The Chitwan jungle safari is a 3-day wildlife tour in Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal's subtropical lowlands. Stay in a jungle lodge in Sauraha on the edge of the park, go on a jeep safari in search of the greater one-horned rhinoceros, glide down the Rapti river in a dugout canoe past crocodiles, walk through the forest with experienced naturalist guides, and visit a Tharu village.
The safari is easy and suits families, couples and wildlife lovers. It fits perfectly between Kathmandu and Pokhara or after a trek. The best time is October to April, with the best sightings from February to April. Lodge accommodation, all meals, park fees, activities and naturalist guides are included; transport from Kathmandu or Pokhara can be added.
Few visitors expect jungle in the land of Everest, but Nepal's southern lowlands, the Terai, hold some of the best wildlife parks in Asia. Chitwan National Park, established in 1973 as Nepal's first national park, protects grasslands, sal forest and rivers that are home to the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, gaur, several species of deer, the rare gharial crocodile and more than 500 bird species.
This three-day package gives you the classic Chitwan experience: two nights in a comfortable jungle lodge, a full programme of guided activities, and plenty of time to enjoy sunsets over the Rapti river, where rhinos often emerge from the tall grass on the far bank.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Location | Sauraha, Chitwan National Park |
| Activities | Jeep safari, canoe trip, jungle walk, birdwatching, Tharu village and cultural show |
| Accommodation | Jungle lodge |
| Meals | All meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 3 |
| Getting there | 5–6 hours by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, or a short flight to Bharatpur |
| Best time | October–April; best sightings February–April |
Jeep safari: an afternoon drive through grasslands and forest to waterholes and lakes, with viewing towers and, on longer drives, the gharial breeding centre. Canoe trip: a quiet drift in a dugout canoe along the Rapti river, watching for crocodiles and water birds. Jungle walk: a guided walk with trained naturalists, learning to read tracks and signs. Tharu culture: a village walk and an evening of traditional stick dancing by the region's indigenous people.
We do not include elephant rides, in line with animal welfare guidance. Jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris with experienced naturalists are excellent and more responsible ways to see Chitwan's wildlife.
October to March has pleasant temperatures. From late January the tall elephant grass is cut, and February to April brings the best wildlife sightings, although April and May are hot. During the monsoon (June–September), heavy rain limits activities.
Chitwan lies between Kathmandu and Pokhara and about four hours from Lumbini, so it fits easily into any itinerary: before or after a trek in the Annapurna region, on a Kathmandu–Pokhara tour, or on the way to Lumbini.
Sauraha is about 5–6 hours by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Tourist buses run daily, or you can travel by private vehicle or take a short flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur. Transport can be added to your package.
Wear light clothing in neutral colours such as green, khaki and brown, with long sleeves and trousers for jungle walks. Bring a warm layer for cool mornings from December to February.
Always stay with your naturalist guides, walk quietly in single file and follow their instructions. Rhinos, elephants and sloth bears can be dangerous.
Use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, drink plenty of water in the heat, and ask your doctor about recommended vaccinations and precautions for lowland Nepal.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
Most visitors see one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many birds. Bengal tigers, leopards and sloth bears live in the park but are rarely seen.
Two nights and three days, as in this package, is enough for the main activities. Keen wildlife watchers may want an extra night.
By road from Kathmandu or Pokhara (about 5–6 hours) or by a short flight to Bharatpur, 30 minutes from Sauraha.
October to April. The best sightings are from February to April, after the tall grass is cut.
No. We offer jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris instead, in line with animal welfare guidance.
Yes. Jeep safaris and canoe trips suit most ages; walking safaris may have minimum age limits.
Tiger sightings in Chitwan are rare and a matter of luck. Bardia National Park offers better chances for dedicated trips.
Yes, with experienced naturalist guides who keep you at a safe distance from animals. Always follow their instructions.
Yes. Chitwan is a relaxing way to end a trek in the Annapurna region or a stop on a Kathmandu–Pokhara tour.
Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing with long sleeves and trousers, comfortable shoes and a hat.
Yes, from April to June temperatures often exceed 35°C. October to March is more comfortable.
The package is priced per person, with group discounts; see the price box. It includes lodge, meals, park fees, activities and naturalist guides.
