Bis Hajar Tal
In Nepali: बीसहजारी ताल · Also known as: Beeshazar Tal · Twenty Thousand Lakes · बीसहजारी ताल
Bis Hajar Tal is a complex of lakes and marshes in the forest between the Chitwan park and the Mahabharat hills, formed from old channels of the Narayani. It was listed as a Ramsar wetland in 2003 and is an important wildlife corridor.
It is excellent for birdwatching, with storks, kingfishers, herons and migrating waterfowl, and mugger crocodiles in the water; rhinos and tigers pass through. Visits are arranged on foot or by jeep with a guide from Sauraha or Bharatpur.
What to see and do
Walk the forest trails between the lakes with a guide, watching for storks, kingfishers, egrets, cormorants and hornbills. Look for mugger crocodiles basking and tracks of rhinos and tigers. A watchtower overlooks one of the lakes.
Good to know
Walks must be with a licensed guide as wildlife is present. Early morning gives the best birding. Summer is hot and leeches are common in the monsoon.
Quick answers
- Where is Bis Hajar Tal?
- Bis Hajar Tal is in Chitwan district, Bagmati Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Bis Hajar Tal?
- About 290 m (951 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Bis Hajar Tal?
- For a 3-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 5,500 (≈ US$41) per person on a budget, or NPR 15,000 (≈ US$110) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Bis Hajar Tal?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Bis Hajar Tal?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Bis Hajar Tal?
- November–March for birds
- How do I get to Bis Hajar Tal?
- About 30 minutes from Bharatpur or Sauraha. It is about 79 km (straight line) from Pokhara.
- What is Bis Hajar Tal called in Nepali?
- बीसहजारी ताल
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