Banke National Park

Among all national parks in Nepal, the Banke National Park is one of the newest and appealing national park of Nepal. It is located in the mid-western region of Nepal – established in 2010 AD. Covering nearly 550 sq. km & extending towards district of Banke, Salyan and Dang in Mid-Western Development Region of Nepal.

Area of Banke National Park is surrounded by Rapti River on the south and Babai River in the north. Banke is new destination for visitors. This national park is close to bardiya national park. Because of Banke & Bardia national park being each other’s Neighbours – Visitors to both of this national park is increasing every day.

Climate and Vegetation of Banke National park

Banke national park has a subtropical monsoon climate with three types of weather. Summer, monsoon and autumn are major weathers that can happen in the national park. Summer season starts from March to June, monsoon is from July to September and the autumn is from October to February.

In Bardia there is no such thing called winter as – this part of Nepal is close to India and hence snow falling winter does not happen in this region of Nepal. The temperature reaches to nearly 45-degree Celsius during Spring & falls season.

Whereas the temperature reaches below 10 degrees during December to Feb. Main winter of Nepal Himalaya also falls in the month of December & January.

The eco system conserved inside the national park…

Banke National Park has nearly 8 types of ecosystems such inside Sal Forest, deciduous Riverine Forest, Savannahs, grasslands, mixed hardwood forest, and flood plain community.

Nearly 90% of the forests area is covered by the trees of sal, seesaw, khair, and karma.

Banke protects nearly 113 recorded species of trees, 107 herbal species, and 85 species of shurbs & climbing vegetation.

Wildlife inside Banke National Park

Banke National Park is very rich when it comes to faunal diversity. This place has nearly 34 species of mammals, 300 spices of birds, 24 species of reptiles, nearly 58 fish species, and 7 species of amphibians.

The four species of mammal’s (tiger, striped hyena, four-horned antelope), four species of birds like ((giant hornbill, black stork, Bengal florican, and lesser florican)) and two species of reptile’s ((gharial crocodile and python)) are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.

How to Reach Banke National park ?

One can get regular flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and it is approximately an hour’s drive to reach Banke National Park – after arrival at Nepaljung airport. You can take taxi from the Nepaljung airport to banke.

If you want to travel to Banke from Mahendranagar or Dhangadhi, then it nearly takes 8- and 7-hours’ drive.

Alternatively, we can go to Banke by bus from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and other major city of Nepal.

Permits and fees to enter in Banke National Park

Banke National Park is a protected area under Nepal national park act 1973AD. You need to get an entry permit from the Tourist Service Centre at Kathmandu or at the Banke entrance gate.

For Nepali citizen, the fee is NRs 100 per person, for SAARC countries NRs 750 per person and for foreigners, it is USD $15 per person. Children who are below 10 years are free to enter in Banke National Park.

Things to do in & around Banke National Park Area

Hiking

Banke national park presents you some short hiking trails. You can walk around the park and can see some of the rare wild animals. This type of hiking inside the national park is also called Jungle walk. And these jungle walk needs to be under proper guidance and security. Nealgram can help you toarrange such visit inside any of the national parks of Nepal.

On the walk you will find yourself surrounded by superb wild floras and trees that will increase the joys of the hike. Sighting of the animals along the hiking trail will be a thrilling experience in national park hiking adventure.

Hiking in the fresh air – away from the bustling city will give a best break to your lungs as well as the soul. You can watch beautiful views of ecosystem inside the Banke national park while doing hiking.

Jungle Safari

Jungle Safari is another great activity famous in any of the national parks of Nepal, so as in this Banke national park.

You can either go on a jeep safari or elephant safari as per your choice. Jungle Safari will take you deep into the forests, probably much closer to wild animals. Moreover, these safaris are the safest way to see wildlife in Banke National Park.

Go for a short vacation with your loved ones or alone!

The short vacation for Banke national park can be the best destinations selection from diversified Nepal. The lush greenery, fresh air, wildlife, and captivating scenery makes this national park tour an ideal place for your Nepal travels. People also visit Banke national park as a part of their extension trip after trekking or climbing activity in the Nepal Himalaya.

National Park tours are the best thing that can happen to have some quality time with your loved ones. You can spend time close with nature and also reflect on yourself as well as people around you.

Photography in Banke National Park

In Banke national park the beautiful scenery, diverse vegetation, and numerous species of flora & fauna will help you to make beautiful shots for photographers. Varieties of wild animals found in the 8 different types of eco system of Banke national park can surely make wider room for wildlife photographers.

However, ironically – photography tour in the national parks of Nepal has not been explored as much as it should be. Saying that, Banke national park a perfect place for wildlife photography.

Banke national park presents spectacular views of Mother Nature. You can take pictures while animals are drinking water, playing or walking with their family or hunting their prey. This moment could attract many photographers from all over the world here.

Boating

Boating is another adventure activity one can do in Banke national park. This will showcase you a whole new perspective of the region. This boating will surely be different from the boating you could have done in Chitwan national park.

You can also see rare crocodiles, birds, and other animals during boating. Ask around for some guidance about boating and you will surely get helpful advice.

Cycling

Cycling is also another adventure activities to ride around the nearby villages of Banke national park.

You will get to have deep insights into the daily life of locals and their way of living while cycling around tier allies and neighbourhoods. Local guide from our team Nepalgram can help you to interact with locals and taste verities of local food.

You can also hire a guide to show you around the villages and tell you history & stories of the villages. you can rent ride a bicycle yourself and enjoy with local natural and cultural resources independently, but however – it is always recommended to use local guide for the tour.

Bird watching

There are different kind of birds are found in banke national park. This park is home to several species of birds including the ones that are only found in Nepal. This makes Banke national park an ideal place for bird lovers.

You can walk into the jungle to see the birds or simply hire a professional nature (bird watching professional) guide who will help you spot the birds you want to watch live. Guide can help you give insights of the bird even if you do not keep knowledge about the birds you see.

Nepalgram can arrange any type of bird watching tours if you are interested..