Beyond the incredible Himalayan mountain peaks and picturesque villages tucked on the hillsides,Nepal is home to a chain of wildlife destinations that hold a fascinating variety of flora and fauna, especially in southern lowlands.
From all the wildlife holidays worldwide, Nepal holds a strong hold on the top destinations list.
To help nature buffs,of every age,help find their personal piece of jungle paradise,here is a rundown of some of the most stunning wildlife destinations that can be found in this beautiful Himalayan country from where one can enjoy a real close-up interaction with the wildlife of the country.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Best time to visit: March to May
Suggested trip duration: 6 days
Spread over a massive area of 7629 sq km,the Annapurna Conservation Area is the biggest of its kind in Nepal and covers the hilly districts of Manang,Mustang as well as Lamjung.The park is home to the Kali Gandaki, which at 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide is the deepest gorge in the world
The Annapurna range of mountains is a popular trekking and wildlife destination and many iconic animal species like the snow leopard and blue sheep have found a safe haven here. Over the years, tourism has been firmly established and has become the main source of the local economy.
Apart from the over 100 different kinds of animals,over 475 birds have been recorded here as well as 39 species of reptiles,not to forget the numerous kinds of orchids and rhododendron trees. Some globally endangered species found here are Chinese Pangolin, Himalayan musk deer and vulnerable species like snow leopard,clouded leopard,red panda and the Himalayan black bear
Chitwan National Park
Best time to visit: October to March
Suggested trip duration: 3 days
Chitwan National Park was the first protected area established in 1973 in Nepal and today enjoys decades long heritage of wildlife conservation, especially the one-horned rhinoceros project which has nearly doubled the numbers of this critically endangered animal since it was founded.
There are two entry points to the park,Meghauli in the west and Sauraha in the east from where visitors can gain entry to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chitwan is home to 19 species of reptiles including crocodiles that can be found basking on the banks of the Rapti river and can be viewed by a canoe ride.
Among the mammals, Chitwan has 68 different types and 543 bird species which has made the park find favor with nature enthusiasts from all over the world. The star fauna of Chitwan are without doubt the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger.
Bardia National Park
Best time to visit: September to May
Suggested trip duration: 3 days
Located on the banks of River Karnali in the Bardiya district of southwest Nepal,the Bardia National Park is spread across an area of 968 sq km.The Babai river flows through the park and is the principal source of water supply for the denizens of the reserve.
A safari in an open Jeep offers the best opportunity to explore the park and view the iconic animals like tigers, elephants,marsh and mugger crocodiles.The riverine forest provides ample shelter to the diverse flora and fauna which include the one-horned rhinoceros and the royal Bengal tiger.
A canoe ride is another way to experience the beauty of Bardia and the flow of the mighty Karnali river.You may get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here to spot the highly endangered gangetic dolphin frolicking by the side of your boat.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Best time to visit: October to May
Suggested trip duration: 3 days
Established in 1976, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southeastern Terai river plains of the Sapta Koshi river.Declared as a Ramsar site,the reserve is a wetland of international importance being home to as many as 441 bird species including a number of endemics.
Originally established to protect the last remaining population of the Asian wild buffalo and many other animal species which have found refuge in Koshi Tappu. Apart from buffalo, which now have a thriving population of over 500 animals, the reserve has been known for successful conservation of the wetlands and the many threatened species found here.
For example,the gangetic river dolphin has increased in numbers as has the gharial crocodile which was actually declared extinct in the 70s but is now regularly sighted on the river banks of the reserve.The park offers visitors guide tours through both boat and jeep safaris.
Shey-Phoksundo National Park
Best time to visit: February to May
Suggested trip duration: Six days
Located in the trans-himalayan region of northwest Nepal,the Shey-Phoksundo National Park was founded in 1984 and extends over an area of 3555 sq km and conserves a unique ecosystem which has become home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Since the elevation in the park ranges from 2000 m to over 6,000 m till the summit of the Kanjiroba Himal mountain,the birds, animals and trees found here are unlike anywhere else in the country.The park is a known abode of the elusive and highly endangered snow leopard and the grey wolf.
Some key highlights of Shey-Phoksundo are its many monasteries and gompas, including the 11th century Shey monastery. Not only is the park home to Nepal’s deepest and second largest freshwater lake,the Paralasa nepalaica the highest flying butterfly species in the world, is found here.
Sagarmatha National Park
Best time to visit: March to May
Suggested trip duration: Six days
Situated 9700 feet above sea level, the Sagarmatha National Park is the top place in the world to spot the snow leopard.on the prowl in its natural habitat.This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dominated by Mt Everest,the highest mountain peak in the world.The park is located in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal.
This exceptional national park offers dramatic mountain scenery,deep valleys,glaciers and seven other mountain peaks which are over 7000 m in height,apart from being the home of the snow leopard and the red panda, another extremely difficult animal to spot. There are about 20 villages inside the park with nearly 6000 resident sherpas who have been living here for over four thousand years.
The area symbolizes a major part of the evolution of the earth and is considered to be an extremely significant region of geological importance in the world. The highlight of Sagarmatha is the intricate link of the Sherpa culture with the ecosystem which has formed into a sustainable protection of the park for the betterment of the local communities.
