Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters: A Guide to National Parks of Nepal

Nepal is globally known for its majestic mountains and vibrant culture, but its wild side is equally thrilling. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Nepal wildlife tours offer an extraordinary chance to witness exotic animals in their natural habitats.

Nepal is home to an astounding diversity of flora and fauna, supported by its varied climate, topography, and 112 distinct ecosystems. From dense jungles to lush riverbanks, the country’s protected areas are home to some of Asia’s most iconic species.

Whether you’re tracking the elusive Bengal tiger, spotting a rare one-horned rhino, or listening to the call of hornbills, a journey into Nepal’s national parks is an unforgettable experience.

Nepal Wildlife Tours: A Journey into the Wild

If you’re planning to immerse yourself in raw nature, Nepal wildlife tours provide a perfect escape from city life. With over 20 protected areas, including national parks and wildlife reserves, Nepal is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

Expect to encounter endangered species like:

• One-horned rhinoceroses
• Royal Bengal tigers
• Asian elephants
• Gangetic dolphins
• Gharials
• Red pandas (in higher altitudes)

These tours can be tailored to suit bird watchers, photographers, eco-travelers, or thrill-seekers, making it a top destination for nature tourism in South Asia.

National Parks of Nepal

Despite covering only 0.1% of the global area, Nepal harbors 3.2% of the world’s known flora and 1.1% of fauna, making it a global biodiversity hotspot. To conserve this natural heritage, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) was established in 2037 BS (1980 AD). Today, the country boasts a robust network of protected areas, including 12 National Parks, 1 Wildlife Reserve, 1 Hunting Reserve, 6 Conservation Areas, and 13 Buffer Zones, collectively covering 23.39% of Nepal’s total land area.

How many National Parks are there in Nepal?

There are a total of 12 National parks in Nepal. They are distributed in the terai, hilly, and Himalayan regions of Nepal. These areas span from the lowland Terai region is home to Chitwan NP, Bardiya NP, Banke NP, Parsa NP, and Shuklaphanta NP. Similarly, Khaptad NP and Shivapuri Nagarjun NP lie in the Hilly region. The Makalu Barun NP, Sagarmatha NP, Langtang NP, and Shey Phoksundo National Parks preserve pristine alpine habitats in the Himalayan region.

National parks play a crucial role in in situ conservation by safeguarding native species in their natural environments and sustaining ecological balance across the country.

Banke National Park

The Banke National Park is a habitat for four-horned antelopes. It provides habitat for Royal Bengal tigers, wild Asian elephants, and various other species of birds, including the Giant Hornbill and Black Stork. Situated in the Banke district, the park covers an area of 144 kilometers.

Since this protected area lies in the terai region, its altitude ranges from 153m at Dhakeri to 1247m at Kuine ridge near Phurkesalli, Dang. You can witness animals like the Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, Four-horned antelope, and striped hyena in the forest of Banke.

Bardiya National Park

For a more remote and raw experience, a Bardiya National Park tour is a must. Located in western Nepal, Bardiya is less developed and less crowded, making it ideal for serious wildlife trackers and photographers. Established in 1976, this national park covers an area of 968 square kilometers and has 327 square kilometers as buffer zones.

Bardiya is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian giant elephants, Mugger and gharial crocodiles. Wild boars, leopards, and swamp deer are other important animals of the Bardiya National Park.

Besides the wildlife, the tranquil environment and connection to local communities add authenticity to your trip. A guided jungle walk in Bardiya feels like a true adventure into the wild.

Rhino Safari in Chitwan National Park

A rhino safari in Nepal is a bucket-list experience. The one-horned rhinoceros, once on the brink of extinction, has made a remarkable comeback, especially in Chitwan National Park.

The Chitwan National Park safari is the most popular wildlife experience in Nepal. Located just 5-6 hours’ drive from Kathmandu, it is accessible and packed with biodiversity.

Some of the major highlights of Chitwan safari include the canoe rides on the Rapti River, visiting the Elephant Breeding Center, and observing the rhinos, sloth bears, and crocodiles.

Many eco-resorts and lodges offer full safari packages that include accommodation in indigenous Tharu homestays.

The one-horned rhino, one of the major attractions of Chitwan National Park are gentle giants that roam freely in the grasslands, often seen near riverbanks, wallowing in the mud or grazing in the open. A jeep safari in the early morning is the best time for sightings, and the thrill of being just meters away from a wild rhino is something you’ll never forget.

The Chitwan National Park covers an area of 952.63 square km and is surrounded by a buffer zone of 729.37 square km. The core national park and the buffer zones are a sanctuary for a wide range of flora and fauna, including various species of endangered species of reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.

Shivapuri Nagarjun and Langtang National Parks

Spotting red pandas in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Langtang National Park is a rare and special experience. While the park does host the species, sightings are uncommon due to their elusive nature and the park’s proximity to Kathmandu. “Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park lies in the vicinity surrounding the Kathmandu valley and is the habitat of the red panda.

The National Park lies in the northern fringe of Kathmandu Valley and has several routes and entry points to enter the national park. Some of the common points are: Budhanilkantha, Sundarijal, Tokha, Nagarjun Fulbari gate, Kakani, Chisapani, Jhule, Mahankal, Panimuhan, Jagat.

The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park occupies four districts, Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchowk, and Dhading, with an area of 144 km2 and an additional 15 km2 as a Buffer Zone.

The Major features of Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park

The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park offers regular tourism activities like day hiking, viewing panoramic views of snow peak mountains. Hiking to the Nagi Gompa along with bird watching, jungle walking, cycling, hiking, and trekking are popular tourism activities.

Sagarmatha National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Wildlife Spotting in Nepal: What Can You See?

The Terai lowlands in southern Nepal are rich ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Guided walks, jeep drives, and canoe rides open chances to see wildlife up close, without cages or barriers.

Some of the best places for wildlife spotting include:

• Chitwan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Bardiya National Park
• Shuklaphanta National Park
• Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (for bird lovers)

Birdwatchers can spot more than 850 bird species in Nepal, including the great hornbill, sarus crane, and Bengal florican.

Jungle Safari in Nepal: Adventure Awaits

The best way to explore the wilderness is by taking a jungle safari in Nepal. These safaris are conducted by experienced local guides who help you track animal trails, identify bird calls, and understand the ecology of the jungle.

Popular safari activities include:

• Jeep safaris through dense sal forests in Bardiya and Chitwan
• Elephant-ride safaris (now less popular due to ethical concerns)
• Jungle walks with professional nature guides
• Canoeing in Rapti river in Chitwan

Most safaris are offered in the morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. The thrill of spotting a predator or hearing the rustle of leaves adds to the adventure.

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Tiger Safari in Nepal: Tracking the Elusive Predator

For wildlife enthusiasts, a tiger safari in Nepal is the crown jewel. The Royal Bengal tiger, a symbol of strength and stealth, lurks in the shadows of Nepal’s dense jungles. Though shy and elusive, these big cats are often spotted in Bardiya National Park, a hidden gem in western Nepal.

With fewer tourists and vast landscapes, Bardiya offers a higher chance of tiger sightings compared to other parks. Expert trackers follow paw prints and alarm calls to lead you to these majestic creatures, often glimpsed resting in tall grass or patrolling their territory.

Where to Find the Ghosts of the Mountains? 

Snow leopards, often called the “ghosts of the mountains,” roam the high-altitude wilderness of Nepal’s Himalayas. These elusive creatures thrive between 3,000 to 5,500 meters above sea level, where cliffs, rocky outcrops, and alpine meadows provide the perfect camouflage.

One of the best places to encounter snow leopards is Shey Phoksundo National Park in Dolpa, and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in eastern Nepal. These vast and remote protected areas are regarded as Nepal’s prime snow leopard habitats.

Similarly, in central Nepal, the Annapurna Conservation Area, especially around Upper Mustang and Nar Phu Valley, hosts small but stable populations. Trekkers exploring these off-the-beaten-path trails may not see the snow leopards themselves, but signs like paw prints or territorial markings hint at their presence.

Other significant habitats include Sagarmatha National Park, Makalu-Barun, and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, as well as the highlands of Humla and Mugu districts near the Tibetan border.

While direct sightings are rare, knowing you’re walking in snow leopard territory adds a thrilling layer to any Himalayan trek in Nepal.

Embrace the Wild Spirit of Nepal

Nepal is not just for trekkers and climbers. It’s a sanctuary for wildlife lovers, too. Whether you’re on a jungle safari in Nepal, a rhino safari in Chitwan, or a tiger safari in Bardia, the raw beauty of Nepal’s national parks will leave you in awe.

So, if you’re ready to hear the call of the wild and witness nature at its purest, book your next Nepal wildlife tour. It’s time to explore the untamed heart of the Himalayas. Explore Nepal’s national parks with Awesome Holidays Nepal, offering unique opportunities to encounter the diverse species and breathtaking scenery of the nation.

Explore the wild!