CHITWAN: Chitwan National Park is set to suspend jeep safari activities inside the park starting June 29 due to the onset of the monsoon season.
The park suspends jeep safaris annually for about three months during the rainy season as part of its safety and conservation protocol.
According to Park Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, the decision was made because the monsoon brings heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, fallen trees, slippery roads, overgrown grass, and reduced visibility of wildlife—factors that make safari trips risky and less effective.
Last year, jeep safaris were suspended from July 1 and resumed only on October 11, after repairs and maintenance. This year too, depending on weather conditions, safaris may resume in early or mid-October. Roads damaged by rain, fallen trees, and wooden bridges will need to be repaired before safaris can restart.
While jeep safaris inside the national park will be halted, safaris in community forests and buffer zones will continue. Elephant safaris are already prohibited inside the park throughout the year, but jungle walks will remain available even during the rainy season.
Chitwan National Park generates millions of rupees in revenue annually through jeep safaris, which are especially popular among foreign tourists. On average, over 200,000 domestic and international tourists visit the park each year.
The park charges Rs 5,000 per jeep for entry. Entry fees for tourists are Rs 2,000 for foreigners, Rs 1,000 for visitors from SAARC countries, and Rs 150 for Nepali nationals. Currently, 30 jeeps operate from Sauraha, 10 from Kasara, 7 from Meghauli, and 5 from Amaltari, with each jeep accommodating up to 10 passengers.
Comment