Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 23

The fourth Koshi Tappu migratory bird festival is all set to begin next month coinciding with the World Wetlands Day, to promote the area as a wetland conservation and eco-tourism destination.

The festival, organised by the steering committee of the fourth Koshi Tappu Festival 2004 and the Aqua Birds Unlimited Camp (ABUC) in cooperation with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation will be held on February 1-8 at the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

The reserve covers an area of 17,500 hectare. "It is an excellent place to view the rare gangetic dolphin and wild water buffalo, where 465 species of birds have been recorded," said ABUC managing director Kumar Rana. Rana was speaking at a press meet organised by the NTB today. The ABUC is offering a package of Rs 2500 for Nepalis, $100 for foreigners for two nights and three days.