Area: 1710 sq. km.
Established: Designated in 1970-71 / gazetted in 1976.

Location: Situated in the central Himalayas, Langtang is the nearest large National Park to Kathmandu.The area extends from 132 kms north of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China (Tibet) border.It offers a wilderness experience without what is often a long journey. Considered as one of the most rewarding shorter treks, the trek allows you to get to the base of the mountains without too much exertion.There is also an extensive glacier system to explore.

Features: Langtang encloses the catchment area of two major river systems: one draining west into the Trisuli river and the other east to the Sun Koshi river.Some of the best examples of graded climatic conditions in the Central Nepal Himalaya are found here.The complex topography and geography, together with varied climatic patterns have enabled a wide spectrum of vegetation types to establish. These include small areas of subtropical forest (below 1000m), temperate oak, alpine scrub and pine forest at mid-elevations which give way to bare rock and snow. Oaks, chir pine, maple, fir, blue pine, hemlock, spruce and various species of rhododendron make up the main forest .

The variations in topography along with the existing forest cover (approx. 25% of the total area), provide a habitat for a wide range of animals, including wild dog, red panda, pika, muntjack, musk deer, himalayan black bear, himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey and common langur. The Trisuli and Bhote koshi rivers form an important route for birds in spring and autumn during migration between India and Tibet.

About 45 villages (846 households around 4,500 people) are situated within the park boundaries. Local people are required to abide by the park regulations with regard to the environment. Around 3000 households (about 16,200 people) depend on park resources for wood and firewood. Culturally the area is inhabited by several ethnic groups, the major group are Tamangs, an ancient Tibetan race of mainly farmers and cattle breeders, they are especially well known for their weaving. Their religion is related to the ancient Bon religion which pre-dates the Buddhist doctrines of Tibet. Nowadays the religion has merged with the newer teachings of Tibet.

The Helambu Area: lies south of Langtang and north of Kathmandu, a region of many scenic villages which are inhabited by Sherpas and Tamangs who came from Tibet centuries before. It is possible to combine both regions when trekking, people have the opportunity to visit The Sacred Lakes of Gosainkhunda (a religious site for both Hindu an Buddhist pilgrims), before travelling south to Kathmandu.

Sagarmatha National Park
Area: 1148 sq. kms.
Established: 1976

Location: Sagarmatha National Park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. It is located 100kms northeast of Kathmandu in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. The park contains Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), along with several other well-known peaks Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kwangde, Kangtega and Gyachung Khang are all found in the region .

Feature: The mountains of Sagarmatha National Park are geologically young, they are broken up by deep gorges and glacial valleys. Vegetation includes pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes which lead to fir, juniper, birch, rhododendron woods, scrub and alpine plant communities. These give way to bare rock and snow. Rhododendrons are in full bloom during spring (April and May). The region is most plentiful in flora and very colourful during the monsoon season (June to August).

Wild animals residing in the park include the Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow and musk deer. The snow leopard and Himalayan black bear are also present but rarely sighted. Other smaller mammals found in the region include the weasel, maren, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), jackal and languer monkey.

The park is populated by approximately 3000 Sherpa people who originated from Tibet, their lives are heavily interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism. The main settlements are Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame, Thyangboche, Pangboche and Phortse. The economy of the Khumbu Sherpa community has traditionally been heavily based on trade and livestock herding. However, with the arrival of international mountaineering expeditions beginning in 1950s along with an ever increasing influx of foreign trekkers, today the Sherpa economy is becoming increasingly dependent on tourism.

Annapurna Conservation Area
The Annapurna region is the most diverse area of any protected region in the World . Recognising the need to protect what is Nepals most highly trekked area, the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation was established in 1986. Named The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), it was the first and the largest project of its kind in Nepal covering an area of 7629 sq. kms. The conservation area embraces a multiple of land-use principles of resource management, combining environmental protection with sustainable community development. Traditional subsistence activities are woven into a framework of sound resource management which are supplemented by conservation, development and alternative energy programmes .These programes have been established to minimise the negative impacts of tourism .

The biological diversity and sheer beauty of the Annapurna region is equally rivalled by its rich cultural heritage, from Hindu farmers to Tibetan Lamas. The region caters for around 60 percent of the country’s total trekking community.

ACAP follows the philosophy of maximum people’s participation.Its role is one of a catalyst (facilitator) where local people are involved in all aspects of the conservation and development processes, both as principal actors and prime beneficiaries.The aim is to educate and involve people to enable them to manage the area with minimum outside influence. Each village has its own management committee which is entrusted with the responsibility to manage, utilize and protect all natural resources within its own respective V.D.C. ( Village development committee ) .

The project is spread out over 5 districts of the Western Development region of Nepal, it covers 55 Village Development Committees. Seven-unit conservation offices are located in the field – Jomsom, Manang, Lo-Manthang, in the northern section and Bhujung, Lwang, Sikles and Ghandruk, in the southern section. The focus on the main trekking trails which includes Jomsom, Manang and Ghandruk, is one of integrated tourism management and agro-pastoralism. The priorities for Bhujung, Sikles and Lwang (villages in the same district but off the trekking route), are mainly based on poverty alleviation, integrated agriculture and livestock development respectively.

The focus in Lo-Manthang, in the remote region of Upper Mustang, has been managing controlled tourism on a sustainable basis and promoting heritage conservation. It also works with alternative energy, resource conservation and community development programmes. The Conservation Education and Extension Project (CEEP) is being implemented in the entire area, it serves as the backbone of all conservation efforts in the region.NEC Travels & Tours Kathmandu

Khaptad National Park
Area: 255 sq. kms
Established: 1984

Location: Khaptad National Park is located in the mid-mountain region of far-western Nepal, 446kms by air from Kathmandu. The core area is situated at the intersection of the Bajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham districts of Seti zone.

Feature: The park covers the unique mid-mountain ecosystem of western Nepal, elevations reach to 3000mtrs.The park upland is a rolling plateau of grass intermixed with oak and coniferous forests.

Vegetation ranges from sub-tropical forest in the lower altitudes, to temperate forest on the Khaptad plateau. Common tree species include chirpine, spruce, fir, maple, birch, alder and rhododendron. Dense bamboo (Nigalo) forests are also found here, along with a wide variety of medicinal herbs.

The park provides a habitat for leopard and Himalayan tahr, there is a variety of other mammals.Birdlife includes impeyan pheasant, chokor partridge, kalij pheasant, monal, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, red and yellow-billed blue magpie and the Himalayan griffin. A wide variety of butterflies, moths ( Junkiri ) and insects are also an important feature of the Khaptad ecosystem.

The core area of Khaptad is steeped in religion,the ashram of Khaptad Swami, the renowned spiritual saint of the area, proclaimed all vices of society such as alcohol, tobacco, violence and killing as prohibited.

Rara National Park
Area: 106 sq. kms
Established: 1976

Location: Rara is located in north-west Nepal, 371kms by air from Kathmandu. Most of the park including lake Rara, lies in the Mugu District, a small area in the Jumla District of the Karnali Zone. Rara is the smallest park of Nepal, it contains the country’s largest lake (10.8 sq kms) at an elevation of 2990mtrs.

Feature: Elevations range from 1800mtrs to 4048mtrs. The park is made up mainly of coniferous forest. Around the lake, the area is predominantly blue pine, back juniper; west Himalayan spruce, oak, Himalayan cypress and other associated species. From 3350mtrs pine and spruce give way to fir, oak and birch. Deciduous tree species include Indian chestnut, walnut and Himalayan popula. A small portion of the park serves as habitat for musk deer, other animals native to the park include Himalayan black bear, leopard, goral, Himalayan tahr and wild boar.
The only fish species recorded in the lake is the Snow Trout. Resident Gallinaceous birds and migrant waterfowl are a major attraction for park visitors. The great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, and red-crested pochard reside during winter. Other common birds are the snow cock, chukor partridge, impeyuan pheasant, kalij pheasant and blood pheasant.

Shey–Phoksundo National Park
Area: 3555 sq. kms
Established: 1984

Location: Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the largest National Park of the country. The park is situated in the mountain region of western Nepal and reached from Kathmandu by a flight to Juphal 420kms, followed by a few hours trek. The region covers parts of Dolpa and the Mugu District

Feature: The park contains dense forests, comprising of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir, birch and quercus. The trans-Himalayan area of the park has near-desert type vegetation of dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs. NEC Travels & Tours Kathmandu
The area provides prime habitat for snow leopard and blue sheep. More common animals found here are: goral, Himalayan tahr, serow, leopard, wolf, jackal, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten, langur and rhesus monkeys. Many varieties of birds have been recorded, including, aimpeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, cheer pheasant, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Area: 1325 sq.kms
Established: Established in 1983 and gazetted in 1987.

Location: Dhorpatan was previously a hunting Reserve, it lies in the Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung districts along the Dhaulagiri Himal range in western Nepal, 335 kms from Kathmandu. Putha, Churen and Gurjaa Himal extend over the Northern boundary of the reserve.

Feature: The reserve in the past was divided into six areas for hunting management purposes, nowadays the shots come only from cameras.The reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. Pastureland at higher elevations occupies more than 50% of the total area of the reserve.

The reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep, a highly coveted trophy in the past. Other animals found are leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque, languor and mouse hare.Pheasants and partridges are common, endangered animals here include musk deer, wolf, red panda, cheer pheasant and danphe.

Parsa Wildife Reserve
Area: 499 sq. kms
Established: 1984

Location: Parsa Wildlife Reserve occupies parts of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara Districts in the central Terai. The reserve headquarters is situated at Adabar on the Hetauda-Birgunj highway. (reached by a flight to Simara followed by 30 mins by jeep)
Features: Lieing east to west, the reserve has sub-tropical forest Sal trees cover 90% of the total area. Chir pine , Khair. Sissoo and the Silk cotton tree are found in the Churia hills on the parks northern border. Sabai grass grows in abundance at the end of the monsoon, often to heights of five mtrs and over.It is used by local people to make roofs and also given as fodder to livestock. The reserve supports a good population of resident wild elephant, it is also a habitat for tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull and wild dog. Other more common animals found are sambar deer, chital, hog deer, barking deer, languor monkey, striped hyena, ratel, palm civet and jungle cat. 300 species of birds have been recorded, including giant hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, flycatchers and woodpeckers. Due to the hot tropical climate,many kinds of snakes are found including king cobra, common cobra, krait, rat snake and python .

Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve:
Area: 175sq. kms
Established: 1976
Area: 155 sq. kms to 305 sq. kms after completion of the extension.

Location: The Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is situated in the southern part of far-western Nepal in the Kanchanpur District. (best reached by a flight to Mahendranagar, followed by a short drive)

Features: Predominantly Sal forest with Arna, Semal, Karma, Khair and Sissoo found straddling the riverside. The main grass species are the imperate Cylindrica and the Saccharum Heteropogon which is used extensively by the local people for thatching.
The reserve provides a prime habitat for swamp deer, there is an estimated population of between 2000 to 2500. Wild elephant, tiger, leopard, blue bull,hog deer, wild boar and chital also reside.A total of 200 species of birds have been recorded, grassland birds include the rare Bengal florican.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: (best reached by flight to Biratnagar followed by a two hour by jeep )
Area: 175 sq. kms
Established: 1976.

Location: Lies on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi river in Saptari and Sunsari Districts of eastern Nepal. The eastern and western embankments of the river define the reserve.

Features: Rapid and complete flood inundation of the reserve to depths ranging from 10 to 300cms occurs during the monsoon when the Sapta Koshi river changes its course dramatically .Vegetation is mainly tall khar-pater grassland with a few patches of khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed reverine forest.

This reserve is unique for its 100 or so surviving wild water buffalo, other animals include the hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and the gaur. Recorded species of birds total 280, including 20 species of duck, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans.

Bardia National Park
Area: 968 sq. kms
Established: First gazetted in 1976 and further extended in 1984.

Location: Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the mid far-western Terai, east of the Karnali River.(best reached by a flight to Nepalgunj followed by a three hour jeep drive).

Features: The park is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai, predominately Sal forest which covers around 70% of the area. The remainder is a balance of mixed grassland, savanna and riverine forest. Farming ceased in the valley after 1500 people were resettled, this has allowed the natural vegetation to regenerate, making it a prime habitat for wildlife. NEC Travels & Tours Kathmandu

The park provides excellent cover for endangered animals: rhinoceros, wild elephant, tiger, swamp deer, black buck, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger crocodile and gangetic dolphin are all now established.

Birdlife (over 200 resident species) includes the bengal florican, lesser florican, silver-eared mesa and saris crane. The grassland and river habitat attracts a variety of migratory birds during certain times of the year. More than 30 different mammals and many snakes and lizards are found here. The park runs an important breeding

Royal Chitwan National Park
Area: 932 sq. kms
Established: 1973

Enrty fees into Royal Chitwan National Park: National Park entry fee per person per day: For Nepali Nationals Rs 20 For SAARC NAtionals Rs 200 For Foreign Nationals Rs 500 Children under 10 years Free Elephant ride for about 2 hrs. - Rs 550 - (Nepali's Rs 100) Fishing permit - Rs 300 - (Nepali's Rs 20) Camping per night per person - Rs 300 - (Nepali's Rs 20) Guided jungle walk - Rs 250/400 for half day/full day - (Nepali's Rs 20) Canoeing - Rs 230 per person 4WD safari - Rs 650 per person Gharial crocodile breeding centre - included in the park entrance fee Elephant breeding centre - included in the park entrance fee Lodges offer all-inclusive packages for 2 to 4 days for those who want everything pre- organised by the lodge guides.

Location: ( The terai region is reached either a five hour journey by road or 20 minute flight)
Royal Chitwan National Park was formerly known as the Chitwan valley, it is the oldest national park of Nepal. The park was designated for big game hunting in 1846 A.D. by the ruling Rana family who used it exclusively for themselves and their guests.During this period many animals were hunted to extinction. The park is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. programme for the gangetic dolphin (fresh water), it is the only breeding centre in Nepal.

In 1963, the area south of the Rapti river was demarcated as a sanctuary for the endangered One horned Rhinoceros . In 1970 King Mahendra approved in principle the creation of Royal Chitwan National park. The park became a World Heritage Site in 1984, an elephant breeding centre was established in 1987.

Since the establishment of the National Park, many of the species which were hunted in the past have re-established themselves, including the Royal Bengal Tiger .

Features: The park covers a relatively undisturbed area which has a unique ecosystem. It contains the Churiya hills that rise gradually in elevation from the parks southern border at 150mtrs to over 800mtrs. Chitwan is a major flood plain that has rich alluvial soils. Approximately 70% of the park is covered with Sal forest, the remaining vegetation includes grassland (20%), riverine forest (7%), chirpine and other plants account for the remaining (3%). The grasslands form a diverse and complex community, over 50 species have been found. Sacharum , often called elephant grass, reaches 8m in height. The shorter grasses are useful for thatching roofs.

Over 43 species of mammals and more than 450 species of birds have been recorded, the area also is also a habitat to more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Seasons: Chitwan is influenced by a tropical monsoon climate with relatively high humidity. The year can be divided into three main season’s: winter, spring and the monsoon season. The cool winter season occurs from October to February, spring from March to early June, the months of April and May are typically very hot where temperatures can reach 38C during the daytime. The monsoon usually begins at the end of June and continues until September. This monsoon is the main contributor to the mean annual rainfall, between 30 to 50mm a year. During this time the rivers are flooded and most of the roads are virtually impassable
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Fauna: The park is especially renowned for its protection of the endangered One-Horn Rhinoceros (estimated population 400).It is also a habitat to The Royal Bengal Tiger, Gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and python sambar, chital, hog, deer, barking deer, sloth deer, common leopard, ratel, palm civet, wild dog, langur and rhesus monkeys. More than 43 species of mammals have been recorded.

450 species of birds have been recorded to date, endangered birds include the Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser