The invention is regeneration and recirculation of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas of a nitric acid plant without using any material current and heat energy other than that generated in the process of producing nitric acid. Nitrogen oxide is recovered by at least two adsorbers each containing an acid resistant zeolite molecular sieve and operating in an alternate heat cycle; adsorption occurring at 20-40 degrees C. and regeneration at 300-350 degrees C. The hot gas exiting from the oxidation unit used in the production of nitric acid is used to regenerate the adsorbers and the nitrogen oxides set free during the said regeneration are introduced into the main feed stream of the nitric acid plant. In the final stage of the regeneration the adsorbers are cooled by rinsing them with exhaust gas or air at a temperature of 20-40 degrees C.
