Nepal Wildlife

Nepal Wildlife Besides mountains, there are various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Nepal. The Chitwan National Park is the most famous national park of Nepal. Some other famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Nepal are Annapurna Conservation Area, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Kanchanjunga Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park, Royal Bardia National Park, Langtang National Park, Rara National Park, Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Makalu-Barun National Park, Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Nepal

Chitwan National Park A large part of the Rapti Valley in the lowlands of the Teria region has been considered as a national park and is known as the Royal Chitwan National Park. This park is situated 120 km southwest of Kathmandu in the valley of Rapti and Narayani rivers. Chitwan National Park is the oldest, best known, developed and most frequently visited national park in Nepal. This national park covers an area of 932 square km. In 1973, this park became the Nepal's first national park and strict measures were taken and hunting and poaching were banned. This park was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1984. Some of the animals which can be seen in the park are tiger, great one-horned Indian rhinoceros, leopard, gaur, sloth and wild bear, sambar, hog deer, barking deer, civet, mongoose, otter, marsh mugger crocodile, gharial and the Gangetic dolphin. The best time to visit Chitwan National Park is from October to March.

Annapurna Conservation Area Annapurna Conservation Area is the first and the largest conservation area in Nepal. It covers an area of 7,600 square kms. and is located in mid-western Nepal. About 1,226 species of plants, including 38 species of orchids, 9 species of rhododendron and many varieties of fish can be seen in this area. It is also the home of blue sheep and snow leopards. The Impeyan pheasant, and various varieties of butterflies and insects can also be seen in this park. Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Kanchanjunga Conservation Area is situated just below the looming mountains of Kanchanjunga. The conservation area is spread in an area of 2,035 square kms, and made up of alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, dense temperate and subtropical forests, and river lowlands. The Kanchanjunga Conservation Area is situated in Northeast Nepal in Taplejung district and bordered by Tibet and Sikkim in India in the east. The area is a vast repository of flora and fauna. During spring, the area has an excellent display of rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, primula and many other flowers. Here you can see 15 of Nepal's 28 endemic flowering plants. The wildlife animals in the park includes the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep, rhesus macaw. Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are some of the birds found in the area.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only wildlife reserve in Nepal which is legalized for hunting. The reserve adjoins Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung districts below the Dhaulagiri range in West Nepal. This reserve was established in 1987, and allows sport hunting and preserve a representative high-altitude ecosystem. It covers an area of 1,325 square kms. The reserve offers some game animals for controlled hunting. The vegetation in this region includes alpine, sub-alpine and high-temperature vegetation. Fir, pine and spruce are some of the trees found in the region. Some of the wildlife animals and birds found in the reserve are the blue sheep, snow leopard, tahr, langur, ghoral,

black bear, barking deer, mouse hare, wild boar, pheasants and partridges. The endangered animals in the reserve include musk deer, wolf, red panda and birds like cheer pheasant and Danphe. Sagarmatha National Park The Sagarmatha National Park is located to the north-east of Kathmandu in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This park includes the Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, Lhotse Shar, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Kangtega, Gyachung Kang, Thamserku and Kwangde. Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 1,148 square kms. and consists of upper areas of rivers Dudh Koshi, Bhote Koshi and Imja Khola. The rugged region with deep gorges and glaciers is locally called Khumbu, and is home of the Sherpas, whose lives are interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism. The park was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1979. The vegetation in the park includes the rhododendron, birch, blue pine, juniper, silver fir, scrub, alpine plants, rock and snow. During spring and summer season, the hillsides around the villages of Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Thyangboche and Thame are splashed with the colors of different species of rhododendron. Some of the animals which can be seen in the Sagarmatha National Park are the Himalayan tahr, ghoral, musk deer, mouse hare, weasel, jackal, Himalayan black bear, wolf, marten, Himalayan mouse hare, jackal, langur monkey and snow leopard. Some of the birds which can also be seen in this park are Impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, snow cock, snow pigeon, red billed and yellow billed chough, Himalayan griffin vulture and lammergeier. Royal Bardia National Park The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the mid far western Terai region of Nepal, east of the Karnali River. The Royal Bardia National Park was established in 1988 and covers an area of 968 square kms. It is the largest and most undisturbed park in the Terai lowlands. About 1500 people who used to live in this valley have been resettled elsewhere. Most of the part of the park is covered with Sal trees, grasslands, savanna and riverine forests. The one-horned rhino, tiger, wild elephant, black buck, swamp deer, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger, Gangetic dolphin, snakes, lizards and fishes are the major attractions of this park. More than 200 species of resident and migratory birds including the Bengal florican, lesser florican and Sarus crane can also be seen in this park.

Langtang National Park Langtang National Park is located in the Central Himalayas and is the nearest national park from Kathmandu. The area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China (Tibet) border. This national park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 1,710 square kms. Langtang encloses two river areas, one drains from west into the Trisuli River and the other drains from east to the Sun Koshi river. The vegetation in the park includes the subtropical forest, temperate oak forest, pine forests, alpine scrub and grasses. Blue pine, hemlock, spruce, Oak, chir pine, maple, fir and various species of rhododendron are the main forest species. About 45 villages are situated within the park boundaries, but they are not under park jurisdiction. The area is also the home of several ethnic groups which have influenced the natural environment over the centuries. The wildlife attractions in the Langtang National Park are Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Seraw, Rhesus monkey, Common langur, Wild dog, Musk deer,

Himalayan black bear and Himalayan red panda. The Langtang region is a very important transit route for migratory birds. Shey-Phoksundo National Park Shey-Phoksundo National Park is situated in the mountain region of western Nepal and cover parts of Dolpa and Mugu districts. Shey-Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal. This park was established in 1984 and covers the area of 3,555 square kms. This park is roughly divided into Himalayan range and the river valleys. The Himalayan region has desert type vegetation that mainly consists of dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs while the river valley consists of blue pine, spruce, poplar, cypress, deodar, fir and birch trees. The park is a prime habitat for snow leopard and blue sheep. Other animals which are found in the park are the black bear, Himalayan weasel, langur, ghoral, Himalayan tahr, serow, leopard, wolf, jackal, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten and rhesus monkeys. The park is equally rich in various species of birds like the Impeyan pheasant (danphe), blood pheasant, cheer pheasant, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge and many others. Makalu-Barun National Park Makalu-Barun National Park is located in the Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu Districts in the northeast Nepal at the Nepal-Tibet border. This park was established in 1992 and covers an area of 2,330 square kms. This is the only protected area in Nepal with strict laws for nature conservation. This park is bordered by the Arun River in the east, Sagarmatha National Park in the west, the Nepal-China border in the north and the Saune Danda (ridge) in the south. This park has some of the richest and most unique varieties of plants and animals in Nepal. The vegetation in the park includes fir, birch, herbs, grasses, rhododendron and oaks. There are 47 varieties of orchids, 67 species of economically valuable medicinal and aromatic plants, 25 varieties of rhododendron, 19 species of bamboo, 15 oaks, 86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose. The wildlife in the park includes red panda, musk deer, clouded leopard, barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black beer, snow leopard, ghoral, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan marmot, weasel, common langur monkey and serow. The Arun River system contains 84 varieties of fish.

Rara National Park Rara National Park is located in Northwest Nepal, about 371 kms. from Kathmandu. This park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 106 square kms. This is the smallest park in Nepal. The main attraction of the Rara National Park is the Rara Lake, which is the biggest lake of Nepal. Most of the park, including Rara lake, lies in Mugu District and a small area is within Jumla District of Karnali Zone. The park is covered by coniferous and deciduous forest. Some of the trees which are found in this park are blue pine, black juniper, West Himalayan spruce, oak, Himalayan cypress, fir, oak, birch, Indian horse-chestnut and walnut. The wild animals which are found in this park are musk deer, leopard, black bear,

ghoral, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr and wild boar. Snow trout is the only fish found in the lake. Some of the birds like great-crested grebe, snow cock, black-necked grebe, red-crested pochard, kalij pheasant, chakor partridge, Impeyan pheasant and blood pheasant can also be seen in this park. Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve The Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve is located in the southern part of far-west Nepal in the Kanchanpur District. This park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 305 square kms. Sal, asna, simal, karma, khair and sissoo trees are found along the riverside. The reserve is a prime habitat for swamp deer. Other wild animals include wild elephant, tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard, chital, hog deer and wild boar. Birds of 200 different varieties, including the rare Bengal florican, are found here. Marsh mugger, crocodile, Indian python, monitor lizard and snakes like cobra, krait, and rat snake are also found here. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies in the flood plains of the River Sapta Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari Districts of Eastern Nepal. This park was established in 1976 and covers an area of 175 square kms. This reserve is a favorite place for the bird enthusiasts. The vegetation in the reserve includes tall grasses with few patches of Sissoo and Khair scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest. This reserve offers a habitat for the wide variety of wildlife. The last surviving herd of wild buffaloes was found here. Some other species of animals include wild boar, hog deer, spotted deer, blue bull, crocodile, gharial and the Gangetic dolphin. About 280 species of birds, including ducks, ibises, egrets, herons, swamp partridge and Bengal floricans are also found here. The Koshi Barrage is an extremely important place for the migratory birds. Other animal species include the crocodile, gharial and the Gangetic dolphins. Commercial fishing is also an important activity here.

Nepal Trekking

October and November are the best months for trekking. The air is clear, the vegetation still lush after the monsoon, and both day and night temperatures are pleasant. December and January are colder (especially at higher altitudes) and generally dustier. High passes, like Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit, can be closed and you need more equipment. Everest looks bare as it has very little snow cover. March and April are hazy, though in March, rhododendrons are particularly attractive. May is very hot and quite dusty and streams do not carry much water. The monsoons (June to Mid September) are wet, though you may get breaks of 3 or 4 days in the rain. Clouds can lift to give you some good mountain views. Equipment may feel a little damp. Weather in late September is unpredictable, but the trails are much less crowded, and hence, more pleasant. Leeches can be unpleasant in damper places.

Nepal Cities

Kathmandu Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. The mystical valley of Kathmandu is the Nepal's biggest and most cosmopolitan city, a meeting place of a dozen ethnic groups, and the home town of the Newars. The city of Kathmandu is a perfect mixture of the ancient, traditional and modern. Kathmandu is also the centre of all commercial, political, cultural and social activities and the tourist, adventure and mountaineering excursions. It is also the headquarters of the government of Nepal. Kathmandu has all the features that describe it as a truly modern city. The main places to visit in Kathmandu are Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kumari Temple. Patan The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. Patan is also known as Lalitpur. Patan is the second largest city of Nepal and known for its artistic temples and sculptures. The diversity of the medieval culture has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors. Patan is the most artistic and architectural centre of the valley due to the famous Durbar Square, 55 major temples and 136 monasteries. It is believed that these monasteries were first built by the king Mandev of Lichchhavi dynasty. The main tourist attractions in Patan are Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Hiranyavarna Mahavihara and Kumbheshwar Temple. Bhaktapur Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon as popularly known as) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or "the City of Devotees" still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated myriad wonders. Bhaktapur was the first city to attain a high level of artistic achievements, after Kathmandu and Patan. The people of this town were very artistic and it contains some of the finest architectural showpieces. The artistic excellence of Bhaktapur is superior than other towns in the valley. The main tourist attractions in Bhaktapur are the Durbar Square, the Palace of 55 windows, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple and Bhairavnath Temple. Pokhara If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. Pokhara is located in the mid western Nepal and a six-hour drive or 20-minutes flight from Kathmandu. Due to its stunningly beautiful natural setting and the suitable base for trekking in the Annapurna region, Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. There are various exotic places of interest in Pokhara. Some of these places are the Seti River Gorge, Devi Falls, Sarangkot, Phewa Lake, International Mountain Museum, Fine Art Gallery, Regional Museum, Karma Dubgyu Choling Nyeshang Monastery, Mahendra Caves and Bindya Basini Temple. Lumbini Lumbini, a small town in the Terai region is situated south of the foothills of the Churia Range. Lumbini is only a few kilometers across the Indian border in Nepal. Lumbini, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world. Lumbini is the most important site for the followers of Lord Buddha and those interested in Buddhism. Lumbini is now being developed as a major place of pilgrimage with the assistance of United Nations. Lumbini and its surrounding area is endowed with a rich natural setting. The various tourist attractions in Lumbini are the Maya Devi temple, Pushkarani and the Tibetan monastery.

Nepal Adventure

Nepal is an adventurer's paradise and is known for the mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain flights, hot air ballooning, pony trekking, jungle safaris, bird watching, fishing, hang-gliding, ultra-ling aircraft ride, bungy jumping, etc.

Trekking

Nepal is the ultimate destination for the trekking enthusiast, offering various possibilities from the short and easy to the demanding challenges of the snowy peaks. Easy, moderate or rigorous – there is something for every palate. Nepal has been aptly called a trekkers paradise as the terrain – mountains, hills and the Terai offers some of the most spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation and wildlife. Trekking in Nepal is a cultural experience like the Himalayan adventure. In the shadows and foothills of the icy peaks of the Himalaya, one passes through picturesque charming village inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. Treks varies from expeditions, high altitude treks to simple easy paced walks.

Mountaineering Nepal has about eight highest peaks in the world and it is known for some of the most outstanding achievement in the world of mountaineering. The mighty icy peaks have since decades challenged the spirits of those daring enough to conquer the peaks. All inquiries and arrangements for expeditions have to be made well in advance at the Ministry of Culture, Mountaineering where the guidelines have been laid down. Canoeing Canoeing is an extreme popular sport in Europe, and is now available in Nepal. Canoeing gives you the freedom to explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places in the world. Pokhara also provides ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing and boating along with majestic panoramic views in its background. Jungle Safari Royal Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park and Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve offer exciting jungle safari. Jungle activities here include venturing into deep jungle on elephant back or vehicles to view wild animals in their natural habitat, canoe rides on the jungle rivers, nature walks and bird watching.

River Rafting The various rafting rivers of Nepal originates from the snow meltdown of the Himalayan terrain. The rivers gush through the twisted canyons, winding through calm valleys where small settlements are perched on the banks, taming out only as they spill out into the Indian plains to merge with the river Ganges. A river-rafting tour is one of the best ways to explore the country’s natural as well as the ethno-cultural heritage. Village Tours Village tours allow tourists to experience a stay in a typical Nepal village. This gives visitors an

opportunity to observe the rich Nepalese cultural tradition from the closest quarter and intermingle with the locals. Besides, any expenses made at that level directly contribute to the welfare of the local community, hence giving the visitor a sense of satisfaction. Village Tours are conducted in Sirubari, Gorkha and other place. Mountain Flights For those who can not withstand the rigorousness of mountain climbing there are mountain flights which fly around Mount Everest and other summits providing a close-up view of the top of the world. On a clear day, the hill resorts of Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Daman afford magnificent views of Mount Everest and the entire Himalayan range.

Nepal Art

Art The art and culture of Nepal has been strongly influenced by the religious beliefs of the country. The artwork is decorative, delicate and very beautiful. Nepal art is strongly influenced by the culture of the people and the two really go together and are interwoven. The two most typical forms of art are that of paintings and sculptures. Nepal art and culture has changed little over the centuries though western influences are slowly starting to affect some modern artists.

Painting The earliest examples of Nepalese art in painting form is that of manuscript illustrations found on palm leaves. This tradition goes far back into the past and the earliest known illustrated manuscript is the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita of 1015 AD. Often the wooden covers which were created to protect the manuscript-painted leaves are more lavishly decorated than the actual manuscript. Many examples of this type of art have survived and are well preserved. The influence that religion has on such artwork is evident in the fact that such manuscripts are usually only decorated with figures

of divinities. All the manuscripts are illustrated with images of gods and goddesses, regardless of whether they are Buddhist or Hindu in origin. Oftentimes certain manuscripts – along with the relevant imagery – would be copied and donated to a monk, priest, monastery or temple. Thus the style of painting remained fairly constant and painting quality was maintained for a long period of time. The quality of paper manuscripts also declined. Due to this, older paintings are now held in higher regard than more modern manuscripts of lower quality. Another form of painting that is evident in Nepal since the ancient times are Thangka Paintings. These were primarily religious in nature and were used as icons in worship. These paintings are known as Paubha in Newari and Thangka in Tibetan, and originated in Nepal. The creation of illuminated wall paintings or religious metal sculptures was in big demand at one stage and this spawned an ‘industry’ of skilled artisans who catered to the demand by initiating the painting of such icons on cloth which could be rolled up and easily transported. These thangka paintings were widely received with praise and thus made their way into homes and monasteries in the ninth century and are still popular today. A good example of a thangka painting is the ‘Mandala of Vishnu’ which dates back to 1420 AD. Early thangkas are simple in design and consist of a centrally positioned large deity surrounded by smaller figures of lesser importance. From the 15th century, the Tantric cult started to take hold of the people of the land. Artists started to use brighter colors and there was a tendency towards the portrayal of Shiva and Shakti in various conventional poses. Because of the esoteric nature of Tantrism, a strong emphasis was put on the female element and sexuality during this time. The thangkas produced were said to possess magic forces and a great variety of symbols were incorporated into the artwork.

Sculpture Sculpture has enjoyed a long and interesting history in Nepal and many carved artifacts have been found in the Terai region of the country. All early sculptures were religious in nature and the artists themselves also seemed to be extremely devoted to their various deities. While early sculptures were very simple, but those from the Lichchhavi period were strikingly beautiful. These sculptures were made from stone, copper and bronze and depict round faces and slanted eyes. There is a lot of attention to detail while still presenting the deity in a simplistic way. The use of clothing and ornaments were always kept to a minimum and often the subject wears only a dhoti or sanghatis. The Lichchhavi period (5-8 CE) was the Golden Age of Nepalese sculpture and many excellently excavated and preserved examples can be found. Woodcarving, while not always in ornamental form, also served a decorative purpose in ancient Nepal and thus is viewed as an art form. Windows, doors, temples, roof-struts and numerous artefacts were all carved by hand and can be still seen in the Katmandu valley. Wood is not as long-lasting as stone and so  examples do not date back further than the 14th century yet wood carving continues to be a very prominent aspect of Nepalese architecture. Nepalese art work had far reaching effects on other cultures. The first major introduction of local art to other cultures occurred in the 7th century AD when Mahayana Buddhism was introduced in Tibet under the order of the king Angshuvarma. A large number of monasteries were subsequently built and these all needed to be filled with manuscripts and sculptures. Today some of the most outstanding examples of Nepalese art can be found in Tibet. Nepal’s artistic influence even cross the borders of China when Nepalese artisans were sent to the courts of Chinese emperors to impart their knowledge to local craftsmen and to create artworks. The most exemplary contribution of this nature was made by the innovator and architect Balbahu or ‘Arniko’, who’s many creations can still be found to this day. Stupa Style A Nepalese architectural style borne out of Buddhist concepts and used in the construction of Buddhist shrines. Stupa architecture is easy to spot. A square base is mounted upon a hemispherical structure. Atop the strong base are thirteen rings layered on top of each other and progressively narrowing to a point. A parasol tops it all off. The square bases, also known as harmika has pairs of “all-seeing” eyes painted on each of its exposed sides. Swayambhu Shrine and Baudhanath Shrines, declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, are exquisite examples of the stupa style. In Patan you will discover some of the oldest stupas in Nepal that were commissioned by King Ashoka. Shikhara Style Nepal's Shikhara style consists of 5 or nine vertical sections forming a high pyramidal or curvilinear tower-like structure. The apex is bell-shaped. This style is not very common, but a fine example can be seen in Patan, it is the Krishna temple.     Architecture The magnificent architecture of Nepal is a form of art which truly captures the culture and essence of Nepal. Traditional Nepalese architecture attracts both tourists and scholars to this amazing country. The fascinating historical buildings and unique Nepalese architectural designs inspire much awe. Particularly popular is Bhaktapur where tourists can explore numerous outstanding Nepalese architectural structures. Certain people have divided Nepal's architecture into three non-specific stylistic groups, namely pagoda style, stupa style and shikhara style. Pagoda Style This Nepalese architectural style features several layered roofs that have broad eaves carefully held up by carved wood struts. The building's roof is typically crowned by triangular spires surrounding upside-down bell made out of burnished gold. Windows on the structure protrude and are usually latticed. The pagoda style is a true demonstration of fine artistic architectural design. Interestingly, China later borrowed the style which further spread through Asia. Pay a visit to Kasthamandap in the Kathmandu Valley to view an impressive wooden pagoda constructed during the Malla age. Another spectacular example of this intriguing Nepalese architectural style is Basantpur Palace, a nine-story structure commissioned by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Also make your way the the temples of Pashupati, Changu Narayan and Taleju.

Tihar Festival

Tihar also known as the Festival of Lights is celebrated in the month of November. This festival is a time of candlelight, tinsel decorations and festive colored sweets. This festival is celebrated for five days and on different days, there are offerings and small celebrations for crows, dogs, cows and oxen. On the night of Lakshmi Puja, garlands are hung and lamps are lighted to invite Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth into the home. Maha Puja, the New Year's Day according to the Nepal Era is celebrated as the day of the self, when people give themselves blessings to remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year. On Bhai Tika, the last day, the sisters make offerings to their brothers and the rituals include breaking of walnut, putting on garlands of Makhamali flowers and encircling brothers in rings of mustard oil to protect them from Yama, lord of the Netherworld.

Dasain Festival

Dasain is the longest and most favourite festival of Nepal. This festival is celebrated in the month of October in Nepal. On this day, everyone stays at the home with their families, offices are closed. The skies are filled with kites and the marketplaces are filled with farmers bringing their buffaloes, goats and chicken to sell. These animals are then sacrificed on the night of Kal Ratri to please the goddess Durga. On the day of Dashami, everyone puts on new clothes and goes to honour their family elders, where they receive large red tikas of vermilion paste on their foreheads. In the following days of Dasain, families and friends unite, take part in the feasts, impart the blessings and exchange the gifts.