Nepal is a country with a unique geodiversity. Nepal’s elevation starts from 67 meters in the south to 8,848 meters in the north. The intense altitude of the Himalayas has resulted in 11 bio-climatic zones, 36 vegetation groups, 1,120 non-flowering plant species, and 5,160 flowering plant species (10th in the world in terms of flowering plant).

The nation is a common home for 181 mammal species, 844 bird species, 100 reptile species, 43 amphibian species, 185 freshwater fish species, and 635 colorful butterfly species.Nepal preserves its natural flora and fauna in its original state for various environmental research purposes and also for recreational activities, in the form of conservation area. All together, Nepal has 12 national parks, 1 hunting reserve, and 1 wildlife reserve created with an intention to save the natural flora and fauna found in Nepal.

Here you can find the information about the national parks, hunting reserve and wildlife reserve of Nepal.

National Parks

1. Shey Phoksundo National Park
2.  Langtang National Park
3. Makalu Barun National Park
4. Sagarmatha National Park
5. Bardiya National Park
6. Chitwan National Park
7. Parsa National Park
8. Banke National Park
9. Shuklaphanta National Park
10. Khaptad National Park
11. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
12. Rara National Park

    Hunting reserve

    • Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

    Wildlife Reserve

    • Koshi-Tappu wildlife reserve

    National Parks

    1) Shey Phoksundo National Park

    Shey Phoksundo National Park is Nepal’s biggest national park consisting of snow-filled mountain trails, famous for some of the rarest natural creatures. Though only 5% of the national park falls into the subtropical region it offers a huge range of vegetation, wildlife, and birdlife, which flourishes in its rocky, snow-filled peaks. 

    Area: 3,555 sq.km (1,373 sq mi) 

    Established: 1984 AD

    Districts: Dolpa and Mugu

    Attractions: Phoksundo Lake, Dolpo region, Kanjiroba massifs, Shey Gompa, Thashung Gompa

    Activities: Bird watching, Trekking, Religious Pilgrim, site seeing 

    Vegetations:  Only about 5% of the park is covered in trees, and the vegetation in Shey Phoksundo national park includes Rhododendron, Caragana Shrubs, Salix, Juniper, White Himalayan Birch, Blue Pine, Spruce, Hemlock, Cedar, Silver Fir

    Wildlife: Snow Leopard, Gray Wolf, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Great Tibetan Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Leopard

    Butterflies: 29 butterfly varieties, including the highest flying butterfly in the world - Paralasa Nepalaica.

    Birds: Over 200 bird species including Tibetan Partridge, Wood Snipe, White-Throated Tit, Wood Accentor

    How to get to Shey Phoksundo National Park?

    Reach to Nepalgung via air or road then catch a vehicle to Radi and hike up to the entrance of the National Park.

    When to Travel to Shey Phoksundo National Park?

    It's open throughout the year but April to September is the best months to travel.

    2) Langtang National Park

    Langtang National Park is the nation’s second-oldest conservation site and Nepal's first transhimalayan national park. Langtang range covers a huge area and has a hilly to alpine environment friendly for various flora and fauna. It is the most scenic national park which offers an eye-catching view of mountains filled with some rarest animals. The national park has one of the most diverse climate zones on the planet. (Sub-Tropical to Alpine Environment)

    Area: 1,710 sq.km (660 sq.mi)

    Established: 1976 AD

    Districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchok

    Attractions: Langtang-Helambu Range, Panch Pokhari, Ganja-La Pass, Gosainkunda 

    Activities: Trekking, Bird Watching, Pilgrim Visit, Photography, Camping, and Expedition

    Vegetations:  Chirpine, Rhododendron, Birch, Silver Fir, Sorbus Micropyle, Twisted Rhododendron, Bamboo Forests, Meadows Alpine Grassland above 4000 meters

    Wildlife: Musk deer, Himalayan tahr, Red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, wild dogs, Ghoral, Serow

    Birds: 250 species of birds such as Ruddy Shelduck, Common Pochard, Hill Partridge, Indian Peafowl, Himalayan Monal

    How to get to Langtang National Park?

    The national park is accessible via bus; Hire a personal vehicle or take a bus to Syabrubesi then hike for around 15 minutes to reach the entrance of Langtang National Park.

    When to Travel to Langtang National Park?

    The best time to travel to Langtang national park is from September till November.

     

    3) Makalu Barun National Park

    Makalu Barun National park is regarded as one of the most dangerous national parks in Nepal with respect to its trails because its routes are fairly slippery and consist of some rockfall areas. Established in 1992, people visit the national park despite the danger for its scenic beauty and the wide range of plants and animals preserved in Makalu Barun Nationalpark.

    Area: 1,500 sq.km (580 sq mi)

    Established: 1992 AD

    Districts: Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha

    Attractions: Mount Makalu, Arun Valley, 830 sq.km buffer zone, Chamalang (7,319 m / 24,012 ft), Baruntse (7,129 m / 23,389 ft), and Mera Peak (6,654 m / 21,831 ft)

    Activities: Sightseeing, Bird watching, Trekking, Pilgrim Visits, Site Seeing

    Vegetations: Oak, Maple, Magnolia, Sal, Schima, and Castanopsis, Himalayan birch, Himalayan Fir, Juniper, and 3,128 species of flowering plants

    Wildlife: Asian Golden Cat, Snow Leopard, Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Leopard Cat, Golden Jackal, Himalayan Wolf, Red Panda, Black Bear, Musk Deer, Barking Deer

    Birds: 440 bird species, with 16 endangered species of birds such as Tibetan Snowcock, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Rock Pigeon, Large Hawk-Cuckoo

    How to get to Makalu Barun National Park?

    The place is covered with various aromatic wildflowers from September till November.

    When to Travel to Makalu Barun National Park?

    Take a flight to either Lukla or Phaplu. The national park is about 15 minutes walk from Lukla Airport and about 45 minutes walk from Phaplu.

    Or Take a bus ride from Lamidanda, Bhojpur, or Tumlingtar to the national park.

    Do you need a guide?

    Yes, you are not allowed to Trek without a guide.

     

    4) Sagarmatha National Park

    Known as the roof of the world, Sagarmatha national park offers a beautiful experience in the alpine environment. Sagarmatha national park has one of the busiest trekking trails in Nepal and it properly preserves the beauty, vegetation, and wildlife of Mt.Everest and its surrounding area.

    Area: 1,148 sq.km (443 sq.mi)

    Established: 1976 AD

    District: Solukhumbu

    Attractions: Kala Patthar, Mount Everest, Bhote Koshi, Gokyo Valley, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Thamserku Cho Oyu, and Pumori.

    Activities: Trekking, Expedition, Bird watching, Pilgrim Visit, Site Seeing

    Vegetations: 3% Forest, 28% Kharkas (Grazing Land), Mosses and lichens in the barren mountain

    Wildlife: Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, and Indian Leopard

    Birds: Lesser Whistling-Duck, Bar-headed Goose, Northern Shoveler, Chukar, Kalij Pheasant

    How to get to Sagarmatha National Park?

    Take a flight to Lukla, Sagarmatha National park is about 10 minutes walk from the Airport.

    When to Travel to Sagarmatha National Park?

    Sagarmatha national park is a four-season trail but it’s better to travel from early October till the end of November and from March till May.

    Do you need a guide?

    Yes, Sagarmatha Nationalpark is a difficult trail, so you will need a guide.

    5) Bardia National Park

    Bardia National Park offers a huge opportunity for people who love seeing wildlife. As it is a national park with very little human interference, the ecology in Bardia is totally unaltered and untouched. The dense forest of Bardia is famous for Bengal Tiger (largest tiger in the cat family), Asiatic elephant, Indian Leopards, and various antelopes.

    Area: 968 sq.km (374 sq mi)

    Established: 1988 AD

    District: Bardia

    Attractions: This national Park is famous for big cats like tiger and leopards.

    Activities: Elephant back riding, Jungle safari, Bird Watching, Locating Tigers

    Vegetation: 839 species of plant, tropical rainforest

    Wildlife: Royal Bengal Tiger, Rusty-Spotted Cat, Fishing Cat, Swamp Deer, and Gangetic Dolphin in Karnali river

    Birds: 407 species of nestlings and 11 endangered species of birds such as Greylag Goose, Knob-billed Duck, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Mallard

    Aquatic: 125 types of fishes

    Amphibians and Reptiles: Gharial, Mugger crocodiles, and 23 types of reptiles.

    How to get to Bardia National Park?

    Fly to the Nepalgunj and take a vehiche to the national park. Bardia National park is around 84 km away from Nepalgunj Airport.

    When to Travel to Bardia National Park?

    The best time to visit Bardia National Park is from February to July and from September till December.

    Do you need a guide?

    It's not mandatory, but the area is a dense forest, the locals also complain of being attacked by wild animals. It is always better to hire one who knows the jungle well.

     

    6) Chitwan National Park

    Chitwan National Park is the oldest National Park in Nepal and is enlisted as the UNESCO world heritage site. This national park has the biggest number of One-Horned rhinos in Nepal and is equally famous for Bengal Tigers. Likewise, the tropical terrain region has various grasslands favoring the flourish of Antalops.

    Area:  952.63 sq.km (367.81 sq.mi)

    Established: 1973 AD

    Districts: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa and Makwanpur

    Attractions: Sightseeing, Canyoning, jungle safari, Animal watching, Bird watching, Elephant breeding center, Gharial, and Maggar crocodile protection project, Learning the culture of tharu community, Homestays, and many more

    Vegetation: Tropical Terrain rainforest 

    Wildlife: 68 species of mammals, including Tigers, Leopards, Deer, Indian Bulls, Blue Bulls, One-Horned Rhinos

    Birds: 544 species of birds including Bar-headed Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Mandarin Duck, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Peacocks, Blue-breasted Quail

    Aquatic: 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish.

    How to get to Chitwan National Park?

    Chitwan National Park is 15 minutes drive from Bharatpur Airport.

    When to Travel to Chitwan National Park?

    Chitwan National Park is open for four seasons but the best time to travel is from early October till late February.

    Do you need a Guide?

    Getting a guide is Optional in Chitwan National Park, but the hotels you stay at often hook you with a guide.

     

    7) Parsa National Park

    Previously a wildlife reserve, Parsa National Park is an easily accessible national park on Mahendra highway, and has its entrance point at Amlekhgunj. The national park is famous for a few Bengal tigers, Asiatic elephants, one-horned rhinos and is open all seasons.

    Area: 637 sq.km (246 sq.mi)

    Established: Declared as a Wildlife reserve in 1984 AD, and National Park in 2017 AD

    Districts: Parsa, Bara, Makwanpur

    Attractions: Elephant Back riding, Sightseeing, researching on terrain vegetation and its medicinal values. Seeing the foothills of the Churiya range.

    Vegetation: Tropical Terrain rainforest, Mixed Subtropical forest in Churiya

    Wildlife: 500 species of mammals such as blue bulls, Sambar, Hog deer, striped hyena, jungle cat, palm civet, one-horned rhino, Indian leopard, Leopard cat, Bengal Tiger

    Birds: over 400 species of birds including Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Red Junglefowl, Kalij Pheasant

    How to get to Parsa National Park?

    It’s around 30 minutes drive towards the Mahendra highway from Hetauda and 15 minutes from Simara Airport crossing Prithivi highway.

    When to Travel to Parsa National Park?

    February to July and September to December can be considered as an ideal time for travelers to visit Parsa national park.

    Do you need a guide?

    It's not mandatory. If you intend to know the significance of the vegetation and animal life flourishing in the foothills of the Churiya Bhavar, you might hire one.

    8) Banke National Park

    Declared as ‘Gift to the Earth’ by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and promoted as Nepal's strict tiger protection zone, Banke National Park is once in a lifetime experience for people interested in wildlife and botany.

    Area: 550 sq.km (210 sq.mi)

    Established: 2010 AD

    Districts: Banke, Dang, and Salyan districts

    Attractions: Tropical forest, variety of birds and animals, tiger conservation, bird watching, Jungle safari

    Activities: Jungle safari, Animal watching, Birdwatching, locating tigers, visiting local villages

    Vegetation: Tropical rainforest and Savanna zone and 124 plants

    Wildlife: 34 mammals, Including, Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, One-Horned Rhinos

    Birds: 300 birds, such as Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Peacocks, Blue-breasted Quail, Bar-headed Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and more

    Amphibians and Reptiles: Golden tortoise, Mugger Crocs, Gharial Crocs, all together 7 amphibians and 24 reptiles

    How to get to Banke National Park?

    Fly to Nepalgunj then take a taxi or public vehicle to the National Park. (about 1hrs 30 mins from the airport)

    When to Travel to Banke National Park?

    You can visit throughout the year.

    Do you need a guide?

    It's recommended that you must get a guide, whenever you are planning to travel deep into the forest.

    9) Shuklaphanta National Park

    Biggest grasslands of Nepal supporting some of the rare and deadliest animals, Suklaphanta (meaning grassland in Nepali) is the best place to experience the Savanna environment, wildlife, and biodiversity. 

    Area: 305 sq.km (118 sq.mi)

    Established: 1976 AD as a Wildlife Reserve, 2017 AD as a National Park

    District: Kanchanpur 

    Activities: Jungle Safari, Elephant bathing, Elephant back riding, boating, cultural tours, and more

    Vegetation: 16 Km long Grassland and tropical forest

    Wildlife: Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephants, Swamp Deer, Hispid, and Rhinos.

    Birds: 432 species of bird including Common Shelduck, Graylag Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Red-crested Pochard

    How to get to Shuklaphanta National Park?

    Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadi and catch a taxi or a public vehicle to the national park's entrance.

    When to Travel to Shuklaphanta National Park?

    March till June is the best time to visit Shuklaphanta National Park.

    Do you need a guide?

    No,  it's not mandatory  but it's a place famous for big cats, so having someone who knows the place is always better.