Into the Wild: Exploring Chitwan and Bardiya

Into the Wild: Exploring Chitwan and Bardiya

Navigating Nepal's Jungle frontier

Trip Overview

cultural_tour Duration 9 Days
Easy Trip Level Easy
wildlife_birds Trip Type Wildlife Bird & Nature
Activities Included Activities Included
Walking Tours Culture Tours Village Tours
accommodations Accommodation Jungle resorts
meals Meals All meals are included
seasons Best Seasons Best during February-April, and September to December, besides January is also a good time to visit.

Trip Description

Into the Wild: Exploring Chitwan and Bardiya with Wind Horse Tours

Nepal is not only a land of towering peaks and spiritual heritage, but it also houses some of South Asia’s most captivating wildlife sanctuaries. Among these, Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks stand out as premier destinations for those seeking intimate encounters with nature’s grandeur.

These national parks offer a journey into the heart of Nepal’s untamed wilderness, where diverse ecosystems teem with life, and ancient cultures thrive alongside. This into the wild: Exploring Chitwan and Bardiya tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich wildlife, vibrant cultures, and pristine landscapes that define the heart of the Terai region.

Into the Wild: Exploring Chitwan and Bardiya, a captivating safari adventure through Nepal’s premier national parks. This expedition offers an immersive experience into the heart of the Terai region, where lush jungles and diverse wildlife await.

Chitwan National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Established in 1973 as Nepal’s first national park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Chitwan National Park spans over 952 square kilometers of subtropical lowland terrain in south-central Nepal . The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing species such as the Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic elephant, and over 540 bird species . Visitors can engage in various activities, including jeep safaris, canoe rides, bird watching, jungle walks, and cultural experiences with the indigenous Tharu communities .

Bardiya National Park: The Untouched Wilderness

Located in Nepal’s remote western Terai, Bardiya National Park covers approximately 968 square kilometers, making it the country’s largest and most undisturbed protected area . Once a royal hunting reserve, it was designated a national park in 1988 and now serves as a critical refuge for endangered species. The park is renowned for its higher probability of sightings of Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, wild elephants, swamp deer, and over 400 bird species . Bardiya’s pristine landscape comprises dense sal forests, riverine woodlands, and expansive grasslands. Guided jungle walks, jeep safaris, and boat rides along the Karnali River offer opportunities to spot freshwater Gangetic dolphins and a myriad of bird species .

Chitwan National Park Highlights

  • Jeep Safaris & Jungle Walks: Explore the park’s diverse habitats to spot wildlife such as one-horned rhinoceroses, sloth bears, and the elusive Bengal tiger.
  • Canoe Rides on the Rapti River: Glide along the river to observe crocodiles and a variety of water birds in their natural habitat.
  • Bird Watching: With over 500 bird species, Chitwan is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
  • Tharu Cultural Experience: Engage with the indigenous Tharu community through village visits and cultural programs to gain insight into their traditions and lifestyle.
  • Elephant Breeding Center Visit: Observe conservation efforts and learn about elephants of various ages at the breeding center.

Bardiya National Park Highlights

  • Tiger Tracking & Wildlife Safaris: Explore Nepal’s largest and most secluded national park, home to a significant population of Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, and one-horned rhinoceroses.
  • Jungle Walks & Jeep Safaris: Delve deep into the park’s wilderness to observe diverse flora and fauna.
  • Rafting on the Karnali River: Enjoy a thrilling rafting experience while spotting wildlife along the riverbanks.
  • Bird Watching: With over 500 bird species, Bardiya offers exceptional birding opportunities.
  • Cultural Interactions: Participate in traditional Tharu dances and village tours to immerse yourself in local culture.

Why Choose Wind Horse Tours?

At Wind Horse Tours, we are committed to providing authentic and sustainable travel experiences. Our into the wild: Exploring Chitwan and Bardiya is designed to offer intimate encounters with Nepal’s rich biodiversity while supporting local communities and conservation efforts.

Into the Wild: Exploring Chitwan and Bardiya outline itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Chitwan – Transfer to the Resort
Day 2: Explore Chitwan National Park
Day 3: In Chitwan – River and Jeep Safari
Day 4: Drive from Chitwan to Lumbini (161kms/ 4–5 hrs)
Day 5: Drive from Lumbini to Bardiya National Park (300kms/ 6–7 hrs)
Day 6: River Safari and Jungle Walk
Day 7: Full-Day Jeep Safari
Day 8: Leisure and Optional Activities
Day 9: Fly to Kathmandu

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: :

Fly to Chitwan-Transfer to the Resort

Begin your journey with a scenic 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur. Upon arrival, a resort representative will greet you and escort you to your resort near Chitwan National Park. After check-in, attend a short briefing about the park’s history and wildlife. Post-lunch, embark on a guided nature walk or an ox-cart ride through a local Tharu village, offering insights into indigenous culture. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Chitwan

Accomodation: Jungle Villa Resort Pvt. Ltd.
Meals: Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 415m
Duration Duration: 2 hrs
Day 2: :

Explore Chitwan National Park

Visit the Gharial Breeding Center, established in 1971, dedicated to conserving the endangered gharial crocodile. Explore the Elephant Breeding Center to observe feeding and bathing routines, and learn about elephant conservation from expert naturalists. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program featuring traditional Tharu dance, providing a deeper understanding of local heritage. Overnight in Chitwan

Accomodation: Jungle Villa Resort Pvt. Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Duration Duration: 4-5 hrs
Day 3: :

In Chitwan - River & Jeep Safari

Embark on a morning jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, seeking sightings of one-horned rhinoceroses, deer, and possibly the elusive Bengal tiger. After lunch, enjoy a serene canoe ride along the Rapti River, observing aquatic wildlife and a variety of bird species. Overnight in Chitwan

Accomodation: Jungle Villa Resort Pvt. Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Duration Duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 4: :

Drive from Chitwan to Lumbini (161kms/ 4–5 hrs)

Depart Chitwan for Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple and explore the monastic zone, reflecting on the spiritual significance of the area. Overnight in Lumbini

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 150 m
Duration Duration: 4-5 hrs
Day 5: :

Drive from Lumbini to Bardiya National Park (300kms/ 6–7 hrs)

Continue the journey to Bardiya National Park through the scenic Terai region. Check into your lodge upon arrival. In the evening, take a village walk to learn more about the local Tharu culture. Overnight in Bardiya

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 300 m
Duration Duration: 6-7 hrs
Day 6: :

River Safari & Jungle Walk

Set out on a tranquil river safari along the Karnali River, observing aquatic wildlife such as gharials, marsh mugger crocodiles, and various bird species. After lunch, embark on a guided jungle walk, focusing on tracking wildlife signs and bird watching, gaining a deeper understanding of the park’s diverse ecosystems. Overnight in Bardiya

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Duration Duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 7: :

Full-Day Jeep Safari

Embark on a full-day jeep safari within Bardiya National Park, traversing varied landscapes in search of elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, and other wildlife. A picnic lunch will be served within the park. After the safari, return back to your hotel, the rest of the evening is free. Overnight in Bardiya

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Duration Duration: 5-6 hrs
Day 8: :

Leisure and Optional Activities

Enjoy a leisurely morning with optional activities such as bird watching or visiting the crocodile breeding center, focusing on the conservation of gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles. The afternoon is free for relaxation or exploring nearby areas at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the resort. Overnight in Bardiya

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9: :

Fly to Kathmandu

Depart from Bardiya and drive to Nepalgunj Airport (approx. 2 hours) for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, our vehicle will transfer you to your designated hotel within the city area.

Please note that the daily schedules and specific offerings may vary between resorts, the overall range of activities remains largely the same

Meals: Breakfast

Included

    • All transfers by private vehicle.
    • Accommodation in listed or similar category hotels/resort.
    • All meals(breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour.
    • English-speaking tour guide and Jungle guide/naturalist during the jungle tour.
    • Domestic airfare between Kathmandu-Chitwan-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu.
    • All sightseeing and monument entry fee.
    • Chitwan National Park & Bardiya National Park Fee.
    • All government tax and service charges.

Not included

    • Nepal Visa.
    • International airfare.
    • Meals other than listed.
    • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, bar, beverages).
    • Tips and gratuities to guide, and driver.
    • Travel medical insurance.
    • Trip cancellation cost due to your health, weather condition, political situation, and any other unforeseen events.
    • Any other expenses other than the listed above.