Feel the Aura of Paradise in National Parks of Nepal

HB Kham

Believe it or not, Nepal is topographically cradled in the snowy lap of the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) and is wonderfully gifted with unparalleled natural paradise, vibrant biodiversity, besides being endowed with mountains and rivers.

The nature at its best form and expressions can be observed in Nepal while exploring several national parks located in hills, central regions and lower plains of Nepal.

These national parks are vantage points for the visitors to observe nature at its best and its highest glory. These national parks are the best venues for exploring wildlife and relish jungle safari, too.

Shey Phoksundo National Park 

Shey Phoksundo National Park is named after Phoksundo lake which is rated as one of the top and most beautiful lakes in the world. It is also the deepest lake in Nepal and is elevated at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level.

This lake has a deep blue-green colored water to observe for the visitors. Snow leopard, blue sheep, musk deer, and Tibetan yaks are worth seeing. The park is a popular destination for tourists.

Khaptad National Park 

Khaptad National Park located in the far western part of Nepal, though rich in biodiversity and its panorama of natural beauty, yet remains less explored and exploited. The park named after Khaptad Baba who moved to the area from India to meditate in the 1940s for spiritual attainment has also become a pilgrimage site for Hindu pilgrims.

So, trekking to this park means enjoying both spiritual as well as the physical aspect of human perspective besides enjoying the natural panorama of scenic beauty. Hunting animals, smoking and using alcohol are strictly restricted here as we associate spiritual aspects with this park.

Shuklaphanta National Park 

A royal hunting reserve initially was turned into wild reserve in 1976 again converted into a Shuklaphanta National Park in 2017.

Spotting tigers and rhinos could be fun for visitors in this park. The park is well known for being a paradise for bird watchers. The major attractions of this park include large herds of elephants and swamp of deer, river beds and tropical wetlands with a diverse variety of flora and fauna.

Banke National Park 

Banke national park is a natural home for over 300 species of birds and animals. Endangered Asiatic elephant, four-horned antelope can be observed within the jungles of this park.

The entire park has eight distinct ecosystems within itself, including forests, grasslands and mountain ranges. To its west is the Bardia National Park which is also a great, biologically diverse national park. Banke National Park is Nepal’s newest national park established in 2010.

Makalu Barun National Park

Makalu Barun National Park, though stunning, is relatively remote just like Khaptad National Park. Maybe it’s the remoteness that makes it such a marvel. Anyone who visits is sure to be blown away by the skyline that is home to some of the world’s largest mountains. The park is named after and built around Mount Makalu (8,463 meters).

Makalu Barun National Park is the only protected region in the world to have an elevation of 8000 meters above sea level. It’s also home to rare animals including the snow leopard, endangered red panda, various deer species, and the Himalayan black bear.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, however, it has yet to attract the Nepali population. This protected area is home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak. The park is home to animals such as the snow leopard, lynx, bears, hares, and the Himalayan Thar.