Nepal · Safari

3-Day Koshi Tappu Wildlife Safari with Birding and River Boat Ride

3 Days Round trip from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See many kinds of birds, including rare species such as the Bengal florican and sarus cranes
02 Look for Nepal's last wild water buffalo, known as Arna
03 Enjoy a calm boat ride on the Sapta Koshi River to spot birds and water animals
04 Take a jeep safari through grasslands and wetlands in search of blue bulls, hog deer, and wild pigs
05 Visit nearby villages to learn about the special culture of the local Tharu people

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, established in 1976, covers 175 square kilometers of wetland in the Sapta Koshi River floodplain and is recognized as an internationally important wetland site for water plants and animals. While Chitwan and Bardia are known for rhinos and tigers, Koshi Tappu is the best place in Nepal for bird lovers, offering a calm setting where you can truly relax and enjoy nature's beauty. The reserve's mix of river, swamps, and grasslands creates a rich habitat for many forms of life and makes it an important stop for migratory birds. This tour offers a quiet and rewarding way to connect deeply with Nepal's wild wetlands.

The boat moves quietly, allowing you to get very close to the wildlife without disturbing it.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kathmandu, Biratnagar

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Biratnagar and Sunset by the River

Your trip starts with an early morning flight to Biratnagar. This flight is short and pleasant. When you get there, someone will meet you at the airport and drive you to your jungle lodge. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

After you check in and eat lunch, your guide will brief you about the park. They will explain the rules and what you can expect to see.

In the late afternoon, you will take a slow walk along the riverbank. This calm walk gives you your first chance to see the birds of the trip. It is also a wonderful time to watch the sky change colors as the sun sets. Many birds will fly back to their resting spots for the night, and you will hear their calls as dusk settles.

Dinner will be served at the lodge, often with fresh local food.

Day 02

Full-Day Koshi Tappu Safari

Today is all about exploring and spotting wildlife. After an early breakfast, you will set out on a full-day Koshi Tappu safari.

You will begin with a calm boat ride on the Koshi River. This is one of the best ways to see wading birds, water birds, and the rare river dolphin. The boat moves quietly, allowing you to get very close to the wildlife without disturbing it.

After the boat trip, you will continue with a jeep safari into the main parts of the park. You will drive through grassy areas and wetlands, looking for wild water buffalo, deer, and other animals. Your guide will point out animal tracks and tell you about the different plants along the way.

You will stop for a packed lunch at a pleasant spot inside the park, where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by nature.

The day ends back at the lodge, where you can relax and share stories around a fire while looking back on the day's sightings.

Day 03

Final Bird Watching and Departure

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle one last time. This morning, you will go bird watching again and visit areas known for rare birds. Your guide will take you to spots where specific birds are often seen, giving you a good chance to spot any species you may have missed on the first day.

After breakfast, you will have some time to pack your bags. Then you will drive back to Biratnagar for your return flight to Kathmandu.

You will leave with many good memories of Nepal's wild wetlands. Their quiet beauty and rich animal life will stay with you.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private transportation
Safari activities
Government taxes that apply to your trip
All entry fees
Local guide

What's Not Included

Flights to and from Biratnagar. You need to book these separately.
Drinks, including alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.
Your own spending money for souvenirs or other personal items.
Tips for your guide and staff. Tipping is a way to thank them for good service.

What to bring

Clothes: Light clothes in plain colors, such as tan, brown, and green, are best. These colors help you blend in with nature. Pack long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from the sun and bugs. Bring a warm jacket or fleece for cool nights and mornings, especially in winter.
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are important, as you will be walking on uneven ground.
Health & Safety: Bug spray is a must, especially one with DEET. Sunscreen protects your skin. A wide-brimmed hat keeps the sun off your face, and sunglasses protect your eyes. Bring any personal medicines you need.
Camera: A good camera with a long lens (300mm or more) is great for wildlife photos, as animals can be far away.
Binoculars: These are a must. A good pair, such as 8x42 or 10x42, will make your trip much better by bringing distant birds and animals closer.
Power Bank: Hotels have power, but outages can happen in Nepal. A power bank helps keep your devices charged.
Extra Batteries & Memory Cards: You will likely take many photos, so make sure you have enough power and storage space.