Things to do · Nepal
Nepal's National Parks and Wildlife
Chitwan, Bardia, Sagarmatha, Langtang and Shivapuri — Nepal's parks, the wildlife to spot and when to go.
Nepal is best known for its mountains, but its lowland and Himalayan national parks shelter some of Asia's most exciting wildlife — from one-horned rhinos to elusive snow leopards. Here is where to go and what you can expect to see.
The short answer
For a classic jungle safari, head to Chitwan in the central Terai, the most accessible park and the best for rhinos. For a quieter, tiger-focused trip, go to Bardia in the far west. The high Himalayan parks — Sagarmatha, Langtang and Shivapuri near Kathmandu — combine trekking with birdlife and rare mountain mammals.
The main parks
- Chitwan National Park — lowland jungle and grassland, famous for greater one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles and wild elephants. The easiest park to reach and the best for first-time safaris.
- Bardia National Park — remote western wilderness with the country's best odds of seeing a wild Bengal tiger, plus rhinos and wild elephants.
- Sagarmatha National Park — the Everest region, protecting Himalayan tahr, musk deer and the occasional snow leopard among Sherpa villages.
- Langtang National Park — alpine forests and high valleys north of Kathmandu, home to red pandas and Himalayan black bears.
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park — the green hills on the capital's northern edge, a quick escape for birdwatching and day walks.
Wildlife and safaris
The headline animals are the rhino, tiger, wild elephant and gharial crocodile, all found in the Terai parks. Safaris run as jeep drives, guided jungle walks and dugout-canoe trips along the rivers. The cool, dry season from October to March brings the best sightings — line up your dates with our best time to visit Nepal guide, and see where the parks fit among the best places to visit.
Frequently asked questions
Which national park in Nepal is best for wildlife?+
Chitwan is the most accessible and the best all-round choice, famous for one-horned rhinos and gharial crocodiles. Bardia, further west and far quieter, gives you the strongest chance of spotting a wild Bengal tiger.
Can you see tigers in Nepal?+
Yes. Bengal tigers live in the lowland parks of Chitwan and Bardia. Sightings are never guaranteed, but Bardia's low visitor numbers and dense tiger population make it the country's top park for a chance encounter.
What animals can you see in Chitwan National Park?+
Chitwan is home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, wild elephants, sloth bears, deer, gharial and mugger crocodiles, and more than five hundred bird species, all viewable on jeep, walking or canoe safaris.
When is the best time for a wildlife safari in Nepal?+
The cool, dry months from October to March are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and good visibility. Late winter and early spring, when the grass is shorter, offer the clearest sightings before the monsoon arrives in June.
