mounteverest

National Parks


Wildlife Reserves and Conservation Area of Nepal
The geography of Nepal can be divided into high mountains, mid hills and low lands. A wide range of ecosystem from sub-tropical jungles of the Terai to the arctic conditions of Himalayan highlands are found within an area of 147,181 sq km.

There are a total of 9 national parks, 3 wildlife reserve, 6 conservation areas, 1 hunting reserve including 11 buffer zone areas in an around protected areas, covering a total of 28998.67 sq km. (19.70%) of the country’s total land. Nepal’s rich bio-diversity renders it ideal as an eco-tourism destination.

Bardia National Park(968 km2) and Buffer Zone ( 328km2)
The Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed protected area in the Terai and is home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger and Nepal’s famous one-horned rhinoceros. The national park located in the mid western district of Bardia, is bordered by River Karnali in the west, the Churia range in the park. The varied geographical factors together with the thick cover of Sal, savannah forests and grasslands render this region ideal as wild animal habitat. The park hosts 53 different mammals more than 400 species of birds, and several varieties of reptiles and water animals. Some of the other animals found here are elephant, swamp deer, black buck, gharial crocodile and marsh mugger crocodile. The fresh-water Gangetic dolphin is also commonly seen in River karnali. Birds include endangered varieties of Bengal florican, lesser florican, silvereared mesia and saruscrane. The park offers the rare opportunity of angling at River Karnali and River Babai.
Activities: Jungle safari on elephant-back, jungle walk, boat ride, jeep drive
Accommodation: Jungle lodges
Access: Three hours drive (95 km) from
Nepalgunj which is 1 hour by air or
516 km by road from Kathmandu
Best Season: Oct-Mar; Apr-Jun (hot, up to 42
degress Celsius), Jul-Sep (rainy)
Park Headquarter: Thakurdwara, Tel 084-429719

Chitwan National Park

Owing to its rich adornment of nature, Chitwan National Park was declared UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1984. The Park that includes in its area a part of the Shivalik Hills, is covered with deciduous forests overlooking the flood plains of Narayani, Rapti Reu rivers and offering a wilderness of rich ecosystem that includes mammals,birds,reptiles and water animals of several kinds. There are around 600 plant species, 56 mammals, 539 birds and 49 amphibians and reptiles found in the park. The highlight are the 412 Asian one-horned rhinoceros and some 59 Royal Bengal tigers that live in the dense forests of the park. Sharing home with these are other animals like rhesus monkey,langur,deer,leopards, gaur, wild boar, wild dogs and wild cats. Among reptiles are different kinds of snakes including the python, while the river areas breed reptiles like the endangered long snouted gharial popularity known as Gangetic crocodile and marsh crocodiles. The forest is alive during flycatcher, Indian pitta and parakeets, while winter birds include waterfowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails,bar-headed geese, cormorants and migratory birds from Siberia. Other bird varieties are wood peckers, hornbills, peacocks, peahens, floricans and redheaded trogons. A rare attraction of the park is the world’s fresh-water dolphin sometimes seen in River Narayani. Another factor adding a district touch to the Chitwan experience is the colorful Tharu culture. There are also sites of religious and historical importance at Devghat, Pandavnagar, Balmiki Ashram and Kabilaspur.

Activities: Jungle safari on elephant-back,
jungle walk, canoe ride, jeep drive,
experience of Tharu culture
Accommodation: Resort hotels and lodges
Access: The park headquarters at Kasara is
a 21 km drive from Bharatpur
which is 20 minutes by air or 146
km by road from Kathmandu
Best Season: Oct-Mar ( average temperature 25
_ Jun ( hot, up to 43 degress), Jul-
Sep (rainy)
Park Headquarter: Kasara, Tel: 056529405

Khaptad National Park( 25KM2 and Buffer Zone(216 km2 )

Khaptad National Park in west Nepal is the home of Late Khaptad Swami, the renowned scholar and a hermit. The park with rolling hills of grasslands and forests of subtropical, temperate and sub alpine vegetation, is also a rich natural habitat. The park boasts of 224 species of medicinal herbs and offers excellent bird watching opportunities, with 270 species of birds, the common ones being different varieties of impheyan pheasant, partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos and eagles. Animals in the park are barking deer, wild boar, ghoral, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, rhesus monkey and langur monkey. The park also offers religious sightseeing at Tribeni on the way to its headquarters.There are several historical temples surrounding this area and an annual celebration of Ganga Dashhara is held here every Jestha Purnima.
Another religious site is Sahashra Linga at 3,200 m, the highest point of the park, Other religious areas in the park include Ganesh Temple, Nagdhunga, and Kedardhunga. These areas are ideal places for mediation. Towards the northeast of the park is Khapdat Lake where a festival is held every August and September.

Activites: Trekking
Accommodations: Camping
Access: Fly from Kathmandu- Nepalgunj
(60 min.) then fly to Chainpur
( Bajhang) 20 min. and
then a three-day walk or fly
Kathmandu-
Dhangadi ( 1hr. 10 min.) 670 km
by drive, then 10 hurs. Drive to
silgadi and then 1 day trek
Best Season: Mar-May and Oct-Nov (10-20)
degress Celsius); Jun- Sep (rainy),
Dec-Feb (snow)
Park Headquarter : Khaptad



Langtang National Park (1710 km2) and Buffer Zone (420 km2)

The park extends over parts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchok districts in the mountainous terrain of Nepal-China (Tibet) border. The chief attraction of this park is the Langtang range in the north and several lakes in the south. High-altitude jungles with diverse vegetation and wildlife, scenic lakes, glaciers and Hmalayan peaks combine to make Langtang an attractive destination for visitors. Twenty five percent of the park’s total area is covered by forest, starting at sub-tropical forests below 1,000 m giving way to alpine scrubs and grasslands towards higher altitude. Animals seen here are wild dog, red panda, pika, muntjac, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Hmalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey, common langur, snow leopard among others. Out of 373 species of birds commonly seen birds here are tragopan and impeyan pheasants.

The Langtang Valley is also renowned for its holy Lake Gosainkunda. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lake area every year, especially during the Janai Purnima festival every August.

Activities: Trekking mountaineering, experience of
Tamang culture
Accommodation : Lodges, camping
Access: From Dhunche which is 117 km
by road from Kathmadu
Best Season: Oct-Nov and Mar-May (cold at
higher elevation); Jun _ Sep
(monsoon), Dec-Feb (snow)
Park Headquarter : Dhunche

Makalu Barun National Park (1,500 km2) and Buffer Zone (830 km2)

The park spreads over the districts of Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu in north east Nepal. One of the prime attraction for visitors to the park is experience the unique Himalayan biodiversity. The vegetation ranges from sub tropical forests to sub alpine as the altitude increases. The park boasts of 48 species of orchids, 87 species of medicinal herbs, 25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendron, 19 bamboo species, 15 oak species, 48 species of primrose and 86 species of fodder trees. The Park also offers bird-watching opportunities with its 400 species of birds, including the rare spotted wren babbler and the olive ground warbler. Wildlife include the endangered red panda, snow leopard. Himalayan black bear clouded leopard, ghoral, tahr, wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan marmot, weasel, langur monkey and serow. River Arun that flows through the park has 84 varieties of fish including salmon.
Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accomodation: Camping
Access: Fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu (40
mins.) and then a six-day walk

Best Season: Oct-Nov and Mar- Apr; Apr-May (hot
at lower elevations), Jun-Sep(monsoon)
Park Headquarter: Seduwa, Tel: 029-560136

Rara National Park (106 km2) and Buffer Zone (198 km2)

Rara National Park in the far north western part of the country offers a representative sample of the region’s flora fauna. Sprawled over Mugu biggest lake, Lake Rara, from where the park gets its name. The lake is as deep as 167m at some places, and drains into the River Mugu Karnali via Nijar Khola.
The park is mainly covered with coniferous forest while the area around the lake is dominated by blue pine. Rhododendron, juniper, spruce, oak and cypress are found around 3,000 m while at higher altitude pine, spruce and fir are more common. The rich vegetation of the park is a home to the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan tahr, wild yellow-throated martin, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and common otter. During winter the park abounds in 272 species of bird varieties like coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, are crested pochard, allard, common teal, merganserand gulls. Migrant water fowls and gallinaceous birds can also be seen during certain seasons. As for water life in the lake three species of snow trout is recorded so far.


Activities: Trekking
Accomodation: Camping, Lodge
Access: Fly from Kathmandu-Nepalgunj (1
hour); Nepalgunj-Talcha
Airport ( 35min).) then 2 hours trek
to Para lake
Best Season: Feb-Apr and Oct-Nov
Park Headquarter: Hutu


Sagarmatha National Park ( (1,148 jn2) and Buffer Zone (275km2)
The prime attraction in the Sagarmatha National Park is Mt. Everest, the highest peak of the world. The park was added to the list of world Heritage Site in 1979. The park, a part of the Hiamalayan ecological Zone, has several other prominent peaks most of which are above 6,000 m. With most of the park above 3,000 m, Sagarmatha is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. With its Himalayan terrain and its unique culture, the park offers a blend of natural and cultural tourist products here. The vegetation at lower elevation is dominated by pine and hemlock forests, while above 3,500 m the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper tress, During spring and monsoon the varieties of rhododendron flowers are seen. The common wildlife in the park are Himalayan tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pikka (mouse hare) weasel, jackal. Other rarely seen animals are Himalayan black bear, wolf, lynx, and snow leopard. Birds inhabiting the park are of over 193 species. Common ones among them are the impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, red-billed chough, yellow- billed chough,. Snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon, and lammergeyer, The national park also showcases the cultural trophies with the warm Sherpa hospitality and its many monasteries and cultural landmarks.
Activities: Trekking, mountaineering,
experience of Sherpa culture
Accommodation: Resort hotels, lodges, camping Fly
to Lukla which is 30 minutes by
air from Kathmandu
Best Season: Oct-Nov and Mar- May; Dec-Feb
(snow, daytime temperature
5degress Celsius),Jun-Sep (rainy)

Park Headquarter : Mendalphu, Namche Bazzar, Tel:
038-626043

Shey-Phoksundo National Park (3,555 km2) and Buffer Zone ( 1,349 km2)

Shey-Phoksundo National park is situated in the trans- Himalayan region of north-west Nepal. It is Nepal’s largest national park. With diverse terrain Mugu districts and supports a broad range of wildlife and vegetation. Geographical landmarks of the park are the Himalayan peaks in the north and lake Phoksundo, in the southern region. Vegetation include pine, walnut, willow, oak, and cypress in the lower altitude and pine, spruce, juniper and birch at higher regions. Berberis, wild rose and caragana are seen in alpine areas while the regions higher up are mostly arid with grass alpine meadows with barely any tress. The park contains 286 flora species of botanical importance. Animals found in the region are sheep, ghoral. musk deer, leopard, wild dog, marmot, weasel, mouse hare, rhesus and langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear and jackals. In the upper region is seen the rare and endangered snow leopard. Over 200 species of birds including yellow- throated marten, Tibetan partridge, wood snipe, white- throated tit, wood accentor, & crimson-eared rose finch are found in the park,. Other species of birds fond here are Impeyan, cheer pheasant, chough, ravens,. Tibetan snow cock, Tibetan twit, brown dipper, Himalayan griffon & lammergeyer, Apart form these, the park is home to 6 species of reptiles and 29 species of butterfly.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accomodation: Camping
Access: Fly to Dolpa’s Jufal airport from
Nepalgunj (20 min) and then a
three-day walk
Best Season: Mar-May and Sep-Oct
Park Heaquarter: Sumduwa, Tel; 087-550104

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park ( 159 sq km2)

Popular as trekking, hiking and recreation area, the Park offers the nearest retreat from Kathmandu. The park was established as a Watershed and Wildlife Reserve in 1976 for the protection of its flora and fauna. Vegetation varieties in the park include it s 129 species of mushrooms while animals include 19 species of mammals including Himalayan black bear, leopard, barking deer, wild boar, wildcat, rhesus monkey. The park also boasts of 177 species of birds and 102 species of butterflies.
Activities: Hiking, rockclimbing, bird watching
Access: Drive from Kathmandu city centre
to buddhanilkantha tample ( 11km),
then trek.
Best Season: Sep-May; Jun-Aug(rainy)
Park Headquarter: Shivapuri, Tel:01-

4370355/4374830


Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve (175 km2) and Buffer Zone (173 km2)

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has carved a place for itself as bird watcher’s paradise. The reserve spreads over Saptari and Sunsari districts East Nepal over the embankments of River Koshi. The reserve has been recognized as a Wetland Site from 1987.The vegetation of the reserve is mainly grassland with patches of scrub and deciduous riverine forests. The reserve has recorded around 479 species of bird variety, some of which fly all the way from Siberia during winter. A wide variety of ducks, herons, storks, egrets, ibis are seen on the riverbanks. Koshi Tappu wildlife Reserve also has one of the few elephant stables of Asia. Other animals found here are wild buffalo, wild boar, hog deer, spotted deer, blue bull and jackal, Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin are also found here.
Activities: Game viewing, bird watchng
Accommodation: Resorts, tented camp
Access: 90- minute drive (40km) from
Biratnagar which is 50 minutes by
air or 500km by road from
Kathmandu
Best Season: Oct-Mar; Apr-Jun (hot) Jul-Sep
(rainy)
Reserve Headquarter: Kusaha, Tel: 025-530897

Parsa Wildlife Reserve (499 km2) and Buffer Zone (298.2 km2)

The Parsa Wildlife Reserve spreads over parts of chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara districts.The vegetation is tropical and sub tropical mostly covered with Sal forests, while the hills are covered with Sal forests, while the hills are covered with chir pine. Khair, sissoo and silkcotton are found along water areas. The reserve provides good habitat for animals like wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull and wild dog. Other common animals in the reserve are sambar, chital. Hog deer, barking deer, langur monkey, rhesus macaques, striped hyena, rat, palm civet and jungle cat. There are 370 species of birds founding the reserve, one being the endangered great horbbill found in certain parts of the forest. Other bird species include peafowl, red jungle fowl, flycatchers and woodpeckers. Apart from birds and animals the reserve is also habitated by snakes like king cobra, common cobra, krait, rat snake and python.
Activities: Jungle safari on elephant-back, jungle
walk, jeep drive
Access: Fly to Simara from Kathmandu (15)
minutes) and then by road to the reserve
headquarters (7 km), or overland from
Kathmandu (150 km via Hetauda
Best Season: Oct- Mar; Apr-Jun (hot, 30-35 degress
Celsius), Jul-Sep (Monsoon)

Reserve Headquarter: Adhabar, Tel: 053-
521051,520246


Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
(305 km2) and Buffer Zone (243.5 km2)

Shuklaphanta wildlife Reserve is located in the far- eastern lowland Terai of Nepal. The pristine sub-tropical jungle makes Shuklaphanta Nepal’s grasslands and numerous waterholes of the park extend into a vast expanse of plain grasslands and Sal forests, while marsh vegetation is found along rivers and lakes. The reserve that was originally a hunting area was later converted to wildlife reserve to protect swamp deer. There serve now shelters almost 2,000 swam deer, around 50 wild elephants and 30 tigers. Other animals found here are spotted deer, blue bulls, barking deer, hog deer, wild boars, leopards, jackals,
langurs and rhesus monkeys. Among birds the reserve provides habitat to sarus crane, swamp francolin, grass owl, warblers, flycatchers, and the endangered Bengal florican. Reptile species include marsh mugger, crocodile, cobra and python.
Activities: Wildlife viewing on elephant-back
Accomodation: Jungle lodges
Access: Fly or drive (1hr. 10min.) to
Dhangadi (670 km from
Kathmandu), than 1 hour 30 min.
drive (60 km)
Best Season: Oct-Mar; Apr-Jun(hot, up to 42
degress Celsius), Jul-Sep (rainy)
Reserve Headquarter: Majhgaon, Kanchanpur,
Tel:0521309


Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (1,325 km2)

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only area in Nepal where licensed hunting is allowed. The reserve adjoins Myagdi district and Baglung district, just below the Dhaulagiri range in West Nepal. The reserve begins at 3,000 m reaches as high as 7,000 m. Trees like fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce are available in the reserve, One of the prime attractions or hunters is the blue sheep, which is abundant in the area. Hunters also get pheasants and partridges in viable numbers of hunting. Other animals found here are leopard, ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur and mouse hare, Endangered animals in the reserve are musk deer, wolf, red panda, cheer pheasant and Danphe.

Activities: Trophy hunting, game viewing
Accommodation: Camping
Access: Four Days’ walk from Baglung
which is 72 km from Pokhara by
road
Best Season: Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov; Jul-Sep
(monsson), Dec-Feb (cold, windy,
snow)
Reserve Headquarter: Dhorpatan, Tel: 068-521112


Annapurna Conservation Area (7,629 km2)

The Annapurana Conservation Area is one the best trekking trails iin the world. The area spreads around Kaski, Manang and Lamjung districts of Central Nepal. Starting with an altitude of 790m, the area reaches as high as 8,091 m of Mt. Annapurna. Ghandruk is the first experience and further down is Ghorepani that provides fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges. Equally eye catching are hills of rhododendron that blossom every spring. The trek southeast from Jomsom, leads to the scenic Tilicho Lake area at an altitude of 4,919m. In the circuit route, is the famous Hindu religious sites Muktinath Temple. The vegetation in this region includes various species of orchids and rhododendron. Wildlife includes 102 different kinds of mammals including rare endangered snow leopards and a very god population of blue sheep. The region also boasts of around 474 species of birds including multi-colored impheyan, koklas and blood pheasants. In addition the region is also home to 39 species of reptiles and 22 species of amphibians.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accommodation: Resort hotels, lodges, camping
Access: From Pokhara which is 202 km by
road or 30 minutes by air from
Kathmandu
Best Season: March – May, Sep – Nov
ACAP Headquarter: Hariyo Kharka, Pokhara, Tel:
061- 431102, 430802


Kanchenjunga Conservation Area ( 2,035 km2)

Situated in noth-eastern Nepal in the district of Taplejung, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is bordered by the Tibet –China in the north, Sikkim-India in the east and Sankhuwasabha district in the west. The area has alpine grasslands, low river valleys with temperate and sub-0tropical forests. Ten species among Nepal’s 23 endemic flowering plants are found in this region. In addition, almost 30 varieties of rhododendron species and 48 varieties of orchids are found here. Wildlife includes endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus monkey. About 252 species of different birds including impheyan pheasant, re-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are found in the area.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accommodation: Tea houses, Camping
Access: Fly to Taplejung via Biratnagar
from Kathmandu
Best Season: March – May; Sep – Nov
Park Headquarter: Lelep, Tel: 024-46008
Manaslu Conservation Area (1,663 km2)

The Manaslu area in Gorkha district is a classic setting to experience pristine mountain nature and culture. The conservation area starts at 600m and is crowned by the eighth highest peak in the world Mt. Manaslu at 8,163m. The region is home to 33 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan Tahr. There are over 110 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 1,500-2,000 species of flowering plants.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accommodation: Camping, lodges
Access: By bus to Dhading(87 km from
Kathmandu) or to Besi Sahar (106
km from Pokhara) and then
trekking
Best Season: March – May; Sep – Nov
Park Headquarter : Prok




New Conservation Areas

Api Nampa Conservation Area lies in the District of Darchula consisting of 21 Village Development Committees with an area of 1903 square kilometer. Snow leopard, musk deer and clouded leopard, Goral, Himalayan Back bear, Himalayan Tahr are found in the area.

Blackbuck Conservation Area lies in Bardia district covering an area of 15.95 sq. km. This is the first organized effort to conserve the already endangered Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra cervicapra).

Gaurishankar Conservation Area comprises of Sagarmatha National park and Buffer zone in the east and Langtang National Park and Buffer zone in the west, Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north consisting of 2179 sq. km consisting of areas from three Districts – Ramechhap, Dolakha , Sindhupalchowk with Headquarter in Charikot.