Top 12 National Parks of Nepal
Nepal is a land of magnificent topography, from the tall mountains to the dense jungles that amaze many. However, in addition to the well-known Himalayas, it has a wide range of flora and fauna due to its varied terrains.
The best way to experience this natural phenomenon is through its national parks. These protected areas are not only parks; they are also gateways to some of the most unique and wonderful ecosystems across the globe.
If you are an animal lover, a trekker, or just someone who enjoys the outdoors, Nepal National Parks provide something for everyone. Today, we will learn some of the unbelievable national parks that make Nepal a true paradise for nature enthusiasts.
National Parks of Nepal
Nepal presents 12 national parks ranging from lowland jungles to the noble Himalayas, displaying its astonishing variety of nature.
Each park has distinctive ecosystems and wildlife, such as Chitwan National Park’s rare one-horned rhinoceros or Sagarmatha National Park’s snow leopards in the high-altitude areas.
Not only did these parks serve to protect endangered species and habitats, but they also provided tourists with a chance to taste Nepal’s beauty up close.
Apart from protecting the environment, Nepalese national parks are crucial to local communities through the eco-tourism industry.
They provide an opportunity for people to interact with nature while, at the same time, preserving the cultural heritage of the neighboring regions.
All of these parks, as a whole unit, are a demonstration of how Nepal seeks to combine environmental conservation with human progress
Table of Contents
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park, which is located in Nepal’s Terai region, was established in 1973 and since then it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery, and numerous activities, which make it an attractive choice for people who love nature or adventure.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Terai region, southern Nepal |
Established | 1973 |
UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Wildlife viewing, river rides, trekking, and cultural immersion |
Tour Packages Available |
Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park, which was established in 1976, is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site found in the Everest area of Nepal. This park includes Mount Everest, above which the highest point on earth is situated and contributes to its incredible mountainous views, numerous plants and animals, as well as special cultural practices.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Everest region, eastern Nepal |
Established | 1976 |
UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Stunning views of Mount Everest, trekking routes, and rich Sherpa culture |
Tour Packages Available |
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Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park is one of Nepal’s larger and least frequented national parks and was created in 1988. Being situated at the westernmost part of the state, it provides an undiscovered wilderness that has a wide variety of animals carrying its unique beauty, making it a hidden treasure for people who love nature.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Far western Nepal |
Established | 1988 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Rich wildlife, serene river rides, and immersive nature experiences |
Tour Packages Available |
Rara National Park
Rara National Park, established in 1976, is the largest national park in Nepal. It lies deep within the Mugu district. It is famous for the tranquil beauty of Rara Lake and lies off the busy travel routes.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Mugu district, mid-western Nepal |
Established | 1976 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Picturesque Rara Lake, tranquil environment, and rich wildlife |
Tour Packages Available |
Langtang National Park
Langtang National Park is one of the parks that were established in 1976 and is found in the central Himalayas region of Nepal. The park attracts trekkers looking for thrills as well as those who prefer to enjoy nature with its rolling landscapes, glaciers, and various species of animals.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Central Himalayas, northern Nepal |
Established | 1976 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural richness |
Tour Packages Available |
Shey Phoksundo National Park
At the edge of this incredible country lay a remote region known as Dolpo, where one can find Shey Phoksundo National Park, which has existed since 1984. Among others, it attracts tourists who come to admire Phoksundo Lake, which happens to be the deepest lake in Nepal as well as experience Tibetan culture.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Dolpo region, north-western Nepal |
Established | 1984 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Scenic beauty of Phoksundo Lake, remote trekking routes, and Tibetan cultural experiences |
Tour Packages Available |
Makalu Barun National Park
Now covering an area that was once no more than a few hills bordering Tibet, Makalu Barun National Park was created in 1992 on some part of the eastern Himalayas and contains some highly viewed peaks like Makalu’s topmost point.
With such great height variations, there are numerous different ecosystems inside the park, including tropical rainforest at low elevations all the way through to cold climate areas where only snow and ice prevail at the highest elevations.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Eastern Nepal, including the Makalu region |
Established | 1992 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and cultural richness |
Tour Packages Available |
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Open to visitors since 2002, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park lies close to Kathmandu, providing easy access for city dwellers who wish to spend their weekends or holidays surrounded by nature. The park is home to dense woodlands as well as a variety of plant and animal species.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Near Kathmandu, central Nepal |
Established | 2002 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Convenient proximity to Kathmandu, diverse ecosystems, and scenic hiking trails |
Khaptad National Park
Khaptad National Park can be located farther towards western Nepal where it was built back in 1984.The park serves as a place providing peace, contains various life forms which makes it unique and it has important cultural value too.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Far-western Nepal |
Established | 1984 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Peaceful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural immersion |
Banke National Park
The establishment of Banke National Park was done in 2010, and it is based at the mid-western part of Nepal. It is renowned for having high biological diversity, therefore this place is one among the most recent additions to protected areas within the country.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Mid-western Nepal |
Established | 2010 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Rich wildlife, new park experiences, and local cultural insights |
Parsa National Park
Parsa National Park is a national park that was established in 1988 and is situated in the lowland Terai. This park is recognized for it’s high biodiversity and preservation projects.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Southern Terai region, Nepal |
Established | 1988 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Diverse wildlife, Terai landscapes, and conservation experiences |
Shuklaphanta National Park
In the remote western Terai, Shuklaphanta National Park was inaugurated in 1976 and is famed for its expansive meadows and assorted fauna.
Fact | Detail |
Location | Far-western Terai, Nepal |
Established | 1976 |
UNESCO Status | Not a World Heritage Site |
Wildlife |
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Activities |
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Cultural Experience |
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Highlights | Expansive grasslands, rich wildlife, and cultural experiences |
Conclusion
People seeking tranquility on their trips across Nepal often overlook these lesser-known venues. Khaptad National Park, with its serene landscapes, and Shuklaphanta, which houses vibrant flora and fauna, provide distinct experiences for adventure enthusiasts who wish to follow the least-traveled paths.
Nepal Trek Adventure fully supports your quest for these neglected jewels while at the same time catering for all your requirements in this land full of surprises.
Truthfully, a visit to the lesser-known national parks of Nepal shall be a journey of a lifetime through comprehensive packages orchestrated by seasoned guides.
Our tours cater for different passions, such as trekking along remote trails in Shey Phoksundo or spotting wildlife in Banke.
Manju Mahato
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