Nepal Florid treks(p.)ltd

Nepal is rich in wild life. The tropical jungles of the Terai preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in Asia. Out of the total geographical area of Nepal 16% is occupied by national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas. Jungle safari on elephant back is one of the thrilling experiences. Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Royal Bardia National Park, Royal Chitwan National Park and the Royal Shukla Phanta wildlife reserve, offer jungle safari on elephant back or jeep rides. The Terai region can get rather hot during summer months and temperate during winters. It is recommended that visitors carry cool clothes, good walking shoes, shady hat and sunscreen during the summer. The rainy season brings mosquitoes and leeches in the jungles. Mosquito repellant, anti-diarrhea tablets and anti-histamines can be handy during the summer and rainy months.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve first Gazettes back in 1976 was mainly established to protect the rare wild water buffaloes. The area of the reserve extends 175 sq. km to the north of one kilometer long barrage that spans the Koshi river. The vast expanse of water created by the barrage, marshes, lagoons, mudflats and arable land that lie around it offers an outstanding wetland which has about to create one of the best and finest bird watching sanctuaries in Asia. One of the most rewarding and greatest assets of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Park is that it offers ample scope for nature walks. For those with curiosity and perseverance, walking within the reserve on foot is the most profitable way of exploring the grassland, river lagoons and woodlands and vicinity of the barrage, just a short drive away.

The best time to visit this fabulous wildlife reserve is between October to March when much of the migratory and local birds can be sighted by the barrage and many of the river channels. Numerous Himalayan peaks including the Makalu I (8,463m), the fifth highest mountain in the world can be seen during the clear time of the year.

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is accessible by air, surface and river. The journey by air is just 45 minutes flight to Biratnagar from Kathmandu and then a mere one and half hours drive to the camp. Also rafting down for 8-10 days on the wild stretches of the Sun Koshi River is another exciting way to reach the destination. The third option would be the scenic drive through the meandering countryside road of about 500 km. That takes almost 10 hours from Kathmandu.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve also makes an exciting alternative destination of visitors who have already visited Royal Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park.

Day 01: Drive or fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. After arrival you will be presented brief introduction of the facility and program. This day’s attractions include bird walk in the marshland outside the reserve to see the strokes, ibises, snipes, waterfowl, birds of prey etc. In the evening you can enjoy cultural program performed by local people. You stay overnight at lodge.

Day 02: After breakfast you set out for full day excursion on boat and four wheels drive with packed lunch to see waders, waterfowl, birds of prey, marsh crocodile, otters, wild water buffalo and Gangetic Dolphins including a visit to Pink Tower.

Day 03: Preceding a delicious breakfast you go for bird walk inside the reserve in the scrub forest, grasslands and wetland habitat with pack lunch to see swamp partridge, black necked stork, buntings, bulbuls etc. In the afternoon you can either continue bird watching or enjoy optional elephant ride to watch Arna the wild water buffalo, blue bull, hog deer, fishing etc.

Day 04: Early morning you can either enjoy bird watching around the camp area or have leisure. After breakfast you depart for Kathmandu.