July 28, 2025

Tucked away just a few minutes from bustling Thamel, Ranibari Community Forest is one of Kathmandu’s best-kept green secrets. This small but biodiverse patch of native forest is a sanctuary for birds, medicinal plants, and peaceful walks—offering a rare glimpse into what the Kathmandu Valley looked like before urban sprawl.

For travelers short on time or locals seeking a nature break, Ranibari is a breath of fresh air—literally and spiritually. It’s also one of the only places within city limits where you might spot a golden jackal slinking through the undergrowth at dawn.

Where Is Ranibari Community Forest?

  • Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu (15–20 min walk from Thamel)
  • Area: ~6 hectares (approx. 15 acres)
  • Access Points: Main gate near the Nepal Tourism Board Office on Lazimpat Road

Once part of the royal hunting grounds, the forest was later protected by the community and handed over for conservation. Today, it’s managed by local user groups and recognized as a model urban community forest.

Wildlife and Biodiversity in Ranibari

Ranibari is a hotspot for urban birdwatching, with over 70 bird species recorded. Alongside the birds, it’s also home to small mammals and shy predators like:

  • Golden jackal (Canis aureus) – rare, elusive, but present
  • Indian gray mongoose – often seen darting across trails
  • Himalayan striped squirrel – active during the day
  • Butterflies & pollinators – over a dozen species, especially in spring

Birds you may spot:

  • Coppersmith barbet
  • White-throated fantail
  • Black-lored tit
  • Spotted dove
  • Asian paradise flycatcher

Golden Jackal: Kathmandu’s Elusive Urban Predator

Among the many surprises that Ranibari holds is the presence of the golden jackal (Canis aureus), a shy, nocturnal canid that occasionally makes its way through the forest’s margins. While they’re more commonly found in the outskirts of the valley and along the Bagmati River corridor, golden jackals have adapted well to fragmented green spaces like Ranibari.

Best chance to see them: Early morning (before 7 AM) or just after dusk. Look for tracks or scat along the forest edge.

Flora of Ranibari: A Pocket of Native Biodiversity

Despite its small size, Ranibari hosts a surprisingly rich variety of plants—many of them native to mid-hill ecosystems.

Dominant Trees

  • Schima wallichii (Chilaune) – A fast-growing native tree, often the first to reclaim disturbed ground.
  • Castanopsis indica (Dhale Katus) – A hardwood with ecological and firewood value.
  • Alnus nepalensis (Utis) – Important for soil stability and nitrogen-fixing.
  • Pinus roxburghii (Khote Salla) – Himalayan pine introduced in patches.

Understory Plants and Shrubs

  • Rhododendron arboreum (Lali Gurans) – Nepal’s national flower blooms here in early spring.
  • Mahonia napaulensis (Jamane) – A shade-tolerant shrub with yellow blooms and edible berries.
  • Clerodendrum viscosum (Bhatmase) – Aromatic shrub used in traditional medicine.

Herbs and Medicinal Plants

  • Titepati (Artemisia indica) – Used in rituals and herbal teas.
  • Kurilo (Asparagus racemosus) – Known for reproductive health benefits.
  • Bojho (Acorus calamus) – Grows near waterlogged areas; used for throat ailments.

The dense leaf litter and humid microclimate make Ranibari a nurturing zone for fungi, mosses, and orchids.

Why Visit Ranibari?

In a city overrun by concrete and cars, Ranibari reminds us that nature still holds space—even in urban Kathmandu. It’s not just a park; it’s a living archive of native ecology, a classroom for young conservationists, and a sanctuary for birds, bees, and humans alike.