KATHMANDU, APRIL 30
A total of 2,634 tourists visited Shuklaphanta National Park in the first six months of the current fiscal year.
Among them, 1,629 were men and 1,005 were women, according to the park office.
Of the total visitors, 2,278 were domestic tourists. In addition, 244 visitors were from SAARC countries-including 49 women and 195 men-while 112 tourists were from other countries, including 49 women and 63 men, said Information Officer Purushottam Wagle.
During the review period, the highest number of visitors was recorded in Chaitra (March 15–April 13), with 621 tourists. This was followed by 580 visitors in Kartik (October 17–November 15), 293 in Mangsir (November 16–December 15), 376 in Poush (December 16–January 14), 369 in Magh, and 386 in Falgun (February 13–March 14).
Wagle said the park generated revenue of Rs 1,467,486 from entry fees during the period.
Known for its rich biodiversity, rare wildlife, and tranquil environment, Shuklaphanta National Park has been increasingly attracting tourists. Although there was a slight decline in foreign tourist arrivals following the COVID-19 pandemic, numbers have been gradually rising in recent years.
"The park, which contains the largest grassland in Nepal, is home to leopards, deer, and other rare wildlife species, along with diverse plant life. Both domestic and international tourists visit for observation, as well as for study and research on its natural beauty and biodiversity," Wagle said.
According to park records, 3,762 people visited the park in fiscal year 2080/81, including 132 foreign tourists and 112 visitors from SAARC countries. In fiscal year 2081/82, a total of 3,322 visitors were recorded, including 199 SAARC tourists and 152 foreign tourists from other countries.
Spread over an area of 305 square kilometres, Shuklaphanta National Park is known for its wildlife diversity, particularly its population of swamp deer, which numbers more than 2,323.