Chitwan National Park Safari
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsTwo nights at a jungle lodge on the edge of Chitwan National Park. A jeep safari for one-horned rhino, a dugout canoe on the Rapti River, a guided jungle walk and an evening in a Tharu village. Easy to add before or after any tour or trek.
Friends paying separately still get the group price.
On the Trip
What It Really Looks Like
Chitwan National Park Safari: What to Expect
Four hours inside the park looking for one-horned rhino, deer and with luck a tiger
A quiet dugout canoe at sunrise past crocodiles and kingfishers
Learn to read tracks and calls on a guided walk through the forest
Visit a Tharu village and watch the stick dance in the evening
This Chitwan National Park safari gives you two nights in Nepal’s best known wildlife park. Chitwan was Nepal’s first national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has one of the largest populations of one-horned rhino in the world. You stay at a jungle lodge in Sauraha on the edge of the park and spend a full day looking for wildlife by jeep, by canoe and on foot with a trained naturalist.
The trip is easy and suits all ages. The drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara takes about five hours. All meals are included at the lodge. It fits neatly before or after a trek or a city tour and is the easiest way to add some wildlife to your time in Nepal.
Rhino and spotted deer are seen on most trips. You will also likely see crocodiles, monkeys and some of the more than 500 kinds of birds that live here. Tigers, leopards and sloth bears live in the park too but they are shy and sightings are rare. Your naturalist knows where animals have been seen recently and plans the day around it.
What you will see and do:
- A four hour jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park
- A dugout canoe on the Rapti River at sunrise
- A guided jungle walk to learn tracks, calls and plants
- A walk through a Tharu village and the Tharu stick dance at night
- Sunset over the Rapti River from the banks at Sauraha
- An early morning birdwatching walk before you leave
Want Chitwan as part of a longer trip? The Classic Nepal Tour combines it with Kathmandu, Bandipur and Pokhara in 10 days. Want somewhere quieter with better odds of a tiger? See the Bardiya Jungle Safari in the far west.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive to Chitwan and Tharu Village
We pick you up from your hotel at 7am and drive down the Trishuli valley to the Terai plains. Arrive at your jungle lodge in Sauraha for lunch. In the late afternoon your naturalist walks you through a Tharu village and down to the Rapti River for sunset. A Tharu stick dance show follows in the evening.
Canoe, Jungle Walk and Jeep Safari
Start with a dugout canoe on the Rapti River at sunrise and look for crocodiles and kingfishers. Then walk through the forest with your naturalist to learn about tracks, calls and plants. After lunch head into the park by jeep for about four hours. Rhino and deer are seen on most trips. Tigers are there too but rarely seen.
Birdwatching and Return
Go out early with your naturalist for a short birdwatching walk along the river while the forest is still waking up. Come back for breakfast at the lodge, then drive back to Kathmandu or on to Pokhara. You arrive in the early afternoon.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Private car and driver Hotel pickup in Kathmandu or Pokhara and drop-off at the end
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2 nights at a jungle lodge In Sauraha on the edge of the park. Twin sharing
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All meals at the lodge Lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3
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Chitwan National Park entry fees All park and conservation fees
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Jeep safari About four hours inside the park
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Canoe ride on the Rapti River Dugout canoe at sunrise
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Guided jungle walk and birdwatching With a trained naturalist
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Tharu village walk and cultural show
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Drinks Soft drinks, beer and bottled water
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Travel insurance Required. Must cover medical care and evacuation
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Tips for naturalist and driver Up to you
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Single room Available on request at extra cost
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Flights to or from Bharatpur Optional if you would rather fly
Add to Your Trip
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
You stay 2 nights at a jungle lodge in Sauraha, the village on the edge of Chitwan National Park. Rooms are simple and comfortable with a private bathroom, fan or air conditioning, and hot water. The lodge sits in a garden close to the Rapti River and you can often hear birds and sometimes see deer from the grounds.
Your naturalist is based at the lodge, so it is easy to ask questions or change plans. Rooms are twin sharing. A single room or an upgrade to a more luxurious jungle resort is available on request.
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3. Food is served at the lodge and is simple and filling. Expect dal bhat, curries, fried rice, noodles and a few Western dishes. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book and the kitchen will look after you.
Drinks are not included. Sauraha has a few small cafés and bars by the river if you want a cold drink at sunset.
| Soft drinks and bottled water | $1 to $2 each |
| A beer by the river | $4 to $6 |
| Souvenirs and Tharu crafts | Budget as you like |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A fantastic safari experience”
As a couple, we had a wonderful time in Chitwan. The jungle safari was the highlight, especially seeing rhinos in the wild and exploring the park by jeep. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the animals and the area, MountainKick organized everything smoothly and made the whole experience very easy.
“Great family adventure”
Our family of four really enjoyed the Chitwan safari. The children loved the jungle activities and were especially excited when we spotted a rhino. We also enjoyed learning about local Tharu culture, everything was well arranged by MountainKick and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay.
“A lovely break after trekking”
After finishing our trek, we spent a few days in Chitwan and it was the perfect change of pace. The jungle was beautiful and we saw several rhinos, monkeys, and plenty of birds, the safari was well organized and our guide knew exactly where to look. MountainKick made the arrangements…
“More than just a wildlife trip”
Travelling with a group of five friends, we had a brilliant time in Chitwan. The wildlife was obviously the main attraction, but we also really enjoyed visiting the Tharu village and learning about local life. The whole experience felt relaxed and personal, MountainKick were excellent to deal with and everything…
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Chitwan National Park?
October to April is the best time. The weather is dry and the animals are easier to find. February and March are especially good because the tall grass is cut and you can see further into the park. December and January mornings are foggy and cold but clear by midday. From June to September the monsoon brings heavy rain and parts of the park close.
Will I see a one-horned rhinoceros?
Sightings are very common. Chitwan National Park has one of the world’s highest densities of greater one-horned rhinoceros, with over 700 individuals in the park. You will have multiple opportunities during the walking safari, canoe ride, and jeep safari.
What are the realistic chances of seeing a Bengal tiger?
Tiger sightings are possible but not common. Chitwan has a healthy breeding population of Bengal tigers and is one of the best places in Asia to see one in the wild. Tigers are naturally elusive and most active at dawn and dusk, so sightings depend on timing and conditions. Your guide tracks fresh signs throughout the safari to maximise your chances.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes. All activities take place on flat terrain and there is nothing physically strenuous on this itinerary. The jeep safari, canoe ride, and Tharu cultural show are particularly engaging for younger travellers. Children under 5 are not recommended for walking safaris in the jungle buffer zone. Let us know the ages of any children when you book so we can adjust activities accordingly.
Is this a good standalone trip or only an add-on to a trek?
Both. Many guests combine Chitwan with a Himalayan trek, but it is equally rewarding as a standalone wildlife trip. If you are visiting Nepal primarily for wildlife and culture rather than trekking, this is one of the most accessible and rewarding itineraries we offer.
What is the drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan like?
From Kathmandu it is about 5 hours by private car. You follow the Trishuli River down through the hills to the flat Terai plains. From Pokhara it is also about 5 hours. If you would rather fly, there are 25 minute flights between Kathmandu and Bharatpur, which is a short drive from Sauraha. We can add this for an extra cost.
Is travel insurance required for this trip?
Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory for participation in national park activities, including walking safaris. Your policy should cover medical evacuation and emergency repatriation.
What should I wear for jungle activities?
Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing in khaki, olive, or brown tones is recommended. Bright colours and white should be avoided. Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip are essential for the walking safari. A light layer is useful for early morning activities between October and March when temperatures in the Terai can be cool before sunrise.
Can I extend my stay in Chitwan?
Yes. We can arrange additional nights at the jungle resort and include activities such as community homestays, longer jeep safaris, or visits to nearby wetland areas. Let us know when you enquire and we will include extended options in your quote.
Should I choose Chitwan or Bardiya?
Chitwan is close to Kathmandu and Pokhara, easy to reach by road and best for one-horned rhino. It is the right choice for most people. Bardiya is in the far west and needs a flight. It is much quieter and gives you better odds of seeing a tiger. Pick Bardiya if wildlife is the main reason for your trip.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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- Confirm with a 20% deposit
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Clothing
ⓘ Wear khaki, green or brown on safari. Bright colours and white scare the animals.
Personal items
ⓘ Bring your own insect repellent with DEET. The local brands do not work as well in the jungle.
Electronics
ⓘ A zoom lens makes a big difference for wildlife photos.
Travelling in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Leave at home
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Bright or white clothes They stand out and scare the animals
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Strong perfume Draws insects
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Large suitcase Leave it at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara. A small bag is enough
You do not need any special gear. The lodge has binoculars you can borrow. Anything you forget is easy to buy in Sauraha or Thamel.
Chitwan National Park Safari
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about pace, hotels, a private group or adding extra days.
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