From March to May it is warm at lower altitude and cool above 3000 m. Despite the high temperatures this can be the best time to visit the lowland parks for the teeming animals, birds and flowering trees. Also high altitude nature sanctuaries of Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and Rara can be visited during this period. This is when the rhododendron and alpine flowers burst into blossom.

The National parks and Wildlife Reserves are as follows:

This Royal Chitwan National Park is the first and most famous national Park situated in Chitwan Doon or lowlands of the inner Terai covering more than 900 sq kms including hilly areas of Silwalik Range covered by deciduous sal forests. The park is made up of the alluviums of the Narayani, Rapti, the Reu Rivers and covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed with riverain forest of silk cotton, Acacia and Sisam trees. This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian one horned Rhinoceros and harbours one of the largest populations of the illusive and rare Royal Bengal Tiger.

Besides Rhinoceros and Tiger, Chitwan National Park also support a great variety of flora and fauna. This park has four species of deer including the Spotted Chittal, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, Grey Langur Monkey, Wild Dog, Small Wild Cats, the White Stocking Gaur (The world’s largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. In this park the swampy areas and numerous Ox-Bow lakes provide a home for Marsh Crocodiles. In Narayani river one of the few remaining populations of the rare and endangered fish eating Gharial or Gangetic Crocodile can be found as well as one of the world’s four species of Freshwater Dolphins.

Though the best time to visit Chitwan is October to May when temperature is moderate, the park is open throughout the~ year. During the monsoon when rainfall is heaviest, the rivers are flooded and the vegetation is at its lushes.

This Royal Bardia National Park, located about 400 kms west of Kathmandu on the eastern bank of Karnali River, is 968 sq kms in area which extends from the Churia hills southward to the gentle slopes of the Bhabhar. The higher grounds of Churia have dry deciduous forest of hardwood sal. The porous slopes of the Bhabhar support large open grasslands known locally as "Phantas". .These are some last remaining grassland that once covered much of the Gangetic plains of north India, but in time were transformed into the Rice-Bowl of the sub-continent.

The western end of the Bardia is bounded by numerous waterways of the Karnali river which has created many large and small gravel islands. These islands and much of the lower grounds are covered by a mosaic of grassland and riverain forests of Acacia, Sisam, Large Buttressed Silk Cotton trees and when in fl~ spring, the silk cotton blooms, the forests come alive with scarlet flowers. This is the home of a wide variety of animals. Many of them live in and around the "Phantas". The open grasslands such as Baghora and Lamkoiii are the best places to view the animals. The most conspicuous of which is the spotted deer, black buck, hog deer, samber deer, wild boar, "barasingha" or swamp deer. Two species of monkeys are Langur and Rhesus Macaque. This area is also famous for a small herd of wild elephants though they are rarely seen. It has a small population of rare Gharial, the Marsh Mugger Crocodile and the fresh water

Gangetic Dolphin. The island of Karnali River has the sub-continent’s largest antelope species, The ‘Nilgai’ or Blue Bull. The rivers, Karnali and Babai, attract a large number of waterfowls along-with resident species such as herons, kingfishers, wall creepers etc. and more than 350 species of birds have been recorded in Bardia. Thus, it is the paradise for the bird-watchers. The most rewarding way to view wildlife is to drive a land rover through the park, nature walks, and boat ride down the rivers. The best period to visit this natural sanctuary is from November to April.

This wildlife reserve is located in the extreme south-west of Nepal within the eastern bend of Mahakali River along the Indian Border. Here is a series of large and small grassland fringed by forest made up primarily of Sal. The name of this park is derived from the largest grasslands in Nepal which is known as Sukla Phanta and it covers 155 sq. kms of the land and it was originally the hunting grounds of the one time Rana rulers of Nepal.

A stop is also recommended at Rani Tal. This small Tal (Lake) attracts birds as well as animals like herons, ducks, storks, kingfishers, egrets, swamp deer, wallow etc. Near by ‘machan’ one can view thousands of waterfowls, hundreds of swamp deer grazing at water edge in the evening light providing unique experience to the visitors.

The best period to visit this park is from November to April and to view wildlife in this park is by driving Land rover or having the nature walks with adept trackers.

Trees such as rhododendron, birch, blue pine, juniper and silver fir are found up to the altitude of 4000 m. During late spring and summer, the hills around the villages of Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Thyangboche and Thame wear a festive look due to the colours of several species of rhododendron in bloom. The wildlife mostly seen in Sagarmatha National Park are the Himalayan Tahr, Goral, Musk Deer, Pikka [Mouse Hare], Weasel, Jackal and others. Some rarely seen animals are Himalaya Black Bear, Wolf, Lynx, and snow Leopard. The common birds which can be seen in this park are Impeyan Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Snow Cock, Snow pigeon, Red Billed, Yellow Billed Cough, Himalayan Griffonne Vulture and Lammergeier.

The Holy Lake Gosainkund and forested hill-sides above the villages of Helembu are spectacular. The deep gorge of Bootee Koshi and Langtang Khola are thickly forested with Rhododendron, Oak, Maple and Alder. The forest around Ghore Tabala in the lower Langtang valley and below Gosainkund is inhabited by the Red Panda. Other animals common to this forest are Wild Boar, Himalayan Black Bear, Goral, Grey Langur Monkey and Leopard. The rare Himalaya Honey Guide has been sighted here and it is the home also for Impeyan, Blood, Tragopan and Kalij Pheasants. Larch a rare deciduous conifer found in the lower Langtang valley and further up, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer and Snow Leopard can be viewed. The upper Langtang Valley is one of the few known breeding grounds of the Ibis Bills, the Tibetan snow cock and the snow Partridge.

Langtang has to be explored on foot like other Himalayan nature park. There are several possible trails to choose depending on preference and time available. This valley can be reached easily from Kathmandu which is a day drive. The upper region of Lang-tang Valley can be reached in four days of easy walk. It is advisable to spend a few days around the forest at Ghore Tabela to see the Red Panda. It is the venue for the only known scientific research study of this rare animal. Above Langtang village and the monastery at Kyangjin, visitors can explore the high valley of Langshisa Yala peak and Tsergo Ri. These and other villages of upper Langtang are inhabited by people of Tibetan descent whereas the villagers of Dhunche, Bharkhu and Syabru are the home of the Tamangs of Nepalese mid-land hills.

The access to the high pass out of Langtang - Gang La [5132 m] can be negotiated only by trekking. The Gosainkund also can be reached in a few days from Dunche. One can trek to Gosainkund from Sundarijal (Kathmandu)via the picturesque villages of Helambu. The route passes through thick forest that climb steeply to Thare Pati and Gopte Cave which are alice by birds and flowering Rhododendron and orchids in spring. One can visit the Langtang National Park any time from March to November; but, it is best to avoid monsoon season because of rains and overflowing rivers.

This Phoksundo National Park is the largest national Park of Nepal with on area of 3555 sq km. It is located astride Dolpo in Mugu districts of western Nepal. This park was established to protect the Tran Himalayan ecosystem found only in few areas of Nepal. It includes Kanjiroba Himal with many peaks of over 6000 m as well as the famous SHEY MONASTERY, the PHOKSUNDO LAKE and the LANGU GORGE.

The area has Pine. Walnut, Willow, Oak, Poplar and Cypress in the lower southern parts and in the higher part has abundance of Blue Pine, Spruce, juniper and Birch. Alpine areas are vegetated by Bear-berries, Wild Rose and Caragana. Wildlife of Shey Phoksundo has a good population of Blue Sheep, Goral, Musk Deer, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wolf, Marmot, Weasel, Mouse Hare, Rhesus and Langur Monkey. Higher reaches are the haunt of the elusive snow Leopard. Adjoining Tibetan region is the home of such rare animals as the great Tibetan Sheep, Tibetan Wild Ass, Tibetan Gazelle, Antelope and Wild yak. Birds species of the park are Impeyan, Blood and Cheer Pheasant, Cough, Raven, Tibetan Snow Cock, Tibetan Twite, Brown Dipper, Himalayan Griffonne and Lammergeier.

The Park is inhabited by the people of Tibetan Descent who follow the pre-Buddhist Bon religion and some of the main villages are Ringmo, Ougmo, Saldang, Karang, Kugun and Tatgaun. In the full moon of August, all Dolpa villagers converge on the Shey (Crystal) Mountain in a festival to walk around the holy peak three times during the festival days. A large portion of this National Park is closed for foreign visitors and trekking permit is required to visit the area

that are open. To reach this park visitors can fly to Jumla from where it is 10 to 12 days hike to reach the Phoksundo and Shey areas. The best time to visit this park is from April to November.

This Rara National Park is situated about 370 kms north-west of Kathmandu. It is the smallest and the most scenic National Park. Much of the park is at an altitude of about 3000 m forested by Conifers. This was established in 1976 and it protects some of the most beautiful Alpine and Sub-Alpine ecosystems of the Himalaya. The centerpiece is the pristine Lake RARA which is also known as Mahendra Lake and is the biggest Lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by thickly forested hills. The Chuchemara Danda at the height of 4087 m is the best vantage point to get stunning views of Lake RARA and thickly forested hillsides along the snow-capped peaks around it. Around the park area other summits like Ruma Kand [3731 m] and Malika Kand [3444 ml are situated in the north of the lake.

This park comes within the catchments area of Karnali River. The habitat supports animal like Red Panda, Black Bear, Yellow Throated Martin, Goral, Serow and Musk Deer. Leopard and wolf can be seen as well. The lake attracts migrant wildfowl like Tealks, Pochards and Mallards. The resident birds are Impeyan, Kalij, Blood Pheasant and Chukker Partridge. Such is the profusion of bird life; but, a thorough ornithological study of the area has yet to be conducted. To reach this park the easiest way is to fly to Jumla either from Kathmandu or from Nepalgunj and hike for 3 to 4 days to reach the park office HUTU. Visitors can travel to this place with camping gears and guides. The best time to visit this place is from February to April and again in October and November.

Khaptad National Park is in the middle hills of the far west of Nepal. This newly protected area covers 224 sq kms and is situated in the region where the districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Doti and Achham meet. Khaptad is the plateau of grassland and forest at an elevation of about 3000 m. Mixed Conifers and Broadleaf forest are excellent examples of the vegetation that once covered much of west Nepal’s mid-land hills.

ANNAPURNA CONSERVATION AREA:

Annapurna Himal region of Nepal encompasses 2600 sq kms of mountainous terrain with some of the world’s highest peaks and deepest river valleys. The area has been recognised as a naturalist’s paradise. The upper sub-alpine steep environment harbours some of the rare snow leopards and the blue ship. Other areas protect bird species like multi-colored Impeyan, Koklas, Blood Pheasants amongst a multitude of other birds. Various types of butterflies and insects are found. This conservation area has many varieties of orchids and some of the richest temperate rhododendron forests in the world.

Annapurna Conservation area covers the entire Annapurna Massif including the famous Annapurna Sanctuary, Marsyangdi, Kali Gandaki River Valleys,

Manag, Thorong La, Muktinath and Jomsom. Trekker can choose wide range of routes, the wildlife enthusiast might want to opt for lesser frequented areas such as the well-forested Siklis and Piper hills, high altitude Alpine areas around Muktinath and Manang. The best take off point for this region is Pokhara in the central Nepal. Higher altitude can be visited during spring and autumn although lower altitude can be visited even during winter.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Sapta Koshi river in the far eastern corner of Nepal, close to the country’s southern border with India. The reserve covers 175 square kilometers to the north of the Kilometer-long barrage that spans the grate Koshi river. This was built between 1958 to 1964 to control and prevent flooding in the plains of northern India to the south. The vast expanse of open water created by the barrage and the marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mud-flats and arable land that around it offer an outstanding wetland habitat, one of the finest bird-watching sites in Asia. Almost all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, egrets, terns and gulls occur here, plus a great variety of land birds, especially warblers and birds of prey. Well in excess of one hundred different species of birds may be seen each day in this wonderful area, amongst them such local specialties as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and striated Marsh warbler. The sharp-eyed may also be lucky enough to seen some of the endangered Ganges River Dolphins that live here.

Apart from National parks and Wildlife Reserves, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal has also set aside a hunting reserve at Dhorpatan where controlled hunting of some species is allowed. The area covers 1325 sq kms and situated on the southern flanks of Mount Dhaulagiri [8167 m] in the district of Rukum, Baglung and Myagdi in the central Nepal. The vegetation of this area is characterized by well-developed mixed-hardwood forest at lower elevations and many plant species of drier climate to the north. The species of trees