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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
subcontinent. Due to its
international importance for the
conservation of waders and water
fowl. 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
support more than 450 bird
species. During October to April
one could be able to spot more
than 100 species in a single day
birding. Massive flocks 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,
Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser
Adjutant Stork, Peregrine
Falcon, Bengal Florican, Great
Stone Plover, Black-bellied
Ten-4 Dusky Eagle Owl, Swamp
Francolin, Marsh Warbler etc.
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 bovine possesses 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 Gangetic Dolphins found
in the Koshi River. Bengal and
Lesser Florican, Indian Courser,
Hodgson's Bushchat can be found
north of the Pink Tower. In the
barrage Little Pratincole,
Indian Skimmer, waders, gulls,
terns etc can be seen.
One of the best times to visit
this site is in February and
early March when the main
wildfowl passage takes place. In
mid February a peak of over
50,000 ducks, mainly Northern
Pintail have been estimated. A
total of 25 wildfowl species
have been recorded including
regular sightings of Bar- headed
Goose, Comb Duck, Cotton Pygmy
Goose, Falcated Duck,
Red-crested Pochard. Wader
passage also takes place during
this period although it also
extends into mid May. Pacific
Golden Plover, Temmincks Stint,
Pintail Snipe, and Marsh
Sandpiper occur annually. In
additions small numbers of gull
and terns can be seen both
wintering and on passage. These
include Great Black- headed and
Brown-headed Gulls, Gull-billed,
Caspian and Whiskered Terms. It
is also a best site to watch for
birds of prey including Brahminy
Kite, Pallas's Fish Eagle,
White- tailed Eagle, Eurasian
Black Vulture, Short-toed Eagle,
Pallid and Pied Harriers,
Greater-spotted, Steppe and
Imperial Eagles, Peregrine and
Red-necked Falcon. |
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Morning - free or an optional
village walk/bird-watching
around the camp
Breakfast
Departure from the Lodge
1 hour drive from Koshi Tappu to
Biratnagar Airport and then 1
hour flight fom Biratnagar to
Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu.
Hotel Check in. Lunch:
1300hrs-1400hrs
After Lunch half day sighseeing.
PM: Visit 2000 years old
Buddhist shrine Swyambhunath,
situated on the top of the hill
west of the city the most
popular and instantly
recognizable symbols of Nepal.
The temple is colloquially known
as the “Monkey Temple”. There
are many small buildings and
shrines down the hillside behind
Swayambhunath. Explore the
colorful Kathmandu Durbar
Square- The Old Royal Palace of
Kathmandu, Temple of living
goddess Kumari, the Jagannath
temple, 17th century temple
known for colorfully painted
erotic carvings, Kasthmandap
temple a three story temple
built from a single tree in 12th
century. Overnight stay at the
Hotel. |
|
Morning - free or an optional
village walk/bird-watching
around the camp
Breakfast
Departure from the Lodge
1 hour drive from Koshi Tappu to
Biratnagar Airport and then 1
hour flight fom Biratnagar to
Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu.
Hotel Check in. Lunch:
1300hrs-1400hrs
After Lunch half day sighseeing.
PM: Visit 2000 years old
Buddhist shrine Swyambhunath,
situated on the top of the hill
west of the city the most
popular and instantly
recognizable symbols of Nepal.
The temple is colloquially known
as the “Monkey Temple”. There
are many small buildings and
shrines down the hillside behind
Swayambhunath. Explore the
colorful Kathmandu Durbar
Square- The Old Royal Palace of
Kathmandu, Temple of living
goddess Kumari, the Jagannath
temple, 17th century temple
known for colorfully painted
erotic carvings, Kasthmandap
temple a three story temple
built from a single tree in 12th
century. Overnight stay at the
Hotel. |
