Wildlife Safari tour from Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a bustling city with a history dating back to the time of the Buddha. With its various temples and palaces, Kathmandu is also known for its wildlife safaris. It’s home to some of the country’s most impressive wildlife reserves. Wildlife safari in Nepal offers an incredible experience for tourists who want to get up close and personal with some of nature’s finest creatures.
Some people take a basic walking safari, while others opt for a more comprehensive tour with stops at different wildlife viewing areas. With knowledgeable guides and plenty of opportunities to spot herds of elephants, tigers, bears, and other endangered creatures, a wildlife safari from Kathmandu is a unique way to explore the region.
Nepal Wildlife and National Parks
The terrain of Nepal varies from the lowlands to the high Himalayas. There are many protected areas in Nepal including national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries that boast an impressive array of biodiversity. National parks in Nepal are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Nepal has 12 National Parks, 1 Wildlife Reserve, 1 Hunting Reserve, 6 Conservation Areas, and 13 Buffer Zones which cover nearly 23% of the country’s land area. Some of the most popular parks include Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, and Bardia National Park. Visitors can enjoy sightings of rare animals such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants, as well as a wide variety of bird species. What’s more, these parks offer a unique opportunity to experience Nepal’s stunning natural scenery. A sense of peace and tranquility can be found while exploring the forests, rivers, and hillsides in these protected areas.
I was able to see some of this amazing wildlife safari in Nepal. I took a trip to Chitwan National Park, and it was an amazing experience. The park is huge, and there are tons of things to see and do. I was lucky enough to see a Bengal tiger up close, and I also saw a lot of other animals and birds up close. The park is also home to many different cultures and villages, so it’s a great place to learn about the local people and their way of life.
Also read: https://traveltalesbypurvi.com/why-should-you-travel-to-nepal-kathmandu/
List of Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Nepal:
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is one of the most popular wildlife safari in Nepal and is also home to a large population of tigers and rhinos. The park is located in the Terai region of Nepal and covers an area of 952 sq. km. The park was established in 1973 and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The park is known for its lush jungle setting and diverse wildlife. The park is home to Bengal tigers and one-horned Rhinoceroses. Other animals such as elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and deers are also found in this park.
The park’s ecosystem is diverse, with tropical and temperate forests, riverine forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The park has a rich flora, with more than 500 species of plants, including sal trees, babul trees, and giant bamboos. More than 460 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including the endangered Bengal florican and white-rumped vulture.
The park attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as safaris on elephants’ backs or jeeps, canoeing down the river, bird watching, and visiting local villages. Accommodations include luxury resorts and rustic lodges.
Best time to visit: October – December
Accommodation: You can stay in hotels, luxury resorts, and rustic lodges in nearby villages like Sauraha, Bharatpur, and Narayangarh.
Transport: You can take a flight from Kathmandu airport to Bharatpur. Buses and taxis are available to travel from Bharatpur to Sauraha, the village next to Chitwan Park.
Highlights: Live viewing opportunity to one-horned rhinos, royal Bengal tigers, Gharial crocodiles, sloth bears, and the odd leopard.
Location: Chitwan is located 100 kilometers from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 150/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 1000/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 2000/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a protected area in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The park is located in the municipalities of Kathmandu & Nuwakot and covers an area of 159 sq. km. The park was established in 2002 to protect the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
This wildlife safari in Nepal is also home to a number of threatened and endangered species, including the leopard, clouded leopard, gharial, red panda, and Assam macaque. There are also over 260 species of birds, including eagles, vultures, and pheasants. There are a number of hiking trails in the park that offer visitors views of the natural beauty of the park.
This Park is also known for its rich flora. The park is filled with a variety of trees, including oak, pine, and cedar. There are also plenty of flowers in the park, including rhododendrons, lilies, and orchids. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking through the forests and meadows, or they can take a break and relax by one of the many rivers that flow through the park.
Best time to visit: September – November, and February – April.
Accommodation: There are a number of accommodation options in the park, including guesthouses and camping facilities.
Transport: You can hire private transport or public bus from Kathmandu to this National Park.
Highlights: its many hiking trails, which offer great views of the surrounding countryside. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including pheasants, eagles, and hawks.
Location: It is located 32 kilometers from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 100/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 600/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1000/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Sagarmatha National Park
The Sagarmatha National Park is a protected area in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal. It covers an area of 1148 sq. km. and was established in 1976 as the first national park in Nepal. The park contains three peaks over 8,000 meters (26,000 ft) including Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. The park is known for its incredible mountain scenery and its diverse flora. Over 3,000 plant species can be found in the park, including more than 100 species of rhododendron.
The wildlife safari in Nepal is home to many endangered species, such as the snow leopard and the red panda. Visitors can also see animals such as the Himalayan tahr, the musk deer, and the Assam macaque. There are also numerous species of birds that can be seen in the park, including the Impeyan pheasant and the blood pheasant.
Best time to visit: October – November or March-May.
Accommodation: Accommodation options are available in the park, from camping to luxury hotels.
Transport: There are no direct roads that reach Sagarmatha National Park. The closest route is by bus from Kathmandu to Jiri, which is 100 kilometers away from the park. The 10-day trek to the park begins at Jiri.
Highlights: The park is home to Nepal’s tallest peak, Mount Everest, as well as other famous peaks, including Lhotse and Cho Oyu.
Location: It is located 137 km from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 100/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 1500/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) encompasses 8,000 sq.km. and contains six peaks over 7,000 m including the world’s 10th-highest mountain, Mount Annapurna. The sanctuary is also known for its forests, glaciers, and biodiversity. The area was designated a conservation area in 1984 and became a World Heritage Site in 2002.
The wildlife safari in Nepal is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, and deer. The park is also home to many different species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican. The Annapurna Conservation Area is a vital source of water for local communities and plays a crucial role in regulating regional climate.
The Annapurna Conservation Area is a stunning region of Nepal that is known for its high mountains and glaciers. The area is also well-known for its incredible scenery, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The Annapurna Conservation Area is an important part of the Nepalese economy, and it plays a vital role in the country’s tourism industry.
Best time to visit: September-November and March-May
Accommodation: Accommodation options are available such as Resort hotels, lodges, and camping.
Transport: Pokhara is the city nearest to the protected area of the Annapurna Range and the gateway to it. Visitors may use a drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you need to travel to Jomsom which lies north of the Annapurna Conservation Area by hiring a private vehicle or public transport.
Highlights: It is also possible to watch the world’s deepest valley of Kali Gandaki in Nepal. Most trekking permits are available here, too.
Location: It is located 177 km from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 100/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 1000/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located in the southeastern Terai region of Nepal. The reserve was established in 1976 and covers an area of 175 sq. km. It is mainly composed of riparian forests and grassland. The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including 260 species of birds, 31 species of mammals, and 11 species of reptiles.
The reserve is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, deer, wild boar, and jackals. Gangetic dolphins have been recorded in the Koshi River. There are also a number of bird species, including the Bengal florican and the white-rumped vulture. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling between India and China.
Best time to visit: November-February.
Accommodation: Resorts and tented camps are available to stay within and outside the reserve.
Transport: Day and Night bus services are available from Kathmandu to Kakarbhitta and Biratnagar. Visitors must get off the bus at Jamuha, 4 km from laukhi, and walk 2.5 km to the Reserve Headquarters.
Highlights: The best place for seeing endangered Arna (a wild buffalo) and endangered species of various birds such as Swamp Francolin and Bengal Florican.
Location: It is located 340 km from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 100/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 750/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1500/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Bardia National Park
The Bardia National Park is located in the western Terai lowlands of Nepal. This park was established in 1988 and covers an area of 968 sq. km. The park is also rich in flora, with more than 1,500 plant species, and features dry grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.
The wildlife safari in Nepal is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Royal Bengal tiger, wild elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, black buck, and also some endangered species including gharialand marsh mugger crocodiles and Gangetic dolphin. The park is also popular for its bird watching opportunities, with more than 300 species of birds found in the area.
Best time to visit: October-February
Accommodation: Jungle lodge and homestay available.
Transport: Travel from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj via bus or flight. Take a bus from Nepalgunj to travel (about 35 km) to the Park headquarters at Thakurdwara.
Highlights: Explore the densely forested areas in search of wildlife, take a boat ride down the Karnali River, and camp under the stars in the wilderness.
Location: It is located 376 km from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 100/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 750/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 1500/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a protected area in the Eastern Development Region of Nepal. The area was established in 1976 and covers an area of 2,035 sq. km. This wildlife safari in Nepal is located in the Taplejung district of Nepal. It is a popular destination for climbers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The area is rich in flora and fauna, with many rare and endangered species.
Some of the plants found in the area include bamboo, rhododendron, and oak trees. Animals that can be found in this wildlife safari in Nepal include snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears. The area is also home to many different types of birds, including the Impeyan pheasant and the blood pheasant.
Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
Accommodation: Tea houses, camping available.
Transport: Travel via flight from Kathmandu to Suketar. To travel by road, take a bus ride from Kathmandu to Birtamode. From Birtamode, tourists have to pass through Ilam and Phidim to reach Taplejung Bazaar.
Highlights: The area is popular with hikers and climbers, who come to explore the region’s dramatic mountains and glaciers. The trails through the forests are also a great way to experience the beauty of the area.
Location: It is located 257 km from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 100/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 500/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 2000/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Langtang National Park
Langtang National Park is a park located in the Himalayas of Nepal. It was founded in 1971 and covers an area of 1,710 sq. km. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of ecosystems including alpine meadows, temperate forests, and subtropical broadleaved forests. Langtang National Park is a stunning area of Nepal that is home to an array of plants and animals. The park sits at an altitude of between 4,000 and 6,000 meters and is characterized by glaciers, mountains, and forests.
There are over 1,300 species of plants in the park, including rhododendrons, bamboo, and junipers. This wildlife safari in Nepal includes red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, wild dog, ghoral, serow, and 200 species of birds, including the endangered lammergeier vulture. Visitors to this Park can enjoy hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The park is also a popular destination for trekkers, who can explore its trails and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The park features stunning mountain scenery, including Mount Langtang Lirung, which is the highest peak in the park, and also it is a great place to learn about Nepalese culture and traditional Buddhism.
Best time to visit: October-November and March-May
Accommodation: Lodges, camping, teahouse available.
Transport: From Kathmandu it is 4 hour drive to Langtang National Park.
Highlights: The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and also it offers some of the best trekking opportunities from easy to challenging trails.
Location: It is located 202 km from Kathmandu.
Entry fee: For Nepali citizens: NPR 100/day per person
Foreign national from SAARC nations: NPR 1500/day per person
Foreign national outside SAARC nations: NPR 3000/day per person
Children: Below 10 yrs free
Do’s and Don’ts
While the natural beauty of wildlife safari in Nepal is breathtaking, visitors need to take precautions to ensure their safety while visiting Nepal’s national parks, conservation areas, and wildlife reserves. There are some important do’s and don’ts to consider before embarking on such an adventure.
- Do your research before you go. Know the park's elevation and terrain, and be familiar with the hazards associated with those environments.
- Always follow the directions of the park rangers.
- Do not wander off the trails. Not only is this dangerous, but it can also damage the delicate ecosystems in the parks.
- Always stay with your group, being aware of your surroundings.
- Be respectful of the wildlife and plants. Do not touch or disturb any animals, and please leave all flora undisturbed.
- Do not leave any food or trash behind.
- Do not swim in rivers or lakes, and not take anything from the parks.
- If you are on a hike, make sure you are properly equipped for the hike or climb you are undertaking.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
- Use insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects.
A wildlife safari tour in Nepal is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and culture of Nepal. You will be able to see some of the most incredible animals in their natural habitats, and also get to explore some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the world. There are many different tour operators who offer these types of tours who are professional and knowledgeable, and they will ensure that you have a wonderful experience. The tour offers a variety of different activities, making it perfect for everyone from experienced wildlife enthusiasts to first-time adventurers.
If you’re looking for an adventure that will take your breath away, then this is the trip for you!
