National Parks Nepal

Explore the Wilderness: Discovering Nepal's Majestic National Parks

Jan 16 . 2024, Hop Nepal
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Nepal is a country of biodiversity, as it is home to many wild plants and animals which lie along the High Himalayan to the low land of Terai.

Nepal hosts more than 25,000 species of plants and animals, many unique, endangered, and rare fauna worldwide.

They require protection, and national parks in Nepal do an essential job of ensuring their safety.

There are some 12 national parks and protected regions in Nepal, covering an area of 34,186 square kilometres or about one-fifth (23%) of the country's territory.

A Guide to National Parks and Natural Landscape

Nepal is a country full of fascination and attraction, with rich biodiversity, natural beauty, and lots to do. Its terrains sprawl across subtropical lowlands to rugged snow-capped mountains. Nested within the government lies various ecosystems like forests, grasslands, wetlands, and alpine tundra that provide shelter to flora and fauna, working around rules enacted by the patrons.

That harmonizing hit the list of ~ 25,000 plant and animal species in Nepal - some unique to the planet rather than just their distribution being uncommon.

Nepal has established lots of national parks and wildlife reserves to preserve them, which will ensure monitoring of how they evolve.

Nepal has 12 National Parks and protected zones, covering 34,186 square kilometres, about 23% of the country's entire land area. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) is responsible for their conservation and management.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park: A Biodiversity Heaven

Chitwan National Park lies in the subtropical Terai lowland. Most of the wildlife and plantations are found here.

It was declared a National Park in 1973 and then enlisted in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1984. This National Park extends over 932 sq km, which is an ideal getaway for wildlife and flora fanatics.

Introduction to Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park is part of the well-known conservation efforts in Asia, with an estimated 700 species base, of which wildlife forms a part, including one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and sloth bears, among others.

Moreover, these animals seem to find their ecstatic grounds in the park's dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making habitats of all kinds. Also, this is a paradise for bird watchers since more than 550 species are encountered here.

Suggested Activities

Jungle Safari

Jungle Safari: Nature's Exciting Escapade

Among all activities conducted within the precincts of his national park permit, the one most favoured by tourists is the safari amidst the jungle. Travelers, on jeep or atop an elephant, can explore the manifold forests and grasslands with a guide, professionally trained to identify wildlife and comment on the park's ecology.

Elephant Ride

Elephant Trek: Experience Majestic Fauna


Another activity that is mainly preferred by visitors is riding an elephant to move along the trails and wetlands in the park. This experience is exciting; however, care must be taken to ensure the elephants are not harassed or subjected to a workload beyond their endurance.

Bird Watching

Bird Watching: Nature's Symphony Revealed

Heralded as an ornithologist's paradise, with more than 550 species of birds, Chitwan National Park offers guided bird-watching tours, or one can walk off the pack on the trails and wetlands here.

Wildlife and Cultural Education

It helps to educate the tourists on the Flora and Fauna in the park and the cultural importance of the indigenous Tharu community to the park. There is also a museum located inside the park, enabling one to study in more detail the park's ecology supremacy and problems involved in nature conservation in the area.

Besides being an enjoyable activity, it is also the responsibility of a sensitive visitor to ensure that their behavior in no way causes any harm to the park's ecology or the animals inhabiting it.

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK: ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORTATION

There are several guesthouse accommodations around Chitwan National Park, from budget to resort accommodations and anything in between.

Popular options include the Jungle Safari Lodges, Chitwan Gaida Lodge, and Hotel Parkland. The tariffs vary from $20 to $200, the latter in high season.

It is well-connected to Chitwan National Park by buses, taxis, and private vehicles from all parts of Nepal daily. More or less, it is from a distance of 160 kilometres from Kathmandu and, on average, takes 5 to 8 hours, depending on the mode of transportation one uses to get here.

The cheapest way would, of course, be by bus, costing less than USD 5 to 10; hiring a private car would cost over USD 100.

It should be noted that road conditions are challenging during the monsoon season, so visitors need to make adequate arrangements.


Sagarmatha National Park: The Majesty of Nature



Sagarmatha National Park is home to various flora and fauna, which also comprises species of the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, among many other species. Hefty loads of relief and altitude in glaciers, valleys, passes of hills, and peaks make it paradise for trekkers and mountaineers alike.

Thus, the park is rich in cultural heritage because it has the indigenous Sherpa, who have lived in that region for years.


Suggested Activities

Mountainous Trek to the basecamp of Mount Everest

Trekking Everest: The Majestic Mountain Journey

The most famous attraction within Sagarmatha National Park is the Everest Base Camp. Moving along the foot-tracks and streaming, one can enjoy the scenic view of Mt. Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas.

Mountain Climbing

Conquering Majestic Peaks: Scaling Heights

For the adventure-keen, there are opportunities to conquer the summits of Island Peak and Lobuche East by mountain climbing in Sagarmatha National Park. Such viscerally alive adventures live up to the challenge and require excellent fitness and experience, with demanding requirements for hiring a qualified guide.

Exploring the Park

Sagarmatha National Park has various other activities, such as wildlife spotting, bird watching, and sherpa village excursions, which are the time for local tours to be transported. Trekkers can also explore the glaciers, valleys, and peaks on feet or high above through a helicopter.

Make Fitness Safer: Fitness Safety Guidelines and Pre

Sagarmatha National Park—the site for high-level mountain trekking and climbing—requires high fitness levels and preparation for those utilizing it. Acclimatization to the altitude of the ecozone and proper steps to address the health hazards related to its avoidance are crucial.

Further, visitors should be informed about avalanche risks related to high-altitude mountain climbing.

Besides, one should also hire experienced guides and porters available for help in an emergency with their knowledge of the routes. One must also be well enough and supplied with sufficient warm clothing, food, and water at their disposal.


Accommodation and Transport in Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park offers tourists a range of accommodations, such as guesthouses, lodges, and teahouses. Guesthouses range in class from the lowest essential category to deluxe.

Some are Everest View Hotel, Yeti Mountain Home, Himalayan Eco Resort, etc. The price differs from USD 20 to USD 200 per night.

Other modes of transport to Sagarmatha National Park include the domestic aircraft from Kathmandu to Lukla, which is near the entrance of the park.

Flights are also provided by different airlines besides Tara Airlines. Notable carriers of these flights include Sita Air, Summit, and Goma Airlines.

The flights take about half an hour and cost between USD 150 and USD 300 per person, depending on the season. From Lukla, visitors can undertake trekking trips to the various destinations of the park.


Annapurna Conservation Area: The Ultimate Natural Paradise.

Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal extends the nature lover footprint across the western Himalayas from Kathmandu, over 7,600 square kilometers.

It sustains different ecosystems in the region, ranging from sub-tropical forests to meagre alpine deserts, and so too is the Annapurna conservation area endowed in terms of wildlife. It's home to more than 100 species of mammals, 474 species of birds, and 33 species of reptiles and ampiaboas.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the classical trekking routes worldwide. Moreover, it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, coupled with great cultural experience. Covering over 160 to 230 kilometers (according to the route), a typical trek length takes 18 to 21 days to complete.

Other rural zone activities include visits to traditional villages, hamlets, and natural hot springs. The region's culture is unique, and has one of the most Le hospitable people; thus, it is an excellent visit if you want to understand more about the local's lifestyles.


Considerations

As such, it is necessary to consider the constraints and alternatives existing within a region while moving on to exploration.

Travel in the Annapurna Conservation Area is challenging as you move into higher altitudes and rugged terrains. In that context, it will necessitate an assurance of your preparation status in terms of workload and gearing toward the Trek.


Budget and Itinerary Time

It costs about $800–1500 per person for a conservational trek to the Annapurna area, which includes accommodation, meals, permits, and transport. Reckon the budget of an Annapurna Conservation Area trek by the path choice and, secondly, the days spent on an expedition.

The best time to visit the Annapurna Conservation Area would be considered during the dry and clear seasons, mainly in the spring, occurring between the months of March through May, and in the fall, which takes place from September to November.

The trekking routes are also less crowd-loaded in these cases, providing more calming sessions when one communes with nature.


The Natural Landscapes of Nepal: The Dream of a Photographer and Cultural Haven

The beauty of Nepal doesn't end here. Some evidence of natural landscapes in Nepal includes Phewa Lake, Rara Lake, and Boudha Nath, among others.

The Phewa

Phewa Lake: Serene Lakeside Beauty.

Phewa Lake is an attraction in the beautiful, dramatic city of Pokhara. The beach offers an environment of peace and a great view of the Annapurna Mountain range. Along the lake, you can take some boating opportunities, kayaking, or even fishing.

The lake is fed by several streams flowing down the surrounding mountains. The marshlands attract various species of birds, and the lake acts like a massive waterhole with many bird species down by the water's edge. The shoals that run through the central waters also provide breeding grounds for various waterfowl. On the eastern shore of this lake lies the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist monument where hosts live.


Rara Lake

Rara Lake: Never Sleeping Alpine Time



Rara Lake is the most incredible lake in the remote Mugu district of western Nepal, hidden, tall, blanketed with snow mountains, and thick with forest. The fish species in the lake include several rare black bears and snow leopards. Nearby lies the Rara National Park, gifted with several endangered species.


Boudhanath Stupa

Bouddhanath: The Iconic Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world's largest stupas. Found at the very heart of Kathmandu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as declared, it is a very holy place for Buddhists. One can stroll around the stupa, turn the prayer wheels, and have a peaceful time here. One can also find various monasteries and the general environment of traditional Tibetan shops, so one gets the feel of a Nepali-Tibetan culture.

Suggested Activities:

Members of the public visit any of these natural sceneries and, at the same time, undertake some activities. This is renowned for treks, hikes, and boat rides in Phewa and Rara Lake. The Boudhanath Stupa will provide an opportunity to visit and learn Buddhism as an actual religion by understanding the Nepalese and Tibetan cultures.

In the same way, photography lovers will have a chance to take some fantastic photos of natural features and cultural attractions.

Suggestions to Their Customer:

Naturally, this is while on the loose through these tremendous natural landscapes, and they should, more appropriately, care for the environment by minimizing their impact. The importance of the Boudhanath Stupa area and the arrival in a certain way meant respect for local culture. One must also be well prepared for weather and topography while trekking or hiking at Phewa Lake and Rara Lake. It is always advisable to hire a local guide to ensure safety and reap much more from the expeditions.

Nepal is a natural paradise for all nature lovers, with its various ecosystems, rare species, and magnificent landscapes. From the green forests of Chitwan National Park to the towering mountain peaks of Sagarmatha National Park and the serene beauty of Phewa Lake and Rara Lake, Nepal is a mine of natural wonders that await adventure and appreciation.

The conservation and preservation of these national parks/natural landscapes are essential for the environment and local livelihoods that depend on them. As visitors to Nepal, we must take responsibility for the beautiful habitats and contribute even more toward preserving these canvases of nature's work for our future generational pleasures. Visiting national parks or natural sceneries in Nepal presents us with something unique and different from others. This is the experience of diving into the beauty of the natural world and realizing its power, wonder, and the planet we can call home.

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