Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
One of Asia's best bird sanctuaries
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the flood plain of the Sapta-Koshi -- one of the three main tributaries of the Ganges -- in eastern Nepal. Roughly the shape of a rectangle 10 km wide and as long, it stretches south of the Sapta Koshi to the Indian border. It mostly consists of tall grassland with patches of khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest, set against the backdrop of the Eastern Himalaya, including Makalu (8475 m), the world's fifth highest mountain.
The reserve offers prime habitat for a variety of wildlife. It supports the last surviving population of wild buffalo or arna. The nilgai (blue bull), chital (spotted deer), hog deer, and wild boar are some other mammals finding sanctuary in the Reserve.
Over 280 different species of birds, have been recorded in the Reserve, including twenty species of ducks, two species of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridge and Bengal florican. It is an important staging ground and resting place for migratory birds, many of which are not seen elsewhere in Nepal. The endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin have been observed in the Koshi river.
Experiencing
Koshi Tappu
Two lodges in the Reserve offer comprehensive wildlife tours of three or more days, inclusive of accommodation, meals, wildlife activities, entry fee, etc. There are a host of options to explore the jungle, accompanied by resident naturalists and guides: elephant-back safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks, and bird-watching tours. The minimum recommended stay is 3 days, and for bird lovers, an extra day is well worth it. The lodges operate round-the-year except during the Monsoon (June - September).
The quickest way to get there is to fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, where lodge staff will meet you for the 2 hour drive to camp. Koshi Tappu is also accessible by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, a 10-12 hour drive. If you would like advice on choosing a lodge, we'll be glad to help; please email us or submit a trip inquiry form. We can usually offer a substantial discount on the published rates quoted on their web sites; please enquire for current rates.
Follow the links below for additional information on our Nepal wildlife extensions.
Koshi Tappu Lodges
Aqua
Birds
Unlimited Camp
Koshi
Tappu
Wildlife Camp
