Sightseeing · Kathmandu
Central Zoo (Jawalakhel Zoo)
Nepal's only zoo, at Jawalakhel in Patan, with tigers, one-horned rhinos, red pandas and elephants around a lake — an easy, popular family day out.
- Address
- Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley
The Central Zoo at Jawalakhel is Nepal's only zoo and one of the most popular family outings in the Kathmandu Valley — a leafy, lakeside park in Patan where you can see the country's iconic wildlife, from Bengal tigers to one-horned rhinos, without leaving the city.
The short answer
Head to Jawalakhel in Patan (Lalitpur), about 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from Thamel. Walk the shaded loop around the central lake to see tigers, rhinos, red pandas and an elephant, allow one and a half to two hours, and pay a modest entry fee at the gate. It pairs easily with Patan Durbar Square for a full day.
What to expect
The zoo is laid out around a central lake with tree-lined paths, picnic lawns and boating, which makes it as much a green city park as a wildlife collection. The animals are predominantly native Nepali species — Bengal tigers, the famous greater one-horned rhinoceros of the Terai, leopards, the much-loved red panda, Himalayan birds and an elephant — giving visitors a chance to see in one place creatures they might otherwise only glimpse in distant national parks.
It is busiest at weekends and during school holidays, when local families fill the grounds. For a calmer visit, come on a weekday morning soon after opening.
The zoo also plays a quiet conservation and education role, taking in rescued animals and running programmes for school groups across the country. Information boards explain the species and their status in the wild, which makes the visit a gentle introduction for children to the wildlife they might later see in Nepal's national parks. The greater one-horned rhino and the red panda in particular are creatures most travellers will not glimpse elsewhere without a long journey into the lowland or mid-hill forests.
Good to know
- Time needed: One and a half to two hours; longer with young children.
- Entry: Tiered fees for Nepali, SAARC and other foreign visitors; small extra for boating.
- Best time: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
- Best for: Families and anyone keen to see Nepal's wildlife in the city.
- Getting there: About 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from Thamel, in southern Patan.
How it fits your trip
The zoo is an easy addition to a day in Patan, especially for families. Combine it with the sacred ponds of Kumbeshwar Temple, the superb Patan Museum and a browse of Patan's metalwork and Newari crafts. For a full plan see our Patan and Lalitpur guide; to go further afield to see this wildlife in the wild, read about Nepal's national parks via the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Central Zoo in Kathmandu?+
Nepal's Central Zoo is at Jawalakhel in Patan (Lalitpur), in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley. It is about 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from Thamel and is easy to combine with a visit to Patan Durbar Square, making it a popular family stop.
What animals are at the Central Zoo?+
The zoo houses native Nepali wildlife including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, red pandas, Himalayan species and a range of birds, alongside an elephant and other animals. Exhibits are arranged around a central lake with shaded walking paths.
Is the Central Zoo good for children?+
Yes, it is one of the most popular family outings in the Kathmandu Valley, with manageable distances, a lake, picnic spots and a good chance to see Nepal's iconic wildlife up close. It pairs well with other family-friendly stops in Patan for a full day out.
How much is the Central Zoo entry fee?+
The zoo charges an entry fee, with different rates for Nepali nationals, SAARC visitors and other foreign tourists, plus a small charge for activities like boating on the lake. Fees are modest; confirm the current rates at the ticket counter when you arrive.
How long do you need at the Central Zoo?+
Allow about one and a half to two hours to walk the loop, see the main enclosures and pause by the lake. Families with young children may want longer, especially if they take a boat ride or stop for a picnic in the grounds.
