Trip Overview:
Located in the Eastern part of Nepal and having access from the Mehendra Highway the Koshi Tappu National park formerly called Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1996. Set in the flood plain of the Koshi River this park has stretched within the area of 175 sq. km refusing especially wetland wildlife. In addition to wildlife, the Reserve also protects a substantial part of the Sapta Koshi, (a tributary of the Ganges River) flood plain. In 1987, it was declared a Ramsar site. This park proffers a great opportunity to observe how the life of animals and birds in marshy, swampy, and muddy habitats is like. Numerous water holes and marshes have made this National Park one of the finest bird sanctuaries in Nepal.

Highlights of Safari:
You can grab the opportunity of viewing over 280 species of birds including rare birds such as Greater Adjutant Stork, Red-necked Falcon, Indian Skimmer, Indian Courser, Bengal and Lesser Floricans, Hodgson's Bushchat, amongst others.Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Black-necked Stork, Falcated Duck, Baer's Pochard, Comb Duck, White-tailed Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Pied Harrier, Caspian Tern, Black-bellied Tern, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Swamp Francolin, Striated Grassbird, Bristled Grassbird, Make pie robin, Asian paradise flycatcher. It is also a resting place for migrating birds that can’t be seen elsewhere in Nepal. The reserve is also abode to many mammals and reptiles like the water buffalo (called arna), spotted deer, wild bear, blue bull (nilgai) mugger crocodile and Ganges River Dolphin (also called the Gigantic Dolphin). This safari includes an opportunity to cruise down the Sunkoshi river by dugout canoe – the best way to see crocodiles basking on the riverbank and also a relaxing way to watch birds and wildlife species that frequently come to bathe and drink. Last but not the least you will enjoy your moments discovering the unique tradition and culture of an interesting Tharu people and having interaction with kind, warm-hearted and innocent Tharu people, a unique ethnic tribe of Nepal.

Activities (to be carried out):

Bird Watching / Bird Watching with Raft Boat / Dolphin Viewing

Elephant Safari: Riding on the back of specially trained Elephant top and moving forwards in pursuit of the exclusive spectrum of wildlife adventure is the most memorable and a larger than life opportunity for you.

Jungle walk: You get the best animal sightings on foot at your own pace. You will be able to appreciate the smaller attractions of the jungle with our naturalists. Usually it is easy to see animals such as rhino, deer and sloths as these animals prefer to live in less disturbed areas of the park. Atop an elephant is the safest and most convenient way to get around in the jungle and observe the diversity of wild life.

Village tour: This tour will take you towards the ethnic inhabitants (known as Tharu Village) of this area. Commonly they are living on combined family, their houses are like huts and look smaller from outside yet enough space inside for their family. Mostly houses are decorated with their traditional multi-coloured paints on their outer walls. Women take up household chores and men can be seen taking their cattle to the nearby jungle in the morning and at day time they fish in the river for their food.

Canoe trip: A float down the river by dugout canoe is the best way to see crocodiles basking on the riverbank. It is also a relaxing way to watch birds and wildlife species that frequently come to bathe and drink.

Jeep drive: A jeep drive is the fastest way to visit a wide area of the park. A 4-hour drive of some 45km in the park offers a good chance of most of the animals, birds and other nature’s attractions.

Bird watching: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp is renowned as a paradise for birds and animals. Koshi tappu Valley records over 450 species of birds. The eagle eyes of our naturalist will point out some of the migratory and globally threatened birds for you.

Cultural Program: This is an entertainment of your time while you are in the park. You may feel tired from all jungle activities. One evening you can enjoy with the Tharu cultural stick dance. These community people are innocent people and they lack communication with the tourists at the first stage. Upon seeing tourists, they start welcoming with their dance at once. The Tharu people living near by villages display their culture commercially and professionally with some of Nepali, Indian songs and dances as well.

Day to Day Outline Itinerary (3 Nights/ 4 Days Package)

Day 01.	KATHMANDU – BIRATNAGAR Upon arrival to Biratnagar by flight, you will be headed towards Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp by Jeep Drive. Afterwards, you will enter the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp and the resort inside. You will be given a short briefing on the program and facilities you will enjoy. After this a nice lunch will be awaiting you. Now you will be taken for Bird Watching tour around the park with Birdwatcher Guide (Ornithologist): Explore the jungle and wildlife enabling you to see verities of attractive birds Spot-billed Pelican, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Make-pie robin, Asian paradise flycatcher, Swamp Francolin, Black-necked Stork to name a few. This exciting tour lasts for 2/3 hours.
Day 02.	KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE CAMP You will be given a wake up call quite early in the morning. After the tea, you will go for Nature walk within the Jungle vicinity. Afterwards, you will get back to the resort for breakfast. Now you will navigate on a Raft boat on the Sapta Koshi River with Naturalist to view some of the aquatic lives such as birds, water buffaloes, dolphins and their water habitats. Hereafter, you will end the Boat trip by the bank of the river. Then you will be driven back to the Camp and have lunch. After the lunch you will enjoy some free time on relaxing. In the evening you will be welcomed with a nice dinner.
Day 03.	KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE CAMP You will be given a wake up call quite early in the morning. After the tea, you will go for Nature walk within the Jungle vicinity. Later on you will be served with a nice breakfast. After the breakfast you will go for Bird Watching all along the dam of the Koshi River and the area of Pink Tower crossing the Koshi Barrage. Late afternoon you will return to the camp for lunch and enjoy rest of the time looking for some more birds right from your hut / cottage. In the evening you will be welcomed with a nice dinner.
Day 04.	KOSHI TAPPU CAMP – KATHMANDU Early in the morning you will set off for Bird Watching in the vicinity of the Camp and then enjoy a nice breakfast afterwards. After the breakfast, you will proceed to the journey to Kathmandu (Driven to the Biratnagar Airport and Fly Back to Kathmandu).

N.B.: The activities are adjusted to the season and weather conditions. Naturally, it may not always be possible to follow this schedule to the minute and the circumstances may force us to alter the program at short notice. On safari in the jungle you will be accompanied by expert naturalists who will advise on safety procedures and we request you to respect their judgment at all times. If you wish to stroll in the forest alone, a guide will have to accompany you for your safety.

Trip Cost Includes

Trip Cost Excludes

Total Trip Cost Per Person: USD 965

Location: Inside the park (Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp)
Transportation: Flight and Jeep Drive