Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is Nepal’s only designated wildlife reserve. It is home to over 485 species of colorful birdlife and 31 different mammals and other animals, including some rare creatures. Flocks of migratory birds, some from Siberia and Tibet, fly to the reserve during the winter and spring from October to March.

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a rectangle shaped reserve, stands 175 kilometers (68 square miles.) It offers abundant flora and fauna. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a freshwater, natural river ecosystem. The Reserve lies in the alluvial flood plains of a snow-fed perennial river, called the Saptakoshi River, a tributary of the sacred Ganges. The Reserve has been protected since 1976 and was designated as a Ramsar site in December 1987. Located less than 100 metres above sea level and set close to Nepal’s southern border with India, it is a less frequented location offering a true escape from the crowds.

This vast expanse of open water and its’ surrounding environment offers an outstanding wetland which has created one of the best and finest bird watching sanctuaries in Asia.

The best ways to explore the reserve is to take a gentle river raft or go on hikes exploring local villages.