Nepal is home to exotic wildlife and forest. These forests house rare flora and fauna which has made Nepal a global name. However, due to human activities, these forests are now under protection. In this blog, we shall take a look at the 12 national parks in Nepal and why you should visit them.
1. Sagarmatha National Park
The Sagarmatha National Park is famous as it not only harbors the colossal Mount Everest but other 8000 meters + mountains too. Exploring this national park is a dream for many mountain climbers. The distinguishing factor about this national park stems from the fact that harmonizes nature and authentic Sherpa culture.
It resides in the eastern part of Nepal and is spread through the Solukhumbu district. The elevation here ranges from 2845 meters to 8848 meters, i.e. the summit of Mount Everest. To protect it for future generations, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to understand the meaning of thrill and adventure, then visit these national parks in Nepal.
2. Langtang National Park
The Langtang region is mostly famous for the Gosainkunda lake. Every year, thousands of travelers’ venture inside the Langtang National Park to derive their meaning of adventure. The Langtang National Park lies in proximity to Kathmandu and simultaneously, provides great natural exposure. It spreads through Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, and Nuwakot and houses ancient settlements.
This amazing national parks in Nepal houses a wide array of birds and animals. Also, as you explore the park, the Langtang mountain decorates the horizon. Famous treks like the Langtang valley trek, Gosainkunda lake trek, and the Tamang Heritage trek occur in Langtang National Park. So, head out to this national park and have some fun!
3. Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Park resides in the Terai region and is the very first national park in Nepal. It is home to a wide variety of birds and animals including the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. It spans 952.63 km2 and covers Parsa, Nawalpur, Chitwan, and Makwanpur. The park is a combination of flat plains, dense forests, and subtropical lowlands.
The Chitwan National Park has a humid climate and the plants and animals here are something to see. Some plants available here are rosewood, axle wood, and elephant apple. Also, these national parks in Nepal are an abode to 68 mammal species. A variety of activities like jungle safari, jungle walk, and river rafting is done by travelers in the park. Chitwan national park tour is one of the most famous national parks tours in Nepal.
4. Rara National Park
The Rara National Park is an undiscovered gem in far-western Nepal. It quietly spreads through Mugu and Jumla and is often called as the ‘smallest national park of Nepal.’ The park witnesses an elevation of 2800 meters to 4039 meters which is the Chuchemara Peak. The major highlight of this national park is the gorgeous Rara Lake. In the park, there are more than one thousand species of flora and likewise, over 50 species of mammals.
5. Khaptad National Park
The Khaptad National Park is a beautiful yet mysterious national parks in Nepal. It dates back to 1984 and covers an area of 225 km2. It calls the Bajura, Bajhang, Doti, and Achham districts as its home. The elevation of this park ranges from 1400 meters to 3300 meters. The park houses more than 500 species of plants and over 20 species of mammals.
Likewise, the park is home to 200 bird species and 23 reptile species. As you venture into the park, you’ll witness a small shrine. This shrine is made in the memory of Khaptad Baba who was an astrologer and philosopher. The beauty that Khaptad National Park holds is pretty rare so hurry up and witness it!
6. Parsa National Park
Parsa National Park resides in the inner Terai lowlands and covers an area of 627.39 km2. It spans through districts like Bara, Parsa, and Makwanpur. On its north, lies the Rapti river whereas on the south, a forest separates the park from human settlements. On the east, it spans till the Hetauda-Birgunj highway and in the west, the Chitwan National Park sits. Although it is now one of the famous national parks in Nepal, in the past, it was a hunting ground.
The park houses vegetations like Khair, sissoo, silk-cotton trees, and Sabia grass. A staggering 900+ species of fauna are found here. Also, the park is home to the exotic Bengal tiger. So, if you wish to experience the glory of nature, then this is the place to be.
7. Shuklaphanta National Park
The Shuklaphanta National Park is another important national parks in Nepal that sits in the far-western region of Nepal. In the past, it was a hunting ground for royals but now, it is a conservation area. The park sits in the Terai region and covers an area of 305 km2. The climate is subtropical monsoon and sees intense heat during summer. As a result, the park is humid.
The park has over 700 species of plants and huge grasslands and wetlands. Likewise, the rivers are home to 20+ fish species and 12 reptile species. There are a lot of things to see and do in this national park so why not make a visit and find it out yourself?
8. Shivapuri-Nagarjuna National Park
The Shivapuri-Nagarjuna National Park is the closest national park near Kathmandu. The park is the ninth national park of Nepal and sits north of Kathmandu. It covers 159km2 and covers districts like Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok, and Kathmandu. The Shivapuri national park is a popular hiking and trekking destination.
The park witnesses exotic animals like the hanuman langur, black-naped hare, wild boar, and the clouded leopard. This national parks in Nepal have a watershed that supplies Kathmandu with water.
9. Bardiya National Park
Like the Chitwan National Park, the Bardiya National Park houses a large number of Bengal tigers. It covers 968km2 and sits in the majestic Terai region. On the north, the Siwalik hills border it and, on the south, the Nepalgunj-Surkhet highway. With the neighboring Banke national park, it aims to protect wildlife and increase the number of tigers.
The bird species that inhabit this amazing national parks in Nepal comprises of peafowl, jungle Prinia, and sarus crane. If you were to visit this park, then you can take part in activities like jungle safari, sightseeing, and visiting the Tharu settlements.
10. Banke National Park
The Banke National Park lies in the mid-western region of Nepal and dates back to 2010. It spans 550 km2 and lies in the Churia range. An area of 344 km2 around the park is a buffer zone that covers districts like Dang, Banke, and Salyan. Along with the Bardiya National Park, it represents the Tiger Conservation Unit. In terms of vegetation, the park house over 100 tree species and 100 herbal species.
11. Shey Phoksundo National Park
The Shey-Phoksundo National sits in the high Himalayas and covers 3555 km2. It is the only national parks in Nepal that is trans-Himalayan. The elevation of the park ranges from 2130 meters to 6885 meters. The major highlight of this park is the huge Shey Phoksundo Lake that sits as a turquoise oasis between the green hills. Likewise, the park houses exotic birds and animals.
Furthermore, the park comprises of historic gompas and small stupas that date back to 900 years. The people living in the park practice Tibetan influenced lifestyles and cultures. It is a wonderful experience to witness the locals practicing their culture.
12. Makalu Barun National Park
The Makalu Barun National Park resides in the high Himalayas and sits in eastern Nepal. It spans through Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha and covers 830 km2. This park houses the huge Makalu mountain and other 7000 meters + mountains. The park is home to over 40 species of reptiles, 15 species of amphibians, and 70 species of fish. Also, the park houses over 80 species of mammals too.
That was our list of the national parks in Nepal. We hope that you visit them and comprehend the beauty of nature.