Parks and Reserves of Nepal
Nepal is a landlocked country in Southern Asia, between China and India. It is one of the most fascinating countries in the world with its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, towering Pagodas, spectacular Himalayan Ranges with worlds highest peaks It contains eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest – the world’s tallest – on the border with Tibet.
The Himalaya’s most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great minikingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur – home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage. Behind the Vishnu shrine of Ichangu Narayan, northwest of Swayambhunath in the Kathmandu Valley, rises the ‘Abode of Snows’ (Himalaya in Sanskrit), a magnet for trekkers and mountaineers the world over.
Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-linguistic and multi-religious country. For a relatively small country, Nepal has a diverse landscape, ranging from the humid Terai plains in the south to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, which makes it a major tourist destination. Nepal has always kept pace with the world.
The Himalaya’s most sophisticated urban cultures took shape here, in the three great minikingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur – home to a world-class artistic and architectural heritage. Behind the Vishnu shrine of Ichangu Narayan, northwest of Swayambhunath in the Kathmandu Valley, rises the ‘Abode of Snows’ (Himalaya in Sanskrit), a magnet for trekkers and mountaineers the world over.
Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-linguistic and multi-religious country. For a relatively small country, Nepal has a diverse landscape, ranging from the humid Terai plains in the south to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, which makes it a major tourist destination. Nepal has always kept pace with the world.
t is said that nearly every movement that has influenced the west has influenced Nepal too. of course, tourists bring these waves with them. In fifties Nepal propagated Rock-n-roll. The sixties were known for Punk. But it was seventies that put Nepal on the world map. Nepal became the abode of Hippie movement in the seventies; the decade it rocked the world. Scores of movies based on the theme were shot in Nepal.
Kathmandu and Dharan find mentions in every second hippie anthems.
It was then that the casino and the gambling industry witnessed boom. And Nepal has not stopped yet. It continues to experiment; it continues to reinvent itself and it continues to attract travelers from all over the world.
Nepal has a diverse landscape, ranging from the humid Terai plains in the south to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, which makes it a major tourist destination.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna Conservation Area has been claimed as one of the best trekking areas in the world. It is also the most visited trekking area in the country. The area spread around Kaski, Mustan, Managand Lamjung districts of Central Nepal. Beginning 7 metres, the area reaches as high as 8,091 metres of Mt. Annapurna. Ghandruk is the first experience and further down is Gorepani that provides fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges.
Equally eye catching are hills of rhododendrons that blossom every spring. The turning point of the Annapurna Circuit is Jomsom. The trek southeast from Jomsom, leads to the scenic Tilicho Lake area at an altitude of 4,919 metres. In the Circuit route, is the famous Hindus religious sites Muktinath Temple.
The vegetation in this region includes various species of orchids and rhododendron. Wildlife includes around 100 different kinds of mammals including rare snow leopards and blue sheep.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park is the oldest National Park in Nepal and established in 1973. It is situated in the Tarai lowlands of South-Central Nepal. The park covers an area of around 1000 square kilometers. In its circumference it contains the Churiya hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains of Rapti, Reu, and Narayani Rivers.
Nearly 70% of the Royal Chitwan National Park vegetation comprises Sal forest. The remaining vegetation types include grassland (20%) and Pines (5%). The park also supports a very vivid and distinct fauna. According to a conservative estimate by the UNESCO, the park has at least 43 species of mammals, over 450 species of birds, and more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles. Among animals, one-horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, and Crocodile are special ones. It is estimated that the current population of the endangered one-horned Rhino is around 400. Apart from that, the park also has a population of Gaur, Wild Elephant, four-horned Antelope, Striped Hyena, Pangolin, Gangetic Dolphin, Monitor Lizard, Python, Chital, Hog, Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Deer, Common Leopard, Palm Civet and Rhesus Monkeys. A few of the common birds seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, and different species of egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Flycatchers and Woodpeckers.
In 1973, His late Majesty King Mahendra approved, in principle, the creation of Royal Chitwan National Park. UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site in the year 1984.
Nearly 70% of the Royal Chitwan National Park vegetation comprises Sal forest. The remaining vegetation types include grassland (20%) and Pines (5%). The park also supports a very vivid and distinct fauna. According to a conservative estimate by the UNESCO, the park has at least 43 species of mammals, over 450 species of birds, and more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles. Among animals, one-horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, and Crocodile are special ones. It is estimated that the current population of the endangered one-horned Rhino is around 400. Apart from that, the park also has a population of Gaur, Wild Elephant, four-horned Antelope, Striped Hyena, Pangolin, Gangetic Dolphin, Monitor Lizard, Python, Chital, Hog, Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Deer, Common Leopard, Palm Civet and Rhesus Monkeys. A few of the common birds seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, and different species of egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Flycatchers and Woodpeckers.
In 1973, His late Majesty King Mahendra approved, in principle, the creation of Royal Chitwan National Park. UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site in the year 1984.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Besides national parks and wildlife reserves His Majesty’s Government of Nepal has also set aside a hunting reserve at Dhorpatan where controlled hunting of some species is allowed. Covering an area of 1,325 sq. km., the reserve is situated on the southern flanks of Mt. Dhaulangiri I (8,167 m.) in districts of Rukum, Baglung and Myagdi in western Nepal.
The area’s vegetation is characterised by well-developed mixed-hardwood forest at lower elevation and many plant species of drier climate to the north. Tree species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. As in many other protected environments of Nepal, the reserve includes several villages inhabited by hill tribes as well as people of Tibetan descent who supplement farming with trade and animal husbandry. The reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly prized trophy animal, which is the main target of hunters. Other game species are ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr, black bear, pheasant and partridge.
The area’s vegetation is characterised by well-developed mixed-hardwood forest at lower elevation and many plant species of drier climate to the north. Tree species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. As in many other protected environments of Nepal, the reserve includes several villages inhabited by hill tribes as well as people of Tibetan descent who supplement farming with trade and animal husbandry. The reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly prized trophy animal, which is the main target of hunters. Other game species are ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr, black bear, pheasant and partridge.
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Kanchanjunga Conservation Area belt lies below Mt. Kanchanjunga. The region with its alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, low river valleys, temperate and sub-tropical forests is situated in Taplejung district that borders with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. The Kanchanjunga Conservation Area has been selected as one of the 200 Global eco regions recognized by World Wildlife Fund. Ten species among Nepal’s 20 indigenous gmnosperms and 15among Nepal’s 28 endemic flowering plants are found in this region.
In addition, almost 30 varieties of rhododendron species and 69 varieties of orchids are found here. The area is splashed with colours every spring with wild displays of rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, primula and other flowers. Wildlife includes endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw. About 202 species of different birds including Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are found n the area.
In addition, almost 30 varieties of rhododendron species and 69 varieties of orchids are found here. The area is splashed with colours every spring with wild displays of rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, primula and other flowers. Wildlife includes endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw. About 202 species of different birds including Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are found n the area.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the flood plains of the Sapta-koshi in Saptari and Sunsari districts of eastern Nepal. The Reserve covers 175 sq. kms and was established in 1976. Rapid and complete inundation of the reserve to depths ranging from 10 to 300 cm. occurs during the monsoon. The Sapta-Koshi river also changes its course from one season to another. The vegetation is mainly tall Khar-pater grassland with a few patches of Khair-sisso, scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest.
The reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving population (about 100 individuals) of Wild Buffalo or Arna are found here. Other mammals occurring here are hog deer, wild deer, spotted deer and blue bull. The reserve also assists the local economy by providing fishing permits and allowing the collection of edible fruits and ferns in season. A total of 280 different species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. These include 20 species of ducks, 2 species of ibises, many stroks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans.
The reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving population (about 100 individuals) of Wild Buffalo or Arna are found here. Other mammals occurring here are hog deer, wild deer, spotted deer and blue bull. The reserve also assists the local economy by providing fishing permits and allowing the collection of edible fruits and ferns in season. A total of 280 different species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. These include 20 species of ducks, 2 species of ibises, many stroks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans.
Langtang National Park
Langtang National Park
Langtang is one of the most unspoiled national parks of Nepal. Situated North of Kathmandu, it is the most easily accessible highland sanctuary from the capital. Langtang covers 1,710 sq. km. forming the upper catchment areas of two of Nepal’s largest river systems – the Trishuli and Koshi. There is great latitudinal variation, starting at 1,500 m. and ascending to the top of Mt. Langtang Lirung at 7,234 m. As a result the park has immense ecological diversity.
Some of the most attractive areas of the park include the Langtang Valley, the holy lakes at Gosainkunda, and the forested hillsides above the village of Helambu.
The deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola are thickly forested with rhododendron, oak, maple and alder. The stretch of forest around Ghoda Tabela in the lower Langtang Valley and below Gosainkunda is inhabited by the red panda, a rare and threatened symbol of a healthy Himalayan ecosystem. Other animals, common to these forests are wild boar, Himalayan black bear, ghoral, grey langur monkey and leopard.
Some of the most attractive areas of the park include the Langtang Valley, the holy lakes at Gosainkunda, and the forested hillsides above the village of Helambu.
The deep gorges of Bhote Koshi and Langtang Khola are thickly forested with rhododendron, oak, maple and alder. The stretch of forest around Ghoda Tabela in the lower Langtang Valley and below Gosainkunda is inhabited by the red panda, a rare and threatened symbol of a healthy Himalayan ecosystem. Other animals, common to these forests are wild boar, Himalayan black bear, ghoral, grey langur monkey and leopard.
Makalu Barun National Park
Makalu Barun National Park
The park and conservation area is situated in the Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu districts, bordered by the Arun River on the east, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park on the west, the Nepal-Tibet border on the north and Saune Danda (ridge) to the south. The Park covers 2,330 sq. kms.
This is the only protected area in Nepal with designation of a Strict Nature Reserve. It has some of the richest and most unique pockets of plants and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading human habitation. Stepping up the slopes are a series of vegetation zones starting with tropical sal forest below 1,000 m. elevation: subtropical schima-castanopsis forest at 1,000-2000 m. fir, birch, rhododendron forests in the sub-alpine(3,000-4,000 m); and herbs, grasses and rhododendron/juniper shrubs in the alpine pas trues (4,000-5,000 m).
There are 47 varieties of orchids, 67 species of bamboos, 15 oaks including Arkhoulo, 86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose.
This is the only protected area in Nepal with designation of a Strict Nature Reserve. It has some of the richest and most unique pockets of plants and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading human habitation. Stepping up the slopes are a series of vegetation zones starting with tropical sal forest below 1,000 m. elevation: subtropical schima-castanopsis forest at 1,000-2000 m. fir, birch, rhododendron forests in the sub-alpine(3,000-4,000 m); and herbs, grasses and rhododendron/juniper shrubs in the alpine pas trues (4,000-5,000 m).
There are 47 varieties of orchids, 67 species of bamboos, 15 oaks including Arkhoulo, 86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose.
Manaslu Conservation Area
Manaslu Conservation Area
The region is home to 29 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan Tahr. There are over 20 species of birds and three species of reptiles. Vegetation includes 200 species of plants, more than 50 of which are useful for various purposes.
Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Parsa Wildlife Reserve occupies parts of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara districts in central Nepal. The reserve headquarters is situated at Adabar on the Hetauda-Birgunj highway and the Reserve covers 499 sq. kms. and established in 1984. The dominant landscape of the reserve, the Churiya hills ranging from 750m. to 950 mtrs. Run east-west of the reserve. The reserve has sub-tropical monsoon climate. The forest is composed of tropical to subtropical forest types with sal constituting 90% of the vegetation.
In the Churiya hills Chir pine grows and along the stream and rivers Khair, Sissoo with silk cotton tree occur. Sabai grass a commercially important grass species grows well in the southern face of Churiya hill. The reserve supports a good population of resident wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull, wild dog. Other common animals are sambar, chital, hogdeer, barking deer, langur, striped hyena, ratel, palm civet, jungle cat etc. There are nearly 300 species of birds in the reserve.
In the Churiya hills Chir pine grows and along the stream and rivers Khair, Sissoo with silk cotton tree occur. Sabai grass a commercially important grass species grows well in the southern face of Churiya hill. The reserve supports a good population of resident wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull, wild dog. Other common animals are sambar, chital, hogdeer, barking deer, langur, striped hyena, ratel, palm civet, jungle cat etc. There are nearly 300 species of birds in the reserve.
Rara National Park
Rara National Park
Situated about 370 km. north-west of Kathmandu, Rara is Nepal’s smallest and most scenic national park covers 106 square km. Much of the park is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters forested by conifers. The park was established in 1976 and protects some of the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of the Himalaya. The centrepiece is the pristine Lake Rara, also Known as Mahendra Tal, the biggest lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters is the best vantagepoint to get stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it.
Other summits in the park area are Ruma kand (3,731 m.) and Malika Kand (3,444 m.), situated to the north of the lake. Rara comes within the catchment area of the Karnali River, one of the three main river systems of Nepal. The habitat supports animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow-throated martin, ghoral, serow and musk deer.
Other summits in the park area are Ruma kand (3,731 m.) and Malika Kand (3,444 m.), situated to the north of the lake. Rara comes within the catchment area of the Karnali River, one of the three main river systems of Nepal. The habitat supports animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow-throated martin, ghoral, serow and musk deer.
Royal Bardia National Park
Royal Bardia National Park
The Royal Bardia National Park is situated on the eastern banks of the Karnali river, about 400 kms. west of Kathmandu. The park is 968 sq kms. in area and extends from the Churia hills southward to the gentle slopes of the “Bhabhar’. The higher grounds of the Churia have dry deciduous forest of mostly hardwood sal. The porous slopes of the Bhabhar support large open grasslands known locally as ‘Phantas’. These are some of the last remaining grasslands that once covered much of the Gangetic plains.
The western end of the Bardia is bounded by numerous water-ways of the Karnali which have created many large and small gravel islands. These islands and much of the lower ground area covered by a mosaic of grassland and riverine forest of acacia, sisam and the large buttressed silk cotton trees. In spring, the silk cotton blooms and the forest comes alive with scarlet flowers. Bardia is the home of a wide variety of animals, many of which live in and around the Phantas. These open grasslands such as Baghora and Lamkoili are the best places to view animals. The most conspicuous of which is the spotted deer.
The western end of the Bardia is bounded by numerous water-ways of the Karnali which have created many large and small gravel islands. These islands and much of the lower ground area covered by a mosaic of grassland and riverine forest of acacia, sisam and the large buttressed silk cotton trees. In spring, the silk cotton blooms and the forest comes alive with scarlet flowers. Bardia is the home of a wide variety of animals, many of which live in and around the Phantas. These open grasslands such as Baghora and Lamkoili are the best places to view animals. The most conspicuous of which is the spotted deer.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park
Nepal’s first and most famous national park is situated in the Chitwan Doon or the lowlands of the Inner Terai. Covering an area of 932 sq km. the park includes hilly areas of the Siwalik Range covered by deciduous sal forest. One fifth of the park is made up of the floodplains of the Narayani, Rapti, and the Reu Rivers and is covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed with riverine forests of silk cotton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros and harbours one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Royal Bengal tiger.
Besides rhino and tiger, Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of deer, including the spotted chittal, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, the white stockinged gaur (the world’s largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide a home for marsh crocodiles.
Besides rhino and tiger, Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of deer, including the spotted chittal, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, the white stockinged gaur (the world’s largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide a home for marsh crocodiles.
Royal Shukla Phant Wildlife Reserve
Royal Shukla Phant Wildlife Reserve
This wildlife reserve is situated in the extreme south-west of Nepal. The name of the park is derived from the largest of these grasslands which is known as Sukla Phanta. The park area is 155 sq kms. and would be 305 sq kms. after the completion of its extension. Sukla Phanta’s grassland is one of the last remaining habitat for such threatened animals as the hispid hare and the pygmy hog. Besides these, Sukla Phanta is the stronghold for another endangered animal, the barasingha, or swamp deer.
Other wildlife of the park included spotted deer, also seen in large numbers, hog deer, nilgai, wild dog, jack-al, porcupine and otter. The park and the adjoining for-est is the territory of small number of tigers which because of open terrain, are not uncommon to sight on the prowl. Wild elephants have also been sighted in the park. A stop at the Rani Tal is a must. This small lake attracts birds and animals alike. Herons, ducks, storks, kingfishers and egrets vie for food and swamp deer wallow at the edges.
Other wildlife of the park included spotted deer, also seen in large numbers, hog deer, nilgai, wild dog, jack-al, porcupine and otter. The park and the adjoining for-est is the territory of small number of tigers which because of open terrain, are not uncommon to sight on the prowl. Wild elephants have also been sighted in the park. A stop at the Rani Tal is a must. This small lake attracts birds and animals alike. Herons, ducks, storks, kingfishers and egrets vie for food and swamp deer wallow at the edges.
Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park
Unique among natural heritage sites world-wide is the Sagarmatha National Park, which includes Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and other high peaks such as Lhotse Shar, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Kangtega, Gyachung Kang, Thamserku and Kwangde. Located North-east of Kathmandu, Sagarmatha National Park is 1,148 sq km. in area and consists of the upper catchment areas of the Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi and the Imja Khola rivers.
Much of the park lies above 3,000m. Sagarmatha is rugged, with deep gorges, glaciers and unnegotiable ice and rock faces. Locally known as the ‘Khumbu’, it is the home of the famous Sherpa people.
The Sherpas make a living by farming barley and potatoes and graze their yaks in high altitude pastures. Young Sherpas have also made their name in mountaineering and the trekking industry has of late become the community’s economic mainstay. In 1979 the park was declared a World Heritage Site. Trees such as rhododendron, birch, blue pine, juniper and silver fir are found up to an altitude of 4,000 meters above which they give way to scrub and alpine plants.
Much of the park lies above 3,000m. Sagarmatha is rugged, with deep gorges, glaciers and unnegotiable ice and rock faces. Locally known as the ‘Khumbu’, it is the home of the famous Sherpa people.
The Sherpas make a living by farming barley and potatoes and graze their yaks in high altitude pastures. Young Sherpas have also made their name in mountaineering and the trekking industry has of late become the community’s economic mainstay. In 1979 the park was declared a World Heritage Site. Trees such as rhododendron, birch, blue pine, juniper and silver fir are found up to an altitude of 4,000 meters above which they give way to scrub and alpine plants.
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Shey Phoksundo National Park
Shey Phoksundo is Nepal’s largest national park and covers 3,555 sq. km. Sitting astride the Dolpa and Mugu districts of western Nepal, the park was established to protect the trans-Himalayan ecosystem found only in few areas of the Kingdom. The unique park includes the Kanjiroba Himal, with many peaks of over 6,000 meters, as well as the famous Shey Monastery, the Phoksundo Lake and the Langu Gorge.
The flora of the area include pine, walnut, willow, oak, poplar and cypress in the lower southern parts. In the higher reaches, pine, spruce, juniper and birch pre-dominate.
The alpine areas are vegetated by berberries, wild rose and caragana. The and trans-Himalayan mountains and grassy alpine meadows to the north are almost devoid of trees but have caragana and dwarf juniper. The wildlife of Shey Phoksundo include a good popula-tion of blue sheep and ghoral, musk deer, leopard, wild dog, wolf, marmot, weasel, mouse hare, rhesus and langur monkeys. The higher reaches and the haunt of the elusive snow leopard.
The flora of the area include pine, walnut, willow, oak, poplar and cypress in the lower southern parts. In the higher reaches, pine, spruce, juniper and birch pre-dominate.
The alpine areas are vegetated by berberries, wild rose and caragana. The and trans-Himalayan mountains and grassy alpine meadows to the north are almost devoid of trees but have caragana and dwarf juniper. The wildlife of Shey Phoksundo include a good popula-tion of blue sheep and ghoral, musk deer, leopard, wild dog, wolf, marmot, weasel, mouse hare, rhesus and langur monkeys. The higher reaches and the haunt of the elusive snow leopard.
Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri National Park
Popular as trekking, hiking and recreation area, the Shivapuri National Park offers the nearest retreat away from the hubbub of city life. The park was established as a Watershed and Wildlife Reserve in 1976. the park was declared as national ark in 2003 for the protection of its unique natural adornments.
Vegetation varieties in the park include its 129 species of mushrooms while animals include 19 speces of mammals include beer, leopard, deer, wild boar, wildcat and langur monkey. The park also boasts of 177 species of birds and 102 species of butterflies.
Vegetation varieties in the park include its 129 species of mushrooms while animals include 19 speces of mammals include beer, leopard, deer, wild boar, wildcat and langur monkey. The park also boasts of 177 species of birds and 102 species of butterflies.
