KANCHANPUR: The number of tourists visiting Shuklaphanta National Park has declined this fiscal year. Compared to the previous fiscal year, both domestic and international tourist arrivals in the park saw a drop in 2024/25.
According to Purushottam Wagle, the park’s information officer, a total of 4,574 visitors had entered the park in fiscal year 2023/24. Among them, 4,294 were Nepali nationals, 137 from SAARC countries, and 143 from other foreign nations. In contrast, this year’s figure dropped to 3,722, comprising 3,371 Nepalis, 199 SAARC nationals, and 152 foreign visitors.
The park had welcomed 3,557 visitors in fiscal year 2079/80, including 158 from SAARC countries and 121 other foreigners.
Wagle attributed the continued decline in tourist numbers to factors such as lack of publicity, poor infrastructure, and limited private sector investment. “Shuklaphanta, rich in biodiversity, is an attractive destination where a wide variety of wildlife can be observed within a compact area,” he said.
He added that high airfare, lack of proper transport connectivity, and inadequate tourism infrastructure have discouraged both domestic and foreign tourists. “There is great potential to attract Indian tourists, but inconvenient border processes have made visits difficult,” he said, calling for greater promotion and private sector engagement.
Wagle also noted that the lack of affordable tour packages tailored for international visitors has limited their reach to the park. “Airfare for foreign tourists is nearly double, and there’s no uniform ticketing system for all nationalities. Many end up staying in places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Chitwan instead.”
Local tourism entrepreneur Jagadish Chandra Bhatta echoed similar concerns, pointing out that Shuklaphanta remains under-promoted despite being one of the key tourist sites in the Sudurpaschim Province.
“There’s no tourist police presence at the Gaddachauki border, and visitors face hassles while entering. Infrastructure is limited and promotion is weak, which affects both domestic and foreign visitor numbers,” he said.
Nature guide Bishnu Prasad Paneru emphasized that foreign tourists are particularly drawn to Shuklaphanta because of its rare and diverse wildlife. “Tourists can see bison, tigers, rhinos, and numerous bird species all in one place. They love the vast grasslands, peaceful surroundings, and vibrant birdlife,” he said.
Paneru noted that many visitors also come to Shuklaphanta for academic and research purposes.
Spread across 305 square kilometers, Shuklaphanta is home to the world’s largest herd of swamp deer (barasinghe), with a population exceeding 2,323. The park also shelters 44 tigers and is known for its expansive grasslands and rare flora, making it a uniquely rich destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.
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