12 National Parks in Nepal To Explore The Wild Side in 2024

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the national parks in Nepal offer a bountiful range of activities and sites to visit that are sure to wow you. Imagine tall mountains, sloping valleys, green grass, blue skies, and exotic animals prancing around you - Nepal will give you all that and so much more.

One of the best trips in Nepal is a visit to the many national parks it boasts of. Home to a variety of flora and fauna due to its unique geographical location, Nepal offers a range of budget-friendly and amazing options for nature tourism. If you're confused about where to go in Nepal, don't worry!

We've compiled a list of the top 12 national parks in Nepal that are must-visits.

1. Chitwan National Park

Crocodile at Chitwan National Park, National Parks in Nepal — Source

Formerly known as the Chitwan National Park, this is the first national park to be established in Nepal. It is acclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which draws in many tourists all year round. Located in the Terai region, which has unique biodiversity, the site offers various activities for visitors.

Flora and fauna: The Park has 68 species of mammals, 544 bird species, 56 herpeto-fauna species, and 126 fish species. The pride of this park includes the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger (which is the National animal of neighboring India), and the Gharial crocodile. It also houses elephants (the world's largest terrestrial mammal) and the pygmy shrew, which is the world's smallest terrestrial mammal.

Activities: Tourists can choose from a wide variety of activities, including jungle treks, walks, canoeing, jeep safaris, elephant safaris, bird watching, elephant bathing, traditional shows, and cultural exposures. Make sure you visit the Elephant Breeding Centre nearby, at Khorsor! You can also visit the Gharial Breeding Centre near the headquarters of the park. You can also stay inside the park at seven resorts of park concessionaires.

Location: Chitwan is located 100 kilometres from Kathmandu, the state capital. The nearest airport is at Bharatpur, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Sauraha, the village next to Chitwan National Park.
Timings: It is best to exit the park by 6:00 PM unless you are staying in the park. Guides and locals tweak the timings depending on the weather and other criteria.
Best time to visit: Although the park is open throughout the year, the best time to visit it is from October to December, when most animals venture out. From June to September, the monsoon may trouble tourists.
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: 2000
Foreign national from SAARC nations:1000
Citizen: NPR 150
Children below 10 years: Free

2. Bardia National Park

Deer at Bardia National Park, National parks in Nepal — Source

Described as Chitwan of the yesteryears, this idyllic park could be just what you were looking for: a perfect blend of calm, quiet, and excitement. Bardia offers the thrill of rafting and camping along with the serenity of being alone and one with nature.

Flora and fauna: This park boasts of the one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic elephants, the King of Bardia, and the Royal Bengal Tiger. There are 50 species of mammals in Bardia, including the leopard, swamp deer, grey langur monkeys, marsh mugger crocodile, and the Gharial. If you're lucky, you can even spot Gangetic River dolphins! The Park also houses 400 species of birds, like the Saruc crane and the Bengal Florican. The Babai, Bheir, and Karnali rivers are home to 125 species of fish.

Activities: Tourists can indulge in half-day or full-day jungle walks, jungle treks, river rafting, fishing, and other adventurous activities. Junkies can also opt to camp in the Park or sleep in a tree house! You can also follow the Bheri River through the park, rafting, and camping in the process.

Location: The Park is 367 kilometres from Kathmandu. The nearest airport is at Nepalgunj, to which there are daily flights from Kathmandu. From Nepalgunj, buses or jeeps take you to the park.
Timings: There are a variety of options to camp inside the park, and we recommend that you make full use of these opportunities. You can also opt for a one-day tour from sunrise to sunset.
Best time to visit: The Park sees most animals from September to December, and February to May, after which the monsoon may make trekking difficult.
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1500
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 750
Citizen: NPR 100
Children below 10 years: Free

3. Sagarmatha National Park

Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world (8848 m) lies in Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal. Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park is spread over an area of 1148 square km. The terrain of the Park is very rugged and mountainous, with rocks, deep gorges, and glaciers.

Flora and fauna: In lower altitudes, pines and hemlocks grow. In the higher altitudes, shrubs, mosses, and lichens can be found. Plants don't grow in the peaks as there is snow all year round. There are about 118 bird species found in the Sagarmatha National Park. One can even spot snow leopards and red pandas.

Activities: Hiking through the harsh temperatures and difficult terrains of Sagarmatha National Park isn't easy. But it would definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. You can trek, hike, and camp around the picturesque views of the Himalayas.

Location: Sagarmatha National Park having an arduous terrain, is not directly connected by road. The nearest airport is Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. The nearest city is Namche Bazaar and Khumjung. If going by road, a bus goes to Jiri from Kathmandu. Jiri is 100 km from the National Park.
Timings: Open 24 hours. But visiting at night is not recommended as the terrain is round and the wild animals night attack.
Best time to visit: The weather remains most suitable in October and November or from March to May. The Winter temperatures are harsh, and the Summer months have heavy rains.
Entry Fee:
Foreign nationals outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000
Foreign nationals from SAARC nations: NPR 1500
Citizen: NPR 100

4. Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park, National parks in Nepal — Source

This unique destination offers the twin delights of spirituality and natural wonder, as it is the home of a famous religious leader of the region, fondly called Khaptad Baba. Spread over four districts; this Park boasts a unique collection of flora and fauna, much to the delight of the botanist and the zoologist. If quiet contemplation and meditation in the lap of nature is your thing, you are sure to fit in here!

Flora and fauna: The Park houses exotic flora, with forests of montane Sal, pines, and alders. Higher up, you can find buttercups, primulas, and wild berries, ripe for the picking. Two hundred twenty-four species of medicinal herbs make a place a botanist's delight. Evergreen spruces, firs, rhododendrons, birches, and oaks are also found. The plateau also has 135 species of flowering plants, which bloom in summer. Khaptad contains 23 species of mammals, 287 species of birds, and 23 species of amphibians. You can spot the Himalayan black bear, wild dog, musk deer, barking deer, wild boar, yellow-throated marten, and leopard here.

Activities: While adventure junkies can indulge in daylong treks, bird-watching expeditions, and animal spotting, the contemplators can visit the Khaptad Baba Ashram nearby to meditate and pray. Cultural tours are also organized to give an insight into the lives of the locals.

Location: The Park is 450 kilometres from Kathmandu. The nearest airport is at Dipayal, from where you can catch a bus to Silgadhi in Doti district. A six-hour trek leads you to the park entrance. Or, you could catch a flight to Accham, followed by a two-day trek.
Best time to visit: The months between March and May, and October and December provide the best weather and temperature to make the best use of the park.
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1500
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 500
Citizen: 100
Children below 10 years: Free

5. Shey Phoksundo National Park

Phoksundo Lake, Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal — Source

This location is Nepal's largest national park, covering 3555 square kilometers! The Park houses the Kanjiroba Himal, a mountain range of 6000 meters, and the Shey Monastery. Phoksundo Lake and the Langu Gorge are some attractions you must visit. This is the only trans-Himalayan National Park in Nepal.

Flora and fauna: The Park is full of trees like pine, walnut, willow, poplar, cypress and oak. Pines, junipers, spruces, birches, and other trees dominate the higher altitudes. The park boasts a unique hill ecosystem, which houses animals like blue sheep, wild dogs, wolves, weasel, mouse hares, langur monkeys, rhesus monkeys, marmots, leopards, and snow leopards. There are two hundred species of exotic and rare animals, like the Tibetan sheep. Beautiful birds like the Tibetan Snowcock, brown dipper, Himalayan griffon, Impeyan pheasant, cheer pheasant, and the Tibetan twit nest here. 29 species of butterflies are found here,

Activities: One can go camping or trekking here. The snow-capped mountains are breathtaking to watch from the seclusion of the Park. Tourists can also take cultural tours to the villages in the park, in Ringmo, Pugmo, and Kugun. These villages follow the Bon religion, which originated before Buddhism and is truly exciting to discover. We recommend a butterfly-spotting expedition, too!

Location: The park is 315 kilometres from Kathmandu. The nearest airport is at Juphal, which leads to the southern entrance.
Timings: You can stay here overnight or stay at the villages down below after sunset, by 7:30 PM in the summer months.
Best time to visit: The period from April to November is best for tourists.
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 1500
Citizen: NPR 100
Children below 10 years: Free

6. Makalu-Barun National Park

Makalu-Barun National Park, National Parks in Nepal — Source

This gorgeous National Park in Nepal is at the foothills of the Makalu range and nestles the raging Barun River. The unique biodiversity is fortified by the fact that this is the only Park in the world to house snow-capped mountains.

Flora and fauna: The Park has about 3000 plant species, 441 bird species and 88 species of mammals that include the red panda, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Himalayan wolf, red fox, black bear, otter, flying squirrel, wild boar, Asiatic golden cat, Assam macaque, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, barking deer, golden jackal, Hanuman langur and the Himalayan Goral. The Park also hosts 315 species of butterflies and 43 species of reptiles. Among the bird species, eagles, raptors, and sunbirds are sights to behold. Rose-ringed parakeets, Blyth's kingfisher, blue-naped pitta, and other brilliantly colored birds make Malaku an ornithologist's delight. The flora includes rhododendrons, junipers, aromatic herbs, wildflowers, primroses, orchids, bamboos, oaks, and other herbs.

Activities: Being the only Park to house snow-capped peaks, you can go trekking and hiking to the summit when the weather is favorable. You can also enjoy bird-watching and butterfly-spotting sessions while basking in the glory of the unique environment. Rafting and boating trips are also arranged. One can camp at the foothills and trek up the range in the day to enjoy the spectacular views. The park provides shelter, gasoline, and other camping essentials on a rent basis. You cannot enter the park without a guide.

Location: Makalu-Barun is 500 kilometres away from Kathmandu. There are daily flights to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu. From Tumlingtar, you can hire a jeep or even trek your way to the Park.
Best time to visit: The monsoon from June to September ensures heavy rain in the region. In December and January, there is heavy snowfall. The interim periods between March to May and October to December are the best times to visit this Park.
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000

Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 1500

Citizen: NPR 100

Children below 10 years: Free

7. Langtang National Park

Trekking at Langtang National Park, National parks in Nepal — Source

Spread across three districts, Langtang National Park is closest to Kathmandu and is easily accessible. This place is unique in the fact that almost half of it is a buffer zone, offering maximum protection to the biodiversity with the cooperation of the local community.

Flora and fauna: The park boasts more than 18 ecosystems, which make for a wonderful diversity of flora and fauna. Chirpine, rhododendron, alder, and oak give way to silver fir, hemlock, and larch as the altitude increases. Langtang is famous for its bird population - more than 250 species roam the park, in addition to red pandas, black bears, serows, and snow leopards. Forty-six species of mammals can be spied here, including the Tibetan sheep, the Himalayan tahr, cloudy leopards, the Himalayan black bear, wolves, and foxes. The Park houses 12 species of threatened birds that ornithologists try to spot: the yellow-rumped honeyguide, wood snipe, red-headed vulture, greater spotted eagle, and the imperial eagle, among others.

Activities: You can trek up three routes - Langtang, Helambu, and Gosaikunda. These paths are recommended for experienced trekkers, as they are quite challenging. But the views are definitely worth it. Bird watching and camping are also allowed here.

Location: The park is just 50 kilometres away from Kathmandu. You can catch a bus or even trek to Langtang.
Best time to visit: In October, November, April and May, the weather is ideal as the days are warm, and the nights are cool.
Entry fee:Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000

Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 1500

Citizen: NPR 100

Children below 10 years: Free

8. Rara National Park

Rara Lake, Rara National Park, National Parks in Nepal — Source

Nestled in the Himalayas, this Park is known for its heavy population of migratory birds in winter. The grasslands around the lake are breathtakingly beautiful and are postcard-worthy indeed. The Rara National Park holds the fascinating position of being the smallest national park in Nepal, housing Nepal's biggest lake!

Flora and fauna: The area around the like boasts of blue pine, rhododendron, black juniper, birch, oak, and Himalayan cypress. Horse chestnut, walnut, and Himalayan Poplar are also present here. Rara houses 20 species of mammals, like musk deer, Himalayan tahr, jackal, leopard, otter, langur, Rhesus macaque, and the red panda. There are records of more than 210 species of birds, including common teal, coots, snowcocks, gulls, and mallards. The great crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red-crested pochard, and the common teal migrate to the lake in winter.

Activities: Rara Lake does not freeze at all, so you can camp by the lakeside or watch birds all year. Bird-watching is a favorite activity here. You can also camp and trek in pre-designated areas within the Park. The pine forests offer breathtaking views and stark visuals. During the summer months, there is a carpet of colorful flowers in the valley, which is a must-watch.

Location: The Park is 350 kilometres away from Kathmandu. The nearest airstrip is at Jumla, from where you have to trek for a couple of days to reach the Park.
Best time to visit: While the summer months of April and May are more pleasant, the winter months offer the best bird watching opportunities. Beware the freezing nights during winter though!
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000

Foreign nationals from SAARC nations: NPR 1500

Citizen: NPR 100

Children below 10 years: Free

9. Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park

Shivpuri Nagarjuna National Park, National Parks in Nepal — Source

Regarded in the ancient Sanskrit text Skanda Purana as the holy abode of Shiva, which is full of Shivalingam, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, this Park can double as a biodiversity conservation area and a religious site.

Flora and fauna: The vegetation includes pine, oak, rhododendron, laurels, and firs. The Park houses 318 species of birds, including the Eurasian eagle owl, the barred cuckoo-dove, the golden-throated barbet, the white-gorget flycatcher, and the slender-billed scimitar-babbler. Amphibians and reptiles also frequent this site, with the monocle cobra, the Himalayan keelback, the olive slender snake, the yellow-bellied worm-eating snake, the Oriental garden lizard, the Sikkim skink, the long-legged cricket frog, and others. Four species of bats have also been spied here. Animals like the Himalayan goral, barking deer, wild boar, Chinese pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, Himalayan pika, hare, Himalayan squirrel, brown-toothed shrew and small Asian mongoose can be seen here. The Park is also home to 129 species of mushrooms!

Activities: The Park is famous for its various trekking paths, namely Panimuhan, Nagigumba, Kakani, Jhuje, and Sundarijal. There are picturesque streams and waterfalls on the way as well. There are many sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrines within the Park. You can also indulge in self-guided walk tours too.

Location: The Park is just 11 kilometres away from Kathmandu and can be reached by bus, jeep or trek.
Timings: The Park is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best time to visit: The park is relatively pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit it would be between March and June. In mid-April, the locals flock to the park for the Nepali New Year festival which is a must-visit
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1000

Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 600

Citizen: Free NPR 100

Children below 10 years: Free

10. Banke National Park

Fauna at Banke National Park, National Parks in Nepal — Source

One of the newest national parks to be established in Nepal, this Park was started mainly to conserve tigers, and to promote wildlife conservation and tourism in the country. A part of Banke National Park is designated as a buffer zone to promote a symbiotic relationship and maintain diversity, generating revenue for the local population in the process as well.

Flora and fauna: The Park consists of eight ecosystems, from Sal to deciduous savannahs and floodplains. Trees indigenous to this region include the Sal, Karma, Khair, and Sissoo. 8 species of mammals, 124 species of plants, 300 bird species, and 7 amphibian species are housed here. Coveted creatures like the Bengal tiger, striped hyena, four-horned antelope, giant hornbill, black stork, python and Gharial are found in Banke. The Asiatic wild elephant populations in the Park are a delight to visitors.

Activities: The Park is a delight for trekkers, hikers and walkers. Jeep and animal safaris can be arranged. Self-guided tours are also allowed. There is an elephant tour, too. Cycling and rafting are also encouraged here.

Location: The Park is about 530 kilometres away from Kathmandu. The nearest airport is at Nepalgunj, from where you can hire a jeep, taxi or bus to reach the Park headquarters.
Timings: It is prohibited to enter the forest from sunset to sunrise. If you are not staying inside, it is better to leave the Park by 6:00 PM.
Best time to visit: From October to April, the days are pleasant and the nights are cool. Then the monsoon sets in, which may make it difficult for trekkers to explore.
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1500

Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 750

Citizen: NPR 100

Children below 10 years: Free

11. Parsa National Park

This Park is the largest wildlife reserve in Nepal, covering three districts. A former hunting ground for the royals of yore, this Park now houses more than 20 Bengal tigers, the pride of the country.

Flora and fauna: The Park is home to Sal, pine, Khari, Sissoo, Sabai grass and silk-cotton trees. Animals like the Asian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, sloth bear, wild dog, Sambar deer, hog deer, striped hyena, jungle cat, palm civet, blue bull, gaur, rat and the leopard are common here. Meanwhile, the Park also nestles 527 species of birds, including the paradise flycatcher, large racquet-tailed drongo, giant hornbill, white-breasted kingfisher, golden-backed woodpecker, red jungle fowl and peafowl. Reptiles like the common cobra, banded krait, rock python and king cobra can be found slithering on the terrain.

Activities: The jungle safari at Parsa is a must-visit, for you can spy many animals here. Trekking and hiking are also allowed. A view tower also offers panoramic views of the valley. Kailash Bhata is a sacred site for Hindus. The Park also houses a guest house within its premises. An elephant camp located near Amlekhgunj can also be visited after obtaining permission. Who knows, you may even get a chance to bathe the tuskers!

Location: The Park is 105 kilometres from Kathmandu. The nearest airport is at Simara, from where it takes a maximum of twenty minutes to reach the Park.
Timings: You can stay overnight in the guesthouse in the Park. If you want to leave, do so before 6:30 PM or sunset, whichever is sooner.
Best time to visit: The interim months of October, November and December offer the best weather conditions to visit Parsa and enjoy the natural beauty on display.
Entry fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1500

Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 750

Citizen: NPR 100

Children below 10 years: Free

12. Shuklaphanta National Park

Shuklaphanta National Park lies in the Terai region of the Far West Development Region of Nepal. The Park is spread over an area of 300 square km, and the Syali river feeds the vast grasslands and wetlands. This Park is less touristy and therefore more peaceful.

Flora and fauna: Shuklaphanta National Park has the single largest herd of swamp deer, which is about 2,000 in number. The Park has more than 400 species of birds, with the highest number of Bengal floricans in Nepal. Almost half of the vegetation in the National Park is covered in grassland. Along with that, about 700 species of plants grow.

Activities: You can go on a jeep tour, a walking tour, or an elephant back ride around the National Park. You can also go bird watching. Other than you may choose to spend some time with the local Tharu people and indulge in a sumptuous dinner and a cultural exchange.

Location: The Park is 720 km from Kathmandu. The nearest airport is Dhangadhi. A bus from Dhangadhi to Mahendranagar would take 3 hours to reach Shuklaphanta National Park. You can also take a taxi from the airport. The Park touches its border with India.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Shuklaphanta National Park as the monsoons will recede and the temperatures would get more pleasant.
Entry Fee: Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1500
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 750
Citizen: NPR 100
Children below 10 years: Free

Do's and Don'ts at National Parks That Offer Elephant Rides

1. Do not opt for the elephant rides even if they are available, as they are harmful to the elephants. The elephants should not be drugged or chained. Please ensure that they are taken care of well.
2. Do consider donating to the organizations for the care of elephants in Nepal, as they are mostly dependent on funds from tourists.
3. Follow the safety instructions the guides stated during the visit.

Note: Holidify strongly condemns animal cruelty and does not promote unethical organizations and practices. This blog is for information purpose only. Please do bring it to our notice if such organizations are listed on our website.

Nepal is truly a unique country that is bursting to the seams with biodiversity. The abundance of flora, fauna, and natural beauty in Nepal's national parks is truly breathtaking. The forests, lakes, and rivers are a must-visit. Which park are you planning on going to? Did you have a memorable experience at one of these destinations? Comment below and let us know, as sharing is caring!