What birds will we see?
Koshi Tappu is a stop for tens of thousands of migrating birds on the Central Asian Flyway, so expect ducks, waders and birds of prey on the water and the mudflats. What you see depends on the month and the weather, and we cannot promise a species. October to March is the best time.
Will we see dolphins and wild water buffalo?
You may see Gangetic dolphins in the channels and the wild water buffalo that the reserve protects. Both are wild and the dolphin is shy, so we cannot promise either.
Is this only for experienced birders?
No. It suits beginners, keen amateurs and photographers. The walks are short and slow, and your guide helps you find and identify what you see.
How do we get there?
You fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, and our driver takes you from the airport to the lodge, a drive of about an hour and a half. The same route brings you back on day 5. Flights can be delayed, so keep a spare day before any onward international flight.
Do you offer rides on animals?
No. We do not offer rides on any animal. We watch wildlife on foot and from boats, from a respectful distance.
How do you treat the wildlife?
We never bait or feed animals, never play recorded calls, and never flush a bird for a photograph. Your guide decides how close a boat or a walker goes, and the animal comes first.
Do I need to bring binoculars?
Yes. Binoculars and camera equipment are not included, so bring your own.
Is the reserve fee included?
Yes. The official entrance fees for foreign visitors are set by the Nepal Tourism Board and are paid for you.
Is this private?
Yes. Your guide is for your party only, so the birding itself is private, and we never merge separate private bookings. Transport follows your tier: local shared vehicle on Budget, shared tourist vehicle on Standard, private luxury vehicle on Luxury.
What is the difference between Budget, Standard and Luxury?
The programme is the same on all three. Budget gives you a simple lodge room, breakfast, the activities and a local shared vehicle. Standard gives you a private room, all meals, a shared tourist vehicle and a guide in your language where we have one. Luxury gives you the best available lodge room or safari tent to yourselves, all meals with non-alcoholic drinks, a senior guide and a private luxury vehicle.
Do children pay less?
No. A child pays the same as an adult, because permits, hotels, a seat in the vehicle and taxes cost us the same for a child. Tell us the age of each child when you book so we can plan the days around them.
Who will be my guide?
A licensed guide leads every day. We tell you your guide's name once your booking is confirmed.
What happens if I need to cancel, or you cannot run the trip?
If we cannot run your trip, we refund what you have paid, less taxes, bank or card charges and any money already spent on your behalf, or move you to another date. Plans change? You can reschedule free to any date within one year with at least 72 hours' notice. The deposit itself is not refunded if you cancel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Buy travel insurance at home, before you travel, and check that it covers medical care, domestic flights and the dates of your trip. We do not recommend insurance bought in Nepal.
How do I pay?
You pay a 10% deposit to book and the balance before the trip. We take US dollars or euros, in cash or by card. We cover the card fee on the deposit. Paying the balance by card carries a 3.5% bank charge, and cash in Kathmandu has no fee.
Secure payment by Himalayan Bank.
