Description

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the south-eastern Terai. The reserve was gazette in 1976 to preserve habitat for the only remaining population of Wild buffalo, Arna (Bubalus arnee). The 176 sq. km. reserve is Nepal’s smallest wildlife reserve. The park hosts 350 species of birds. The small wetland carnivore includes the rare Fishing Cat and Smooth coated otters. There are few rare Gangetic Dolphins found in the Koshi River

Best Time to Visit Koshi Tappu

The best time to visit Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is from October through May. This is a good period also to watch many winter migrants that abound at Koshi Tapu. To see Koshi at its best, we recommend a minimum of 3nights and 4 days stay at Koshi camp. This will provide you with the chance to visit the major sites in the area.

Thing to do in Koshi Tappu

Bird Watching

Bird watching inside Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve offers an exciting opportunity of sighting some 400 species of birds as you explore the marshes on foot, inaccessible sandbanks and islands of the mighty Koshi River.

Jeep Safari

The Koshi River flows through part of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Safari is ideal in the jungle along the belts of this river which is rich in birds and other animals. The river lagoons and wetlands draw deers, gharials (crocodiles), water buffaloes as well as over 400 species of birds for the guests to see.

Gentle Wildlife Rafting

Rafting down the Koshi River is another way of exploring the reserve. View water birds or animals attending to their daily needs. Kingfishers dive into the river looking for food, marsh muggers or Ghariyal crocodiles sunbathe. Even rare Wild Buffaloes and Gangetic River Dolphins can be spotted.

Village/Jungle Walk

Viewing life in the reserve on foot is equally interesting. Tharus live here. They, the early inhabitants of the region, have their unique way of living. It is untouched by the western world. Their beautifully decorated homes and cultural style are delightful. With the help of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp, this Tharu village is plastic-free. It is one of the few environmentally aware and clean villages in the country.

Travel Plan

First Day

• Arrive Biratnagar Airport and transfer to Koshi Tappu Camp.
• Upon arrival at the camp, Check in the hotel and the naturalist will brief on the facilities of the camp and the activities.
• Dinner in the lodge / Camp.

Second Day

• Early wake up.
• Bird watching – in the camp premises and marshlands can be very rewarding to see the shy species like Crakes and Bitterns.
• Breakfast.
• Full day birds watching walk inside the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve with packed lunch. The area between the Camp and Kusaha (Park Headquarter) is the best area for birds and wildlife.
• Return to the camp by late afternoon.
• Dinner followed by briefing for the next day’s program.

Third Day

• Early morning breakfast.
• Floating down few hours to the Koshi River on a rubber boat. We shall spend the day looking for waders and raptors and some wild water buffaloes on the sand banks.
• Lunch at a good spot.
• End of our trip by early afternoon with a good few hours to explore the ponds and lagoons on our way back to camp. Driving back to camp will give us a very good chance to see the rare and endangered Swamp francolin, a specialist for Koshi.
• Dinner.

Fourth Day

• Early wake up and   bird watching around the camp premises.
• Breakfast.
• Transfer to  Biratnagar Airport 2 hours before the scheduled flight.

Important Note

• The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to the client’s needs, requirements, and availability.
• The cost of the trip can changed according to the group size, needs, and time boundary.
• The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).

What to Bring

• Neutral colored clothing is recommended. 
• Light clothing is needed for the daytime with a sweater and warm jacket for the evenings from November to March. 
• Long Pants ad Trousers for safari and jungle walks.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sunglasses, etc. are essential.
• Insect repellent and personal medical requirements should be carried out. 
• Swim suits during the warmer months.
• A small flashlight.
• Binoculars add greatly to your enjoyment of bird and wildlife viewing.

 

We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.