Ranibari Community Forest is located in the north-western part of Kathmandu, and is one of the few remaining natural forests within the city. Spanning across 6.95 hectares, the forest is surrounded by dense human settlements and is an important biodiversity refuge for native plant species as well as migratory and residential birds.
The forest has a rich history dating back to the time of Nepal’s kings, who used it as a place to conduct Diwali pooja (worship to the ancestral God). There is a quaint and charming temple of Porpa Ajima in the midst of the verdant forest whose history is as old as that of the city itself.
Over time, the forest faced significant pressure from human encroachment and development but was eventually turned into a community forest on 16 December 1999. Since then, it has been an important recreational site for visitors who come to enjoy the beauty of nature in an urban setting.
The forest is a habitat for more than a hundred types of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. To further promote bird and biodiversity conservation, we have established a learning center in collaboration with Bird Conservation Nepal. The center offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the rich flora and fauna that can be found in our forest, and to engage in research on bird and biodiversity conservation.
At Ranibari Community Forest, we are committed to preserving and protecting our natural environment for future generations to enjoy. We work closely with our local community to promote sustainable practices and ensure that our forest remains a safe haven for all forms of wildlife.
We would like to welcome you to our community forest to enjoy the tranquility, and join in on our effort to protect and preserve this wonderful oasis of nature.