Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has recorded a significant increase in tourist arrivals during the last fiscal year, reflecting the country's growing appeal as a wildlife tourism destination.
According to park officials, a total of 272,923 visitors explored Chitwan National Park and its buffer zone community forests during the fiscal year, compared to 231,329 visitors in the previous year. The increase demonstrates a steady recovery in Nepal's tourism industry and the continued popularity of nature-based travel experiences.
Among the total visitors, 22,883 tourists were from SAARC countries, while 88,665 were international visitors from other parts of the world. The remaining visitors were domestic travelers, showing that Chitwan remains one of the most visited destinations for both Nepali and international tourists.
Famous for its rich biodiversity, Chitwan National Park offers visitors unforgettable wildlife experiences, including sightings of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, sloth bear, gharial crocodile, and more than 600 species of birds. Jungle safaris, canoe rides, birdwatching, nature walks, and cultural experiences with the indigenous Tharu community continue to attract travelers throughout the year.
The rise in visitor numbers has also boosted tourism revenue. During the last fiscal year, the park generated more than NPR 276.34 million from tourism activities, while additional income from timber sales, non-timber forest products, fines, and other sources exceeded NPR 310.16 million. The revenue supports wildlife conservation, park management, and community development initiatives in the buffer zone.
The growing popularity of Chitwan National Park reflects Nepal's strengthening position in the global ecotourism market. With its exceptional wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and conservation success stories, the park continues to play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism while benefiting local communities and preserving Nepal's natural heritage.
