Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
A Ramsar wetland on the Koshi River floodplain, a paradise for birdwatchers with over 500 species and Nepal's last population of wild water buffalo.
- Altitude
- 75 m
- Coordinates
- 26.653°, 87.043°
Current Weather
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is Nepal's premier birdwatching destination and one of the most important wetland habitats in Asia. Situated on the floodplain of the Sapta Koshi River in eastern Nepal, this 175-square-kilometer reserve is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
The reserve is legendary among birders — over 500 species have been recorded here, making it one of the richest birding sites in the subcontinent. During migration seasons (November-February), thousands of waterfowl, waders, and raptors pass through, including globally threatened species like the swamp francolin, Bengal florican, and bristled grassbird. The reed beds and marshes are alive with egrets, kingfishers, storks, and eagles.
Beyond birds, Koshi Tappu is the last refuge of Nepal's wild water buffalo (Arna), with a population of around 400. Gangetic dolphins swim in the deeper channels, and the reserve's grasslands support blue bull, spotted deer, and wild boar.
Activities include guided bird walks, canoe trips through the marshes, jungle drives, and visits to the local Tharu and Rajbanshi communities. The reserve is accessible from Biratnagar (45 minutes) or a scenic drive from Kathmandu via the Mahendra Highway.
Getting there
Use Biratnagar as the nearest configured transport hub, then continue locally to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
- BiratnagarNearest configured hub
Routes to Biratnagar
- KathmandutoBiratnagarFlight0.75-0.92 hr
- TumlingtartoBiratnagarSTOL flight0.5-0.67 hr
- SunsaritoBiratnagarJeep1.25-2 hr
- IlamtoBiratnagarJeep2.5-3.5 hr
- TaplejungtoBiratnagarJeep6-9 hr
Biratnagar is the nearest transport hub we have route data for, not a verified gateway for Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The final stretch is local and we have not confirmed it.
Location & What's Inside
Related
Connected places and entries worth pairing
Planning this trip? Local operators publishing trips here can arrange it.
Elsewhere in this region
Help us get it right
Know Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve better than we do?
We write from research and reporting, and the ground changes faster than we can keep up. If something here is out of date, or you have been and would tell it differently, we would rather hear it.