Tucked in the bosom of the Himalayas, Nepal's national parks provide a variety of activities and locations to explore that are guaranteed to wow. Nepal will provide you with high cliffs, rolling valleys, lush grass, sunny skies, and exotic creatures roaming around you, among other things.
One of Nepal's most incredible adventures is visiting one of the country's many national parks. Because of its distinct geographical location, Nepal is home to a range of flora and wildlife and offers numerously affordable and beautiful options for nature tourism. Don't worry if you need help determining where to travel in Nepal!
We've prepared a list of Nepal's top twelve must-see national parks. Go exploring!
National Parks In Nepal
Explore Nepal's 12 national parks to observe nature's raw beauty, present in its purest form and largely unspoiled by human intrusion. Here we've prepared a list of national parks in Nepal that you should see during your visit.
#1. Chitwan National Park
This was the first national Park established in Nepal and was previously known as the Chitwan National Park. This fascinating location is #1 on our list because it features fantastic animals and birds spread throughout four districts.
Image Source: Travel Photo Discovery
Caption: Elephants in Chitwan National Park
It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it attracts a large number of people all year. The location includes various activities for visitors and is located in the Terai region, which has distinct biodiversity.
The Park is home to 68 animal species, 544 bird species, 56 herpetological species, and 126 fish species. The Park's major highlights are the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the Gharial crocodile.
It also holds elephants and the world's smallest terrestrial mammal, the pygmy shrew. What a pair of opposites! Over the Park, exotic birds such as the slender-billed vulture, white-rumped vulture, Bengal Florican, and red-headed vulture can be seen.
It also holds elephants and the world's smallest terrestrial mammal, the pygmy shrew. What a pair of opposites! Over the Park, exotic birds such as the slender-billed vulture, Bengal Florican, white-rumped vulture, and red-headed vulture can be seen.
Things to do in Chitwan National Park
Tourists have a wide range of activities to select from, including jungle excursions, kayaking, jeep safaris, elephant safaris, walks, bird watching, elephant bathing, traditional displays, and cultural exposures.
In addition, the Visitor Centre provides information on conservation activities and conservation. A one-of-a-kind bonding experience with the animals is encouraged here. Family enjoyment is assured! Visit the Elephant Breeding Centre in Khorsor, which is nearby!
You can also visit the Gharial Breeding Centre, which is close to the Park's headquarters. You can also stay inside the Park at one of the seven park franchisee resorts.
#2. Bardia National Park
This picturesque Park, described as "old Chitwan," could be just what you're searching for if you want a perfect blend of serenity, quiet, and thrill. Not as crowded as Chitwan, Bardia combines the thrill of camping and rafting with the peace of being one with nature.
Image Source: Bardiya National Park
Caption: Royal Bengal tiger in Bardiya National Park
This Park is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic elephants, and the Royal Bengal Tiger, the King of Bardia. Bardia is home to 50 mammal species, including the leopard, grey langur monkeys, swamp deer, marsh mugger crocodiles, and the Gharial.
You might even see Gangetic river dolphins if you're lucky! The Park also has 400 bird species, including the Sarus crane and the Bengal Florican. The Bheri, Babai, and Karnali rivers are home to 125 fish species.
Things to do in Bardia National Park
Tourists can go on half-day or full-day jungle walks, fishing, treks, river rafting, and other exciting activities. Junkies can also sleep in a tree house or camp in the Park!
You can also float and camp through the Park by following the Bheri River. Make sure to visit the Blackbuck Conservation Area. Guides and organizations provide all necessary equipment. Visit adjacent villages to learn about Tharus' unique indigenous culture.
#3. Sagarmatha National Park
Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world (8848 m), is located in Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park. UNESCO has designated Sagarmatha National Park as a World Heritage Site. The Park has an area of 1148 square kilometres. The Park's topography is rough and steep, with boulders, deep gorges, and glaciers.
Image Source: National Park
Caption: A yak in Sagarmatha National Park
Pines and hemlocks flourish at lower elevations. Shrubs, mosses, and lichens can be found at higher elevations. Plants do not grow at the peaks since there is snow all year. The Sagarmatha National Park is home to around 118 bird species. The rare and almost extinct snow leopards and red pandas can also be seen.
Things to do in Sagarmatha National Park
Hiking through Sagarmatha National Park's severe weather and challenging terrain is challenging. But that would undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may walk, climb, and camp around the Himalayan scenery.
#4. Khaptad National Park
As the house of a famous religious leader of the region known as Khaptad Baba, this one-of-a-kind site combines spirituality with natural magnificence.
This Park, divided into four districts, has a unique collection of flora and wildlife, much to the joy of botanists and zoologists. If peaceful contemplation and meditation amid nature are your things, you'll feel right at home!
Image source: Visits Nepal
Caption: Snow in Khaptad National Park
The Park is home to unique flora, including montane Sal, pine, and alder woods. Buttercups, wild berries, and primulas are ripe for harvesting higher up—a botanist's paradise with 224 therapeutic herb species.
There are also evergreen spruces, firs, rhododendrons, birches, and oaks. The plateau also boasts 135 flowering plant species that bloom throughout the summer. Khaptad is home to 23 animal species, 287 bird species, and 23 amphibian species.
The Himalayan black bear, musk deer, wild dog, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, wild boar, and leopard can all be found here. The peregrine falcon, white-rumped vulture, cuckoos, flycatchers, Impeyan pheasant, partridges, and bulbuls are all familiar visitors here.
Things to do in Khaptad National Park
While adventurers can enjoy daylong treks, bird-viewing expeditions, and wildlife sightings, contemplators can visit the adjacent Khaptad Baba Ashram to meditate and pray. Cultural trips are also available to provide insight into the inhabitants' lives.
#5. Shey Phoksundo National Park
This is Nepal's most significant national Park, encompassing 3555 square kilometres! The Park is home to the Kanjiroba Himal, a 6000-meter-high mountain range, and the Shey Monastery. Some must-see sites include Phoksundo Lake and the Langu Gorge. This is Nepal's sole trans-Himalayan National Park.
Image Source: Nepal Trekking
Caption: Shey Phoksundo National Park
The Park is densely forested with trees such as pine, willow, poplar, cypress, walnut, and oak. Pines, spruces, birches, junipers, and other trees dominate the higher elevations. There are also caragana, dwarf juniper, wild rose, and barberries.
The Park has a distinct hill environment that is home to creatures such as blue sheep, wolves, weasels, mouse hares, wild dogs, langur monkeys, rhesus monkeys, marmots, leopards, and snow leopards. Higher altitudes are also home to 200 uncommon and endangered animals, including Tibetan wild ass, gazelle, wild yak, Tibetan sheep, and wild antelope.
Tibetan Snowcocks, brown dippers, Impeyan pheasants, Himalayan griffons, cheer pheasants, and Tibetan twits nest here. There are 29 butterfly species found here.
Things to do in Shey Phoksundo National Park
Here, one can go camping or trekking. The snow-capped mountains are breathtaking to view from the Park's remoteness. Tourists can also take cultural tours to the Park's villages of Pugmo, Ringmo, and Kugun.
These communities practice the Bon religion, which predates Buddhism and is fascinating to learn about. We also recommend going butterfly spotting!
#6. Makalu-Barun National Park
This stunning National Park in Nepal is located at the foothills of the Makalu range and is home to the raging Barun River. The fact that this is the only Park in the world with snow-capped mountains adds to the Park's unique biodiversity. This is every adventurer's dream, as you will have access to the most virgin forests.
Image Source: Nepal Trekking
Caption: Makalu Barun National Park
The Park is home to approximately 3000 plant species, 441 bird species, and 88 mammal species, including the red panda, snow leopard, clouded leopard, flying squirrel, wild boar, Himalayan wolf, red fox, Asiatic golden cat, Assam macaque, black bear, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, barking deer, otter, golden jackal, Hanuman langur, and Himalayan Goral.
The Park also has 315 butterfly species and 43 reptile species. Eagles, raptors, and sunbirds are bird species that can be seen. Malaku is an ornithologist's dream, with rose-ringed parakeets, Blyth's kingfisher, blue-naped pitta, and other brightly coloured species.
Rhododendrons, junipers, wildflowers, primroses, orchids, aromatic herbs, bamboo, oaks, and various herbs are among the flora.
Things to do in Makalu-Barun National Park
Because it is the only Park with snow-capped peaks, you can go trekking and hiking to the summit when the weather permits. While enjoying the grandeur of the unique surroundings, you can also enjoy bird-watching and butterfly-spotting activities.
Rafting and boating excursions are also available. One can camp in the foothills and hike up the range during the day to enjoy the breathtaking views—the park rents out shelters, gasoline, and other camping necessities. You can only visit the Park if accompanied by a guide.
#7. Langtang National Park
Langtang National Park is located in three districts and is easily accessible from Kathmandu. This location is remarkable in that nearly half of it is a buffer zone, providing optimum biodiversity preservation with the cooperation of the local community.
Image Source: Notes Nepal
Caption: Gosaikunda in Lantang National Park
This means that tourists have a significant role to play in resource conservation. This trekker's paradise is a must-see for adventure seekers!
The Park boasts over 18 habitats, resulting in a tremendous diversity of flora and wildlife. As height climbs, rhododendron, chirpine, alder, and oak give place to hemlock, silver fir, and larch. There are certainly plenty of Alpine meadows that could put Switzerland to shame.
Langtang is famed for its bird population, including over 250 species, red pandas, black bears, serows, and snow leopards. There are 46 kinds of mammals to see here, including Himalayan tahr, clouded leopards, Tibetan sheep, Himalayan black bears, wolves, and foxes.
The Park is home to 12 vulnerable bird species, including the wood snipe, red-headed vulture, yellow-rumped honey guide, greater spotted eagle, and imperial eagle.
Things to do in Langtang National Park
There are three ways up the mountain: Langtang, Helambu, and Gosaikunda. These pathways are only for experienced hikers because they are pretty tricky. However, the sights are well worth it. Camping and bird-watching are also permitted.
#8. Rara National Park
This Himalayan Park is well-known for its large number of migratory birds throughout the winter months. The grasses surrounding the lake are stunningly lovely and postcard-worthy.
The Rara National Park is unique in that it is Nepal's smallest national Park while hosting its largest lake! What do you think about that?
Image Source: Nepal Trekking
Caption: Rara National Park
The surrounding area is densely forested with blue pine, black juniper, birch, rhododendron, oak, and Himalayan cypress. Horse chestnut, walnut, and Himalayan poplar are also found in this area.
Rara is home to 20 mammals, including musk deer, jackal, leopard, otter, Himalayan tahr, Rhesus macaque, langur, and red panda.
More than 210 bird species have been recorded, including common teal, coots, snowcocks, gulls, and mallards. In the winter, the great crested grebe, red-crested pochard, black-necked grebe, and common teal migrate to the lake.
Things to do in Rara National Park
Rara Lake does not freeze, so you can camp by the lake or watch birds all year. Bird watching is a popular pastime in this area. You can also camp and trek in the Park's permitted areas.
The pine forests provide stunning views and dramatic visuals. The valley is covered in a carpet of colourful flowers during the summer, a sight to behold.
#9. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
This Park, described in the ancient Sanskrit scripture Skanda Purana as Shiva's sacred home, complete with Shivalingam, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, can serve as both a biodiversity conservation area and a religious destination.
Image Source: Himalayas Guide
Caption: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
This Park will meet your expectations and enrich your Nepali experience with its stunning flora, unique animals, religious monuments, and trickling streams.
The vegetation includes pine, oak, rhododendron, laurels, and firs. The Park is home to 318 bird species, including the Eurasian eagle-owl, white-gorget flycatcher, barred cuckoo-dove, golden-throated barbet, and slender-billed scimitar-babbler.
Amphibians and reptiles include:
- The monocled cobra.
- Himalayan keelback.
- Olive slender snake.
- Yellow-bellied worm-eating snake.
- Oriental garden lizard.
- Sikkim skink.
- Long-legged cricket frog.
- Others.
Four different species of bats have also been spotted here.
There are a variety of animals that can be seen here, including the Indian leopard, jungle cat, civet, golden jackal, barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Chinese pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, Himalayan goral, Himalayan pika, hare, brown-toothed shrew, Himalayan squirrel, and small Asian mongoose. There are 129 different species of mushrooms in the Park!
Things to do in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
The Park's most well-known attractions are the Panimuhan, Kakani, Jhuje, Nagigumba, and Sundarijal trekking trails. Along the trip, there are also beautiful waterfalls and streams.
The Park is where the famed Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers, which are sacred to the inhabitants, begin. The Park is home to numerous revered Buddhist and Hindu sites. Additionally, you can go on self-guided walking tours.
#10. Banke National Park
This Park, one of Nepal's newest national parks, was created primarily to protect tigers and advance wildlife preservation and tourism in the nation.
A portion of Banke National Park has been designated as a buffer zone to encourage a symbiotic connection, conserve diversity, and provide income for the local population.
Image Source: Nepal Trekking
Caption: Elephants in Banke National Park
The Park has eight habitats, ranging from Sal to deciduous, savannahs, and floodplains. The Sal, Khair, Sissoo, and Karma trees are native to this area. There are 300 bird species, 124 plants, seven amphibians, and eight animal species.
In Banke, you can find highly sought-after animals, including the Bengal tiger, python, striped hyena, huge hornbill, black stork, four-horned antelope, and Gharial. The populations of Asiatic wild elephants in the Park are a source of delight for tourists.
Things to do in Banke National Park
Trekkers, hikers, and walkers will enjoy the Park. Safaris with jeeps and animals can be planned. Additionally, unguided tours are permitted. Also available is an elephant tour. In this area, cycling and rafting are also encouraged.
#11. Parsa National Park
With a territory spanning three districts, this Park is Nepal's largest wildlife reserve. This Park, once a hunting ground for the royals, today has more than 20 Royal Bengal tigers, the national symbol.
Image Source: Nepal Traveller
Caption: Royal Bengal tiger in Parsa National Park
Sal, pine, Khari, Sissoo, Sabai grass, and silk-cotton trees may be found in the Park. Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, sloth bears, Sambar deer, wild dogs, hog deer, striped hyenas, palm civets, blue bulls, jungle cats, gaurs, and leopards are among the animals that may be found in this area.
A total of 527 bird species may be found in the Park, including the paradise flycatcher, giant hornbill, great racquet-tailed drongo, golden-backed woodpecker, white-breasted kingfisher, peafowl, and red jungle fowl. The reptiles slither across the ground, including the king cobra, banded krait, common cobra, and rock python.
Things to do in Parsa National Park
Visiting the Parsa jungle safari would be best since you can see numerous creatures there. Hiking and trekking are also permitted. Additionally, a view tower provides sweeping vistas of the valley. Hindus revere Kailash Bhata as a sacred location.
On its grounds, The Park also has a guest house. You can also go to an elephant camp close to Amlekhgunj with permission. You might even have the opportunity to bathe the tuskers; who knows?
#12. Shuklaphanta National Park
The Terai area of Nepal's Far West Development Region is home to Shuklaphanta National Park. The expansive grasslands and wetlands that make up the park's 300 square km of territory are nourished by the Syali river. Few tourists visit this park, making it more tranquil.
Image Source: Nepal Trekking
Swamp Deer in Shuklaphanta National Park
With a population of roughly 2000, Shuklaphanta National Park is home to the largest herd of swamp deer. With the most significant concentration of Bengal floricans in Nepal, the park is home to more than 400 different bird species.
Grassland makes for around half of the plant life in the National Park. Around 700 different species of plants also flourish there.
Things to do in Shuklaphanta National Park
Around the National Park, you can take a vehicle trip, a walking tour, or an elephant ride. You can go bird viewing as well. Aside from that, you can spend some time with the local Tharu people and enjoy cultural exchange and a wonderful dinner.
