Chitwan & Teraiबाँके राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज

Banke National Park

A young national park of sal forest and Churia hills, linking Bardiya with protected forest across the border.

Altitude: -*
Best months: Oct-Apr
Type: National park or conservation area
District: Banke, Lumbini
Permit: Entry fee

Higher seasonal exposure: heat (Apr-Jun).

Why go

Banke National Park protects an area of sal forest, riverine woodland and the Siwalik, or Churia, hills in Banke district, north-east of Nepalgunj. It was established in 2010, making it one of the newer parks in Nepal, and covers about 550 square km, with a surrounding buffer zone where villages and community forests help manage the land.

The park's main purpose is to secure habitat for tigers and other large mammals across the western Terai. It adjoins Bardiya National Park to the west and connects with protected forest in India to the south, forming part of a larger transboundary landscape for tigers, elephants and other wide-ranging animals. Wildlife includes tiger, leopard, wild elephant, several deer species, sloth bear and a rich bird life.

Tourism here is still modest compared with Bardiya or Chitwan, and facilities are simple. That makes it suitable for travellers who want a quieter forest experience, often arranged through community homestays in the buffer zone and with a local guide.

History and culture

Before the park was declared, the forests of the area had been under growing pressure from grazing, wood cutting and poaching. The creation of the park was presented as part of Nepal's commitment to the global effort to double wild tiger numbers, and tiger counts in the western Terai have since risen.

Tharu communities have long farmed the plains around the park, and hill migrants have settled in the area in recent decades. Buffer zone user groups take part in conservation and share in park revenue, and some villages have developed homestays that let visitors see Tharu food, houses and dances.

Things to do in Banke National Park

Guided jungle walk
Walk with a licensed guide along forest tracks, looking for tracks, deer and birds.
Jeep drive
Arrange a vehicle with a guide to cover more ground in the park, subject to park rules.
Birdwatching
Look for hornbills, woodpeckers and other forest birds in the cooler months.
Homestay visit
Stay with a family in the buffer zone and learn about Tharu culture and farming.

Weather and the best time to visit Banke National Park

Weather in Banke National Park

Conditions change fast in the mountains.

Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.

Best time to visit

Oct-Apr

Good month: Jan
Good month: Feb
Good month: Mar
Good month: Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Good month: Oct
Good month: Nov
Good month: Dec

Autumn (Sep-Nov): October and November are dry and settled, with warm days, cooler evenings and clear skies after the rains.
Winter (Dec-Feb): December to February is dry and mild by day, but fog often hangs over the plains in the mornings and nights are chilly.
Spring (Mar-May): March is pleasant; by April and May the plains become very hot and dusty.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug): June to September brings heavy rain, high humidity, swollen rivers and occasional flooding of low ground and roads.

Where to stay

HomestaysGuesthousesHotels

Community homestays in the buffer zone, with more choice in Kohalpur and Nepalgunj.

No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.

Getting there

Fly or drive to Nepalgunj, then travel by road via Kohalpur to the park area; the Mahendra Highway passes close to the park.

Nearest hub: Nepalgunj

flightKathmandu to Nepalgunj by domestic flight, about an hour.
roadFrom Nepalgunj or Kohalpur by road along the Mahendra Highway towards the park headquarters and buffer zone villages.

Boundary: Government of Nepal, Survey Department (2020). Peak data: Wikidata.

Permits and fees

Entry fee

A national park entry permit is required to enter the park. Walks inside the park are normally done with a licensed guide.

Banke National Park entry permit: Check current rules and fees with the park office or DNPWC.

Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Risks and conditions

Seasonal risks around Banke National Park

What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.

Heathigh in a typical yearApr-Jun
April to June is very hot in the park lowlands; plan walks for early morning.
Climate of Nepal, Wikipedia
Floodingmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rains swell streams and make forest tracks muddy or impassable, and parts of the park may close to visitors.
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation

Check current conditions before you travel

Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.

Practical tips

Do not walk in the park without a licensed guide; tigers and elephants are present.
Wear neutral colours and carry water.
Ask the park office or your guide about current visitor routes and closures.

Questions about Banke National Park

When was Banke National Park established?

In 2010. It covers about 550 square km in Banke district.

What wildlife lives in Banke National Park?

Tiger, leopard, wild elephant, deer, sloth bear and many birds, among others.

How is Banke different from Bardiya?

It is smaller, newer and much less visited, with simpler facilities; the two parks adjoin each other.

Do I need a permit?

Yes, a park entry permit is required. Check current fees with DNPWC.

Nearby

Town or village · 150 m