Bird watching

Location: Nepal, Asia Overview: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve first Gazettes back in1976 was mainly established to protect the rare wild water buffaloes. The area of the reserve extends 175 sq. km. to the north of one kilometer long barrage that spans the Koshi river. The vast expanse of water created by the barrage, marshes, lagoons, mudflats and arable land that lie around it offers an outstanding wetland which has about to created one of the best and finest bird watching sanctuaries in Asia. One of the most rewarding and greatest assets of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Park is that it offers ample scope for nature walks. For those with curiosity and perseverance, walking within the reserve on foot is the most profitable way of exploring the grassland, river lagoons and woodlands and vicinity of the barrage, just a short drive away. The best time too visit this fabulous wildlife reserve is between October to March when much of the migratory and local birds can be sighted by the barrage and many of the river channels. Numerous Himalayan peaks including the Makalu I (8,463 m), the fifth highest mountain in the world can be seen during the clear time of the year. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is accessible by air, surface and river. The journey by air is just 45 minutes flight to Biratnagar from Kathmandu and then a mere one and half hours drive to the camp. Also rafting down for 8-10 days on the wild stretches of the Sun Koshi River is another exciting way to reach the destination. The third option would be the scenic drive through the meandering countryside road of about 500 km. That takes almost 10 hours from Kathmandu. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve also makes an exciting alternative destination of visitors who have already visited Royal Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. Also for mountaineers and trekkers heading of returning from Arun / Makalu and Kanchenjunga region. It also serves as ideal location to break journey while en-route to Sikkim & Darjeeling and Bhutan and have a brief relaxing stay. We recommend minimum 2 nights or longer stay to appreciate and observe what park has to offer at its maximum.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

a.m. Arrival and brief introduction of the facility and program. 1.00p.m. Lunch 2.00p.m. Bird walk in the marshland outside the reserve to see the storks, ibises, snipes, waterfowl, birds of prey etc. 6.30p.m. Slide show on the natural history of the reserve followed by Nepali dinner.

Day 2:

6.30a.m. Breakfast 7.30a.m. Full day excursion on boat and four wheels drive with pack lunch to see waders, waterfowl, birds of prey, marsh crocodile, otters, wild water buffalo and Gangetic Dolphins including a visit to Pink Tower (full day) 6.30p.m. Cultural dance followed by barbecue dinner.

Day 3:

6:30a.m. Breakfast 7:30a.m. Bird walk inside the reserve in the scrub forest, grasslands and wetland habitat with pack lunch to see swamp partridge, black-necked stork, buntings, bulbuls etc. 12.00noon Pack lunch 2.00 p.m. Continue bird watching or optional elephant ride to watch Arna the wild water buffalo, blue bull, hog deer, fishing eats etc. 6.30 p.m. Stargazing 7.00 p.m. Chinese Dinner

Day 4:

6.30a.m. Breakfast 7.30a.m. Proceed to deciduous forest near Chatara on four wheel drive to see racquet tailed drongo golden backed woodpeckers, pied hornbills, leaf birds, red-thighed falconet etc. with pack lunch (full day). 7:00 p.m Continental dinner

Day 5:

a.m. Bird watching around the camp area or leisure. 8.00 a.m. Breakfast 9.00 a.m. Departure.

What to bring for this tour ?
* Binoculars add greatly to your enjoyment for bird and wildlife viewing.
* Neutral colored clothing is recommended for a visit to the jungle.
* Light clothing is needed for day time with a sweater and warm jacket for the evenings from november to march
* Pants / Trousers are recommended for elephant safari.
* Comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses etc. are essential.
* Insect repellent and personal medical requirements should be carried.
* We suggest guests travel light bringing only one small suitcase or duffle bag.
* During the warmer months swimming suits are recommended. A Small flash light is recommended.