Nepal is one of the world's great tiger conservation success stories. Seeing a wild Bengal tiger here is rare and unforgettable.
Quick answer: Nepal's 2026 survey estimated 429 wild tigers, nearly four times the 121 counted in 2010. They live in five lowland parks: Chitwan (145), Bardia (112), Parsa (71), Banke (51) and Shuklaphanta (50). Bardia is often considered the best place to try for a sighting.
How tiger numbers have grown
| Year | Tigers |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 121 |
| 2013 | 198 |
| 2018 | 235 |
| 2022 | 355 |
| 2026 | 429 |
Seeing a tiger
- Stay several nights; patience is key.
- March–May is often best, when grass is low and animals visit water.
- Jeep safaris and walks with experienced naturalists give the best chances.
See our Bardia tiger safari and Chitwan vs Bardia.
Challenges
More tigers also means more conflict with villages near the parks, and conservationists are working on ways for people and tigers to coexist.
Read our news on 429 tigers in 2026.