Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Trip Style: Tour
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel + + Lodges
  • Group Size: 1

Highlights

  • Outstanding Birds watching site with an extensive diversity of birds above 400 species
  • Visibility of both migratory and endemic species birds
  • The only home of Wild Buffalo, Arna, Bubalus Arnee
  • Home to diverse fishes and animals including endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin
  • Ramsar site as well as Buffer Zone
  • Boating at Sapta Koshi River and traversing around Koshi Barrage
  • Exploration of the lowland and Lifestyle of the Terai region of Nepal

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Tour leads travelers and nature enthusiasts to the wide plains of the Terai region of Nepal filled with woods, wetlands, rivers, and wildlife. Travelers will traverse through the trails and areas of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve which is extended to 176sq.km.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve encompasses the activities of boating in the Sapta Koshi River, observing diverse flora and fauna, watching the flaunting birds, driving to Koshi Barrage, walking through the dense woods of Koshi Tappu, lunch in an open area, and living in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve camp. You will also see the local villagers which also have thatched roofs built with thatch grass Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

In Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, you will be flying to Biratnagar and staying at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp. From early morning sunrise to sunset, you will explore and observe the entire area. Each day is scheduled to make travelers visit different sides and areas of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Nepal Adventure Team makes sure that travelers have a great time and that each moment is utilized and cherished in nature and the wilderness of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. You can also check the other option of Nepal jungle safari to enjoy the wilderness and calmness of the wildlife and nature of Nepal.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was announced in 1976 to preserve habitat for the only remaining population of Wild buffalo, Arna (Bubalus Arnee) with an area of 176 sq. km. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the southern-eastern part of the Terai Region and both the eastern and western embankments of the Sapta Koshi River define the area of the wildlife reserve. Sapta Koshi is one of the three main tributaries of the Ganges.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is also declared a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international significance in 1987. Additionally, recognizing its essence Nepal Government too declared Koshi Tapu Wildlife Reserve as a buffer zone in 2004.

Flora and Fauna at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The vegetation is mainly composed of tall grasslands. There are also small patches of Khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest.

The last surviving population of Wild buffalo is found here. Likewise, Koshi Tappu is also home to other 20 species of animals as Hog deer, Wild boar, Spotted deer, Blue bull, and rock python. Koshi Tappu has 80 species of fish as well as endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has a huge collection and diversity of bird species. It has around 441 species of birds including 14 endemic species (only found in the area), 20 duck species, 2 Ibis species, white-tailed stonechat, Striated marsh warbler, 30 shorebirds, 114 water birds, and the endangered swamp partridge and Bengal florican. Koshi Barrage is an extremely important resting place for many migratory birds containing 87 winter and trans-Himalayan migratory species.

Best Time for Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Tour

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve distinctively experiences three seasons: Summer, Monsoon, and Winter.

During summer (February- May), the area is extensively hot with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. However, the migration of birds usually peaks during March. The beginning of summer showcases the growth and blossom of vegetation and flora of the area.

Monsoon starts from late May to July with heavy and frequent rainfall resulting in floods in the river. It has high humidity along with quite high temperatures. People experience light rainfall till September. The rain makes the trails and areas wet and creates difficulty to traverse and explore the area. Otherwise, Monsoon nourishes the vegetation of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to grow wild, huge, and dense. On sunny days, you can enjoy the lush jungle and area colored with greeneries and flowers.

From October to January, Koshi Tappu experiences the winter season with clear skies, and moderate temperatures but still gets quite cold without any snowfall. During winter, many migratory birds can be seen on Koshi Barrage and the river channel. The clear skies allow wonderful sights of Himalayan peaks including Makalu (8463m), the world’s fifth-highest mountain peak. Therefore, most travelers prefer to travel to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve during this period of time which also creates more human flow in the area.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01Arrive at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp and begin half-day bird watching
  • Day 02Early Morning Nature Walk and Full-day Safari
  • Day 03Full-day Bird Watching
  • Day 04Early morning Bird Watching and Departure after breakfast
  • Day 01 Arrive at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp and begin half-day bird watching
    You will fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar to reach Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. You will land at Biratnagar after 35minutes of the flight. You will be transferred to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp to refresh and rest a while. Today, your evening will be filled with bird watching moment. Bird Watching program will start from 3:00 PM around Spata Koshi River. You will be walking around to encounter and enjoy the varieties of birds that migrate as well as life in Koshi Tapu Wildlife Reserve. Dinner will be served around 7:00 PM such that you can rest well and early to rise early for the next adventure on the following day. 
    • Meals: Lunch and Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp
  • Day 02 Early Morning Nature Walk and Full-day Safari

    You will be woken up at 5:30 AM to enjoy the morning at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve through a morning walk. The morning walk will be in the vicinity of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. You will return and have breakfast at 8:00 AM.

    Then, you will head to encounter and observe the diverse flora and fauna of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve till evening. The entire day will be scheduled for Koshi Tappu safari. You will raft on a boat at the upper part of Sapta Koshi River to view water birds, water buffaloes, dolphins, and various water habitats. Your boat trip will end at the bank of the river to have a picnic lunch, lunch in the open area.

    Further, you will drive to Koshi Barrage for bird watching and watch freshwater dolphins. You will also enjoy the golden sunset view and return to camp for dinner.

    (Please note: Koshi Barrage and surrounding area are wide and everyday guests will be taken to different areas).

    • Day 03 Full-day Bird Watching

      During Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Tour, you will be woken up early so that you will not miss the magical morning of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The area is large and Nepal Adventure Team makes sure that you visit, explore and enjoy most of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. You will begin bird-watching nearby jungle from 6:00 AM and return to have breakfast at 8:00 AM.

      From 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, you thrive through the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve area for Bird watching around the Sapta Koshi River. Every day you will be exploring new areas and surrounding to encounter and observe the different species of birds that fly in Koshi Tappu. 

      • Day 04 Early morning Bird Watching and Departure after breakfast

        This is the fourth and final day of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Tour. Your day begins with the morning walk around the jungle of Koshi Tappu for bird watching and cherish the moment of birds enjoying the sunrise. You will also be able to feel the fresh air of lush jungles and calmness revolving around the dense greeneries. You will be departing after breakfast.

        Nevertheless, if your flight is scheduled for a later period you can choose to visit Pink tower near Koshi Barrage. Pink tower is regarded to be an excellent spot for bird watching. This program is not included in the package price and will require extra cost.

        Client Reviews

        • Amina Soliman
          Rating Review by: Amina Soliman, Afghanistan

          A Birder's Paradise

          The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and bird-watching tour was an extraordinary experience for any bird enthusiast. The diversity of bird species, from majestic storks to vibrant kingfishers, was simply astounding. Our guide's expertise in identifying and providing information about the birds added great value to the tour. The peaceful environment and stunning landscapes made it a perfect escape into nature.

        • Meyer Ling
          Rating Review by: Meyer Ling, Singapore

          Wildlife Wonderland

          Exploring Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was a delightful journey into one of Nepal's most biodiverse regions. The bird-watching tour offered sightings of rare and exotic species, making it a thrilling experience for any nature lover. The serene atmosphere and beautiful landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for bird-watching.