Poor access keeps visitors from Shuklaphanta National Park

From over 12,138 visitors in 2017-18, visitor numbers dwindled to just 3,722 last year. Officials blame poor roads and lack of year-round bridges.

Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur, considered one of the most promising yet underexplored tourist destinations in the country, is witnessing a steep decline in visitors despite its immense potential. Known for its vast grasslands, rich wildlife, and proximity to the Indian border, the park recorded just 3,722 visitors in the last fiscal year of 2024-25—down from 4,006 the previous year of 2023-24.