National Parks and Wildlife Reserves – Part IV – Bird-eye view series of Nepal (This will be presented in 4 parts in this series)

There are 16 national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas in Nepal, occupying over 16% of its total area. Trekking permits are necessary to trek in the national parks located in the mountains

13. ROYAL SUKLAPHANTA WILDLIFE RESERVE (305 sq km) was until recently a royal hunting domain. It is dominated by sal trees associated with asna, semal, karma, khair, and sissoo sub-species and phanta grasslands. A prime habitat for the swamp deer, it is also home to the wild elephant, tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard, chital, hog deer, and wild boar, along with over 300 species of birds. Reptiles include the marsh mugger, Indian python, monitor lizard, cobra, krait, and rat snake.
Activities: Wildlife viewing on elephant-back
Accommodation: Jungle lodges
Access: Fly or drive to Mahendranagar (695 km Kathmandu)
Best season: Feb-Mar (22-25 degrees Celsius); Dec-Jan (cold, foggy), Apr-Jun (hot, up to 42 degrees)
Reserve headquarters: Majhgaon, Kanchanpur; Tel: 099-521309

14. SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK (1,148 sq km) includes the great Himalayan peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and other giants. It is the land of the Sherpas. Broken into the gorges and glacial valleys, the park has vegetation graduating from pine, hemlock, fir, juniper, birch, rhododendrons, and scrubs to alpine plants and then to bare rock and snow. This is home to the Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, and musk deer. Common birds are the impeyan pheasant, red-billed chough and the yellow-billed chough. Elevation ranges from 2,845 m to 8,848 m.
Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accommodation: Resort hotels, lodges, camping
Access: Two-day walk from Lukla which is 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu.
Best season: Oct-Nov and Mar-May; Dec-Feb (snow, daytime temperature
5 degrees Celsius), Jun-Sep (rainy)
Park headquarters: Mandalphu, Namche Bazaar; Tel; 038-640114

15. SHEY-PHOKSUNDO NATIONAL PARK (3,555 sq km) comprises high mountain and trans-Himalayan ecosystems. It covers parts of Dolpa, the famed land of yak caravans, and salt traders. The lifestyle and culture of the local people remind one of Tibet. The park’s centerpiece is Lake Phoksundo (also known as Ringmo). Forests of blue pine, spruce, cypress, popular, deodar, fir, and birch are found here. It is a prime habitat for the snow leopard, wolf, jackal, and black bear. The place is equality rich in many kinds of birds.
Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
Accommodation: Camping
Access: Fly to Dolpa’s Jufal airport from Nepalgunj of Pokhara and then a three-day walk
Best season: Mar-May (high passes may still be covered with winter snow)
and Jun-Sep (clear weather)
Park headquarters: Seduwa

16. Shivapuri National Park (144 sq km) is situated on the hill of Shivapuri to the north of the Kathmandu. This is an easily accessible destination for viewing orchids, rhododendrons, pines, utisa trees as well as many medicinal and herbal plants. Rising to a height of 2,732 m, Shivapuri is home to the sloth bear, langur monkey, leopard, barking deer, and many species of birds.
Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, bird watching
Access: 11 km to the north of Kathmandu, taxi or bus
Beast season: Sep-Jun; Jul-Aug (rainy)
Park headquarters: Shivapuri; Tel: 4371644