Annapurna Natural History Museum Butterfly Museum
Discover Nepal's biodiversity at the Annapurna Natural History Museum, featuring stunning butterfly collections and cultural exhibits. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoid weekend closures
Annapurna Natural History Museum Butterfly Museum
Best Time
Avoid weekend closures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Nepal's biodiversity at the Annapurna Natural History Museum, featuring stunning butterfly collections and cultural exhibits. Free entry!
"A wonderful, informative college museum with a lot of reading and a great butterfly collection. "
🎯 Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum.
⏰ Check Saturday Hours :calendar:
The museum is usually closed on Saturdays due to government holidays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butterfly Collection
Main Hall
Marvel at over 660 species of butterflies and moths, a vibrant testament to Nepal's biodiversity.
Wildlife Exhibits
Various Halls
Explore diverse displays of birds, insects, and ores, offering a glimpse into the Annapurna region's fauna.
Traditional Nepali House Models
Main Hall
See detailed models of traditional Nepali houses, showcasing local architecture and culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Plan for Reading & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum.
⏰ Check Saturday Hours :calendar:
The museum is usually closed on Saturdays due to government holidays.
📚 Prepare to Read :books:
Lots of informative text in English; allow ample time for exploration.
📸 Lighting Challenges :camera_with_flash:
Some showcases have light reflections, which can make viewing difficult.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum.
⏰ Check Saturday Hours :calendar:
The museum is usually closed on Saturdays due to government holidays.
📚 Prepare to Read :books:
Lots of informative text in English; allow ample time for exploration.
📸 Lighting Challenges :camera_with_flash:
Some showcases have light reflections, which can make viewing difficult.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Kids :child:
Informative and engaging for students and children interested in nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Annapurna Natural History Museum as a great, informative college museum with free entry and a vast butterfly collection. While some note the need for better lighting and extensive reading, it's highly recommended for its educational value and unique exhibits, especially for families and nature enthusiasts.
"Really great little museum. The museum is inside of the campus and a really nice security guard at the entrance directed us which way to go. The museum was free but donations are accepted. There is a lot of information listed around. A lot of reading. All in English. It's a pretty good little museum bit it is a college museum so don't expect like cliche museum, but still wonderful. I definitely recommend seeing it if you can!"
Carter “Kagiso” Gilbert
"The opening time of this museum is 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Sunday to Friday. On Saturday it’s usually close due to government holidays. A wide variety of Butterflies collection was the major attraction of this Annapurna Museum. The traditional structure building made by using local artists and materials is another point to visit."
Ajay Sth
"A very informative museum situated in the premises of PN Campus of Pokhara... We are initially briefed as a butterfly museum only although it has sections for other wildlife of the annapurna region nevertheless BUTTERFLY part is amazing..... If you are interested in butterflies it's a definite go to place.....I really recommend people to take kids and school students to drop by as it's really informative and help understand the diverse distribution of butterfly species in Nepal..... Was briefed by our guide that the museum started by Mercy Corps volunteers and Butterfly part was a contribution of famous Putali Baje 🙏🏼"
Robin Regmi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within the Prithvi Narayan Campus in Pokhara. You can reach the campus by local transport or taxi. A security guard at the entrance can direct you to the museum.
Parking is generally available within the Prithvi Narayan Campus grounds. It's advisable to ask for directions upon arrival at the campus.
Pokhara is accessible by flight from Kathmandu or by tourist bus. Once in Pokhara, local buses or taxis can take you to the campus.
As it's a college campus museum, accessibility might vary. It's best to inquire directly with the museum or campus administration about specific facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
Ride-sharing apps are common in Pokhara, and you can likely use them to get to the Prithvi Narayan Campus. Specify the campus as your destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sunday through Friday. It is typically closed on Saturdays.
Admission to the museum is free. However, donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the exhibits and collections.
No, advance booking is not required as the museum offers free entry. You can visit during their operating hours.
Since the museum is free, there are no specific discounts. However, it's an excellent educational resource for students and school groups.
While not explicitly stated, general museum etiquette usually allows personal photography without flash. It's always best to check for any posted signs or ask staff if unsure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 660 species of butterflies and moths, alongside exhibits on birds, insects, ores, and traditional Nepali house models.
Visitors should allocate at least 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore the museum and read the informative displays.
Yes, the museum is very informative and engaging for children and school students, offering a great learning opportunity about biodiversity.
The exhibits are informative and showcase a wide variety of specimens. However, some visitors note that lighting could be improved for better visibility.
Guided tours are not explicitly mentioned, but the displays are informative. You might be able to arrange a guide through the campus or local tourism services.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant butterfly and moth collections offer stunning photographic subjects. The models of Nepali houses also make for interesting shots.
It's generally recommended to avoid flash photography in museums to protect the exhibits. Always check for signage or ask staff.
The main hall with the extensive butterfly displays and the animal models at the entrance are often highlighted as great spots for photos.
Some visitors have noted that light reflections on the display cases can make photography difficult.
Selfies are generally permitted, but be mindful of other visitors and the exhibits. Avoid touching any displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Tip: Encourage your children to read the information panels (all in English) and ask them questions about what they see. The animal models at the entrance are also a fun photo opportunity for younger visitors.
📚 Students and Educators
Tip: Allocate ample time for detailed observation and reading. The museum's free entry makes it an ideal destination for school field trips or individual research projects.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts and Photographers
Tip: Visit during the museum's operating hours and be patient with the lighting. The unique specimens and cultural models offer diverse photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Butterfly Collection: A World of Wings
This collection was significantly boosted by the contributions of 'Putali Baje' (Butterfly Grandfather), a local figure dedicated to butterfly conservation. His passion and work have made the butterfly section a highlight for many visitors, especially those interested in entomology or simply captivated by the beauty of these insects.
While the displays are informative, some visitors have pointed out that lighting and reflections within the showcases can sometimes hinder the viewing experience. Despite this, the sheer volume and variety of species make it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Beyond Butterflies: A Glimpse into Annapurna's Biodiversity
Adding a cultural dimension, the museum includes models of traditional Nepali houses. These miniature replicas offer insights into the architectural styles and living conditions of local communities, complementing the natural history exhibits. This blend of natural and cultural heritage makes the museum a unique educational destination.
The museum's establishment in 1965 by American Peace Corps volunteer Dorothy Mierow highlights its long-standing commitment to education and conservation. It continues to be a valuable resource for students, researchers, and the general public interested in the natural and cultural heritage of Nepal.
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