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Nepal is a country committed to conserving its rich geographical
heritage and diverse wildlife. This accounts for Nepal's eight
national parks, four wildlife preserves and three conservation
areas.
These protected areas not only ensure that nature's richness
remains unchanged, but also provide one of the world's major
habitats for endangered species. The most sought after and
also the most elusive is the Royal Bengal Tiger. This is what
most tourists come to see and many have. The easiest to spot
are the Greater One Horned Rhinoceros, which are commonly
seen in Chitwan and Bardia national parks. Besides these there
are among the mammals, Himalayan Black bear, sloth bear, six
kinds of deer, leopards, elephants, antelopes, hyena, jackals,
wild cats, blue cow (Nilgai), wild boar, wild buffalo, Gaur,
Gangetic dolphins, etc. Among the primates Rhesus and Langur
monkeys are common. In the Himalayan region are found the
rarely seen snow leopard. Then there are the blue sheep, serow,
ghoral, jharal, tahr, musk deer, fox, wolf, panda,lynx, otters,
etc. Among the reptiles found in Nepal the most talked about
are the crocodiles (gharial & marsh mugger) and then there
are monitor lizards and many species of snakes like the python,
cobra, viper, krait, etc. Besides, Nepal also offers protection
to over 800 varieties of wet land, migratory and resident
birds, which incidentally make up almost 10% of the world
bird species.
The wildlife reserves offer excellent safari opportunities.
You can choose from elephant-back rides and four- wheel drives
to view rare animals in their natural habitat or go on a rejuvenating
and enriching nature walk, exciting bird watching excursion
or even a culturally enriching village tour. Safari is usually
on elephant back as there is no better way to enter the heart
of the jungle. The elephant has the ability to walk through
anything in its path. Brushing aside little trees and bushes
it takes you where no man could walk. It crosses little rivers
and slides down the riverbanks on its hind legs. On the other
hand jeep safaris are surprisingly successful, as the animals
seem unconcerned about the intrusion. Besides there are also
canoe rides and rafting to add more adventure along the rivers.
Wildlife safari in Nepal is truly a magical experience.
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Chitwan and Bardia are
Rs. 500 per day per person. |
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ACAP & MANASLU - Rs.
2000 per entry per person (covers duration of one stay). |
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Other national parks in
the Himalayan region - Rs. 1000 per entry per person. |
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Other national parks in
the Terai - Rs. 500 per entry per person. |
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No fees are charged for
using a camera or video camera within the parks except
if you are making a documentary or feature film. |
October through May
Jungle safari in Nepal is best enjoyed from October to May as
the chances of seeing fauna is high in this period when there
are no rains. As the period passes from winter to summer, different
set animals and birds are seen during different months.
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| Preparing
For a Wildlife Safari |
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You will be required a
mental preparedness to live without electricity inside
the jungle. |
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Your insurance policy should
cover for helicopter evacuation expenses in the eventuality
of serious illness or accident or in the case you are
stranded in any remote area due to inclement weather conditions.
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| Wildlife
Safari Checklist |
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Binoculars, Camera with
Extra Batteries & Film |
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Neutral-colored Clothing |
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Light Clothing for day time
with a Sweater and Warm Jacket for the evenings |
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Pants/ Trousers |
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Comfortable Walking Shoes |
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Insect Repellent and Personal
Medicines |
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Flash-light |
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Gloves or Mittens |
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Sweater, Woollen Shirt or
Acrylic-pile Jacket |
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Hats, one with a brim for
sun; one woollen for cold weather |
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Sunglasses or Goggles |
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Socks -- two or three pairs,
thick wool or artificial fiber |
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Pocket Knife |
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Slippers or Sandals for
campsite wear |
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Animals Check-list |
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Blank Notebook & Pens
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An Altimeter & Compass
are interesting additions |
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Do not openly display large
sums of money or other signs of wealth. |
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Do not become intoxicated
and be very careful of accepting unknown intoxicating
liquors.
Ø Be most economical with all fuel. |
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Always carry a lighter,
even if you don't smoke. |
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Always go into the jungle
with a naturalist or guide. |
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Never go out into the jungle
after sunset and before sunrise. |
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Neutral-colored clothing
is recommended for a visit to the jungle. |
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Pants/ Trousers are recommended
for elephant safari. |
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Guests are suggested to
travel light bringing only one small suitcase or duffle
bag. |
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A small Flash-light or
Head-lamp is recommended. |
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