The short answer
Nepal rises from the hot Terai plains to the highest peak on Earth in a few hundred kilometres, so it packs jungle, subtropical hills, temperate forest, alpine meadows and cold desert into one country. Species from two great biogeographic regions meet here, which is why tigers and rhinos live in the south while snow leopards and red pandas live in the north.
Official sources describe Nepal as holding a share of the world's species far larger than its area, including thousands of flowering plants and hundreds of butterflies. For a visitor it means that a trip can combine very different habitats in a short time. Plan by habitat and season, and check each park's current rules before you go.
Key facts
- Range
- Lowland jungle to alpine and cold desert
- Realms
- Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan
- South
- Tiger, rhino, elephant
- North
- Snow leopard, red panda, musk deer
How it works
- Pick a habitatTerai, hills or high mountain.
- Choose a parkMatch with season and time.
- Hire a naturalist guideThey know where to look.
- Plan spare timeWildlife is unpredictable.
Insider tip
Choose one lowland park and one hill or mountain area for a balanced trip.
Avoid this
Do not expect to see rare animals on a short visit; luck and time matter.
Related questions
Where is the best place to see a tiger?
Chitwan and Bardia are the best-known parks, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Is the Himalaya good for wildlife?
Yes for birds, tahr and, with luck, rarer species, usually on treks.
Plan your Nepal trip in 60 seconds
Answer four short questions. We show trips that fit, and a planner can send a route and price. Free, no payment.
Trips that match this guide
Keep reading
More guides to explore
- ChitwanDays, access, what a safari includes, safety and cost.
- BardiaBardia or Chitwan, reaching it, days and season.
- Khaptad and the Far WestMeadows, the ashram, the festival and how to reach it.
- Terai ExtrasMeghauli, Sukla Phanta, Devghat, Dhorpatan and Kapilvastu.
- All Nepal guidesBrowse every place and theme.
