Great One Horned Asian Rhino

Widely acknowledged as one of the best national parks in Asia, the Royal Chitwan National Park, with an area of 967 square kilometers, lies 90 kilometers (crows-flight distance) southwest of Kathmandu in the Inner Terai flood plains of the Narayani and Rapti rivers. Formerly a royal hunting reserve, Chitwan was the first forest area of Nepal to be designated a national park in 1973, and was later also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.

Chitwan is a very popular wildlife safari destination on account of its thriving wildlife population and easy accessibility from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. Visitors have the opportunity of close encounters with wild three-ton rhinos on elephant back; a thrilling and frightening experience but not really dangerous as both the elephants and their handlers are well experienced in their work. The park is home to an immense variety of wildlife so there are a lot more other creatures to see besides the rhino. That, including good facilities for accommodation and jungle activities makes the Royal Chitwan National Park well worth a visit. Chitwan ranks third, after Kathmandu and Pokhara as the place most preferred by visitors.

Vegetation
Within the Terai floodplains and the Churia Hills (between 150 and 800 meters above sea level), the sub-tropical forests of Chitwan are host to a very diverse ecosystem. The predominant vegetation of Sal (Shorea robusta) covers around 70% of the forest. 20% is grassland, with as many as 50 species of grass plants. The most spectacular among these are the elephant grass, which attain heights up to 8 meters. Seven percent of the area is riverine forest in which we find Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sisoo), Kapok (Bombax ceiba), and Acacia Catechu trees. The remaining 3% are the chirpine (Pinus roxburghii) trees that crown the upper ridges of the Churia Hills. Complementing the major vegetations is an immense variety of wild flowers, vines, creepers and parasites.

Wildlife
Of the 43 species of animals recorded in the park, there are an estimated 500 Great One-Horned Rhinocerii and a recent tally on tigers shows them to number 106 in all. In 1973, when Chitwan was declared a national park, there were less than 100 rhinos and only 15 to 20 tigers. With the support of the WWF and IUCN and the dedicated efforts of the park staff, the numbers of these two endangered species are now reaching a safe level.

Other resident mammals include the Leopard, Gaur (Indian Bison), Wild Elephant, Sloth Bear, Fresh Water Dolphin, Rhesus Monkey, Langur, Wild Boar, Striped Hyenas, Dhole (wild dog), Jackal, Ratel, Palm Civet, Mongoose, Four Horned Antelope, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, and Barking Deer.

Chitwans crocodiles are by far the most spectacular species among the reptilian creatures. On bright sunny days, they can often be seen basking along the riverbanks. There are two species native to Chitwan, the Gharial and the Mugger. The Gharials are by nature non-predatory and thrive solely on fish, but the Mugger is an aggressive carnivorous beast. Other reptiles indigenous to Chitwan are the Indian Python, Monitor Lizard, Pangolin, Tortoise, and King Cobra along with 19 other species of snakes.

At least 485 different species of birds have been recorded inside Chitwan. The forests, grasslands, lakes, swamps, and rivers all provide a wide variety of habitat and food for the various species. Chitwan is a paradise for both birds and bird watchers.

Camps & Resorts
Among the many safari resorts and lodges in Chitwan, only a few have been authorized to operate inside the national park. Obviously, these "jungle-hotels" have the best amenities for wildlife programs. These are Tiger Tops, Gaida Wildlife Camp, Island Jungle Resort, Chitwan Jungle Lodge, Machan Wildlife Resort and Temple Tiger.

The theme on accommodation and activities in these camps are a blend of the native Tharu culture combined together with the opulence of the erstwhile British Empire. You may choose to stay in either the safari-style tented camps or in semi-detached twin-roomed huts (that are technically designated as lodges in Chitwan).

Package Programs
Camps and resorts inside the park offer package programs that range between 1 and 3 nights. These package programs include accommodation on full board, jungle activities, arrival/departure transfers to the nearest road?head/airport and all the requisite park fees.

A 1-night/2-day package is quite impractical due to the fact that much of both the days are spent in transit. However, the 2-night/3-day package is ideal while wildlife enthusiasts could even opt to go for a 3-night/4-day program.

Activities
Jungle activities on a 2-night/3-day program include an elephant safari, a canoe ride, nature walk, bird-watching, Tharu folk dances and a slide show on the history of the Park.

The 3-night program is supplemented by a jungle drive, and also includes additional elephant and canoe rides.

Meals are served table d'hôte in a variety comprising of Chinese, Continental and Nepali cuisine. The bars are generally well stocked, and besides offering drinks and cocktails, they will have a variety of souvenirs on sale.

Swamp Deer herd in Bardia

Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968 sq. km. The park situated in Nepal's Western Terai was established to protect representative ecosystems and conserve tiger and its prey species. Initially, a small area was gazetted as the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. When this area was protected, approximately 1500 people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park allowing the vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was renamed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size. The reserve was given the status of a National Park in 1988. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991, and 1999.

In 1997, an area of 327 sq. km surrounding the park was declared as a buffer zone which consists of forests and private lands. The buffer zone is jointly managed by the park and local communities. Together they initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the buffer zones.

Features
The park offers a variety of expererinces in its vast undisturbed wilderness. About 70% of the forest consists of sal trees with a mixture of grassland and riverine forest. Sal leaves are used in festivals and religious offerings. The park is home to endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger, wild elephant, Greater one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, and black buck. The other endangered species include gharial crocodile, marsh mugger and Gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds found in the park are-Bengal florican, lesser florican and sarus crane. More than 30 different mammals, over 200 species of birds and several species of snakes, lizards and fish have been recorded in the park's forest, grassland and river. In addition to the resident species, several migratory birds visit the park.

The Babai valley extending from Parewaodar to Chepang (bridge) was included in the park in 1984. The pristine valley is characterized by rich biodiversity. The major vegetation and forest type are wooded grassland and the riverine forest. The translocated rhinoceros from Chitwan were reintroduced in this valley. The luxurious forests in the east of the park also provide a good habitat and corridor for several wildlife species.

The Karnali river, which demarcates the western fringe of the park is home to the endangered Gharial crocodile and Marsh mugger. The blue waters also provide habitat for the endangered Gangetic dolphin. Large Mahasheer, a game fish, is considered an excellent catch. The fast flowing waters also provide excellent rafting expeditions that can stop in the park. Riverine forests dot the shores of the river creating prime habitat for birds such as Herons, Egrets, Black- necked stork, and Little pratincole.

A stroll through the local villages will be a rewarding experience. The Tharu ethnic group is native to this area. Traditionally they are subsistence farmers and practice their own tribal religion. Handicrafts made by the community members could be bought as souvenirs.

Sambar deer

The Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is situated in the southern part of far-western Nepal in Kanchanpur district.

Features
Predominant sal associated with asna, simal, karma, khair and sissoo are found along the riverside. Main grass species of the phantas are imperate cylindrica and sacchrum heteropogon, used extensively by the local people for thatching.

The reserve provides prime habitat for swamp deer. An estimated population of 2000 of this species is found in the reserve. Other wild animals in the reserve are wild elephant, tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard chital, hog deer, and wild boar.

A total of 200 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. Many grassland birds along with the rare bengal florican can be seen in the phantas. Marsh mugger, Indian python, monitor lizard and snakes like cobra, krait and snake are recorded in the reserve.

A flock of serious bird-watchers!

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lieson the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the Terai plains of south-eastern Nepal. The reserve was gazetted in 1976 to preserve habitat for the last surviving population of Wild Water Buffalos in the country. The 176 square kilometer reserve is Nepal's smallest wildlife reserve in which the eastern and western embankments of the Sapta Koshi River define the area. In 1987, Koshi Tappu was declared a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international significance.

Climate
February through May is intensely hot with very little precipitation. Shade temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. The Monsoons arrive late May/early June bringing in frequent and heavy rainfall. Rainfall is greatest during July, and the high temperatures and humidity persist till the arrival of winter (October - January), which is charaterized by clear skies and milder temperatures but after sunset it can get chilly.

Features
The Sapta Koshi is one of the three main tributaries of the Ganga. Rapid and intense flooding of the reserve with depths ranging from 10 centimeters to 3 meters occur during the rainy season. Embankments have been constructed parallel to the river to help control the flooding.

The reserve has a significant habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving population of the Wild Water Buffalo is found here, and the estimated population of 150 is dwindling. They are easily distinguished from the domestic species by their larger horns. The reserve is also home to twenty other animal species such as Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai and the Rock Python.

Around 441 species of birds, many seen nowhere else in Nepal (of which 14 are endemic), have been recorded in Koshi Tappu. This includes 20 duck species, 2 ibis', 30 shore birds, 114 water birds, the White Tailed Stonechat, Striated Marsh Warbler, and includes the endangered Swamp Partridge and Bengal Florican. The Koshi Barrage is an extremely important resting place for many migratory birds. At least 87 winter and trans-Himalayan migratory species have been recorded.

There are 80 species of fish in the Koshi River . The Gharial crocodiles and the Gangetic dolphins have been recorded in these waters as well.

The vegetation is mainly composed of tall Kharpater grassland with small patches of Khair-sissoo scrub forests as well as deciduous mixed riverine forests.

During winter, many of the migratory birds can be seen on the Koshi Barrage and on the river channel. Migration usually peaks around mid-March. There is a lot of wildlife activity around these areas during dusk and dawn. Sunsets over the river are phenomenal. The clear skies allow for beautiful sights of several Himalayan peaks including Mt. Makalu, 8463 m., the world's fifth highest peak.

Bar Headed Geese in Chitwan

For such a small country as Nepal, over 840 species have been recorded, a remarkably high number since that signifies 9 to 10 percent of the world's total variety. The reason for this abundance lies in the fact that the avifauna is derived from both the Palearctic and Oriental regions. However, in all the birds found in Nepal, the Spiny Babbler happens to be the one and only endemic species.

Where To Go
Your birdwatching sojourn can begin right from the moment you arrive in Kathmandu. Close to 240 different avifaunal species have been recorded around the Kathmandu Valley alone. This means that your cultural introduction to the country can be done in tandem with your special interest.

Kathmandu Valley:
Phoolchowki Danda, Royal Botanical Gardens - Godavari, Gokarna Safari Park, Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve, Nagarjun Hill, Chobhar Gorge, Fields by Bagmati and Manohara Rivers, Swayambhu forests.

Pokhara:
The forest hills opposite Lakeside, Begnas Taal,

Chitwan:
Sukebhar, Bees Hazari Taal, banks of the Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers, Tamaspur

Hetauda:
Rapti River

Koshi Barrage and Koshi Tappu:
All over

Dharan:
South-eastern sal forest

Bardia:
Amreni - Lamkhoilephanta - Baghouraphanta, Thakurdwara - Karnali river-banks, north of Amreni to the Churia hills

Annapurna Region:
Pokhara-Jomsom trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, Annapurna Sanctuary trek

Langtang Region:
Gosainkunda trek, Langtang trek

Sagarmatha National Park:
Classic Everest trek, Gokyo trek

East Nepal:
Arun Valley, Hanga Tham and Upper Mai Valley, Ilam to Sunischare

Rara National Park:
Rara - Jumla trek

When To Go
October to November:
Migration of raptors, cranes, waders

December to mid-March:
Winter visitors, descent of high altitude species into the lowlands

Mid-March to April-end:
Arrival of summer visitors

May:
Best time to do high altitude treks

June to September:
Best time to visit rain-shadow areas.

Demoiselle cranes in migration in Jomsom

Wildlife adventure in Nepal does not begin and end in the subtropical Terai plains. The high reaches of the Himalaya is home to other rare animals such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, and musk deer to name a few.

Simply going on a trek to any of the country's remotely located national parks and reserves will bring about many opportunities to watch rare birds and animals in their natural habitat. And on many ocassions, close encounters are possible with some species since they no longer fear man because of the decades long protection that the animals have received ever since the inception of the national parks.

Sagarmatha National Park (Everest Region)
Some of the animals easily sighted while trekking in this region are Himalayan Tahrs, Musk Deer, Red Panda, Wooly Hare, Yellow Throated Marten, Goral, Serow and Himalayan Marmots. Others recorded are Grey Wolf, Black Bear, and the Snow Leopard.

Annapurna Conservation Area
On a trek in this area, the following mammals are likely to be seen; Rhesus Macaque, Grey Langur, Red Fox, Yellow Throated Marten, Himalayan Tahr, Goral and Orange Bellied Squirrel.

Langtang National Park
Mammals recorded include Rhesus Macaque, Grey Langur, Red Fox, Dhole, Black Bear, Red Panda, Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Wild Boar, Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Goral, Serow, Himalayan Tahr, Orange Bellied