Nepal is a country of extraordinary contrasts – soaring Himalayan peaks, ancient temples, and vast subtropical lowlands teeming with some of Asia’s most spectacular wildlife. If you’re dreaming of a truly immersive Nepal wildlife adventure, look no further than the southern Terai region, where two of the country’s most remarkable national parks await: Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. Our Chitwan & Bardia Adventure is a carefully crafted journey through the wild heart of Nepal’s Terai, taking you from the lush riverine forests of Chitwan National Park to the remote and untouched wilderness of Bardia National Park. Along the way, you’ll track the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, search for the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, and glide along ancient jungle rivers on guided canoe safaris. The adventure also offers opportunities to discover the rich traditions of the local Tharu community while immersing yourself in pristine nature. This unique wildlife experience combines thrilling jungle exploration, cultural encounters, and luxury lodge stays creating an unforgettable safari in Nepal’s most spectacular national parks.
We, the Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd, being a trusted and experienced Nepal-based trekking and tour operator, this adventure is designed for international travelers who want more than just a safari and want a story to tell for a lifetime.
Highlights of the Chitwan and Bardia Wildlife Tour
- Jeep safaris and jungle walks in Chitwan National Park
- Canoe rides and river safaris on the Narayani and Karnali Rivers
- Wildlife spotting: Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles, deer, and monkeys
- Exceptional birdwatching across multiple ecosystems
- A spiritual stop at Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha
- Cultural immersion in Tharu village communities
- Full-day jeep safari in Bardia National Park in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger
- Expert naturalist guides with deep knowledge of Nepal’s flora and fauna
Best Time to Visit Chitwan and Bardia National Parks
The ideal time for a wildlife safari in Nepal is during the dry season, from October to April. During these months, vegetation is lower, water sources are concentrated, and wildlife congregates in more predictable areas – making sightings more frequent and photography more rewarding.
- October to February – cool, dry weather and excellent wildlife visibility
- March to April – warming temperatures, lush post-monsoon vegetation, and peak tiger activity
- May to September – the monsoon season; some parks may have limited access
Why Choose Nepal for a Wildlife Safari?
When people think of Africa for big game or Costa Rica for biodiversity, Nepal often goes unmentioned – yet it deserves a prominent place on every wildlife lover’s bucket list. Nepal is home to:
- Over 900 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers
- The greatest concentration of one-horned rhinoceroses in the world
- One of Asia’s healthiest Bengal tiger populations
- Rare species including Gangetic river dolphins, gharial crocodiles, and sloth bears
- Rich cultural traditions of the Tharu indigenous communities
A jungle safari in Nepal is an experience that combines thrilling wildlife encounters with cultural depth, scenic beauty, and genuine adventure – all at a fraction of the cost of comparable African safaris.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Fly to Chitwan – Begin Your Jungle Safari in Nepal
Day 03: Full-Day Jeep Safari in Chitwan National Park
Day 04: River Safari and Afternoon Jeep Drive
Day 05: Journey to Lumbini – Birthplace of the Buddha
Day 06: Drive West to Bardia National Park
Day 07: River Safari on the Karnali River
Day 08: Full-Day Jeep Safari in Bardia National Park
Day 09: Return to Kathmandu
Day 10: International Departure
Tiger Tops Lodges Promo Video
Chitwan & Bardia Adventure: The Ultimate Wildlife Safari in Nepal Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Your Nepal wildlife adventure begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A representative from Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd will greet you on arrival and escort you to your hotel - a luxurious, heritage-rich retreat in the heart of the city.
Spend the afternoon exploring Kathmandu at your own pace. The city is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Buddhist heritage, with iconic landmarks including:
Pashupatinath Temple — one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — a hilltop stupa with panoramic city views
Boudhanath Stupa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and center of Tibetan Buddhism
The ancient alleyways, vibrant markets, and centuries-old architecture make Kathmandu an exciting introduction to Nepal's living cultural heritage.
Fly to Chitwan - Begin Your Jungle Safari in Nepal
Board an early morning domestic flight to Bharatpur (approximately 20 minutes), followed by a scenic 75-minute drive to your lodge near Chitwan National Park. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.
In the afternoon, lace up your walking boots and head out with a knowledgeable naturalist for a guided jungle walk to the Narayani River. As the golden hour approaches, watch a family of elephants bathe and play in the shallows - one of the most magical wildlife moments you'll ever witness. Return for a warm dinner as the jungle comes alive after dark.
Full-Day Jeep Safari in Chitwan National Park
Today is your first deep dive into the Chitwan National Park safari experience. Cross the Narayani River by local boat and enter the park in a 4x4, heading into dense jungle terrain. Your naturalist will scan the undergrowth for signs of tigers, rhinos, and other wildlife as you navigate tracks through towering Sal trees.
Later, step out of the vehicle and approach a camouflaged wildlife hide — a natural viewpoint where patience rewards the observant traveler. With a cup of tea in hand, sit quietly and watch for movement: perhaps a one-horned rhinoceros emerging from the reeds, a spotted deer grazing in a clearing, or a jungle cat stalking through the shadows.
The return route winds through scenic riverine forest, giving you one final chance to spot a sloth bear or wild boar before crossing back to the lodge.
River Safari and Afternoon Jeep Drive
Enjoy a relaxed morning before embarking on a river safari along the Narayani River — one of the most serene and rewarding wildlife experiences in all of Nepal. Drift downstream in a hand-carved wooden canoe, scanning the banks and shallows for:
-Gharial crocodiles - the rare, fish-eating giants of Nepal's rivers
-Marsh Mugger crocodiles - larger and more aggressive relatives
-Kingfishers, herons, and a vivid array of waterbirds
-River otters and freshwater turtles
After a Nepali-style lunch back at the lodge, rest by the pool or join your naturalist for an afternoon jeep safari. As the temperature drops and animals grow more active, the jungle comes alive with deer, langur monkeys, and - if fortune favors you - the unmistakable silhouette of a Royal Bengal Tiger moving through the forest.
Journey to Lumbini - Birthplace of the Buddha
No Chitwan and Bardia National Park tour is complete without a visit to Lumbini, one of the most sacred places on Earth. A three-hour drive brings you to the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, where a remarkable collection of international temples, monasteries, and peaceful gardens awaits.
Highlights of Lumbini include:
-Maya Devi Temple - the sacred site marking the exact birthplace of the Buddha
-The World Peace Pagoda - a stunning white stupa symbolizing global harmony
-Temples built by pilgrims from China, Thailand, Burma, and beyond
-The Lumbini Crane Sanctuary - home to the rare and graceful Sarus Crane
Birdwatchers will love scanning the skies for Eurasian Wigeons, Marsh Harriers, and Booted Eagles. Lumbini adds a profound spiritual and cultural dimension to your Nepal jungle tour that few visitors forget.
Drive West to Bardia National Park
Today's journey takes you deep into western Nepal, crossing the vast southern floodplains of the Terai past Tharu villages, border towns, and dense forest corridors. The drive takes approximately 7–8 hours, but the ever-changing landscape makes it a journey worth savoring.
En route, you'll cross the Babai River - a stretch notorious for Marsh Mugger crocodiles that bask on the sandy banks in the midday sun. Arrive at your lodge in Bardia as the jungle cools into evening. Settle in for cocktails around an outdoor fireplace under a sky full of stars before a delicious dinner in the traditional Nepali dining room.
River Safari on the Karnali River
Rise at a relaxed pace and enjoy a hearty breakfast before driving to the Chisapani Bridge — the longest bridge in Nepal - to begin a spectacular river safari on the mighty Karnali River. Float downstream through a landscape of forested banks, sandbars, and gentle rapids, watching for:
-Gangetic river dolphins - one of the world's rarest freshwater dolphins
-Marsh crocodiles and gharials sunning on the riverbanks
-Spotted deer, monkeys, and waterfowl along the water's edge
After a late lunch at the lodge, your afternoon jeep safari in Bardia National Park begins — arguably the best opportunity in all of Nepal for spotting the Bengal tiger in its natural habitat. Bardia is wilder and less visited than Chitwan, offering an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience that few travelers ever encounter.
All-Day Bardia National Park Jeep Safari
Wake before dawn to birdsong and venture out for a full-day Bardia National Park tour in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Your experienced naturalist will guide you to strategic hides, elevated lookouts, and prime wildlife corridors across the park — each location selected for its potential to deliver extraordinary encounters.
Throughout the day, keep your eyes open for:
-Royal Bengal Tigers - Bardia offers some of Nepal's best tiger-spotting odds
-One-horned rhinoceroses grazing in open grasslands
-Wild elephants, four-horned antelope, and wild boar
-Peacocks, hornbills, and a dazzling variety of jungle birds
On the return journey, visit the National Park Headquarters where you can explore the Gharial Crocodile Breeding Centre - dedicated to conserving one of the world's most endangered reptiles. Return to the lodge for a well-earned cold drink and a celebratory dinner.
Return to Kathmandu
After a leisurely final breakfast at the lodge, your vehicle will transfer you to Nepalgunj Airport for a light aircraft flight back to Kathmandu. The journey itself is memorable - the aerial views over Nepal's Terai and Himalayan foothills are breathtaking, and there's always the chance of spotting a crocodile on the Babai River as you cross it one last time.
Back in Kathmandu, spend your final evening soaking up the city's atmosphere. Your Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd guide will be on hand for any last-minute city exploration, and dinner can be arranged at one of Kathmandu's finest restaurants — a perfect way to toast the end of an unforgettable Nepal wildlife adventure.
International Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure before your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport and your onward international flight. Depart Nepal with memories that will last a lifetime — and a deep appreciation for the extraordinary natural world that thrives in the Terai's jungles and rivers.
Inclusions
What's included
- Airport Transfers – Private airport pickup and drop-off services in Kathmandu.
- Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu – 2 nights’ accommodation at The Dwarika's Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast (BB) basis.
- Guided Wildlife Experience – Professional naturalist-guided tours in Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park.
- Chitwan Jungle Stay – 3 nights’ camping-style accommodation at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge.
- Bardia Wilderness Stay – 3 nights’ accommodation at Burhan Wilderness Camp.
- Jungle Activities – All scheduled jungle activities and wildlife safaris in Chitwan and Bardia as outlined in the itinerary.
- Lumbini Luxury Stay – 1 night’s accommodation at Tiger Palace by Soaltee in Lumbini.
- Domestic Flights – Kathmandu → Chitwan and Nepalgunj → Kathmandu.
- Meals – All meals included during the stays in Chitwan and Bardia, Breakfast included during the stays in Kathmandu and Lumbini.
- Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Tour
What's not included
- International Airfare – International flights to and from Nepal.
- Nepal Visa Fees – Visa costs for entering Nepal (can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu).
- Travel Insurance – Personal travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, evacuation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu & Lumbini – Meals other than breakfast during stays in Kathmandu and Lumbini.
- Personal Expenses – Items such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, and other personal purchases.
- Additional Activities – Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips and Gratuities – Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Extra Accommodation – Additional nights in Kathmandu, Chitwan, Bardia, or Lumbini beyond the planned itinerary due to early arrival, late departure, or personal changes.
- Unforeseen Expenses – Costs arising from delays, weather conditions, flight cancellations, natural disasters, or other circumstances beyond our control.
Wildlife You Can Expect to See
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is one of Asia’s finest wildlife reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is renowned for:
- One-horned rhinoceros — Nepal’s most iconic large mammal
- Royal Bengal Tiger — elusive but increasingly spotted in Chitwan
- Gharial and Marsh Mugger crocodiles in the Narayani River
- Spotted deer, Sambar deer, barking deer, and hog deer
- Sloth bears, leopards, and Indian pangolins
- Over 500 bird species including the rare Bengal Florican
Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park is Nepal’s largest protected area and remains one of the least-visited parks in Asia — making it a genuinely wild and pristine destination. Bardia is increasingly recognized as Nepal’s best location for Bengal tiger sightings, alongside:
- One-horned rhinoceroses in open grasslands
- Wild elephants roaming freely
- Gangetic river dolphins in the Karnali River
- Swamp deer, four-horned antelope, and wolves
- An extraordinary diversity of raptors and waterbirds
Safari Activities Included
- Jeep safaris — explore deep jungle terrain with expert naturalist guides
- Jungle walks — track wildlife on foot through Sal forest and grasslands
- Canoe and river safaris — drift silently along Nepal’s great rivers
- Wildlife hides — observe animals undisturbed from concealed viewpoints
- Birdwatching — guided sessions in prime birding habitats
- Cultural experiences — immerse yourself in Tharu village life and local traditions
- Lumbini temple tour — explore the birthplace of the Buddha
Why Book with Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd?
Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd is a reputable Nepal-based trekking and tour operator with years of experience crafting unforgettable adventures across the Himalayas and the Terai lowlands. Their team of highly trained naturalists, safari guides, and logistics professionals ensures that every aspect of your wildlife safari in Nepal is handled with care, expertise, and a genuine passion for the natural world. When you travel with Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd, you benefit from:
- Expert naturalist guides with deep knowledge of Nepal’s wildlife and ecosystems
- Carefully selected lodges combining comfort with authentic jungle atmosphere
- Responsible tourism practices that support local communities and conservation
- Flexible, personalized itineraries tailored to your interests
- Seamless logistics from airport arrival to international departure
Whether you’re a seasoned safari traveler or experiencing the jungle for the very first time, Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd will ensure your Chitwan and Bardia adventure exceeds every expectation.
Ready to Begin Your Nepal Wildlife Adventure?
If you’ve been searching for a wildlife experience that goes far beyond the ordinary, the Chitwan and Bardia Adventure with Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd is your answer. From your first elephant encounter in Chitwan to your final tiger search in the remote forests of Bardia, every day brings something extraordinary. Nepal’s national parks are wild, beautiful, and full of life – and there has never been a better time to explore them. Contact Everest Hikes Pvt Ltd today to start planning your ultimate Nepal jungle tour.
