# Chitwan Jungle Safari > 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. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 3 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Wildlife safari - **Max altitude:** About 150 m / 490 ft - **Best season:** Oct–Apr (best sightings Feb–Apr) - **Group size:** 1–15 people - **Accommodation:** Jungle lodge in Sauraha - **Meals:** All meals in Chitwan - **Price:** from US$320 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/chitwan-jungle-safari - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=chitwan-jungle-safari ## Overview 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. ### Chitwan safari at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration3 days, 2 nightsLocationSauraha, Chitwan National ParkActivitiesJeep safari, canoe trip, jungle walk, birdwatching, Tharu village and cultural showAccommodationJungle lodgeMealsAll meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 3Getting there5–6 hours by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, or a short flight to BharatpurBest timeOctober–April; best sightings February–April### What you can see in Chitwan - **Greater one-horned rhinoceros**: most visitors see several. - **Spotted, sambar and barking deer**, wild boar and monkeys. - **Gharial and mugger crocodiles** on the Rapti river. - **More than 500 bird species**, including hornbills, kingfishers and storks. - **Bengal tiger, leopard and sloth bear**, present in the park but rarely seen. ### Safari activities **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. ### Responsible wildlife tourism 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. ### Best time for a Chitwan safari **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. ### Combining Chitwan with your Nepal trip 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. ### Why book your Chitwan safari with Himalayan Hiking? - **Experienced naturalist guides** and a full activity programme. - **Hand-picked jungle lodges** in Sauraha. - **Responsible safari** with no elephant rides. - **Easy to combine** with treks and tours. ## Highlights - Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - See the greater one-horned rhinoceros in its natural habitat - Dugout canoe trip on the Rapti river past crocodiles - Guided jungle walk with experienced naturalists - Tharu village visit and traditional stick dance - Sunset over the Rapti river ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrive in Chitwan, Tharu village and sunset Arrive in Sauraha by road or flight to Bharatpur and check in to your jungle lodge. Lunch, then a guided walk through a Tharu village and sunset by the Rapti river. Evening briefing. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_ ### Day 2: Full day of safari activities Early morning canoe trip on the Rapti river and guided jungle walk with naturalists. Afternoon jeep safari into the park to look for rhinos, deer, crocodiles and birds. Evening Tharu cultural show. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_ ### Day 3: Birdwatching and departure Early morning birdwatching walk, breakfast, and departure to Kathmandu, Pokhara or Lumbini. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - 2 nights in a jungle lodge in Sauraha - All meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 3 - Chitwan National Park entry fees - Jeep safari, canoe trip, jungle walk and birdwatching walk - Tharu village walk and cultural show - Experienced naturalist guides - All government and local taxes ## Not included - Transport to and from Chitwan (can be added) - Travel insurance - Drinks and personal expenses - Optional activities such as a full-day jeep safari - Tips for guides ## Useful information ### Getting to Chitwan 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. ### What to wear 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. ### Safety on safari Always stay with your naturalist guides, walk quietly in single file and follow their instructions. Rhinos, elephants and sloth bears can be dangerous. ### Health 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. ## Packing list - Light clothing in neutral colours - Long sleeves and trousers for jungle walks - Warm layer for winter mornings - Comfortable walking shoes - Insect repellent and sunscreen - Hat and sunglasses - Binoculars and a camera with zoom lens - Refillable water bottle ## Frequently asked questions ### What animals can I see in Chitwan? 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. ### How many days do I need in Chitwan? Two nights and three days, as in this package, is enough for the main activities. Keen wildlife watchers may want an extra night. ### How do I get to Chitwan? By road from Kathmandu or Pokhara (about 5–6 hours) or by a short flight to Bharatpur, 30 minutes from Sauraha. ### What is the best time for a Chitwan safari? **October to April**. The best sightings are from **February to April**, after the tall grass is cut. ### Do you include elephant rides? No. We offer jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris instead, in line with animal welfare guidance. ### Is the Chitwan safari suitable for children? Yes. Jeep safaris and canoe trips suit most ages; walking safaris may have minimum age limits. ### Will I see a tiger? Tiger sightings in Chitwan are rare and a matter of luck. Bardia National Park offers better chances for dedicated trips. ### Is it safe to walk in the jungle? Yes, with experienced naturalist guides who keep you at a safe distance from animals. Always follow their instructions. ### Can I combine Chitwan with a trek? Yes. Chitwan is a relaxing way to end a trek in the Annapurna region or a stop on a Kathmandu–Pokhara tour. ### What should I wear on safari? Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing with long sleeves and trousers, comfortable shoes and a hat. ### Is Chitwan hot? Yes, from April to June temperatures often exceed 35°C. October to March is more comfortable. ### How much does the Chitwan jungle safari cost? The package is priced per person, with group discounts; see the price box. It includes lodge, meals, park fees, activities and naturalist guides.