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Birding
tour to Nepal
Nepal is a paradise for Bird lovers with over 848 species
(almost 8% of the world total) of birds, and among them
almost 500 hundred species are found in the Kathmandu
valley alone. The most popular bird watching sport in
Kathmandu is phulchoki, Godabari, Nagarjung, Bagmati
River, Taudaha, and so on. Get your binoculars and look
forward to a rewarding experience.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an
example of one of the finest birding sites in Asia.
Koshi Tappu was established as a wildlife reserve in
1976 with an aim to protect the last remaining population
of Asiatic Wild Buffaloes in Nepal. The reserve has
a total area of 175 sq. km. and is roughly rectangular
in shape. The principal habitats in the reserve include:
wetlands, grasslands and small patches of riverine forest.
To date this is the only Ramsar Site (a wetland of international
significance) in Nepal. More than half of Nepal's birds
are recorded from Koshi Tappu! Among the mammals, besides
Wild Water Buffaloes, the elusive Gangetic Dolphin and
Fishing Cat are occasionally seen here.
 A
barrage on the southern side of the reserve has created
a water reservoir where thousands of migrating waders
and wildfowl take interval. The barrage was built nearly
40 years ago, mainly to save people in the Indian state
of Bihar from the devastating floods of the Koshi River.
High earthen embankments bound the Koshi River on both
its eastern and western sides, which confine the course
of the waters within these bunds.
Abundant small marshlands, pools and grasslands are
formed which offer a haven for birds and birdwatchers
alike. The vegetation near these banks holds many passerines.
In addition, large agricultural fields that lie adjacent
to the reserve make fine habitat for many birds. The
finest birding sites in and outside the reserves are
located between Koshi Camp and down south all the way
to the barrage. Within this stretch many birds and mammals
are found that offer the experience of a lifetime. Koshi
Tappu is the ultimate destination for any nature enthusiasts
and experts visiting Nepal. |
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