About This Trek / Tour
Chitwan National Park is Nepal's premier wildlife destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects one of the last remaining undisturbed stretches of the Terai ecosystem — tall elephant grass, riverine forest and wetlands teeming with life. Chitwan is home to Nepal's entire wild tiger population, one-horned rhinoceroses, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles and over 543 bird species.
Our Chitwan safari uses a combination of jeep drives, dugout canoe rides, jungle walks with armed naturalist guides, and observation tower nights to maximise wildlife encounters. This is a full-immersion wildlife experience that complements any Nepal trekking or cultural itinerary perfectly.
Wildlife Highlights: Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild elephant, gharial crocodile, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, four-horned antelope and an extraordinary birdlife.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Approximately 5-hour drive from Kathmandu (or 25-min flight to Bharatpur + 45-min drive). Arrive at your jungle lodge in Sauraha. Afternoon briefing by naturalist guide. Sunset canoe ride on the Rapti River — spot marsh mugger crocodiles and river birds. Sunset rhino count on the opposite bank.
Pre-dawn jeep safari into the core zone of the national park — the best time for tiger activity. Return for breakfast. Morning jungle walk with armed naturalist guide — tracking rhino prints, identifying bird calls, spotting sloth bears in the sal forest. Afternoon elephant bathing observation at the elephant breeding centre. Evening Tharu cultural dance programme.
Early morning bird watching walk — over 200 resident and migratory species await. Long dugout canoe ride down the Rapti River for birds and crocodiles. Visit to a traditional Tharu village by ox cart — meet the indigenous inhabitants of the Terai, taste local food and see traditional reed crafts. Afternoon free at the lodge.
Final early morning jeep drive for last wildlife sightings. Return to lodge for breakfast. Check out and drive/fly back to Kathmandu. End of Chitwan Wildlife Safari.
What's Included
- Kathmandu–Sauraha–Kathmandu private transport
- 3 nights jungle lodge accommodation (full board)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- National Park entrance fees & jeep safari
- Dugout canoe ride on Rapti River
- Guided jungle walk with armed naturalist
- Tharu cultural dance show
- Ox cart village tour
- Government taxes
Not Included
- Nepal visa
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Beverages (alcoholic & branded)
- Optional elephant back safari (we do not promote this on welfare grounds)
- Tips for guide & staff
- Bharatpur domestic flight if chosen (~$80)
Practical Travel Tips
Best Season: October–March is prime season for wildlife — vegetation is shorter after monsoon floods, making animals easier to spot. April–June is hot but also excellent for tigers near water.
Tiger Sightings: Tiger sightings are never guaranteed in any wild reserve. Chitwan has the highest density of tigers in Nepal but sightings require patience and luck. All big-cat encounters are at safe distances with your expert guide.
What to Wear: Neutral colours — khaki, olive, tan — to blend into the forest. Avoid white and bright colours. Closed walking shoes essential. Light layers for early mornings.