National Parks and Wild Life Reserves

1.Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve(305 sq km) was until recently a royal hunting domain. It is dominated by sal trees associated with asna, semal, karma, khair and sissoo sub-species, and phanta grasslands. A prime habitat for the swamp deer, wild elephant, tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard, chital, hog deer, and wild boar, along with 200 species of bird. Reptiles include the marsha mugger, Indian python, monitor lizard, cobra, krait and rat snake.

2.Royal National Chitwan Park(932 sq km) is the most popular safari destination. It covers a unique ecosystem in the world, containing the Churia hills, oxbow lakes and flood plains. The park has 50 species of grasses. The 43 species of animals include the endangered one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangoline, Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and pythons.






3.Langtan National park(1,710 sq km) abound in the numerous vegetation types. Oaks, maple, various rhododendrons, chir pine, fir, blue pine, hemlock and spruce are found here. Diverse animals such as the wild dogs, Himalayan red panda, pika, muntjack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey, and common langur.




4.Rara National Park(106 sq km) has its gem in Rara, Nepal’s biggest lake(10.8 sq km) at 2,990 m! The park ascends from 1,800 to 4,048 m, and abounds in coniferous forests of blue pine, black juniper, west Himalayan spruce, oak, and Himalayan cypress as well as Indian horse-chestnut, walnut, and Himalayan poplar. It is an ideal habitat for musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, ghoral, Himalayan tahr, and wild boar. Snow trout is the only fish found in Rara Lake.





5.Sagarmatha(Everest) National Park(1,148 sq km), which includes the tallest mountain in the world, is listed as World Heritage Site. Geographically young and broken into deep gorges and glacial valleys, the park has vegetation graduating from pine, hemlock, fir, juniper, birch, rhododendrons, scrubs, alpine plants and then to bare rock and snow.




6.Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve(175 sq km). The vegetation here is mainly of grassland, scrub and deciduous forests. The reserve is unique for its wild arna buffaloes. Other mammals are hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer, and blue bull. The species of birds total 280 here, including 20 of ducks, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons, and endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricians. Gharial crocodiles and Gangetic dolphine are found in Koshi River.


7.Royal Bardia National Park(968 sq km) is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai. It is thickly forested by sal trees and is carpeted with grass, savannah and riverine forest. It is a habitat for species like rhinoceros, wild elephant, tiger, swamp deer, black buck, gharial crocodiles and Gangetic dolphine.



8.Shey-Phoksundo National park(3,555 sq km) is the biggest park in Nepal. It is a primal habitat for the snow leopard and the blue sheep; so also for ghoral, Himalayan tahr, serow, leopard, wolf, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow throated marten, langur and rhesus monkeys.





9.Khaptad National Park(255 sq km) represents the flora and fauna of Nepal’s mid-western hills. Dense nigalo bamboo groves and wide varieties of medicinal herbs are also found here. The fauna includes the leopard, Himalayan yellow throated marten, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, ghoral and Himalayan tahr. Danphe, kalij and monal pheasants, chukor partridge, red and yellow billed blue magpie and Himalayan griffin are some of the birds of the area.



10.Parsa Wildlife Reserve(499 sq km) was established as an extension of Royal Chitwan National Park but having its own natural heritage. It encompasses the east-west Churia hills of chir pine, khair, sissoo and silk cotton and drops down to the subtropical monsoon belt of sal forests and sabai grasslands. The reserve supports wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull, wild dog, sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, langur, striped hyena, palm civer and jungle cat.









11.Annapurna Conservation Area Project(7,000 sq km)encompasses both the Annapurna Massif region and the recently opened Mustang. This project area includes middle hills, sub-alpine, alpine and trans-Himalayan dry plateau ecosystems. The project stands for successful participatory natural resource management, combining village development, education, and conservation with the conservation education of trekkers.



12.Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area(2,330 sq km:1,500 sq km National Park, and 830 sq km Conservation Area)extends from sub-tropical forests to high alpine vegetation. The region has 67 species of aromatic and medicinal plants, 25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendron, 15 types of oak, and 48 species of primrose. Over 400 species of birds thrive here, including the newly-discovered(in Nepal)spotted wren babbler and the olive ground babbler. Wildlife includes the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard and the snow leopard too.



13.Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve(1,325 sq km) attracts sports hunters for the highly-covered blue sheep and other game animals such as the leopard, ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar and so on. It is forested with fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper, and spruce. Endangered animals include the musk deer, wolf, red panda, cheer and danphe pheasant.



14.Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve(144 sq km) is situated on the hill of Shivapuri to the north of Kathmandu Valley. This is an easily accessible destination for viewing orchids, rhododendrons, pines, utisa trees as well as medicinal and herbal plants. Shivapuri is home to the sloth bear, langur monkey, leopard, barking deer and many species of birds.

Festivals of Nepal

Dashain is also known as Durga Puja, for it is the worship of Mother goddess Durga. It is Nepal’s longest and most lavishly celebrated Hindu festival. Like Christmas, it is the Holiday when families unite to exchange blessings and gifts, to spread goodwill and to forget feuds and quarrels. Everyone wears new clothes, feasts are spread and businesses and government functions come to a pleasant halt as one and all make festive visits to their relatives homes. Throughout Nepal during two weeks preceding the full moon of September or October, Hindu as well as some Buddhist households celebrate Dashain. In village throughout the kingdom, in homes, streets and temple courtyards of Kathmandu Valley, the great Goddesses Durga is propitiated with elaborated dances and ritual animal sacrifices. For it was Durga, in a monumentous victory, who saved the world from evil forces. In the Ramayan, the great hindu religious epic, righteous King Rama battled Ravana, King of demons. It is said that only when he called upon the Shakti, or female power of Durga, Divine mother of universe, was he able to slay the thousand-headed devil, freeing the world from misery. The gods and goddesses of Hinduisn take many alternate forms. Durga, Divine Proctectress, Wife of Shiva, is represented as a simple holy water pot or in her full powerful form with 18 hands holding 18 weapons. Durga also manifested as the ferocious Kali with protruding tongue and a necklace of skulls; or as Taleju the fearsome protector goddess of Nepal; or as Kumari the gentle virgin Living Goddess. Durga is compassionate when treated to generous offerings of blood and spirits, but she is vengeful of scorned with neglect: thus the fervor with which Hindus celebrate Durga Puja. For each of first nine nights, the narrow lanes surrounding Patan’s Durbar Square pulsate with masked dancers aglitter in jeweled costumes, each personifying one of the eight Mother Earth goddesses, the Asta Matrika. Accompanied by the blue masked deity Bhairab, their bodied quiver uncontrollably under the possession of the goddesses spirits. Close to the midnight, the dancer approach Krishna Mandir temple to dance among blazing torches, blaring horns and chanting priests. Meanwhile families are preparing for Dashain celebration in the home. Floors are scrubbed, walls painted, doorways, windows and ceremonial places decorated in anticipation of visits from Goddess Durga and from distant relatives. People travel for days by foot, bus and airplane to share blessings with their families, for to stay away is to fall into ill favor. Coinciding with this festival, the children of Kathmandu begin to fly kites. The site of the kite in the air is supposed to be the signal for Indra, the God of rain, to stop the monsoon showers as the ripening crops near harvest time. The days of the Dashain festival are thus ensured of remaining bright and sunny. Around town and in the countryside, four long bamboo poles are lashed together like a great tent frame and a swing is suspended from the center. Swinging on the Dashain ping is the delight of the children from dawn to dusk. The first day of the festival is called Ghatasthapana, the installing of the sacred vessel. This day sand and water is carried from the rivers and is neatly spread out on a portion of the family worship room. Barley seeds are sown on this sand-bed and on it or nearby is installed the sacred vessel or kalash, usually made form red clay and filled with holy water from the river. The household patriarch or a visiting priest performs prayers to Durga at an astrologically auspicious moment and the goddesses comes down and alights on the rim of the kalash for “ as long as a mustard seed can balance on the horn of a cow”. After 10 days growing secluded from the light, the yellow seedlings, four to five inches tall, are gathered. A blessing from Durga, the yellow jamara “flower” is worn behind the ear or tied into the hair with other flowers. The seventh day of Dashain is called Fulpati , the Sacred Flower Day and on Asthami, the eighth day of Dashain, orthodox Hindus fast in preparation for Kalratri, the Black Night, when hundred of buffaloes, goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks are sacrificed at Durga temples. Black buffaloes, representing the terrifying demon that the Durga once slew are ritually beheaded. The animals owners take the meat home for family feasts. The tenth day is called Tika Day. On this day Hindus dress in their finest and journey around the Valley to pay honor and receive blessings from elder relatives and superiors. The blessing in the form of large tika- on this occasion a dab of vermilion powder mixed with curd and rice placed on the forehead-assures good health, happiness and prosperity for the coming year. The last day of Dashain, known as Kojagrat Purnima, falls on the full moon. Hindu women begin a month-long fast, many in residence at Pashupatinath. At homes people hold all night vigils gambling or talking, with the belief that those awake at midnight will be blessed by Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity.

Birth Place of Buddha

Lumbini is the hallowed birth of place of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince, the eventual Shakyamuni, and the ultimate Buddha- the enlightened one. This nativity site identified by Indian Emperior Ashoka’s commemorative pillar erected over 2,200 years ago and rediscovered in 1896. The main attraction at Lumbini is the sacred Garden that is spread over 8 sq km and possesses all the treasure of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple currently under renovation, is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologist alike. This is where we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha’s mother, giving birth to him as two Hindu gods, Brahma and Indra shower him with lotus petals and holy water. There is also a sacred stone marked with a “foot imprint” of Emperor Ashoka which had been placed here to mark the exact birthplace. Nearby, to the west of the Mayadevi temple, stands the Ashoka pillar-the oldest monument so far found in Nepal. Lumbini as the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC. To the south of the pillar we find the sacred pond-Puskarni-where queen Mayadevi had taken bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. The treasury of cultural and archaeological riches scattered around Lumbini evokes the time and aura of the Buddha. Moreover the host of stupas, monasteries, meditation centers and bahals begin constructed in the international Monastery Zone by various countries such as Japan, China, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Srilanka, France and Germany.

Tilaurakot: An important archeological site lying 27 km to the west of Lumbini,Tilaurakot evokes the ancient palace of King Suddhodhan ,Siddhartha Gautam’s father,where the Buddha spent his formative years as a Shakya prince. Scattered foundation of the ancient palace, stupas and monasteries made of Kline-baked bricks and clay mortar are abundant here, the ancestral home of Buddha, and archaeologists to date have discovered 13 successive layers of human habitation dating back to the eighth century BC. The most sacred spot here for Buddhists is the palace’s eastern gate through which the Buddha had departed on his search for enlightenment. A must for archeology and history buffs

Niglihawa: Located to the north east to Tilaurakot, Niglihawa contains some of the most important archaeological treasures dating back to the third century BC. This history place encompasses a quadrangular tank surrounded by the bushes and on its western bank are two broken pieces of another Ashoka Pillar. There is pali language inscription on the pillar in Brahmi script which records Ashoka’s visit to the holy site in the 14th year of his rule in India.

Sargarhawa: To the north-west of Niglihawa is a forest called Sagarhawa. It is the site where ruins of ancient water tanks were excavated in 1895, and this site has been identified by archaeologists as the “Palace of massacre of the Shakya’s”. Aroarakot: Lying to the north-east of Niglihawa, Aroarakot used to be walled fortress in ancient times. Rectangular in shape, this citadel was the Buddha’s natal town. Remains of ancient moat and brick fortifications, which can still be clearly located point to a glorious past. A very interesting trip, takes you to the time of Buddha.

Gotihawa: To the south-west of Tilaurakot is Gotihawa, where we find another Ashoka Pillar. The upper part of the pillar is missing. Next to it a huge stupa with successive rings of wedge-shaped Mauryan bricks. This sacred site is believed to be associated with Kanakmuni Buddha and Krakuchhanda Buddha who came before Gautam Buddha.

People, Culture and Language of Nepal

In Nepal ethnically cultural groups are diverse and many of them have their own language and customs. However they can be geographically categorized according to their habitats. The Sherpas who are of Tibeto-Burman stock mainly occupy the higher hills of eastern and central Nepal. The Solu Khumbu region, where the world tallest peak Mt. Everest stands, is inhabited by Sherpas. Generally they are Buddhist but some follow the Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, and other religions. The Sherpas are famed for their valor and mountaineering skills and are professionally in many mountain expeditions. Today Sherpas have joined other occupations as well like business administration and politics. A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the mid hills. The Kirat or Limbus and Rais inhabitant the east. During the 7th century BC, they established a dynasty in the Kathmandu valley and ruled it for 1000 years. They are not originally Hindus and Buddhist but are ancestors worshippers. However today many embrace Hinduism. In former days they are warriors and skilled hunters. The Kirato speaks Tibeto-Burman languages. Many serve in the British Army today and have earned a reputation as the brave Gurkhas.The population of Kathmandu valley consists mostly of Newars. They speak Nepalbhasa and practice Hindusim and Buddhism. Many family celebrate Hindu and Buddhist festivals. Their culture also reflects tantrism and animism. Newars are accomplished in commerce and most enterprises in the heart of the valley are run by them. Historically they are well known for establishing the three artistically beautiful cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. The inhabitants of the hill flanks surrounding Kathmandu Valley are mostly Tamangs, who make up one of the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups in the kingdom. In the Tibetan language, Tamang means"horse soldier" which gives us an idea about their past occupation. Today they farm and work as semi-skilled and unskilled labourers. The Magars live in the western and central hills of Nepal. They had their own kingdoms until the 18th century and were closely associated with the Hindu Indo-Aryans in the west. Much of their cultural practices have been influenced by Chhetris, and today it difficult to make any difference in the housing, dressing and farming practices of the two. The Magars have been sought after by the british and Indian Armies and a great number serve in the Gurkha regiments. Another ethnic group closely resembling the Magars in many aspects are the Gurungs. They also live in the western and central hills of the country although further to the east. Of Tibeto-Burman stock, the Gurungs have their own distinct language and practice shamanism. The Kha are the Bahuns and Chhetris who formed their own kingdom in the far west. They are Hindu and Nepali which is the country official language, was originally spoken by the khas. Traditionally the Bahuns were priests and are better educated than most ethnic groups. In fact many occupy important government and educational posts in the kingdom today. The Chhetri have traditionally been known as warriors. The Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups to inhabit the Terai. The Majhi, Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar and Dhimal also occupy the flat lands. The Tharu have their own unique religion and practice animism. Their culture is especially suited for hot plains. They Mongoloid features and speak their own language.

Religious sites of Nepal

There are lot of religious sites outside Kathmandu. Some of the famous sites are as follow

Lumbini: Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion and non-violence. It is situated in the Kapilvastu District in the Lumbini Zone western Terai of Nepal, 250 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. The broken Ashoken pillar, remnants of an old monastery, and image of Buddha's mother Maya Devi are in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa from where one can proceed by car or by other means of transport.

Muktinath: Muktinath is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang. This temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during the fair weather. During the Janai Purnima and Ram Navami festivals devotees gather there to pay homage to lord Muktinath. Muktinath is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of 3,749 meters. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. The first way is to take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni. The next way to trek all the way from Pokhara which takes about 13 to 15 hours.

Janakpur: This is a great religious place famous as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama and the heroine of a great Hindu epic, the Ramayan. There is an artistic marble of temple of Sita popularly known as Naulakha Mandir which means "built at the cost of Rs 900,00". Religious festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days.

Barahachhetra: A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, on the bank of the Koshi River, lies a holy place of Hindu pilgrimage called Barahachhetra. It is the temple of lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image to the twelfth century.

Gosainkunda: One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage in Nepal is Gosainkunda. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche 132 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. The religious lake is situated at an altitude of about 4360 meters. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road surrounded by the high mountain on the north and the south, by higher landscape on the east and west, this kunda(Lake) is grand and picturesque. On the east and west of kunda, there are 9 other famous lakes including the Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Sourya Kunda and Ganesh Kunda.

Places to see inside Valley

Nyatapole Temple in Bhaktapur, Nepal

The Kathmandu Valley, the political and cultural hub of Nepal is the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. It has separate kingdom itself, it contains three fabled cities- kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Each cities is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick-paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley. The history of the Valley begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out the primordial waters and make it inhabitable. Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism Dynasties came and went. Trade and the arts flourished. Its deeply-religious Newar inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as rampaging invaders.

Places to see at Kathmandu Valley are:

Durbar Square: This complex of palace, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

Swayambhu Stupa watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is listed as World Heritage Site. Balaju consists of a sprawling garden of stone water spouts, religious shrines, fish ponds, and a replica of statue of Budanilkantha. Situated below Nagarjun hill about 3 km northwest of the city center. Balaju is also known for its bank of 22 stone water spouts carved in the shape of sea-dragons.

Budhanilkantha is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the Valley. It is about 9 km from the city center. The hub of the temple complex is a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent.

Boudhanath Stupa lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Boudhanath, a World Heritage Site is also known as Khasti. Pashupatinath Temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 5 km east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple also a World Heritage Site.
Changu Narayan Temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley about 12 km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings. Kirtipur is situated on a ridge 10 km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient Newar township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are major sites here.



Patan's Durbar Square like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to Hindu god Krishna, built entirely a stone.
Kwa Bahal is a Buddhist monastery courtyard dating back to the 12th century. It is a five minute walk west and north from the northern end of Durbar Square. The monastery building is embellished with exceptionally fine wood carvings and repousse work. Artistic image are scattered around the courtyard and devotees can be seen offering worship at many shrines here.
Mahaboudha can be reached by walking east from the southern end of Durbar Square and then turning right at the sunken water taps. This Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta artform which points to skill of Patan's ancient craftsmen with variety of buildings styles.





Uku Bahal is situated a few steps past Mahaboudha and is one of the best known Buddhist places of worship in Patan. The stone paved courtyard is enclosed by a two story building with glided roofs. The wood carvings on the roof struts are especially attractive. The place is peppered with sacred images and other small shrines. The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel is a pleasant diversion after a tour of the cultural sights. It contains about 106 species of birds and over 665 different animals. There is also a pond where you can go boating. Open daily except Monday from 10 am to 4 pm.



Bhaktapur Durbar Square. As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the spatial layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The entrance to the palace, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art.

Taumadi Square lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.

Dattatreya Square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three headed combination of the Hindu Deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The 15th-century Pujari Math is the most famous among the nine here and the building is decorated with the finest wood carvings, including the celebrated Peacock Window. The National Wood working Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street.

The Hindu god Shiva and goddess Parvati watch over the people of Kathmandu, Nepal