The Explore Nepal

Chitwan National Park

Nepal's oldest and the most protected national park is Chitwan National Park. It offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Riding on elephant back allows sightings, sometimes close-ups, of the many jungle residents; deer, birds, the rare One Horned Rhinoceros, the Bengal Tiger and the Leopards.

This park, 932 sq. km in area, is one of the finest wildlife parks in Southeast Asia. It has over 50 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, 45 species of amphibians and reptiles. A tiger or a single horned rhino may suddenly appear nearby. Less dramatic, but still exciting, different types of deer, wild boar, and sloth bears can be seen.

Transport is available according to taste and need. Elephants and jeeps are most suitable for those interested in looking at the animals. Crocodile enthusiasts and anglers can go on canoes down the river. There are nature treks to see and enjoy the many different birds in the park.

Bardiya National Park

Bardiya National Park covers 968 sq. km of the Terai in Nepal's far-West. It is the largest and least-disturbed wilderness area in the Terai. It provides an excellent habitat for over 30 different mammal species. Dramatic are the endangered Bengal Tiger and Wild Elephant. The Great One-horned Rhinoceros, reintroduced here from Chitwan in 1986, is also challenging. Swamp Deer, and Black Buck are special too. Herds of these elegant black buck in the open grassland are a stirring sight and unique to Bardiya. Other animals found in the Park include the leopard and lesser cats, and the blue bull (Nilgai). There are several species of deer, langur and rhesus monkeys, sloth bear and wild boar. The open grasslands within the Park, locally known as phantas, are ideal for game viewing.

The Karnali, one of Nepal's largest rivers, forms the western boundary of the park. The endangered Gangetic dolphin is often seen in its waters. Other endangered riverine species include crocodiles. The fish-eating Gharial and Marsh Mugger crocodiles are particularly intriguing. The Karnali also offers excellent fishing for Masheer, a large freshwater perch. Over 250 species of birds have so far been recorded in the Park. The endangered Bengal and Lesser Floricans, Silver-eared Mesia, and the Sarus Crane can also be seen.

Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is a smaller version of Bardiya National Park, 305 sq. km. The reserve was set up in 1976 in the extreme south west of Nepal. This was mainly to give protection to the endangered Swamp Deer. The extensive grasslands, wetland and forest shelter many dramatic animals. These include tigers, leopards, swamp deer, otters, hog deer and wild boar. There is a small lake, Rani Tal, containing a large number of migrant and resident bird species.

This reserve, though small, has its own fascinations to offer. In January the grasses are burned. After that, the whole of Sukla Phanta, the largest grassland area of Nepal, is visible. This is where the biggest congregation of Swamp Deer in the world can be seen. The grassland area is vast and little explored. This means there are exciting opportunities to discover new wildlife.

The reserve has become famous for housing the largest surviving Asiatic Wild Elephant bull. It is said to be over eleven feet tall.

Parsa Wildlife Reserve

Parsa Wildlife Reserve is to the east of the Chitwan National Park and covers 499 sq. km. It occupies parts of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara districts in central Nepal. Here are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, blue bulls. Deer, including hog deer, and barking deer, are plentiful. In addition there are around 300 species of birds in this reserve. Many snakes including, the king cobra, common cobra, krait, rat snake and pythons, enjoy the tropical climate.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the alluvial flood plain of Sapta Koshi River. This, the largest river in Nepal, flows through the reserve. The Sapta Koshi is one of the three main tributaries of the Ganga.

Reverie and Sal forests, combined with grasslands, dominate the vegetation of the reserve. This combination of vegetation and wetland makes it a welcoming site for birds and animals.

The main mammals here are the Wild Buffalo, Blue Bull and Gangetic Dolphin.

Around 300 species of birds have been recorded in this reserve. These include waterfowl, birds of preys, waders, and other water birds. The globally threatened Swamp Partridge (Francolinus Gularis) is also a familiar sight.

The nearby Koshi Barrage, although not inside the reserve, has created a vast expanse of water. This makes it the most important staging point for migrating birds. At the same time it is an all year playground for resident ones.

Makalu, the world's fifth highest mountain (8,463m), can be glimpsed on a clear day. This enhances the beauty of the area dramatically.

Shey- Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park, covering 3,555 sq. km. It is mostly in the Dolpo region of Nepal. High mountains and trans-Himalayan eco-systems dominate. This high altitude area is famed for yak caravans and salt barter trading.

Herds of Musk Deer and Blue Sheep can be sighted in this very remote mountain national park. It is a habitat for the Snow Leopard, Wild Yak and Tibetan Nayar. The splendid blue-watered Phoksundo Tal (lake) is surrounded by Himalayan flora. These nurture Himalayan Monarchs, Musk Deer and Pheasants.