Bardiya National Park records decline in tourist arrivals

Visitor numbers at Nepal's Bardiya National Park saw a slight decrease in the last fiscal year, with officials citing domestic unrest and international travel disruptions as primary causes. The park welcomed 27,025 visitors in the 2025-26 fiscal year, a marginal drop from the 28,068 recorded the previous year.

Park information officer Mahesh Neupane explained that a two-day nationwide protest by Gen Z in September significantly disrupted tourist movement. Furthermore, ongoing conflict in West Asia has dampened international arrivals, impacting the park's foreign visitor numbers. Of the total visitors, 18,907 were Nepali, 6,901 were foreign tourists excluding SAARC nations, and 1,217 were from SAARC countries.

Despite the slight decline, Bardiya National Park continues to be a significant draw for wildlife enthusiasts. It is renowned for offering some of the best opportunities in Nepal to spot endangered Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park is also home to Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, and swamp deer. Entrance fees during the fiscal year generated Rs32.6 million.

Tourism entrepreneur Ramji Thapa highlighted that attractions beyond wildlife, such as the Babai Valley, Karnali Bridge, and breeding centers for crocodiles and elephants, also draw visitors. Popular activities include rafting, fishing, jeep safaris, and guided jungle walks. Notably, Bardiya has kept its jeep safari routes open during the monsoon season, unlike some other national parks, as heavy rainfall has not yet impeded the road network.

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The Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9 last year affected tourist travel. The war in West Asia has also reduced the number of foreign visitors.