There are more than fifteen National Parks and Wildlife Reserves in Nepal that offer vast biodiversity and amazing landscapes. The four most popular ones are listed here. Chiŧwan National Park - It lies in Midwestern Nepal close to its southern border to India. It is the most famous national park for doing a Jungle safari and veiwing wildlife in Nepal. This park offers a chance to see a One-horned Rhinoceros, Gharial Crocodiles, the Bengal Tiger and numerous species of birds. You can go on Jungle safaris in a jeep, on an elephant, by canoe or simply by taking a walk with a guide. Its a great place to relax and unwind after a long high altitude trek. The park has a range of climatic seasons each offering a unique experience. October through February with average temperatures of 25 Deg C offers an enjoyable climate. September through April, migratory birds join the residential ones creating spectacular bird watching opportunities, while the monsoon rains from June to September bring lush vegetation. Inside the park, there are several high end resorts that can provide lodging and access to wildlife activities. There are various resorts and lodges situated outside the park as well in a village called “Saurāhā” that is increasingly becoming popular among tourists. How to Get There: There is a 25 minute flight from Kāthmāndu, or a 6 hour bus ride to Bharaŧpur/Nārāyangarh and then 30 minutes of local transportation to the National Park. Sagarmāŧhā National Park - is spread over an area of 1,148 sq, km of the Himālayan ecological zone in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Park includes the upper catchments of the Đuđhkoshi and Bhotehoshi Rivers and is largely composed of rugged terrain, gorges and high peaks, ranging from 2,845m at Monjo to the top of the world at 8,848m. Other major peaks are Lhoŧse, Cho Yu, Thāmāserku, Nupŧse, Āmāđablam and Pumori. The famed “Sherpā” people (word often confused by foreigners as a profession), whose lives are interwoven with the teachings of Buđđhism and the hardy lifestyle have inhabited this region for centuries. The famous Ŧengboche and other monasteries in Thāme, Khumjung and Pengboche are common places of worship. The vegetation at lower altitude of the park includes pine and hemlock forests, juniper, birch and rhododendron. The park is home to the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, and over a 100 species of birds including the Impeyan Pheasant, Snow Cock, Blood Pheasant, Red Billed Cock and many more. Thāme Valley is popular for Sherpā culture while Phorŧse is famous for wildlife viewing. How to get there: Luklā is the main gateway to the Everest region. Take either flight to Luklā, Or Bus to Jiri and then 7 days walk, Or Flight to Ŧumlingtār and then 10 days walk, Or Flight to Phāplu and then 5 days walk to get to the Everest National Park. Annapurna Sanctuary - The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) contains some of the world’s highest peaks and the world’s deepest valley - the Kāli Gandaki River Valley. It is Nepal’s largest protected park with 7629 sq. km in area. It is bounded to the north by the dry alpine deserts of Musŧāng and Tibet (China), to the west by the Kāli Gandaki River, to the east by Marsyāngđi Valley and to the south by valleys and foothills of Annapurna range. The nearest town is Pokharā , some 30 km to the south. The ACA has habitats ranging from sub tropical forest to perennial snow landscapes harboring different forest types, hundreds of species of plants, mammals, and birds. It has more than 100,000 inhabitants and more than 10 ethnic groups. The Annnapurna conservation area is located near Pokharā , a town easily accessible from Kāthmāndu by air and road. Buses or taxi services are available from Pokharā to Jomsom, which is located in the northern part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. How to get there: Flight or Bus to Pokharā from Kāthmāndu, then about a 1 hour bus ride to Nayā Pool or Đhāmpus; Or flight to Jomsom from Pokharā Barđiyā National Park - covering an area of 968 km2 (374 sq mi) is the largest and most pristine wilderness area in Nepals Ŧerāi on the banks of Karnāli River. An elephant ride provides excellent view of the park as one can go off the trail. Morning and late afternoon is the ideal time to go on a ride. The major vegetation are wooded grassland and the riverine forest. The One-horned Rhinoceros from Chitwan were reintroduced in this valley. The Karnāli River is home to the endangered Gharial Crocodile and Marsh Mugger. The blue waters also provide habitat for the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. Large Mahasheer, a game fish, is considered an excellent catch among anglers. The fast flowing water also provides excellent rafting expeditions. The Ŧhāru ethnic group is native to this area. Traditionally they are subsistence farmers and practice their own tribal religion. Handicrafts made by these people can be bought as souvenirs. The park has three distinct seasons, each providing a unique experience. From October through early April the weather is dry. The days are warm, and the nights are cool and pleasant. From April to June the temperatures warm up, getting up to 45 Deg C in May. The hot sticky days give way to the monsoon rains that last until September. How to Get There: Flight or Bus to Nepālgunj from Kāthmāndu plus a 2 hour bus ride to the park entrance. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Sapŧa Koshi River in the south-eastern flat region of Nepal. It is the habitat for the only remaining population of Wild Buffalo, Arna (Bubalus Arnee). The 176 sq. km. reserve is Nepals smallest wildlife reserve but is famous for the largest number of bird species. The eastern and western embankments of the giant Koshi River define area of the reserve. The reserve has three distinct seasons. Summer (February through May) is intensely hot with a temperature of over 40 C with minimum precipitation. The monsoon starts in late May/early June and lasts until September bringing heavy and frequent rainfall. Winter (October through January) is characterized by clear skies and moderate temperature. The vegetation is mainly tall grasslands. The estimated population of wild buffalo has dwindled to less than 200. Around 450 species of birds have been recorded, including 20 duck species, 2 Ibis species, White Tailed Stonechat, Striated Marsh Warbler, 30 shore birds, 114 water birds, and the endangered Swamp Partridge and Bengal Florican. The Koshi Barrage has become an extremely important resting place for trans-Himalayan migratory species. The Koshi River is home to 80 species of fish. The endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic Dolphin have been recorded in the river as well. How to Get There: Flight or Bus to Birātnagar from Kāthmāndu followed by a 2 hour bus ride to the park entrance.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 04:11:24 +0000
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