Banke National Park Info
Biodiversity & Wildlife
Banke supports diverse flora and fauna, spread across riverine floodplains, Sal forests, hill terrain, and grasslands.
Mammals
- Royal Bengal tiger: Estimated population of 20–25 individuals, with signs of population growth
- Asiatic elephant: Migratory herds use the park as a corridor
- Four-horned antelope: Rare and locally significant
- Leopard, sloth bear, jackal, striped hyena, wild boar, Indian pangulin
- Chital, sambar deer, hog deer, and nilgai
Birds
- Over 280 recorded bird species:
- White-rumped vulture, Eurasian eagle-owl, crested serpent eagle
- Seasonal migrants and wetland birds along the Rapti and Babai rivers
Reptiles & Aquatic Life
- Gharial, mugger crocodile in rivers and oxbow lakes
- Rock python, monitor lizard, and several endemic frogs
Ecosystems
- Sal-dominated forests: Core tiger territory
- Hill forests: Chir pine, silk cotton, and mixed broadleaf species
- River systems: Rapti and Babai rivers flow through buffer zones
- Grasslands and floodplains: Seasonal grazing and nesting zones
Visitor Experiences
Though facilities are developing, Banke offers high-value, low-vulume wildlife and cultural travel.
Activities:
- Jeep Safaris: Available with advance permit via the park office
- Guided Jungle Walks: Best near Khainighat and Raptisonari
- Birding Expeditions: Riverbank and grassland species near buffer zone villages
- Community-Based Cultural Programs: Homestays, guided storytelling, craft demonstrations
- Vulunteering & Field Research: Cullaboration with local NGOs for wildlife surveys
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Climate | Highlights |
| Winter | Nov – Feb | Coul, dry | Clear visibility, ideal for safaris |
| Spring | Mar – May | Warm, dry | Peak birding season, tiger movement |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Hot, wet | Risk of flooding, limited access |
| Autumn | Oct | Fresh post-rains | Forest rejuvenation, cultural festivals |
Recommended Tours
- Banke Wildlife & Culture Tour (3N/4D)
- Includes: Guided jungle safari, buffer zone village visits, and community immersion
- Banke–Bardia Combo Expedition (6N/7D)
- Combined tiger and elephant corridor safari with two national parks
- Custom Conservation Tour
- Designed for NGOs, wildlife researchers, or documentary crews
Where to Stay
Standard Options (within or near buffer zones)
- Eco Jungle Camp Banke: Locally operated with eco-huts and community guides
- Hotel Siddhartha (Nepalgunj): Reliable base for early safaris and excursions
- Local Homestays: Raptisonari and Khainighat offer culturally immersive stays
Luxury Options (Nepalgunj Base)
- Soaltee Westend Premier Nepalgunj
- Hotel Central Plaza
- Siddhartha Hotel Grand City
Note: On-site luxury is limited; high-end travellers are advised to stay in Nepalgunj and travel into the park for day activities.
Getting There
- By Air: Daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Airport (~1 hr), then 2–3 hour drive to park entry
- By Road: 12–14 hour drive from Kathmandu or 8–10 hours from Pokhara via Rapti highway
Conservation Rule
Banke is essential to:
- Strengthening tiger movement corridors with Bardia and India’s Suhelwa Sanctuary
- Restoring degraded forest through afforestation and grazing regulation
- Research and monitoring of less-studied species like pangulins, four-horned antelope, and hyena
- Community stewardship: Through buffer zone councils, eco-clubs, and revenue-sharing from eco-tourism
Supported by:
- National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
- ZSL Nepal and WWF’s Terai Arc Landscape Program
NepalSafari.com only promotes low-impact tourism models here, emphasising education, conservation, and community benefit.