When you first hear about Nepal the first thing that probably comes to your mind is the country of the Himalayas. Home to the highest peak in the world Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters) and seven other mountain peaks that are over 8,000 meters (there are only 14 of 8,000 meter mountains in the entire world) it's natural to think that way.
However besides the majestic Himalayas this landlocked country is also known for its abundant natural beauty and diversity. Due to its incredible diversity from the flat Terai plain to lush hills and the alpine mountain region Nepal has successfully preserved a wide range of flora and fauna.
Within a 100 km radius you will be able to explore the sweltering jungle of the Terai belt in the south to the alpine meadow of the Himalayan region to the north. So Nepal is a natural paradise when it comes to exploring a wide variety and endangered species of flora and fauna.
The tropical belt of the country is an ideal region which houses some of the most exotic wildlife species on the planet. Thus, the maximum number of wildlife safari tour in Nepal takes place in this region and you will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent diversity of the country in a safe safari tour led by Regal Nepal.
There are a total of 10 national parks in Nepal, 6 conservation areas, 3 wildlife reserves and 1 hunting reserve which occupy 23.3% (32,999 sq km) of the total area of the country. These protected areas are spread across the different regions of the country from the Terai to the Himalayan region.
Types of Wildlife Safari Tour Experiences in Nepal
The wildlife safari tours of Regal Nepal are designed to provide a diverse range of experiences befitting the different interests of the adventurers. It doesn’t matter whether you are a passionate wildlife photographer, birdlife enthusiast or someone who is just looking forward to reconnecting with nature, Regal Nepal will design thrilling and memorable adventures according to your preference.
There are four types of wildlife safari touring experiences that you can choose from us.
Jeep Safari
Jeep safaris are perfect for adventures who want to cover more ground in a shorter period. In a jeep safari tour you will be able to penetrate deeper in the jungles. This will increase the chances of spotting the wildlife of the region. The open top jeeps that we use for the jeep safari also provide perfect vantage points for photography and observation of wildlife from a safer distance.
Elephant Safari
Elephant safari is one of the traditional ways to explore the jungles in Nepal. Riding on the back of an elephant and moving across the jungle will provide a unique perspective. The elephant safari also can easily take you to isolated parts of the jungles which would otherwise be difficult to access via jeep.
Walking Safari
This mode of wildlife safari tour in Nepal is popular for more intimate experience with nature. In a walking safari you will have finer details about the region with up close understanding of the flora and fauna of the region. Your group will be led by an experienced ranger/naturalist and you will explore the region on foot keeping a safe distance from wildlife. This type of walking wildlife safari tour is designed to be educating as well as exciting.
Canoe Safari
A canoe safari is a peaceful way to explore the rivers and wetlands of the country to explore the aquatic wildlife. This unique experience brings you close to aquatic animals such as fish, crocodiles and river dolphins including water birds. You will also be able to admire the land wildlife and birdlife at the banks as you calmly glide in a canoe across rivers.
National Parks of Nepal
For a better understanding of dynamics of national park, conservation area and wildlife reserve in the country you can check out the following table.
Title | Total Area | District |
National Park Khaptad National Park |
225 sq km |
Dti, Bajura, Accham, and Bajhang |
Langtang National Park | 1,710 sq km | Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok and Rasuwa |
Sagarmatha National Park | 1,148 sq km | Solukhumbu |
Chitwan National Park | 932 sq km | Parsa, Makwanpur and Chitwan |
Makalu Barun National Park | 1,500 sq km | Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha |
Shey Phoksundo National Park | 3,555 sq km | Mugu and Dolpa |
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park | 159 sq km | Kathmandu, Nuwakot, Dhanding and Sindhupalchowk |
Banke National Park | 550 sq km | Banke |
Parsa National Park | 499 sq km | Bara, Parsa and Makwanpur |
Shuklaphanta National Park | 305 sq km | Kanchanpur |
Bardia National Park | 968 sq km | Bardia |
Rara National Park | 106 sq km | Jumla and Mugu |
Conservation Area Annapurna Conservation Area |
7,629 sq km |
Lamjung, Kaski, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi |
Kanchejunga Conservation Area | 2,035 sq km | Taplejung |
Blackbuck (Krishnasar) Conservation Area | 15.95 sq km | Bardia |
Api Nampa Conservation Area | 1,903 sq km | Darchula |
Gaurishankar Conservation Area | 2,179 sq km | Ramechhap, Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha |
Manaslu Conservation Area | 1,663 sq km | Manang and Gorkha |
Wildlife Reserve Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve (Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve’s status was updated to ‘National Park’ in 2017) |
175 sq km |
Sunsari |
Hunting Reserve Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve |
1,325 sq km |
Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung |
Which National Parks to Choose for Wildlife Safari?
Out of all the incredible prospects in the country to explore the rare species of wildlife, birdlife and plants for the wildlife safari tour Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are considered two of the most amazing destinations.
Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve and Shuklaphanta National Park (previously a wildlife reserve) are two other incredible destinations for the wildlife experience. Regal Nepal operates thrilling wildlife safari tours in these popular destinations so you can enjoy a valuable experience.
You will be able to explore the diversity of flora and fauna in each of these protected regions. Primarily wildlife species such as the elusive royal Bengal tiger, one horned rhino, rhesus monkey, deer, langur, wild boar, gaur, wild dogs, etc are the major attractions of wildlife safari tour in Nepal.
Similarly wide species of snakes, pythons, endangered long snouted gharial (Gangetic crocodile), marsh crocodiles, etc are major species of reptiles in the safari tour sections. As for the birdlife you can take your time to admire the colorful species such as flycatchers, parakeet, Indian pitta, pintails, Brahminy ducks, peacocks, hornbills, woodpecker, floricans, peahens, redheaded trogons, etc.
Wildlife safari tour can be an amazing experience as you will get the opportunity to admire the diverse flora and fauna of this Himalayan country at their natural element. It is not like a tour in zoo where animals and birds are isolated from their habitats.
This safari tour will give you insights into how species thrive in the wilderness and their natural habits. As you will not be walking on your feet to explore the wildlife and will be doing it from a safe distance in a comfortable vehicle pretty much can take part in this journey.
The unique and fascinating wildlife safari tour offered by Nepal is a unique experience compared to safari adventures across the world. In this Himalayan country you will have a blend of experiences as you will also be rewarded with cultural immersion during your safari tour.
During your trip you will also have the opportunity to explore the indigenous communities of the region, their vibrant traditions, cultural dress and tasty delicacies. Similarly beyond the flora and fauna exploration you can also enjoy recreational activities like canoeing, bird watching, elephant riding, cycling, rafting, etc.
A fun filled and thrilling wildlife safari tour in Nepal is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about nature. Wildlife safari tour will also help you gain a deeper understanding of the majestic beings that we share this planet with. Regal Nepal has been leading remarkable wildlife safari tours since our establishment. We cater to the adventure needs of every individual to ensure a remarkable experience that will be a life long memory.