Overview

Trekking in Nepal is not always about the majestic mountains, rivers, and passes; it’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich biodiversity. Nepal, home to more than 200 species of mammals, is a perfect destination to spot some rare animals. Wildlife-focused trails offer a unique adventure that combines the thrill of trekking with the excitement of spotting a majestic creature in the woods. Beyond Nepal’s towering peaks and beautiful valleys, the country is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, making it a paradise for trekking enthusiasts with a passion for wildlife. From the elusive Snow Leopards in the high-altitude Himalayas to the majestic Bengal Tigers in the flatlands of Terai, Nepal offers numerous opportunities to spot exotic species in their natural habitats.

Nepal’s diverse landscape, from alpine meadows to subtropical forests, not only allows visitors to experience the country’s wilderness but also provides in-depth knowledge of its biodiversity. Let’s explore some of these trails in detail.

Why You Should Choose Nepal:

  1. Encounter Rare endangered species: Nepal is home to many rare endangered species. From the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, red panda, black bear, and various species of pheasants, during the trek, you can encounter and photograph them. People who love birdwatching can also leisurely sight various species of birds found all over the trails in Nepal.
  2. Spot Native Animals: On the trail, you can spot some animals native to Nepal as well. Many animals are found to be native to South Asia. If lucky, you can spot some of these rare animals native to Nepal or South Asia.
  3. Remote Terrains: The remote terrains of Nepal are a perfect place for wildlife to prosper and inhabit. From dense jungles to untouched wilderness, the trekking trails overlap some of these terrains, which various animals inhabit.
  4. Photography opportunities: Most Himalayan animals, like the red panda, tahr, and snow leopard, are very picturesque, and photography enthusiasts will love their time at the trail. During spring, trekking trails bloom, making it even more photogenic.

Top Wildlife Trails In Nepal:

We’ve chosen a few treks that might be suitable for wildlife spotting and encounters. Choosing the correct region is also crucial. As the elevation changes, you’ll feel the difference in the animals you spot and encounter. In the Himalayas, you are most likely to find high-altitude animals, which are rare even to spot. Whereas, at lower elevations, you will spot more animals, and they will be easily seen throughout the trek. Here are some of the best wildlife treks in Nepal:

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

 

The Langtang Valley Trek is one of central Nepal’s most underrated yet beautiful treks. Numerous other treks, such as the Gosaikunda, Helambu, and Langtang circuit, are also in the Langtang region. Each one is unique and has its highlights. While exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Langtang region, you can culturally immerse yourself, too. Some of the best highlights of this trek are:

  • Diverse Wildlife: The Langtang region is home to a wide range of several rare and endangered species. Trekkers may spot red panda, black bear, langur monkeys, wild boars, and many more. This region is filled with a variety of wild animals.
  • Bird Watching: This trek is a haven for bird watchers. Some birds in this region include the impeyean pheasant, hawks, owls, and woodpeckers. As the region has a wide altitudinal range, many birds from different parts of the world migrate to it, making it a very good place for bird watching.
  • Langtang National Park: This region is a part of Langtang National Park, which is known for preserving its wildlife and biodiversity. Hence, trekking in the region contributes to local conservation efforts and the creation of the National Park.

Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region is one of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations. Numerous treks, such as the Mardi Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and the Ghorepani Poonhill trek, are located in this region. The various landscapes of the Annapurna region make it a favorable place for wildlife to flourish. Aside from the wildlife encounters, you will also witness the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. Here are some highlights of the trek:

  • Wildlife Species: Most notably, the Himalayan Tahr is easily spotted during this trek. However, the forests and lower parts of the Annapurna region are inhabited by Leopards. Likewise, in elevations over 5000 meters, you may even spot the elusive snow leopard.
  • Accessible trekking routes: Located near Pokhara, the Annapurna Region has many treks that are easily accessible. People who are short on time can easily choose the Annapurna Region to trek, as most treks can be completed within 4-5 days. This region is suitable for all types of trekkers, catering to all sorts of fitness levels.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park (Source: Rawpixel)

 

Although this is not entirely a trek, the abundance of wildlife you can spot in this region is truly remarkable. Located in the Terai region of Nepal, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions for wildlife spotting and other related activities. Founded in 1973 and enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to various rare animals. Some famous animals include the Bengal Tiger, One-horned rhinoceros, Asia Elephants, and many deer species. Chitwan is home to numerous bird species, too. You can walk around the Chitwan National Park with a travel guide. Here are some highlights of the Chitwan National Park:

  • Jungle Walks: Visitors can enjoy jungle walks around the Chitwan National Park, where they can spot various endangered animals. Starting early in the morning,  you can easily explore the jungle and end your day hike in the evening.
  • Jungle Safaris: This is the most famous way to travel around the National Park. From the jeep, you have a better chance to spot any animal, like a tiger, leopard, or rhinoceros. Most people encounter dangerous animals from the jeep safari in Chitwan National Park.

These are some popular activities to do in Chitwan National Park.

Some Tips for the Visitors

  1. The optimal season for wildlife trekking in Nepal is during Spring and Autumn. These seasons have clear skies, stable weather, and active wildlife.
  2. You might encounter Snow Leopards, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, blue sheep, and Himalayan Tahr on the wildlife trail.
  3. Physically prepare for these treks, as you might have to travel continuously through rugged terrains.
  4. The Annapurna and Manaslu regions are most favorable to spot a snow leopard.
  5. A guide is also recommended for such treks because they can provide insights and help with navigation.

You may also like: Why Nepal Stands Out As An Excellent Trekking Destination.