# Koshi Tappu Birdwatching Tour

> Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, on the floodplain of the Sapta Koshi river in eastern Nepal, is one of the best birdwatching sites in South Asia. In winter its wetlands fill with migratory ducks, geese, waders and storks from Central Asia and Siberia, and it protects Nepal's last population of wild water buffalo (arna). This 4-day tour flies you to Biratnagar and gives you two full days of guided walks, boat trips and jeep drives with expert bird guides.Graded easy, it suits birders, photographers and nature lovers. Flights, lodge or camp accommodation, all meals at the reserve, reserve fees, expert guides and activities are included.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 4 days
- **Difficulty:** Easy
- **Activity:** Birdwatching and wildlife
- **Max altitude:** About 75 m / 246 ft
- **Best season:** Nov–Mar (winter migrants)
- **Group size:** 1–10 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, wildlife camp or lodge
- **Meals:** All meals at Koshi Tappu
- **Price:** from US$690 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/koshi-tappu-birdwatching-tour
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=koshi-tappu-birdwatching-tour

## Overview
**Quick answer:** this tour takes 4 days from Kathmandu, with two full days at Koshi Tappu, and costs from US$690 per person. The best time is November–March, when migratory birds arrive; more than 500 species have been recorded in the area.

Koshi Tappu was established as a wildlife reserve in 1976 to protect the wild water buffalo and is listed as a **Ramsar wetland** of international importance. Its mix of river channels, marshes, grassland and riverine forest attracts an extraordinary range of birds, from ducks and cormorants to rare species such as the swamp francolin and Bengal florican. Gangetic dolphins are also occasionally seen in the Koshi river.

### At a glance

FactDetailsDuration4 daysLocationSunsari, Saptari and Udayapur districts, eastern NepalAccessFlight Kathmandu – Biratnagar, then about 1.5–2 hours by roadHighlightsMigratory waterbirds, wild water buffalo, river tripsBest timeNovember–MarchCostFrom US$690 per person

## Highlights
- Ramsar wetland famous for migratory waterbirds
- Wild water buffalo (arna)
- Boat trips on the Koshi river
- Expert bird guides
- Possible Gangetic dolphins

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Fly to Biratnagar, drive to Koshi Tappu
Morning flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and drive to the reserve. Afternoon birding walk along the embankment.
_Altitude: 75 m · Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Wildlife camp or lodge_

### Day 2: Full day at Koshi Tappu
Dawn walk, boat trip on the river and channels, and afternoon jeep drive to look for wild water buffalo.
_Altitude: 75 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Wildlife camp or lodge_

### Day 3: Full day at Koshi Tappu
Explore the barrage area, marshes and grasslands for waterbirds and grassland specialists.
_Altitude: 75 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Wildlife camp or lodge_

### Day 4: Morning birding, fly to Kathmandu
A final dawn walk, then drive to Biratnagar and fly back to Kathmandu.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Flights Kathmandu – Biratnagar – Kathmandu
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu and private vehicle in the east
- Wildlife camp or lodge accommodation (3 nights)
- All meals at Koshi Tappu
- Reserve entry fees
- Expert bird guide and naturalist
- Boat trips and jeep drives as listed
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- Hotels in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Camera fees where charged
- Tips for guides and boatmen

## Useful information
### Best time

November to March brings winter migrants and the largest numbers of waterbirds. Mornings are cool and foggy in December and January.

### What to bring

Binoculars, a camera with a long lens, a field guide, neutral-coloured clothing and insect repellent.

### Health

Use insect repellent and ask a travel clinic about malaria prevention for the lowlands.

## Packing list
- Binoculars and spotting scope (if you have one)
- Camera with long lens
- Neutral-coloured clothing
- Warm layer for winter mornings
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses

## Frequently asked questions
### Where is Koshi Tappu?
In eastern Nepal, on the floodplain of the **Sapta Koshi** river.

### When is the best time for birds?
**November–March**, when migratory birds arrive.

### How many bird species are there?
More than **500** species have been recorded in the area.

### What is the arna?
The wild water buffalo; Koshi Tappu protects Nepal's last wild population.

### How do I get there?
Fly to **Biratnagar**, then drive about 1.5–2 hours.

### How much does it cost?
From **US$690 per person**.

### Is it a Ramsar site?
Yes, Koshi Tappu is a Ramsar wetland of international importance.

### Can I see dolphins?
Gangetic dolphins are occasionally seen in the Koshi river.