicum), Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis), Simal, Sal, Tall Buckwheat (Fagopyrum cymosum), Pink Knotweed, Himalayan Redberry Creeper (Hemiphragma heterophyllum), Wandering Dew-Grass (Cyanotis vaga), etc.
Fungi & Lichen:
Yellow Stemmed Micropore (Microporus xanthopus), Possible Dacrymyces spathularia, Mottlegills (Genus Panaeolus), etc.
Ajay Narsingh Rana
Leave a Reply