This article scopes the status and potential of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in community forests and the national forest of Bardiya district in western Nepal. The human ecological approach, participatory rural appraisal, focus group discussions and interviews were used to gather data and information for analysis. The results of the data analysis indicate that the area harbours a high diversity of potential NTFPs. Altogether, 101 species and their traditional uses were recorded. The NTFP species are clustered into first, second, third and fourth categories on the basis of their market value and resource availability. Despite a gradual but systematic socio-cultural transformation of the local communities, they still possess ample knowledge of plants and their uses. It is observed that the proper management of the NTFPs could play a vital role in the improvement of people's livelihood on a sustainable basis.