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.
