Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve - Nepal
Bird Watching and Safari 4 Nights / 5 Days

Introduction:
Nepal is a land of diverse topography, climate, ethnicity and bio-diversity. Within an average breadth of about 150km, the altitude varies from 60 meters above sea level to the world 'a highest peak Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) 8848 meter. And within a length of 800 km, it has three large river basins namely Koshi in the east, Narayani in the central and Karnali in the west.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976, and covers an area of 175 sq. km. The reserve is named after the biggest river of Nepal, the Koshi it is a major residing, staging and wintering site for waterfowls and waders in the sub-continent. Due to its international importance for the conservation of waders and waterfowls, it has been accorded the Ramsar Site by the Wetlands Convention in 1987.

The water body supports more than 100 species of fish including the human size catfish known as Gonch famous sporting fish the Mahasheer and delicious species the Jalkapoor.

The large reptiles inhabiting this reserve includes the longest snake species of the sub continent, the rare Indian Rock Python, globally threatened fish eating Gharial Crocodile and number of lizards and turtle species.

The reserve and the adjacent area supports more than 350 bird species. During October to April one could be able to spot more than 100 species in a single day birding. A massive flock of ducks numbering more than 50,000 chiefly of Northern Pintails, Mallard and Northern Shoveler is a common sight during fall and winter. Globally threatened species occurring in this area includes Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Bear's Pochard, Red-necked Falcon, Bengal Florican, Great Stone Plover, Black-bellied tern, Dusky Eagle Owl, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Warbler, etceteras.

Koshi Tappu supports large ungulates such as Wild Water Buffalo, Blue Bull Antelope, Hog Deer etc. It is the last refuge for the globally threatened Wild water Buffalo (Arna in Nepali) in Nepal.

Currently their population is about one hundred only. These bovines possess the longest horn (about two meters in length) among any surviving mammals in the world and are aggressive in nature. The small wetland carnivore includes the rare Fishing cat and smooth-coated Otters. There are few rare Gangeric Dolphins found in the Koshi River.

Location:
The wildlife and birding safari camp is situated at Kusaha, 2.6 km from Mahendra East-West highway adjacent to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) Head Quarters, Sunsari District, Eastern Terai, Nepal.

Camp Facility:
The camp consists of ten safari tents, common bath, restaurant, bar and fishing ponds. Safari tents are large comfortably furnished with twin beds and a changing room. The camp can accommodate up to 20 people at a time on sharing basis. A large thatched roof-dining hall decorated with the lowland civilization is situated facing the Kusaha wetland where large numbers of birds come to forage, roosts and nest. Our "Ramsar Restaurant " named after the famous wetland convention features Nepalese and continental cuisine served with warm Napalese hospitality. Our " Marsk Bar " served with warm Nepalese hospitality. Our "Marsh Bar" serves local, imported liqueur and chilled beverages.

Activities In Brief:
Depending upon the objectives of the stay we have chosen diverse mode of transport for birding and wildlife viewing that includes elephant back ride, boating, jeep safari, bullock cart ride and hikes. Other activities may include kayaking and fishing. Slide shows on natural history of the reserve, cultural dances and stargazing through telescope keeps guest occupied during the evening.

Things to Bring Along:
Visitors are advised to bring a day pack, water tumbler, hiking boot, sun cream, sunglasses, medical supply, camera, binocular, picket knife, field books, flash light, insect repellent, neutral colored/cotton fabric casual wears, warm clothing for winter, etceteras.

How to Get There:
Surface: travel along the Mahendra East West Highway, it is approximately 450 km (10 hours drive) from Kathmandu. Air: It is about an hour flight distance from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. The camp is about an hour scenic drive (50-km) from Biratnagar Airport. Naval: One can reach our camp by rafting down on one of the tributaries of Koshi River.

Recommended Length of Stay:
A minimum of two nights and three days stay is required at our wildlife safari camp to enjoy and experience birding, wildlife viewing and culture of Koshi Tappu. However, our birding tours range from two days to 5 days. Please ask for further details of the shorter birding tours.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Bird Watching and Safari 4 Nights / 5 Days

Reach our wildlife safari camp by an hour flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar Airport and pick up from airport for an hour drive to the camp. The diverse landscape of Nepalese terrain, the spectacular view of the high Himalayas, mountains, terraced hills, forest and cultivation of the plain keeps one occupied during the journey. Another option is to arrive at the camp following the East West Highway and divert from Jamuwa to the camp (2.5 km.) at Kusaha.

Itinerary:

Day 1
A.M. Arrival and brief introduction of the facility and program. 1.00 p.m. Lunch
2.00 p.m. Bird walk in the marshland outside the reserve to see the storks, ibises, snipes, waterfowl, birds of prey etc.
6.30 p.m. Slide show on the natural history of the reserve followed by Nepali dinner.

Day 2
6.30 a.m. Breakfast
7.30 a.m. Full day excursion on boat and four wheel drive pack lunch to see waders, waterfowls, birds of prey, marsh crocodile, otters, wild water buffalo and gangetic dolphins including a visit to Pink Tower (full day).
6.30 p.m. Cultural dance followed by barbecue dinner.

Day 3
6.30 a.m. Breakfast
7.30 a.m. 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.
12.00 noon Pack lunch
2.00 a.m. Continue bird watching or optional elephant ride to watch Arna the wild water buffalo, blue bull, hog deer, fishing cat etc.
6.30 p.m. Stargazing
7.00 p.m. Chinese Dinner

Day 4
6.30 a.m. Breakfast
7.30 a.m. Proceed to deciduous forest neat Chatara on four-wheel drive to see racquet-tailed drongo, golden backed woodpeckers, pied hornbills, leaf birds
Red-thigh falconet etc. with pack lunch (full day)
7.oo p.m. Continental dinner

Day 5
A.M. Bird watching around the camp area or leisure
8.00 a.m. Breakfast
9.00 a.m. Departure
Note: Programs could be tailor made according to the interest of the guest. Special sport fishing activities are available upon request.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve-Package Cost Per Person In US Dollars:

NEPAL FOR LESS PROMOTION 2004-2005!
TOUR COST PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS:

Cost includes:
Accommodation in deluxe safari tents on twin sharing basis, airport transfer (Biratnagar Airport-Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp-Biratnagar Airport), all safari activities (boating, elephant safari, bird walk, slide show, cultural dance, guide service, jeep safari etceteras), all the local taxes, and all meals during the trip.

Cost excludes:
Wildlife Reserve entrance fee, and airfares or travel cost to and from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

Kathmandu to Biratnagar:
One-way airfare US$85 (double the same for roundtrip).

Detail cost break down for non-package program:

Note: Group size minimum of 2 persons and maximum 18 persons.
All rates are subject to change without prior notice.

The company is not responsible for the changes occurring due to strike, natural calamity etc.
Group rates are available upon request.
Group having more than 14 persons are subject to one full complimentary service.

For reservation and information please contact