National Parks in Nepal
National Parks in Nepal
Apr 14 2017
National Parks Nepal covers mainly forested land and is located at various altitudes in the Terai, in the foothills of the Himalayas and the mountains, thus encompassing many landscapes and preserving vast biodiversity in the Palearctic Indomalayan ecozones.
Khaptad National Park
First of all, Khaptad National Park lies in the Far-Western Region of Nepal with 225 sq km. It is a mid-mountain region ecosystem with an unparalleled topography within Nepal. In 2042 B.S. (1984 AD), it became a national park, extending to Bajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham districts in the far western region.
Similarly, the speciality of this national park is its great religious importance besides its natural charm and richness. The park got its name from sage Khaptad Swami. Khaptad Swami, an uncommon saint, arrived at this national park in the 1940s (AD) to stay, perform meditation and penance ever after his life then. Swami spent around fifty years of his life in this region. The central religious locations within Khaptad national park are The Khaptad Ashram, Tribeni, Shrine of Shiva, Khaptad Sahashra Linga etc. Many pilgrims throng around these sacred sites during religious occasions like Jestha Purnima (in Ganga Dasahara festival). There are strict restrictions for Alcohol, tobacco products and animal sacrifice in these areas.
Furthermore, Khaptad National Park offers a spectacular panoramic view of Api and Saipal Himalayan Range and lush green and rolling hills. It holds unique pastureland in several places called Patan. These places invite temporary stay of cowherds during favourable weather of summer season with their animals.
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Moreover, as per the topography and climatic condition of the park, Khaptad consists of large varieties of flora and fauna. This region has got sub-alpine vegetation. Some of the notable species of greenery found here are montane sal, pine, oak, fir, birch rhododendron, maple, spruce, hemlock, Lindera nausea, Cinnamomum tmca etc. There are about 135 species with the grassland flowers like primulas, buttercups and wild berries. It also has 567 species of medicinal herbs.
Similarly, there are 266 species of birds. Some are imperial pheasant(Danphe), many varieties of partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos and eagles. There are twenty different species of mammals. Some of them are deer, wild boar, Ghoral, Himalayan black bear, Yellow-throated marten, Rhesus, Langur, Leopard, Wild dogs, Jackal, Musk deer etc.
Routes to Khaptad
Air route to Nepalgunj- Local buses from Nepalgunj to Silgadhi Doti followed by about six hours walk from Silgadhi to park border, and about 8 hrs trek to park headquarter. Or Air route to Dipyal followed by three days. Air route to Achham or Bajhang and two days walk or flight to Bajura followed by four days walk. Air routes to Dipyal and Accham are not regular and reliable
Remember
There are no good hotels and lodges for accommodation so one should manage their stay. Altitude sickness is a dangerous health hazard in case of rapid ascending upward.
Rara National Park
First of all, Rara National Park lies in the north-western region of Nepal, extending from the upper-hilly region to the mountain region. It was gazetted as a national park in 2032 B.S. (1976 AD). It has 106 sq km covering some parts of Jumla from the Mugu district. A large portion of Rara National park lies in Mugu on the lap of majestic Himalayas with the lush green forest around the awesome natural grandeur of the beautiful Rara Lake (a mountain lake).
Similarly, the centre of focus in this park is the lake Rara which offers the national park's name. It is also the home to a unique Himalayan ecosystem, rich in flora, fauna and scenic grandeur. Rara Lake lies at an altitude of 2990 m with a maximum length of 5 km, width of 3 km and 167 m depth. To the north of the lake lies Mt. Ru Kandha (6731 m) and Malika Kandha, and to the south lies Chuchemara Peak. It is the largest lake in Nepal. One can have a breathtaking view of azure water, a green landscape of pine forest and snowcapped peaks. The Mugu-Karnali river valley appears like a paradise. Mugu-Karnali River is a natural outlet of Rara Lake.
Furthermore, Rara has an alpine climate, extremely cold during winter. Temperature goes down below freezing with heavy snowfall about one meter, often blocking the routes and passes. The summer season is relatively warmest. September, October, March, and May are favourable months to visit there.
Flora and Fauna
Moreover, the dominant vegetation of the Rara is the blue pine. There are several species of Rhododendrons. Others are fir, oak, birch, spruce, etc.
Furthermore, It is the home of 20 different mammals species, including musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Jackal, Himalayan Thar, Leopard, Yellow Throated Marten, otter, and wild dog langur, Rhesus macaque, red panda etc.
Similarly, Rara is the home for 272 species like coots, snow cock, and various pheasants, grebes, red-crested pochard, gulls, mallard, common teal, and some migratory birds.
Remember
Rara National Park lacks sufficient and appropriate lodges and hotels for tourists.
Route to Rara
Furthermore, it is about two and half days from Jumla or ten days from Surkhet. The fastest route is the air route via Nepalgunj, Surkhet to Talca, followed by 4.5 hrs walk to the park headquarter.
Shey-Phoskundo National Park
First of all, Shey-Phoskundo National Park lies in the north-western part of Nepal, extending from the upper hilly region to the mountains. This is the largest national park in the country. It lies in the Dolpa and Mugu district of Karnali Zone. Shey Phoskundo has got Tibetan type of climate. It is a sample of the trans-Himalayan ecosystem. Mountains like Kanjirowa (6866 m), Sikalpo Khang (6556 m), and Wage Peak are the prominent peaks of this region. It was gazetted as National Park in 2040 B.S. (1984 AD). It has a total area of 3555 sq km.
Moreover, this park's specialities are Shey-Phoskundo Lake, Shey Monastery, and a unique Tibetan culture site. Thrashing monasteries and several other monasteries are the centres of Buddhist learning.
Furthermore, the human settlements in this area directly influence Tibetan culture and religion. The people of this region are followers of animism and Buddhism (Bon-Po religion). A considerable number of monasteries, chortens, thanka paintings and Tibetan trade by caravans are the unique features of this region.
Similarly, Climatically, Shey-Phoskundo observes a severe cold climate in the winter where temperature decreases from freezing-point with heavy snowfall. Relatively, monsoon wind affects the lower parts of the park more.
Furthermore, One can enjoy the trekking adventure around Ringo or Foksundo Lake, but only group trekking is allowed for trans-Himalayan trekking in inner Dolpa.
Flora and Fauna
Similarly, Due to the sub-alpine and alpine climate, diverse vegetation ranges like silver fir, juniper, salix, rhododendron, caragana shrubs, and white Himalayan birch.
Other animals are blue sheep, ghora/, leopard, jackal, Himalayan black bear etc. There are six reptile species and thirty-two butterfly species, including the highest flying butterfly in the world named Pasalasa nepalaica. There are more than two hundred species of birds. Some are yellow-throated Marten, Tibetan Partridges, wood snipe, white-throated tit, wood accentor, Crimsonearned rosefinch etc.
The Route to Shey-Phoskundo
Air route to Nepalgunj and Juphal in Dolpa followed by 3 hours walk to the park at Suligad.
Remember
Moreover, few lodges are available there with limited supply. High altitude sickness can affect the health in random ascending to the higher altitude without acclimatisation.
Bardiya National Park
First of all, Bardiya National Park lies in Mid-Western Terai. Initially, it was established in the name of Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 2032 B.S. (1976 AD). Later, it was developed into Bardiya Wildlife Reserve. It was gazetted as a national park in 2045 B.S. (1988). It has a total area of 968 sq km, the largest National park of the terai region, representing a terai eco-system. It lies in the Bardiya district, occupying a specific portion of the Karnali River.
Its location in the Terai region, dense forest with patches of grassland inside the forest, translocation of one-horned rhinoceros from Chitwan National Park, a perfect home for endangered species like Royal Bengal Tiger, wild elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer and blackbuck are the unique specialities of Bardiya National Park. Similarly, The park has a tropical climate exceeding 40c temperature in the summer.
Flora and Fauna
Similarly, Sal forest. It covers more than two-thirds of the park vegetation. The rest of the part is grassland and riverine forests. The Park is the paradise of animals where endangered species like Royal Bengal tiger, elephant, one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, gharial, crocodile, Marsh mugger and Gangetic dolphin. The endangered birds found in the park are Bengal florican, lesser florican and Saur Crane. There are other birds like herons, egrets, black-necked stork and little pratincole in the riverine forest shore of the Karnali River. Migrating birds are also seen in the park. About 56 species of mammals, 438 birds, and several reptiles are found in the park.
Similarly, there are facilities of varieties of hotels and lodges. One can have communication facilities, general health checks in a community health post nearby and transportation.
Route to Bardiya National Park
Everyday air and bus services are available from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and regular bus services from Nepalgunj to Thakurdwara.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park lies in the south-central and inner terai of Nepal. This National Park is not only of Nepal but also the world’s natural treasure since UNESCO declared CNP in its world heritage list in 1984, recognising its precious eco-system. Moreover, it is the first national park of Nepal gazetted in 1973 (2030 B.S.) with 932 sq km extending to Chitwan, Xlakawanpur, Nawalparasi and Parsa districts. It has its expansion over Chure Hill, Rapti Valley and some significant parts of the Narayani and Reu rivers.
Similarly, the park has diversified landforms within its limited area from subtropical lowland to 800 m altitude like marshland, riverbanks, hills, rivers, valleys, savanna, grassland and dense deciduous forests. The national park is the largest home of one-horn rhinoceros. Especially the area south of the Rapti River is the habitat or the sanctuary of rhinoceros.
Furthermore, the winter season from October to February has a mild temperature maximum of 250. In contrast, summer, whereas summer days are scorching hot, exceeding 400 C. Months from June to September, are characterised by the monsoon wind flow with heavy rainfall. In contrast, whereaswhereaswhereas summer days are scorching hot, exceeding 400 C. Months from June to September are marked by the flow of monsoon wind with heavy rain with hot and humid atmosphere.
Flora and Fauna
Furthermore, the park has diverse and most valuable eco-systems like hill eco-system, marsh, to river eco-system. It consists of tropical and sub-tropical forests. Sal trees cover two-third of the woods. About 20% of the park is grassland. There are more than 68 different types of grasses, including elephant grass, about 8 m in height.
Similarly, the park hosts six mammals, 544 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles. The endangered species are one-horned rhinoceros, Gaur, Royal Bengal tiger, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard, python etc. Furthermore, the birds include Bengal florican, lesser florican, giant hornbill, black stork, white stork etc.
Almost, the native inhabitants of Chitwan are the Tharus. Similarly, Tharus are traditional farmers and famous for their unique culture. Their traditional stick dance is vibrant and lively.
Furthermore, the park offers Jungle Safari adventure riding on the elephant's back. It lets us closely view the one-horn rhino and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Similarly, the elephant breeding centre at Khorsor, Sauraha, offers a chance to get information on tame elephant and their breeding phenomenon. Bikram Baba and Balmiki Asharam are important religious sites in National Parks. The Gharial breeding centre is another unique location to see the human effort to conserve the aquatic ecosystem.
Most of all, Chitwan offers varieties of hotels, lodges and restaurants for tourists.
Route to Chitwan is the easiest one. Furthermore, regular bus services and air services are available from Kathmandu.
Image;
Photo by Yujesh Maleku on Unsplash