Nepal is a beautiful Himalayan country that includes a diverse range of flora and fauna. But, with an increase in global warming and population, some mandatory steps need to be taken to make sure that animals and plants continue to live. National parks seem to be the best way as they offer protection to unique flora and fauna. Various national parks exist in Nepal that protect and maintain wildlife along with their natural habitat.
Nestled amidst the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal’s national parks provide a huge range of activities and sites to visit that would amaze you. Just imagine sloping valleys, tall mountains, blue skies, green grass, and exciting animals, Nepal would give you much more. One of the best trips in Nepal is to visit various exotic national parks that boast of their diversity. Nepal provides budget-friendly and exciting options for nature tourism.
Explore various beautiful national parks and witness the beauty of nature, present in absolute form, and untouched by humans. Dive into the national parks in Nepal that you might explore on this awesome trip.
Listed below are 10 Famous National Parks in Nepal:
1. Shey Phoksundo National Park
One of the oldest national parks in Nepal that preserves the animals and natural surroundings. Nestled in the Trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, it lies in the North-West in Palam, Dolpa district. Experience the mountains that surround the park that allow you to witness the scenic beauty of nature. Reaching the national park is possible via air or via walking for some time.
The park includes a beautiful lake – Phoksundo lake, enriched with beauty. The lake is one of the deepest lakes that lies at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters. Witness snow leopards, blue sheep, and other wildlife. More than 9,000 people live in villages amidst the park boundary and follow Bon Buddhism. Visitors could explore various religious sites that are scattered throughout the park.
How to Reach: Located in the Dolpa and Mugu districts of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo is the country’s largest national park. To reach it, most visitors fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then take another flight to Juphal, Dolpa. From Juphal, it’s a scenic 2-3 days trek through remote villages and stunning landscapes to the park. The journey is part of the adventure, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a glimpse into the area’s unique culture.
Best time to visit: The perfect time to visit the park is summer as winters could be harsh enough.
Entry fees: INR 2338.
2. Khaptad National Park
Khaptad national park serves as the most impressive park that stimulates the senses and rejuvenates the mind and body. This park is named after Khaptad Baba who moved to the area to meditate, and the saint’s ashram serves as a pilgrimage site that offers spirituality in the atmosphere. Explore its wonderful landscape created with beautiful rolling hills and majestic views of the Himalayan mountains.
Lies in the Doti district that offers a glimpse of various pious destinations amidst the park boundaries like Saileswari – a historic town with various temples. Furthermore, the summers are an ideal and comfortable climate as the temperature rarely goes below 0 or rises above 20 degrees Celsius. Also, explore Ramaroshan which is entirely linked to Goddess Parvati’s scriptures.
How to Reach Khaptad National Park: Situated in Far Western Nepal, reaching Khaptad National Park involves a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, followed by a long drive to Silgadhi, Doti. From Silgadhi, visitors trek for approximately 6-8 hours to enter the park. This route lets travelers experience the diverse landscapes and serene beauty of the region, making the journey memorable.
- Entry fees: INR 343 for every person.
3. Bardia National Park
Bardia national park is a pristine and dynamic park that lies in the Terai region of Nepal and is entirely covered with grasslands, dense forests, and riverine forests. Witness the Karnali river that flows nearby which allows you to do various adventurous activities while spotting several animal species. The park lies in the Thakurdwara region of Nepal and offers various activities such as rafting, jungle safari, and camping.
Various rivers flow via the park, which includes lotus and water lilies flowers, along with home to elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, deer, tigers, and majestic giant dolphins. Around 400 species of birds fly freely in the park and you can view vibrant-colored peacocks. Although part of this area is uninhabited, it is home to certain indigenous people of Nepal – the Tharu tribe.
How to Reach Bardia National Park: Bardia is accessible via a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by a short drive. Alternatively, visitors can take a longer scenic bus ride from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which takes around 12-15 hours. The park is renowned for its wildlife, including tigers and elephants, and offers a quieter, less crowded experience compared to Chitwan National Park.
- Entry fees: INR 937 for everyone.
4. Langtang National Park
Langtang national park is the first national park and is located north of Kathmandu in Helambu. Explore holy lakes at Gosainkunda, Langtang valley, and many more exotic places along with thick forests. Spot various wild animals like ghoral, wild dog, impeyan, Himalayan tahr, and many others. Also, enjoy the Janai Purnima festival which attracts lots of visitors that gets celebrated every year in August.
This park situated amidst Himalayan hills is extremely stunning, and rich in climatic zones, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. Enjoy the starry sky that seems to be clear and visible in the morning also. Experience its elevated landscape that includes crystal clear lakes, along with various spiritual places all over the park.
How to Reach Langtang National Park: Just a day’s drive away from Kathmandu, Langtang National Park is the most accessible high-altitude national park in Nepal. The journey starts with a drive to Syabrubesi, from where trekkers begin their journey into the park. This accessibility makes Langtang a popular choice for those looking to experience the Himalayas without the time commitment required for more remote treks.
- Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit this awesome park is from March to November.
- Entry fees: INR 2118 for everyone.
5. Chitwan National Park
The exciting backdrop of the park is great as a wildlife viewing opportunity, where you can witness high mountain passes. Also, view dense jungles, vast savanna plains, and free-flowing lakes and rivers along with unique one-horned rhinoceroses. Enjoy the view of gharial crocodiles, Bengal tigers, leopards, and sloth bears that offers a safari-like experience.
Chitwan park serves as the second-best park in Serengeti for proper wildlife view, along with unique species of flora. All thanks go to conservation and anti-poaching efforts by government practice, the animal population is striving in this area. The most exciting feature of the place is that you can do various things, such as canoe trips, elephant back rides, nature walks, rafting, and many more.
How to Reach Chitwan National Park: Easily accessible from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bharatpur, Chitwan National Park can be reached by road or air. Flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur airport followed by a short drive to the park are convenient. Alternatively, there are regular tourist buses and local transport options that offer a scenic journey through the Nepalese countryside.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit the park is anytime from May to September.
- Entry fees: INR 1000 for Indian citizens, INR 2000 for foreign tourists.
6. Sagarmatha National Park
It is nestled in the Khumbu region towards the Northeast of Kathmandu and includes snow leopard, one of the best species to view after entering the park. Also, view serow, tahr, weasel, langur, monkey, and many more that came naturally in your way. The most exciting feature of the park is that it is situated at a height of 9700 feet above sea level. The national park is home to Sherpas who live here.
Furthermore, the place is home to the legendary highest mountain – Mt. Everest, and the rugged Himalayan ranges serve as home to various popular animals. The region that surrounds the park doesn’t possess roads, which enhances its pristine beauty and remoteness. It has huge spiritual significance, and locals believe the mountain is the Mother Goddess of the World, which is highly incredible.
How to Reach Sagarmatha National Park: Home to Mount Everest, this park is accessed via a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek. The trek can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the final destination within the park. This journey is an integral part of the Everest experience, offering spectacular views and a chance to acclimate to the high altitude.
- Best time to visit: Either in the autumn months from October to November or in summer from March to May.
- Entry fees: INR 937 for everyone.
7. Shuklaphanta National Park
Shuklaphanta was a hunting ground for the ruling classes of Nepal but turned into a nature reserve in the 1990s. The location of park is towards the Southern portion of the Kanchanpur district of Nepal, and swamp deer are its most attractive point. At times, you could also view rhinoceros and tigers, and it is believed that around seventeen tigers live within the park’s boundaries.
Experience a jungle safari and explore the park to the fullest, along with exploring its forests, grasslands, tropical wetlands, and riverbeds. Experience a huge range of biodiversity along with impressive flora and fauna. Also, grab a chance to view more than 400 species of birds like owls, eagles, vultures, woodpeckers, and stunning painted storks. Witness the most biodiverse national park in Nepal.
How to Reach Shuklaphanta National Park: Located in the Far-Western Terai of Nepal, Shuklaphanta is reached by a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, followed by a drive to the park. The area is known for its open grasslands and diverse wildlife, offering a different experience from Nepal’s mountainous parks.
- The best time to visit: is February to May or from mid-September to mid-December.
- Entry fees: INR 470 per person.
8. Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park
This amazing park lies close enough to Kathmandu that has become a popular retreat for visitors and locals to escape the stressed city life.
You could connect with nature entirely by enjoying various hiking trails that lead via clean water, fresh springs, green hills, beautiful forest, and mountain sightseeing. The name of the beautiful park is based on religious scriptures that include various medicinal plants.
How to Reach Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park:
Just a short drive from Kathmandu, Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park is the most accessible for those looking to escape the city and immerse in nature quickly. It’s a popular spot for day hikes, bird watching, and enjoying panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas beyond.
9. Makalu Barun National Park
This national park covers an area of 2300 sq. km or above, and possesses spectacular landmarks as boundaries from all four sides. Arun river flows on the eastern side, and in the west lies the Sagarmatha national park and Saune Danda hill resembles its southern boundary.
Experience the sweet chirping and humming of birds that soothes the ears. Also, witness various animals like serow, Himalayan weasel, and many more.
Makalu Barun National Park: Reaching this remote park requires a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a trek into the heart of the park. The journey is an adventure, traversing through some of the most untouched and biologically diverse regions in Nepal, appealing to those seeking solitude and pristine nature
Best time to visit: October-November or from March-April.
Entry fees: INR 937 per person.
10. Annapurna National Park
View fertile farmland, lush green natural forest, and snow-capped mountains, along with various ethnic communities.
All this diverse activity offers a great range of activities like the Annapurna trek which serves as the most satisfying activity in Nepal. Enjoy most of your life’s best moments here, but ensure to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes during trekking.
How to Reach Annapurna National Park: This park is accessible from Pokhara, which serves as the gateway to the Annapurna region. Visitors can reach Pokhara by road or air from Kathmandu. From Pokhara, numerous trekking routes lead into the park, catering to all levels of trekkers and offering some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
- Entry fees: INR 937 for every person.
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