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The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Nepal | Unparalleled Beauty

Nepal is truly unparalleled in its beauty. But most don't know that in this small Asian country there is so much more than the rugged Himalaya Mountains† The lowlands are home to jungles and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Conservation and regulations over the past few decades have ensured that the Nepalese landscape has remained largely untouched, allowing wildlife populations to continue to grow. As a result, the population of the Bengal tiger increased by more than 60% in the past decade and Nepal has carved itself into the history books by becoming home to some of the last remaining populations of the one-horned rhinoceros. Visiting one or more national parks in Nepal is unique and unforgettable.

For the locals, most mountain ranges and lakes are spiritually linked. The landscape plays a central role in this. Many tribes and villages lie within the boundaries of the national parks and often the locals are happy to share their collective history with visitors. There is no place in the world that quenches the thirst for nature and culture like Nepal. The beautiful National parks of Nepal have been determining for decades Worldwide level.

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10. Khaptad National Park

Khaptad is a great example of Nepal's impressive far west. It stimulates the senses and nourishes body and mind. Because the park is named after Khaptad Baba who moved to the area in the 40s to mediate. His ashram is a place of pilgrimage for hundreds a year and is of great spiritual importance. Everyone is welcome to visit, but drinking alcohol, smoking and slaughtering animals is strictly prohibited.

Khaptad National Park National Parks in Nepal
Khaptad National Park

Other spiritual destinations within the boundaries of the park include Saileswari, a historic town with a number of Hindu temples, and Ramaroshan which is linked to the scriptures of the goddess Parvati. Badimalika and Surma Sarovar are both connected with historical towns and also important Hindu scriptures. The landscape is a natural wonder made up of green rolling hills and views of the Himalayan Mountains. Meanwhile, the summer climate is extremely comfortable as it rarely dips below 0 or rises above 20 degrees Celsius.

9. Makalu Barun National Park

This beautiful and remote national park is a true national wonder. Visitors are dwarfed by the mountainous skyline that is home to some of the world's largest mountains. Mount Makalu (8.463 meters), the park's namesake, is the fifth highest mountain in the world, while many of the neighboring mountains impressively rise more than 7.000 meters above sea level.

Also read: All National Parks in the United States of America | List

Makalu Barun National Park National Parks in Nepal
Makalu Barun National Park

Makalu Barun National Park is the only protected region in the world with an altitude of 8000 meters above sea level and also has an incredible biodiversity. An astonishing array of flora and fauna reside here, including over 40 species of orchids and other rare plants. It is home to rare animals, including the elusive snow leopard, the endangered red panda, several deer species, and the Himalayan black bear.

8.Shey Phoksundo National Park

The beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal. It contains Phoksundo Lake, which is unsurpassed in beauty. This blue-green lake is the deepest in Nepal and is located at an altitude of more than 3.000 meters. Around the lake live blue sheep, snow leopards, Tibetan yaks, musk deer and other impressive wildlife.

Shey Phoksundo National Parks in Nepal
Shey Phoksundo

More than 9.000 people live in villages within the park boundaries and most of them practice Bon Buddhism, an ancient religion closely associated with the Buddhism and the animism† There are several religious sites scattered throughout the park. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the tallest flying butterfly in the world, Paralasa Nepalaica, in which the park offers a perfect climate.

7. Banke National Park

This amazing little national park was incorporated into the national park system to protect endangered species in the area. Thanks to their conservation efforts, tiger populations within their borders have doubled. The endangered Asian elephant and four-horned antelope also roam freely alongside more than 300 species of birds and countless reptile and fish species.

Banke National Park, Nepal
Banke National Park, Nepal

For centuries, locals have referred to the area on which Banke National Park rests as the “gift of the earth” and many of them live a traditional lifestyle. The landscape is beautifully made up of eight different ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and mountain ranges. It is connected to several nature reserves. To the west is the Bardia National Park which is connected to the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India, as well as the Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary. This is Nepal's newest national park and a true testament to Nepal's ongoing conservation efforts.

Also read: 9x Must Sees in India | Fairytale scents and colors

6. Shuklaphanta National Park

Shuklaphanta was initially a hunting ground for the ruling class in Nepal, but became a nature reserve in the 90s. In 2017 it got on world wildlife day an upgrade to national park status. Swamp deer are a huge attraction to the park, as are the large herds of elephants that are present. Sometimes lucky visitors can also see tigers and rhinoceroses.

Shuklaphanta
Shuklaphanta

According to a tiger census taken last year, there are about 17 tigers living within the park's boundaries. Grasslands, forests, riverbeds and tropical wetlands are home to this great biodiversity and have an impressive flora and fauna. To top it off, Shuklaphanta has become known as a bird watcher's paradise. More than 400 bird species are known in the park. The largest population of Bengal Floricans in Nepal lives here, as do several species of eagles, owls, woodpeckers, vultures and the impressive painted stork. Shuklaphanta can rightly call itself one of the most bio-diverse national parks in Nepal.

Also read: The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Thailand | Untouched Wilderness

5. Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park

This park is close enough to Katmandu that it has become a favorite retreat for locals and visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This park is truly spectacular. Visitors can really reconnect with nature here. There are a number of hiking trails that lead through springs of fresh, clean water, green hills, mountain views and beautiful forests.

Shivapuri Nagarjun
Shivapuri Nagarjun

The name of the park is associated with religious scriptures and Lord Shiva† Equally important to the locals are the many medicinal plants that thrive here. Animals living here include leopards, monkeys and black bears.

4. Bardiya National Park

This dynamic park is one of the most pristine parks in Nepal. Most of it is covered with dense forest, grasslands and riverine forests. A number of rivers run through the park, which are dotted with mirrored displays of water lilies and lotus flowers.

Bardia National Park, Nepal
Bardia National Park, Nepal

It is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, deer and the elusive giant dolphin. More than 400 bird species fly freely in the park and visitors are often treated to the sight of brightly colored peacocks. Although most of this lush area is uninhabited, it is still home to some of Nepal's indigenous people, the Tharu tribe.

3. Langtang National Park

Langtang, nestled among the Himalayan Mountains, is stunningly beautiful. It is rich in biodiversity, cultural heritage and climatic zones. The starry sky that is exhibited every night is unprecedentedly clear and often visible even early in the evening. The landscape is elevated and has crystal clear lakes.

Langtang | national parks in nepal | Wereldreizigers.nl
The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Nepal | Unparalleled Beauty 12

Unfortunately, the village of Langtang was completely wiped out by a massive avalanche in 2015 and more than 100 bodies have never been recovered. There are several spiritual places scattered throughout the park.

2. Chitwan National Park

The surreal backdrop of this park is almost as great as the wildlife viewing opportunities. This huge park has high mountain passes giving way to vast savanna plains, dense jungles and free-flowing rivers and lakes. Here, one of the world's last remaining populations of one-horned rhinoceroses roam free. It is also one of the best places in the world to spot Bengal tigers, Gharial crocodiles, sloth bears and leopards in the wild.

Also read: The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in South Africa | Panoramas & Wildlife

Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Elephants, bird species and unique flora and fauna also thrive here. Thanks to three decades of intensive anti-poaching and conservation efforts by activist groups and government intervention, animal populations are increasing again. This park is often referred to as the second best in the Serengeti for wildlife viewing. Chitwan lives up to its name as one of the best national parks in Nepal, if not the whole world.

1.Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha is nothing short of exceptional. This protected area is home to the world's legendary highest mountain, Mount Everest† In addition to this behemoth, the rugged Himalayan mountain region is home to famous animals such as the snow leopard, lynx, bears, hares, and the Himalayan thar. The region around the park has no roads, which only adds to its remoteness and pristine beauty.

Sagarmatha Mount Everest, National Parks in Nepal
Sagarmatha Mt Everest Nepal

Also read: The Roof of the World | The mighty Himalayas in Nepal and Tibet

It is famous for its spiritual significance. A lot sherpas live here, while others make pilgrimages to sites in the park. Mount Everest itself is very important to the locals. They call the mountain Chomolungma, which means the Mother Goddess of the World, and believe that spirits live in the mountain. Regardless of the reason for visiting the park, this park is truly incredible and will not leave you in the cold.

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