Nepal is a land of incredible beauty with towering mountains, lush forests, and fertile plains. The country has established a network of National parks in Nepal to safeguard the country’s ecosystem and natural resources.

We will take a closer look at each of Nepal’s 12 national parks in Nepal, discussing their distinctive characteristics and what to expect during your visit.

These all national parks are protected and preserved under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is located in the Terai region of central Nepal and is considered one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in Asia. The park’s main attraction is the Bengal tiger, but visitors can also see one-horned rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, and other mammals.

Chitwan National Park is home to over 68 mammal species & 450 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Besides that, there are 700 species of wildlife and unique species of butterfly, moth, and insect species. 

Bardiya National Park

Bardiya National Park is in western Nepal’s Terai region and is renowned for its pristine wilderness, picturesque landscapes, and abundance of wildlife.

The national park has over 400 species of birds, 642 faunal species, 125 recorded species of fish, 23 reptiles, and 53 mammals including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, barasingha, and Gangetic dolphin.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is located in the Himalayan region of eastern Nepal with the base of Mount Everest (8848m), the tallest mountain in the world. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, as well as opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.

• Flora: The subalpine belt in Sagarmatha National Park is home to fir, Himalayan birch, and rhododendron, while juniper and rhododendron are found at elevations of 4,000-5,000m. The park has over 1,000 species of plants.
• Fauna: The park hosts 208 bird species including Impeyan pheasant, bearded vulture, snowcock, and alpine chough, and is recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. Ungulates include Himalayan Thar, Himalayan serow, and musk deer. Snow leopards inhabit elevations above 3,500m and Indian leopards are found in lower-elevation forests.

Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park is renowned for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and forests at high altitudes. It is in the central Himalayan region.

Trekking, climbing, and other outdoor activities are available to visitors, as is the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears and red pandas.

There are 14 types of vegetation and 18 types of ecosystems in Langtang National Park. In addition, these range from alpine scrub and perennial ice to upper tropical forests at elevations below 1,000 meters.

Makalu Barun National Park

Makalu Barun National Park is located in the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal and is considered one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.

The park offers opportunities for trekking and climbing, as well as the chance to see rare species like the snow leopard, clouded leopard, and red panda.

Shey Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park is located in the western Himalayan region of Nepal known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems.

Visitors can explore the forests, waterfalls, and glaciers, as well as its rich cultural heritage, including ancient monasteries and traditional villages.

Khaptad National Park

High-altitude forests, alpine meadows, and wetlands are just some of the diverse landscapes found inKhaptad National Park, which is in the western part of Nepal.

A wide range of animals, including blue sheep and black bears, as well as more than 300 species of birds, live in the park.

Rara National Park

In the western part of Nepal, Rara National Park is famous for its high-altitude lakes and pristine wilderness.

Trekking, boating, and other outdoor activities are available to visitors, as is the chance to observe a variety of wildlife, including blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr.

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is renowned for its scenic beauty and extensive cultural heritage. Hence, the park is named after Shivapuri Peak’s 2,732 m (8,963 ft) altitude.

The park is beautiful with its forests, waterfalls, and cultural sites, such as ancient temples and traditional villages.

Shuklaphanta National Park

Shuklaphanta National Park is located in the far western region of Nepal. It was gazetted in 1976 as Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Aditionally, the national park is known for its rich biodiversity, including over 400 species of birds, as well as its scenic landscapes, including wetlands and grasslands.

Banke National Park

Banke National Park is located in the western region of Nepal. It was established as 10th Park on the 12th of July 2010. It is also known for its rich biodiversity, including tigers, rhinos, and over 400 species of birds. Furthermore, the park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, trekking, and other outdoor activities.

Parsa National Park

Parsa National Park is based in the central region of Nepal well-known for its beautiful landscapes and abundant biodiversity. Over 500 species of birds and a wide range of animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards, are common sights for visitors. Trekking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities are also available in the park.

Related: UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

National Parks in Nepal Entry Fee

In conclusion, national parks in Nepal offer visitors a chance to experience the country’s incredible natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re interested in wildlife viewing, outdoor activities, or exploring rich cultural heritage, there’s a national park in Nepal that serves a purpose for you. So, pack your bags and start exploring!

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