Zoos & aquariums
Kathmandu Zoo
About the Zoo
Located in Jawalakhel, this park was originally privately owned before opening to the public in 1956. Housing 969 animals across 109 species, it provides an open green space where visitors can observe native and exotic wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Getting There
The site is in Lalitpur, south of central Kathmandu. A taxi from areas like Thamel takes roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses and microbuses also connect central Kathmandu to the Jawalakhel stop.
Time to Allow
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the paths and view the enclosures at a relaxed pace.
When to Go
Mornings are best for catching active animals before midday heat. The park gets crowded on weekends and public holidays with local families; weekdays are much quieter. The dry season from autumn to spring offers the most comfortable weather.
What to Combine It With
Its location in Lalitpur makes it easy to combine with nearby sites:
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral (0.4km): A short walk from the grounds.
- Patan Museum (1.4km): Displays sacred art inside the old royal palace complex.
- Krishna Mandir (1.4km): A historic stone temple in Patan Durbar Square.
- Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (1.4km): A traditional Buddhist monastery north of the square.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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