National Parks

National Parks

There are a great number of National Parks in Nepal which are definitely worth a visit. The country has an abundance of wildlife which will appeal to all – snow leopards, Indian rhinoceros, barking deer, bears and tigers – and that's not all! Many a Nepali legend has incorporated these stunning creatures, and life in Nepal would not be quite the same without them. The best way to view animals is by visiting Nepal's National Parks where all kinds of animals are protected in their natural habitat.

The Shey-Phoksundo National Park

Established in 1984, this national park is situated in the mountainous regions of Western Nepal. It is the largest national park in the country and features luxuriant forests, snow leopard and blue sheep. Besides having a wide variety of trees and plant life, the park has a great variety of animals. Himalayan tahr, toral, serow, leopard, wolf, jackal, black bear, weasel, mouse hare, rhesus monkey, langur and yellow-throated marten. It also has a great many birds. Because of the number of potentially dangerous animals, strict attention should be given to the guides in charge of the safety of visitors to the Shey-Phoksundo National Park.

Khaptad National Park

Also established in 1984, this park is situated in the mid-mountain region of Nepal's far-western region. The park features a unique mid-mountain ecosystem and is situated at roughly 300 m above sea level. Noted geographically for it's beautiful rolling forests and plateaus, the park has a great variety of vegetation. If you're an animal lover, you will find leopard, yellow-throated marten, tahr, Impeyan pheasant, chkor partridge, monal, griffin, red and yellow-billed blue magpie and kalij pheasant. The park also has a number of butterfiles and moths. At the center of the park you will find the beautiful Ashram of Khaptad Swami. Because the park has religious significance, drinking, smoking and violence in the park are prohibited.

Bardiya National Park

This park was first established in 1976 and as such is not only one of the older parks but also one of the most undisturbed. It is situated in the mid-Far Western Terai, near the Karnali River. Roughly 70% of the park is covered with sal forest. The rest enjoys a mixture of grassland, savanna and riverine forest. There are no people living in the valley and all farming that once occurred here has ceased. As a result, there is a lot of regeneration of vegetation which means the habitat is excellent for wildlife. The park features a number of endangered animals such as the wild elephant, the rhinoceros, tiger, black buck, swamp deer, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger crocodile and Gangetic dolphin. It also features a number of endangered birds. There are more than 30 types of mammals, 200 bird species and a variety of reptiles and fish in the park.

Rara National Park

Located in North-West Nepal, most of the park lies in the Mugu District. It is the country's smallest park but contains the country's biggest lake. The majority of the park is coniferous forest but deciduous trees like Indian hours-chestnut, walnut and Himalayan popula are also found. Musk deer, black bear, gorla, tahr, leopard and wild boar are common. Snow trout is the only recorded fish species in the lake. The extensive variety of birds found in the park include a large number of waterfowl.

Sagarmatha National Park

This park is located to the North-East of Kathmandu in the Kumbu region. It includes the legendary Mt Everest as well as several other well-known mountains. The park has been a World Heritage Site since 1979 and features a stunning variety of glacial valleys, deep gorges and heavy forestation. You are most likely to spot tahr, goral, musk deer and serow. The park also has snow leopard and black bear but these are seldom seen. You might also be fortunate enough to spot weasel, maren, mouse hare (pika), langur monkey and jackal. The Sagarmatha National Park is also home to a population of roughly 3000 Sherpa who trade livestock and herd animals.

Parsa Wildlife Reserve

The park extends over parts of the Chitwan, Parsa, Bara and Makawanpur districts in the center of the country. It features sub-tropical-type forests and Churiya hills. The flora is varied and home to a good number of wild elephant, tiger, sloth bear, leopard, gaur, wild dog and blue bull, to name just a few. There are also a great number of birds and snakes, including the king cobra, which enjoy the hot tropical climate.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The Koshi Tappu is situated on the flood plains of the Sapta-Koshi in the Saptari and Sunsari districts of eastern Nepal. The reserves boundaries are defined by the river and the reserve area is subject to flood during the monsoon season. The river often changes it's course from one season to another. The reserve is mainly filled with grassland and scrub forest but also has some riverine forest. It serves as an important habitat for wildlife – most notably the wild buffalo. There are only about 100 buffalo living in the areas and this is purported to be the last surviving population of these creatures in the wild. The reserve is also home to a great many fish, birds and other wildlife.

Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

Situated in the southern part of Far-Western Nepal, the reserve falls mainly in the Kanchanpupr District. The reserves most outstanding feature is it's large population of swamp deer of which there is an estimated 2000 to 2500 members of the species in the area. Besides a variety of wildlife and birds, the reserve is also home to the rare Bengal florican. You may also spot Marsh muggers, Indian python, monitor lizards, cobras, rat snakes and kraits but these are seldom seen.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

For those who love testing their hunting skills and increasing the trophies on their wall, this is the only hunting reserve in the country. It serves both Nepalese and foreign sports hunters with a variety of game animals and it is carefully managed. This is the only place in Nepal where hunting is allowed and permits and permission must be obtained before attempting to participate in the sport. The reserve is home to a great number of blue sheep which are considered to be a highly coveted trophy. You may also find leopard, goral, serow, tahr, black bear, barking deer, langur, mouse hare, wild boar and rhesus macaque as well as a number of bird species, deer and wolf.

As with other national parks around the globe, the flora and fauna in Nepal's wildlife reserves are protected by law. Littering, hunting and the general damaging of the environment is prohibited and may even carry a fine. We strongly recommend that you follow the advice of your guide when viewing animals and that you refrain from damaging the environment in anyway. If you only leave footprints and shoot pictures, the legacy of Nepal's National Parks will hopefully survive long into the future.

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national parks, bardia, chitwan, dhorpatan, khaptad, koshi tappu, sagarmatha, shey phoksundo

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Mountains in Nepal

Mountain Ranges of Nepal

A country of great beauty, Nepal is home to eight of the 14 highest mountains in the world. The Himalayan mountain range extends across the country from the eastern edge to the western edge. This conglomeration of beautiful and rugged mountain peaks has drawn mountain trekkers and climbers from all over the world. Many come here to test their skills, their mental and physical strength and their endurance. Others are drawn to the mountains of Nepal for more spiritual reasons. Whatever the case, you can be sure that you will enjoy Nepal's mountains – even if you only see them from a distance.

Most people traveling to Nepal come here to enjoy the striking backdrop of the Himalayas. This striking mountain range is home to the world-famous Mount Everest and many people come here just to try and climb the biggest mountain in the world. Still many others who visit enjoy trekking through the Himalayas, climbing smaller mountains and taking photographs. There is a lot to be seen and done in the Himalayas of Nepal and you do not always have to be an experienced and very fit climber to travel up some of the mountain peaks.

There are several noteworthy mountains in Nepal worth visiting if you are able. The first, of course, is Mount Everest though only a few ever brave the incredible and painstaking journey to the summit. The average visitor may spend some time at the Everest base camp or they may choose to view the biggest mountain in the world from another mountain peak such as Kala Patthar which offers better views than those enjoyed at theEverest base camp. Some of the mountains are extremely steep and icy while others are not quite so steep. Some noteworthy mountains in Nepal include Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Anna Purna, Imja Tse, Ama Dablam and Mansalu.

If you are planning to spend time among some of these legendary mountains when you next visit Nepal, keep in mind that the altitude is extreme and so is the weather. Even in the warmer months, the mountains are usually coated with snow and ice and the air has an unbeatable chill to it. You’ll need special equipment and it also helps to remember that you’ll need the services of an experienced guide as well as a legal permit to climb the mountains. The Himalayas are definitely not the sort of place you go for your first attempt at mountain climbing so you should be sure that you have gained adequate experience before booking your ticket. When you do come, remember to pack warmly, be prepared for anything and get ready to start your adventure in the mountains of Nepal.

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mountains, annapurna, dhaulagiri, kala patthar, mount everest, manaslu

Airport In Nepal

Airport :

Whether you are traveling to or from Nepal, or within the country, you are likely enter at least one of this amazing country’s airports. Most travelers will arrive in Nepal via the Tribhuvan International Airport located in Kathmandu. This is the only international airport in the country and handles a large number of flights from both international and local airlines. From here you will find a variety of transportation to take you to your accommodation.

Aside from the Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal boasts a number of regional airports for quick and easy travel between destinations. These include Pokhara Airport, Nepalgunj Airport, Simara Airport, Bharatpur Airport, Dolpa Airport and Jumla Airport. Whilst you are whisked from one airport to the next, you can enjoy the spectacular landscapes for which Nepal is famous. So whether you want to explore the intriguing sights of the Kathmandu Valley or are planning to head further west for some fantastic trekking, air transport from Nepal’s airports is your quickest and simplest option.

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airports, bharatpur, dolpa, jumla, nepalgunj, pokhara, simara, tribhuvan, kathmandu

Janakpur City

Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, which denotes a sacred place, is unquestionably Tarai’s most fascinating and mystical city just 165km to the east of Birgani. It is at religious sites here that those traveling the Hindu pilgrimage circuit are required to make a stop to show their respect.

Janakpur has been identified through Hindu mythology as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mithila. It was here that much of northern India was controlled during the tenth and the third century BC. Mithila finally came under the strict control of the Mauryan Empire in the third century BC. Thereafter it came under hardships and was neglected for two millenniums until the arrival of Guru Ramananda, founder of the sect of the formidable Sita and in doing so revived the city to its former glory as a religious center during the seventh century.

It can be quite disconcerting as everything in Janakpur is immersed in the Indian culture to the point that one could mistakenly think they were in India. The only difference is the political government governing the area. Janakpur is a great delight to visit. Traffic is all but non-existent with all motorized traffic banned from the center of the city, which means you can have a relatively peaceful stroll around the city.

At the same time though, Janakpur is a thriving city with so much going on its hard to keep up, so if you are thinking of a limited stay its best to rethink and allow for a couple of days to fully absorb this amazing atmosphere that will surround you for the duration of your stay. It must be noted that accommodation, restaurants and other facilities for tourists do not really exist in this area and so its important to speak to your travel agent, do research and make sure your prepared. Something else of great fortune to the city is its only operational railway in existence in all of Nepal just so happens to resides here making for an entertaining adventure to say the least!

Nepal

Nepal is located in South Asia and shares territorial borders with India and China. Previously ruled as a kingdom, today it is a Federal Democratic Republic. Nepal is known for its exquisite natural beauty, with the iconic Himalayas running across the northern and western part of the country. Eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, reside within the country's borders. Although Nepal is a relatively small country in comparison with its neighbors, it has an astonishingly diverse landscape, from the rugged Himalayas in the north to the humid Terai plains in the south. The capital and largest city is Kathmandu. The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee(NPR).

Getting Here

The Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu welcomes visitors into the country and an additional 47 airports make getting around Nepal relatively easy, despite its rugged and mountainous terrain that makes some of the more remote virtually impossible to reach by road. Nepal Airlines is the official air carrier of the country, with a fleet consisting of two Boeing B-757s and seven DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. The railway network in Nepal is rather sparse, with the main line running between Janakpur and Jainagar, a town close to the border of India. A rail link between Nepal and Lhasa in Tibet, China is under consideration for future development.

Passports and Visas

In most cases, visiting Nepal requires a valid passport and visa with an exception for visitors from India and China- which do not need a passport or visa. British, Australian, Canadian, USA and European Union nationals may apply for a visa on arrival in Kathmandu at the Department of Immigration. However, all visitors should check with their travel agent for current visa requirements. Most visas are valid for sixty days for the first visit. Subsequent visits in the same year may be restricted to thirty days. An application for a visa extension may be made.

Accommodations

Tourism provides a significant source of income for Nepal and a wide variety of accommodation ensures that travelers will find what they need within their price range. Most of Nepal’s world-class luxury hotels are located in Pokhara and Kathmandu, catering to the every need of the discerning traveler and business person, while providing a base from which to explore the surroundings in day trips. Health spas and yoga retreats are also popular among city-dwelling holiday-makers looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of modern living. Mid-range and budget hotels are plentiful throughout Nepal, while families in remote areas welcome visitors into their homes to live as one of the family for the duration of their stay – an option which fits in well with trekking expeditions.

Attractions

While the most obvious attractions in Nepal are its majestic mountains and ruggedly beautiful landscapes, there are many historic and cultural treasures to appreciate. Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the town of Bhaktapur near Kathmandu is one of these treasures that should not be missed. It features the spectacular 17th century Lion Gate, the richly decorated Golden Gate and the nearby Palace of Fifty-Five windows. The Central Zoo In Jawalakhel is both a research and educational facility, welcoming animal-lovers to view the more than 900 birds, mammals, reptiles and fish on exhibit. Visitors may also enjoy an elephant ride as well as the picnic facilities and paddle boats.

There are also a number of national parks which protect the diverse wildlife and their habitats in Nepal. The Davis Falls (also known as Patale Chhango, Hell’s Falls, Devi’s Falls and Devin Falls) is an area renowned for its tranquility and mystic legends. The nearby Mahendra Cave (referred to as the House of Bats by locals) is also well worth a visit. History enthusiasts should make a point of visiting the Gorkha Royal Palace standing proudly on a hill overlooking the Gorkha Durbar. The climb to the elaborately decorated Newari-architectural style palace is challenging, but the view of the green landscapes, snow-capped Himalayas and the town below, as well as the palace itself, makes the effort well worth while. Kathmandu, a city which has been immortalized in countless songs, literary works, films and paintings, offers visitors numerous places of interest to visit, with some of the most noteworthy being Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Tharlam Monastery and the Kathmandu Durbar Square listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tours and Activities

Tours are popular in Nepal and there are many local tour providers. The most popular guided tours include short stopovers at major towns and cities allowing travelers to visit local attractions and do a bit of souvenir-hunting while soaking up the sights, sounds and aromas of Nepal’s markets. Ecotourism has become a very popular activity among many travelers.

Without a doubt two of the most popular activities enjoyed by visitors to Nepal are trekking and mountaineering with the rugged landscape offering innumerable opportunities for both. Trekking is an excellent way of really getting to understand what Nepal is all about. Trekkers can set their pace to enjoy the incredible scenery, meet the locals and stop off at the many temples and historic ruins that are often found in unexpected places. Other activities to be enjoyed by the adventurous at heart include elephant safaris, biking, river rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, parasailing and hot air ballooning – an excellent way to view the spectacular Himalayas without actually climbing them.

If you would like more information about planning a vacation to Nepal, we offer many hunderds of pages of city guides about local attractions, destinations, museums, trekking, and eco-tours. Nepal.com also has travel specials on hotels, flights and car rental to help you make your trip the adventure of a lifetime!

My Pokhara

Pokhara is situated on the edge of the Pokhara Valley which is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Nepal. Here the Seti River has dug incredible canyons in the floor of the Seti Gandaki Valley. Most of these canyons are only visible from higher viewpoints but they are stunning to behold. If you wish to see what they look like, getting a little higher off the ground shouldn't be too difficult. The mountains here rise from 1000 m to over 8000 m over the short distance of only 30 kilometers. This astonishing fact makes them one of a kind! The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges can all be seen from Pokhara and make for a stunning backdrop. There is a fantastic waterfall known as David’s Falls where the water from nearby Phewa Lake thunders into a large hole and disappears mysteriously.

Summers in Pokhara are relatively hot and winters are mild. The region is sub-tropical because of the elevation and this means you can expect lots of beautiful green shrubbery all year around.

Pokhara has changed much since the 1960’s. Back then it was a quiet little town which could only be reached by foot. Many considered it to be even more mystical than Kathmandu. The completion of the first road in 1968 soon brought a change to this. Tourism quickly became a major industry and the city grew rapidly. Though Pokhara is considerably bigger than it was only a few years ago, there are still a lot of green spaces which make the place feel peaceful and spacious. Most of the town’s traffic is made up of tourists traveling to the Annapurna Base Camp.

Since most of the city’s growth has occurred in recent years, Pokhara is relatively modern. However, the old center, known as Purano Bazaar, is quite interesting and reminiscent of days gone by as are the mule caravans which arrive regularly from Mustang. There are lots of temples to visit in the region and lots of hiking trails to do. The lakes are generally not very good for swimming though boating is popular. There are a great number of natural attractions in the area which are well worth visiting.

Many tourists enjoy Pokhara as it is not as cramped as Kathmandu, but it do

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It is situated in a valley in the heart of Nepal. The entire terrain of Kathmandu is like a steep incline, descending from the Himalayan heights to the Terai flatland within a short distance.

Kathmandu is truly the heart of the Himalayas, it has a wonderful history that goes back to about two hundred years and a very refined culture, the richest of all in Asia. Kathmandu attracts many tourists all year round, and it is not only just a tourist destination it is also an important business hub and a sacred place for pilgrims.

It is said that Kathmandu has been found by King Gun Kamdev in AD 723. According to the legend, the area was a lake in the past, but Manjushri, a disciple of the Shakyamuni Buddha, cut open a hill to the south and allowed the water to flow out, making the region habitable. The origin of the present name is unclear, but one of the more likely theories is that it was named after Kastha-Mandap ("temple of wood" in Sanskrit), after a pagoda carved from the single tree on the order of King Lakshmi Narasingha Malla in 1596.

The old city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating from the 17th century. One good example is the Kathmandu Durbar Square. This Durbar Square was built in the 16th century. It contains a marvelous royal palace and many temples built in the traditional Newar, Pagoda style. In the square is a house called the Kumari Chowk. The Kumari Chowk is home to Nepal's 'Kumari' – a little girl that is chosen as the living incarnation of the Hindu goddess.

The old royal palace is a part of Durbar Square in Kathmandu city, which remains the traditional heart of the old town and a spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. The king no longer lives here and the 1934 earthquake damaged the complex, but it remains a fascinating place to explore.