Nepal's wildlife protection network extends beyond its major national parks to include dedicated wildlife reserves that protect specific habitats and species of exceptional conservation value. While Chitwan and Bardia attract most wildlife visitors, the reserves of Koshi Tappu, Parsa and Shuklaphanta offer equally compelling wildlife experiences with significantly fewer tourists.
Nepal's biodiversity statistics are remarkable for a country of its size. Over 180 mammal species inhabit the country - from the Greater one-horned rhinoceros in the Terai lowlands to the snow leopard in the high Himalaya. More than 800 bird species have been recorded, representing around 10% of all bird species on earth. The wildlife reserves play a critical role in protecting habitat corridors that connect larger parks and allow wildlife populations to move and breed across the landscape.
All three reserves described below can be visited independently or as part of a broader Nepal wildlife tour. For comprehensive safari planning, see our Nepal wildlife and bird tours, our guide to Nepal's national parks, or contact us for a custom itinerary.
More than 10% of Nepal's total land area is covered by national parks and wildlife reserves. Over 30 species of large wild animals and 180 species of mammals make their home in Nepal. Wildlife like the Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodile and the snow leopard lurk in Nepal's jungles.
The country is also home to more than 800 species of birds, or about 10% of the world total. Nepal has nearly as many kinds of birds as the whole of North America. Endangered varieties like the Bengal florican, Saras crane and swamp partridges thrill nature lovers. Egrets, herons, wren babblers, green babblers, blue magpies, Himalayan griffins and other magnificent species criss-cross the skies over Nepal.
Koshi Tappu was gazetted in 1976 AD. With the covering area of one hundred square kilometers (100 sq. km.), it is situated in the eastern part of Nepal. The reserve is spread on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi River.
When To Visit?
The best season to visit the park is the favorable months ranging from October to April because in the mid summer (June-July) the temperature rises straight up to 40°C with high humidity.
Parsa Wildlife Reserve is located at the central zone of Nepal, occupying parts of Chitwan, Makwanpur, Parsa and Bara districts. The reserve was established in 1984 AD. covering an area of four hundred and ninety-nine square kilometers (499 sq. km.)
When To Visit?
The reserve has a subtropical and tropical monsoon climate with high humidity. To visit the reserve it is best in winter (October-December) and summer (January-mid April). In the summer season the temperature ranges 30°C-40°C.
Royal Shuklaphant Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern part of far-west Nepal in Kanchanpur district. The reserve was established in 1973 as the Royal Shuklaphant Wildlife Reserve covering an area of 155 sq. km.
When To Visit?
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the reserve because the temperature remains 30ºC to 32ºC and rises up to 40ºC whereas in winter it ranges from 10ºC-15ºC.
National parks have the strictest protection level in Nepal. Wildlife reserves allow some limited human use within buffer zones. In practice for visitors, the wildlife and safari experience is comparable. Parsa Wildlife Reserve (adjacent to Chitwan) protects the same core Terai species including tiger and rhino. Both types of protected area require an entry permit purchased at the gate.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is Nepal's premier birdwatching destination with 440+ recorded species - among the highest counts of any site in South Asia. It is a Ramsar-listed wetland and particularly outstanding during the October to April migratory season. Day trips from Biratnagar (1 hr flight from Kathmandu) are feasible. See our Nepal birdwatching tours for Koshi Tappu itineraries.
Yes. Parsa Wildlife Reserve and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve both have confirmed Bengal tiger populations as part of the broader landscape tiger conservation network. Parsa is part of the Chitwan-Parsa complex - the same tiger population moves between both areas. Tiger sightings are never guaranteed but multiple day safaris in any of these reserves give a reasonable probability. Bardia National Park and Chitwan remain the top choices for tiger sightings.
Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi (1.5 hrs) in far-western Nepal, then drive approximately 1 hour to the reserve. Shuklaphanta pairs naturally with Bardia National Park (120km east, reachable via the East-West Highway) for a comprehensive far-western Nepal wildlife circuit covering both a grassland reserve and a riverine forest national park.
We offer comprehensive wildlife packages covering all of Nepal's major protected areas: Chitwan National Park (2-4 nights, most popular), Bardia National Park (3-5 nights, best for tiger sightings), Koshi Tappu (2-3 nights birdwatching), Parsa and Shuklaphanta. Multi-park circuits combining 2-3 reserves in a single trip can be arranged. Contact us for a custom wildlife itinerary.
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If you want to find out more about things to do, major places to visit in Nepal or need our assistance for planning your Nepal holiday, simply send us an email and we will get back to you right away.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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