From the rhino grasslands of the Terai to the snow leopard country of Dolpo — Nepal protects a quarter of its land, across every climate zone on earth.
Nepal's protected areas span 60 metres above sea level to the summit of Everest. Each one below is open to visitors — most require a permit bought at the entrance or in Kathmandu.
Nepal's first and most visited national park. Home to one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharial crocodiles, and over 500 bird species in dense sal forest and riverine grassland.
Contains the world's highest peak, Mount Everest (8,849 m), along with six other peaks above 7,000 m. The park is also home to the Sherpa people and rare wildlife including the snow leopard.
The closest Himalayan national park to Kathmandu. Encompasses the Langtang Valley, Gosaikunda sacred lakes, and the Tamang and Tibetan cultural corridor along the Nepal-Tibet border.
Nepal's smallest national park, centred on Rara Lake — the country's largest lake at 10.8 km². Remote and rarely visited, it offers pristine wilderness and superb birdwatching.
Nepal's largest national park, in the remote trans-Himalayan Dolpo region. Features the stunning Phoksundo Lake, ancient Bon monasteries, and the highest concentration of snow leopards in Nepal.
A peaceful highland plateau in Nepal's far west — one of the country's least-visited parks. Known for its meadows, oak and rhododendron forests, and the ashram of the sage Khaptad Swami.
Protects an extraordinary range of biodiversity from subtropical valleys to the summit of Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest peak. Contains one of the most pristine ecosystems in Asia.
Nepal's largest protected area in the Terai and the best place to spot wild tigers — sightings are more frequent here than in Chitwan. Also home to the Gangetic dolphin in the Karnali River.
The watershed park that supplies fresh water to Kathmandu city. Just 15 km from Thamel, it offers accessible hiking, birdwatching, and a forest escape from the capital.
A buffer between Bardiya and the Indian border, extending tiger and rhino habitat through the mid-western Terai. The Babai River Valley is prime wildlife territory still largely off the tourist trail.
A rugged conservation area north-east of Kathmandu protecting the Rolwaling Valley and Gaurishankar peak (7,134 m). Sacred to Tibetan Buddhists; home to the elusive snow leopard and Himalayan thar.
Adjacent to Chitwan, Parsa forms a crucial wildlife corridor allowing tigers, elephants, and rhinos to roam freely across a much larger protected landscape. Known for its birdlife — over 500 species recorded.
Nepal's westernmost protected area, encompassing the Api (7,132 m) and Nampa (6,755 m) peaks. A remote and culturally rich area with Byansi and Shaukas communities living in traditional trans-Himalayan villages.
Every protected area charges an entry fee, and trekking routes inside them usually need a TIMS card as well. Fees differ for SAARC nationals and other foreign visitors, and are payable in Nepali rupees. Buy permits at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or at the park entrance for the Terai parks.
Permits & practical info