Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve which stand
today as successful testimony of nature conservation
in South Asia. This is the first National Park of
Nepal established in 1973 to preserve a unique eco
system significantly valuable to the whole world.
The Park covering the protected area of 932 Sq. Km.
is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands
of southern central part of Nepal. The Park gained
much wider recognition in the world when UNESCO included
this area on the list of World Heritage Site in 1984.
It should also be emphasized that only a very small
part of the national park is used for tourism.
The great majority of the land, particularly
in the hills, remains unvisited and therefore undisturbed.
This is ideal for wildlife, and also preserves an
element of mystery for humans; because large areas
are still unexplored, our knowledge of what birds
and animals the park contains is by no means finalized,
and there is always the possibility of making new
discoveries.
Background
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest
birding sites in Asia. It was established as a wildlife
reserve in 1976 with an aim to protect the last remaining
population of Asiatic Wild Buffaloes in Nepal. The
reserve has a total area of 175 sq. km. The principal
habitats in the reserve include: wetlands, grasslands
and small patches of riverine forest.
To date this is the only Ramsar Site
(a wetland of international significance) in Nepal.
More than half of Nepal's birds are recorded from
Koshi Tappu! Among the mammals, besides Wild Water
Buffaloes, the elusive Gangetic Dolphin and Fishing
Cat are occasionally seen here.
Many small marshlands, pools and grasslands
are formed which provide a haven for birds and birdwatchers
alike. The vegetation near these banks holds many
passerines. In addition, large agricultural fields
that lie adjacent to the reserve make fine habitat
for many birds. The finest birding sites in and outside
the reserves are located between Koshi Camp and down
south all the way to the barrage. Within this stretch
many birds and mammals are found that offer the experience
of a lifetime.
Excursion
At Koshi Camp you will meet our knowledgeable, helpful
and enthusiastic naturalists who will give you company
throughout your stay at the camp. Your tour will be
guided by these friendly lads whose knowledge about
the birdlife of the area is extravagant. We operate
nature walks, boat rides, bicycle trips, and safaris
in 4-wheel drives.
For guests staying for longer periods
we explore the nearby Sal forests north of the reserve
at Patnali and Dharan. For those who would like to
combine their holidays with a short raft journey,
trek or wildlife tour of the eastern Himalayas, we
offer our help and guidance.
At Koshi Camp you will meet our knowledgeable,
helpful and enthusiastic naturalists who will give
you company throughout your stay at the camp. Your
tour will be guided by these friendly lads whose knowledge
about the birdlife of the area is extravagant. We
operate nature walks, boat rides, bicycle trips, and
safaris in 4-wheel drives.
For guests staying for longer periods
we explore the nearby Sal forests north of the reserve
at Patnali and Dharan. For those who would like to
combine their holidays with a short raft journey,
trek or wildlife tour of the eastern Himalayas, we
offer our help and guidance.
Things to Bring
There is no big fuss about what to bring with you.
The main thing is not to forget a pair of binoculars
! You may bring a day-pack, water bottle, hiking boots,
sun cream, sun hat and glasses, medical supplies (although
we keep a general medical kit box at camp, you may
wish to bring some medicines specific to you), reading
books, flashlight and batteries, camera film and batteries,
pocket knife, insect repellent and natural coloured
clothes.
Time to Visit
From October onwards till May are the months that
most people visit Nepal. This is a good period also
to watch the many winter migrants that abound at Koshi
Tappu. Between May till the end of September, during
the onset of the monsoon things are wetter because
of rain.
However, for special cases we
may be able to run during the wetter months also.
Please notify us in advance. To see Koshi at its best,
we recommended a minimum of 3 nights and 4 days stay
at our camp. This should give you a quick tour of
major sites in the area.
