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Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: Nepal's Birding Paradise

9 May 2026

In this article
  1. Wildlife
  2. Getting there
  3. Plan your trip

On the floodplains of the Koshi River in eastern Nepal, Koshi Tappu is one of the best birdwatching sites in South Asia.

Quick answer: Koshi Tappu became Nepal's first Ramsar site in 1987. It's famous for winter migratory birds, ducks, waders and storks, and protects one of the last populations of wild water buffalo (arna). Best visited November–March.

Wildlife

  • Hundreds of bird species, including many winter migrants.
  • Wild water buffalo.
  • Gangetic dolphins in the river, occasionally.
  • Deer and other mammals.

Getting there

Fly to Biratnagar and drive about 1.5–2 hours, or stay at camps near the reserve.

Plan your trip

See our Koshi Tappu birdwatching tour, birdwatching guide and wetlands of Nepal.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most. Can’t find what you need? Our team in Kathmandu is happy to help.

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Birds and wild water buffalo.

In 1987, Nepal's first.

November–March.

Fly to Biratnagar and drive.