Nepal’s natural beauty is unsurpassed. However, most people are unaware that this small Asian country is much more than the rough Himalayan mountain range. Lush jungles, amazing wildlife viewing chances, and a diverse flora and fauna may all be found in the lowlands.
Nepal is the only place on the planet that truly satisfies one’s desire for nature and culture. Nepal’s stunning national parks set a global standard for local cooperation, animal and plant protection, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Chitwan National Park:
In Kathmandu’s south-west region, one of the most well-known national parks may be found. One-horned rhinoceros and royal Bengal tigers live there. Bison, wild boar, birds, and various flora and wildlife species can also be found. The prospect of elephant back excursions, canoe expeditions, river rafting, nature hikes, and other activities is the park’s main feature. Between May and September is the best time to visit this park.
Location: Subarnapur 44200, Nepal
Area: 952.63 km2 (367.81 sq mi)
Best Season: May – September
Bardiya National Park:
This dynamic park is one of Nepal’s least developed. The deep forest, grasslands, and riverine woodland cover the majority of it. A variety of rivers wind their way through the park, each with its own unique display of waterlilies and lotus blossoms.
The one-horned rhino, elephants, tigers, deer, and the elusive enormous dolphin all call it home. Over 400 bird species can be found flying freely throughout the park, and visitors are frequently treated to the sight of colorful peacocks. Although the Tharu tribe, Nepal’s indigenous people, live in the bulk of this lush area, it is still home to some of the country’s indigenous people.
Location: Thakurdwara, Nepal
Area: 968 km2 (374 sq mi)
Best Season: March – June
Sagarmatha National Park:
Sagarmatha is a one-of-a-kind entity. Mount Everest, the world’s famed tallest peak, is located within this protected region. Along with this giant, the rocky Himalayan mountain terrain is home to a variety of famous creatures, including the snow leopard, lynx, bears, hares, and the Himalayan thar.
There are no roads in the park’s immediate vicinity, which adds to its isolation and natural beauty. It is well-known for its spiritual importance. Many Sherpas live here, while others come to visit the park’s sacred sites.
Location: Khumjung, Nepal
Area: 1,148 km2 (443 sq mi)
Best Season: October and November, March to May
Langtang National Park:
Langtang, located in the Himalayan mountain range, is breathtakingly gorgeous. It has a diverse ecosystem, cultural legacy, and climate zones. Many people come to see the magnificent night skies that are displayed every night.
It was the country’s first national park, founded in 1976. It’s in Kathmandu’s northwestern outskirts. The Langtang valley, as well as the holy lakes at Gosainkunda, are among the park’s features. Deep canyons with dense trees can be found. Wild dogs, ghoral, Himalayan tahr, impeyan, pheasants, and other species have been observed here. The Janai Purnima festival, which attracts a large number of visitors, is another fascinating aspect. Every year in the month of August, it is commemorated. From March through November is the optimum time to explore this park.
Location: Helambu, Nepal
Area: 1,710 km2 (660 sq mi)
Best Season: March- November
Shey Phoksundo National Park:
The country’s largest national park, Shey Phoksundo, is a sight to behold. It is home to Phoksundo Lake, which is breathtakingly beautiful. This deep blue-green lake, at over 3,000 meters, is Nepal’s deepest.
Blue sheep, snow leopards, Tibetan yaks, musk deer, and other spectacular fauna may be seen all around the lake. The park, like most other national parks in Nepal, is famous for trekking, but it stands out for its views of Phoksundo Lake. Visitors who are lucky enough may catch a sight of the world’s highest flying butterfly, the Paralasa Nepalaica, which thrives in the park’s ideal climate.
Location: Dolpa, Nepal
Area: 3,555 km2 (1,373 sq mi)
Best Season: April- November
Khaptad National Park:
This one, too, was founded in 1984 and is located in Nepal’s mid-mountain region. Leopards, Kalij pheasants, butterflies, moths, and other creatures and plants can be found there. The park was named after the late Khaptad Swami, who visited the area to contemplate and worship. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from October to November, are the finest times to visit this location. The presence of numerous medicinal plants is the feature of this one.
Location: Doti district, Nepal
Area: 225 km2 (87 sq mi)
Best Season: March- May and October- November
Banke National Park:
This magnificent miniature national park was added to the national park system in order to safeguard endangered animals in the area. Tiger populations have doubled within its borders as a result of its conservation efforts.
Along with over 300 kinds of birds and many reptile and fish species, the endangered Asiatic elephant and four-horned antelope roam freely. Locals have long referred to the area where the Banke National Park is located as the “gift of the land,” and many of them continue to live traditional lifestyles there. Forests, grasslands, and mountain ranges are among the eight diverse ecosystems that make up the terrain. It is connected to a number of wildlife refuges. The Bardia National Park, which is connected to the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India as well as the Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary, is located to the west. This is Nepal’s newest national park, and it is a shining example of the country’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Location: Banke, Nepal
Area: 550 km² (212.356 sq mi)
Best Season: Autumn, Spring and Summer
Makalu Barun National Park:
This breathtakingly beautiful and secluded national park is a great national treasure. The rugged skyline, which includes some of the world’s largest mountains, dwarfs visitors. The park’s namesake, Mount Makalu (8,463 meters or 27,838 feet), is the world’s fifth tallest mountain, with many of its nearby peaks reaching above 7,000 meters above sea level.
Makalu Barun National Park is the world’s only protected area with an elevation rise of 8000 meters above sea level, as well as an abundance of species. There are around 40 varieties of orchids and other unusual plant life among the flora and animals found here. Rare wildlife like as the elusive snow leopard, endangered red panda, deer species, and Himalayan black bear call it home.
Location: Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu, Nepal
Area: 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi)
Best Season: March – May
Annapurna National Park:
Views of lush, productive farmland and untouched natural forest, as well as encounters with a broad range of ethnic tribes, all contribute to a diverse range of experiences that make the Annapurna trek one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal. Here, you’ll have the time of your life. While trekking, always sure to wear sturdy, comfy shoes.
Location: Jomsom, Nepal
Area: 7,629 km2 (2,946 sq mi)
Best Season: March to May and late August to September
Rara National Park:
The alpine coniferous vegetation of Rara National Park provides a typical sample of the region’s flora and animals. The Rara National Park is home to about 500 distinct varieties of flowers, 20 different animals, and 214 different bird species. In terms of lake life, the snow trout is one of the fish species that has been identified thus far.
Location: Humla-Jumla region Nepal
Area: 106 km2 (41 sq mi)
Best Season: April to June