Bird Watching in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

  • 6 Days
  • 5 Nights

Take your wildlife experience in Nepal to a whole new level by watching vibrant colors of birds chirping in their natural habitat.

Spotted Owlet

Trip Highlight

  • A lifetime opportunity to see a great many species of Siberian migratory birds 
  • 3 Nights 4 Days in the Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve. 
  • Excellent bird watching sites in the wetlands and flood plains of Koshi River.
  • Jeep Safari inside the jungle
  • Boat Safari in Sapta Koshi River
  • Mesmerizing sunset view from the bank of Sapta Koshi River. 
  • Possible encounter with Gangetic dolphins and wild water buffalos. 
  • Picnic lunch at a pink tower overlooking the amazing view of Koshi plains. 
     
Trip Facts
  • Trip Profile : Bird-Watching-5-Night-6-Days
  • Trip Type : Bird Watching, Wildlife Photography
  • Trip Duration : 06 Days
  • Trip Route : Kathmandu - Biratnagar - Koshi Topu
  • Trek Accomodation : Hotel, Camping & Resort
  • Preferred Seasons : February to May and September to November
  • Transportation: Flight, Car & Jeep
  • Age Limit : No limits

Bird Watching in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides an excellent opportunity to watch various species of birds. It is one of 27 Important Bird Areas of Nepal. In this area, around 527 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded. At the same time, as many as 20 globally threatened bird species have been recorded in the Koshi Tappu and Koshi Barrage area. Moreover, we can sight eleven of these regularly.

This IBA is especially important for some wetland and grassland species, notably Swamp Francolin Francolinus Gularis, Baer’s Pochard Aythya Baeri, Pallas’s Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus, Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Lesser Adjutant, Spot-billed Pelican and Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striatus. It holds the largest population of the globally threatened Swamp Francolin in Nepal. Additionally, This site is important to conserve Nepal’s 13 near-threatened birds.

Besides, the varieties of bird species, the reserve is also famous for Wild Water Buffalo. Also due to its location in flood plains of Koshi River the wetlands of this wildlife reserve are home to Crocodiles, River Dolphins, and various other aquatic fauna.


The best time to visit Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve for bird watching is from September to February. Many migratory birds can be seen in their natural habitat during these months of the year.


Major bird watching areas in Nepal:

Black Stork

Bird Watching Tour in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Location: Southeast Low lands, Kathmandu, Nepal
Best time to visit: Late January to late May

Bird Watching in Chitwan National Park

Location: South-central Nepal
Best time to visit: October to May

Bird Watching in Phulchowki (2760 m)

Location: Edge of Kathmandu Valley, east-central Nepal
Best time to visit: October to early May

Bird Watching in Shivapuri National Park (2730 m)

Location: Edge of Kathmandu Valley, east-central Nepal
Best time to visit: October to early May

Tour Plan

1

Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal

Set off for a new journey to Nepal to check out its serene beauty and the friendly hospitality of the Nepalese by yourself to confirm what you've read and seen online.  Prepare to have a close-up encounter with Nepal. You must have an eager heart for an incredible adventure.  After flying over this trekkers paradise's breathtaking scenery, you will meet our company representative at the airport who will assist and take you to your hotel.

If you arrive early, you can take a trip around Thamel's trendiest area, where you can discover restaurants serving a wide range of cuisine. You'll be spending your first night in Nepal in Kathmandu, the city of temples.

2

Fly to Biratnagar and drive to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Breakfast at the hotel and fly to Biratnagar followed by a 2-hour drive to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Pass through the beautiful villages, farms and stop by at the information center. You can get information about the wildlife inside the reserve and also see the preserved remains of the animals at the information center. Spend the rest of the day self-exploring and birding in the nearby areas.  

The reserve is one of the places of Nepal where the birds from Siberia, China, and Mongolia during winter. These winter migratory birds are also one of the major attractions of this small protected area. 

3

Boating in Sapta Koshi River and drive to Koshi Barrage.

The day starts with boating on the Sapta Koshi River observing birds, water buffalos, dolphins, and various other water habitats. After enjoying birding along with a packed breakfast by the river, you will head to Koshi Barrage to view some more birdlife and the beautiful views.

A picnic lunch will be arranged for you at the pink tower so that you can enjoy the lunch with amazing views.  

4

Jungle safari and bird watching at the reserve

On this day you will explore the jungle by jeep while observing the wildlife. Capture and enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna available in the reserve. You will also be going near the swamps where you can watch water buffaloes and marsh muggers, etc while looking out for the rare species of birds.

The Koshi River is also home to Gangetic Dolphins and various waterfowls.  

Later in the evening, the local indigenous community will entertain you with their cultural dance program at the hotel.

5

Drive to Biratnager and Fly to Kathmandu

After the completion of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife tour of bird watching, we will return back to Biratnagar followed by a flight back to Kathmandu. 

Once you reach Kathmandu you will check in at a nice hotel around the Thamel area. In the evening you can stroll around for souvenir shopping, drinks, and dinner. Walking around Thamel and nearby areas for shopping and self-exploring the narrow streets of this tourist hub is a good idea to spend your evening in Kathmandu.

6

Departure

According to the time of your flight, we will drop you off at the airport. For a timely airport check-in, it is advised that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.

Tiger Encounter looks forward to taking you on a thrilling new wildlife safari in Nepal soon. Get in touch with us to quickly and easily design the most exciting tour in the upcoming days.

Cost Detail

Trip Includes
  • Airport picks up and transfers to the hotel.
  • Two night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB plan
  • Private transport during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu tour guide salary and allowance 
  • Kathmandu- Biratnagar - Kathmandu flight ticket  overland transportation by private vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary
  • 3 night 4 days accommodation in Koshi Tappu. 
  • Full board Veg/Non-veg basis accommodation in the entire Bird watching in Koshi Tappu.
  • Biratnagar - Koshi Tappu - Biratnagar overland private transportation 
  • All activities as mentioned in the itinerary are included
  • All entrance and National Park fees are included
  • All ground transport inside the national park
  • Professional government license holder English speaking tour guide.
  • Welcome/ farewell dinner in typical Nepali food and cultural program
  • Insurance for Nepalese staff. (Guide and driver )
  • Government Tax and office service charge.
Trip Excludes
  • International airfare to/ from Nepal.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu  
  • Insurance which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
  • Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the red panda tour.
  • Hot shower during the trekking.
  • All food and beverages; other than on the itinerary. 
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Personal gear and expenses.
  • Tips and gratitude provided to staff.

Location Detail

Tour Location

Description of the Location

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected area that lies in the Eastern part of mainly Terai of Nepal covering 175 sq km of wetlands in the Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur Districts. Its altitude ranges from 75 to 81 m. First, you will fly to Biratnagar airport from Kathmandu, and then you will be directly moved to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve for about 2 hours.

 

What to Bring

  1. Neutral colored clothing is recommended. 
  2. Light clothing is needed for the daytime with a sweater and warm jacket for the evenings from November to March. 
  3. Pants / Trousers are recommended for safari and jungle walk.
  4. Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, sunglasses, etc. are essential.
  5. Insect repellent and personal medical requirements should be carried. 
  6. It is highly recommended to travel light with only one small suitcase or duffle bag.
  7. During the warmer months, swimming suits are recommended.
  8. A small flashlight is recommended.
  9. Binoculars add greatly to your enjoyment for bird and wildlife viewing.

 

Just Fill and Book

This is a pre-booking form for the lead traveler. We would send you the actual booking form after the confirmation


    Frequently asked questions

    • How my IBAs and EBAs are there in Nepal?
      There are 27 IBAs (Important Bird & Biodiversity Ares) and 4 EBAs (Endemic Bird Areas) in Nepal
    • How can I identify birds?
      We provide experienced guides while doing bird watching activities. They let you know and identify all the birds that we come across during jungle safari.
    • Are there any endemic bird species in Nepal?
      Spiny Babbler (Kande Bhyakur in Nepal) Is a bird endemic bird to Nepal.
    • What do people do when they go bird watching?
      Birdwatchers observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Bird watching means learning to identify the birds and understand what they are doing.
    • How many species of birds are there in Nepal ?
      Nepal's avifauna includes a total of about 900 species, which make up 9% of the world's total birds.

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