Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Nepal continues to contribute to the preservation of flora and fauna. 23% of its total land since 1973AD has been preserved under national park status.
Nepal has been carrying out a successful tiger conservation program since the 1970s. As per the WWF, Nepal is the first country to double its national tiger population, with the Royal Bengal Tiger now covering its entire roaming lands. Similarly, numbers of the exquisite one-horned rhino have also marginally increased through the contribution of local authorities. As a diplomatic token, Nepal often gives a live rhino as a diplomatic gift to other countries.
The local “Tharu” community are reputed to have an innate resistance to Malaria [Department of Human Genetics, University of Sassari, Italy]. Tharus have a unique culture of living in the Chure foothills of Nepal. Native Tharus are another attraction whose great contribution to preserve wilds as well as go along with eco-friendly activities [ www.indigenousvoice.com]
The Northern Himalayan range, mid-hilly range and Southern flat terrain of the Terai include 21 different national parks (www.dnpwc.gov.np). Upper range national parks are reachable by trekking for at least a week, as included in our trekking program. They are also accessible by road for short visits.
Three wildlife reserves possess a suitable climate for the Bengal tiger, one horned rhino, wild boar, varieties of deer, crocodiles, birds and insects. Exploring the Gharial and elephant breeding centers, local museums and villages while enjoying nature can serve as the perfect escape from everyday society. These getaways are reachable through a drive or flight from Kathmandu valley and can be visited at any time of the year.
The safari tours can be customized as per requirements.
Another great way to explore Nepal is on bike. Through its narrow to rough trails, there are countless bends overlapping local villages around Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys alongside the hiking trails. Depending on time available, it can last a day or more, with local lodges available in each village.
Biking can be great option to get to certain hotspots, faster than hiking. It is possible to use combinations of local narrow trekking trails or the dirt roads. Local biking guide can help with switching between one or the other, which can also be another great way to explore different viewpoints without getting lost. 20 to 60 kilo meters from viewpoint to return.
Biking tours can be customized as per requirements – many of which do not encounter any pollution and noise too.
The Himalayas span a snow coverred mountain range stretching 3000km. across South Asia. Nepal is home to its largest and highest occupying nearly a third of entirely.
A staggering eight of the World’s ten highest mountains are therefore within Nepal’s borders: Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha 8848m) (update Re-measuring Mt. Everest, Nepali Times, August 1, 2018 to measure recent height of Mt. Everest after 2015 earthquake), Kanchanjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8485m), Cho-Oyo (8188m), Dhaulagari (8167m), Manaslu (8163m) and Annapurna I (8091m).
326 peaks have been opened for climbing since 1949 and many still are unnamed and yet to be measured.
The main Himalayan region have a series of lofty peaks and ridges separated by deep gorges, glaciers, and deep beautiful valleys. Nepal’s Himalaya throughout the ages have served the global summit for the world’s top mountaineers, pilgrims, philosophers, researchers and adventurers.
Much of Nepal’s land above 5000 meter is under snow and ice, although the permanent snow line varies according to the aspect and gradient. Winter snowfall occurs from an elevation of 2000 meter.
Each of these mountain peaks can be climbed with the authorization of the Nepal government with assistance from Nepalese climbers, specially the Sherpas (https://www.thoughtco.com/sherpa-people-definition-1434515)
The NEPAL MOUNTAINEERING ASSOCIATION LISTED (www.nepalmountaineering.org), climbing peaks are most popular for climbing before aiming for higher ranges. Climbing fees and cost varies as per its popularity of peaks, number of climbers, duration and services required. Information will be provided as enquired.