Safari in Nepal: Nature trip in South/West Nepal | 15 days

At the airport, you will be met by one of our employees carrying a sign with our logo. This ensures you can find each other very easily and without any problems upon exiting the airport. After a warm welcome, a private driver will take you by car to your accommodation in Kathmandu. Our representative will accompany you and assist you with your check-in. Depending on your arrival time in Kathmandu, you will have free time to go on an adventure. Discover the lively old part of Kathmandu, such as the streets of Asan. Also admire the charming markets and colorful temples and stupas. During a short meet & greet with Chuda or one of our employees, you will receive useful tips and have the opportunity to ask questions.

After breakfast, you depart by private vehicle towards Chitwan National Park, the first National Park of your trip. This park is a must-see on a safari in Nepal.
Upon arrival in Chitwan, you will have free time to explore the surroundings. Take a look along the river: you will see the local Tharu people at work and animals coming to drink. Elephants roam freely behind the lodge, so you can observe them from the deck. Very occasionally, a rhinoceros will also come by to say hello.

Royal Chitwan National Park is one of the most beautiful and famous wildlife parks in Asia. The park features vast forests, large barren grasslands, and marshy terrain with creeks and pools. More than 50 different species of mammals and 450 different species of birds live there!

In the morning after breakfast, you depart by open jeep towards the entrance of Chitwan National Park. The crisp morning air and soft light give the landscape a magical quality. You drive through misty grasslands, along narrow sandy tracks, and past dense sal forests — the ideal habitat for wild animals.

There is a good chance that along the way you will spot a rhinoceros striding majestically through the tall grass or a herd of deer watching frozen from the edge of the forest. Crocodiles also often lie lazily along the riverbanks, seeking warmth in the morning sun. And if you are lucky, even a leopard or Bengal tiger might show itself briefly, hidden deep in the undergrowth.

During the safari, there are several stops where you and your nature guide can calmly get out at safe spots to read tracks or spot birds. Chitwan is known as a bird paradise: kingfishers, hornbills, and even the rare osprey can regularly be admired here.

In the afternoon, there is a picnic lunch at a sheltered spot in nature. Afterwards, you continue your journey along the Rapti and Narayani rivers, where elephants often leave tracks or where you see a troop of langur monkeys watching curiously from the trees.

Towards late afternoon, you return to your lodge, dusty but satisfied. With a cold drink on the terrace, you look back on a day full of wonder — one of the purest nature experiences Nepal has to offer.

The day starts peacefully on the banks of the Rapti River, where a wooden canoe awaits you. As the sun slowly rises, you glide silently over the water. Only the sound of rippling water and singing birds breaks the silence. On the banks, you see resting crocodiles warming themselves in the sun and colorful kingfishers skimming low over the water. Occasionally, you hear the splash of a fish or the trumpeting of an elephant in the distance.

After canoeing for about 45 minutes, you disembark at the edge of the rainforest and begin the jungle walk with an experienced nature guide. The pace is slow, and there is plenty of time to listen, look, and learn. The guide points out tiger tracks, tells you about the medicinal properties of plants, and helps you identify birds, deer, and monkeys.

The walk takes you through various types of vegetation: from dense sal forest to open grassland. Along the way, you may see tracks of rhinos or even a fresh leopard scratching post. At lunchtime, there is a simple picnic in a shady clearing in the jungle.

In the afternoon, you walk slowly back towards the park exit. The sounds of the jungle grow louder again as the day progresses: chirping insects, calling birds, and the rustling of animals in the bushes.

This excursion is a true sensory nature experience, ideal for those who like to become one with the jungle in a quiet way.

A final day in Chitwan National Park – and what a day it is! Today you bid farewell to the jungle with a jeep safari to a less-visited but exceptionally rich nature reserve: the Twenty Thousand Lakes, locally known as Bishazari Tal.

In the early morning, you drive south in an open jeep towards the park’s vast buffer zone. This region lies between the imposing Mahabharat Hills in the north and the Siwalik Hills in the south and covers no less than 3,200 hectares of wetlands, lakes, grasslands, and forests. Along the way, you pass small villages, open plains, and possibly even a group of grazing deer or a curious rhinoceros.

Bishazari Tal is a paradise for bird lovers: here you hear and see countless species — from brightly colored bee-eaters to stately herons. In the early morning, there is a good chance you will also spot otters, water turtles, or even a crocodile along the banks. Thanks to the alternation between open water, reed beds, and jungle, this area offers a unique view of the Terai ecosystem.

There is time to stroll around leisurely in safe areas, spot birds with binoculars, or simply enjoy the silence and tranquility of this pristine nature. Along the way, the guide shares fascinating insights into the importance of this region for biodiversity and local nature conservation.

This excursion is a fitting and atmospheric conclusion to your stay in Chitwan — a final deep breath of jungle air, birdsong, and sweeping views.

After breakfast, you depart from Sauraha for the drive to Lumbini. The drive takes approximately 6 hours and offers you the chance to admire the nature and landscape of Nepal. This extra stopover has been deliberately scheduled, as the one-day drive to Bardia is too long and tiring.

Upon arrival in Lumbini, you can relax in your accommodation. Lumbini is famous as the birthplace of Buddha, and the large temple complex also offers soothing natural areas. The vast grounds surrounding the temples have many quiet spots where you can enjoy the serenity of nature. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, stroll along the green paths, and enjoy the tranquility of the area before continuing your journey to your next destination.

With its stately posture and red head, the Sarus crane is the tallest flying bird in the world — it can reach up to 1.80 meters! One of the largest populations of Sarus cranes in Nepal lives around Lumbini. What makes this bird extra special is its lifelong fidelity: Sarus cranes form pairs for life, and their graceful mating dance is a beautiful sight. The wet rice fields and swamps around Lumbini form an important breeding ground for this endangered species. Due to the religious significance of Lumbini and local protection, their habitat remains relatively safe here, making this area unique for bird lovers and conservationists alike.

Today starts early. After an early breakfast, you head west for a long but fascinating drive to Bardia National Park. Along the way, the landscape changes slowly: from the plains around Lumbini to the vast savannas, rivers, and forests of Western Nepal. You arrive in Bardia around midday, where a tasty lunch awaits you at your homestay.

In the afternoon, you will explore a nearby Tharu village on foot with a local guide. The Tharu people are the original community of this region, with a rich culture, unique architecture, and traditional way of life. You will learn how they have lived in harmony with nature for generations and get a first glimpse of life on the edge of the park. A peaceful, atmospheric introduction to the people and surroundings of Bardia – a nice warm-up for the wilderness experiences of the coming days.

Bardia National Park: rugged wilderness in western Nepal.
Bardia National Park is the largest and most pristine protected nature reserve in the Terai Plain in western Nepal. Far away from mass tourism, this park offers an authentic safari experience. Wild elephants, leopards, crocodiles, rare marsh deer, and the elusive Bengal tiger live in the dense jungles and along wide rivers. Thanks to the quiet trails and small-scale approach, the chances of spotting wildlife are high and the experience intense.

Today you will have a true wilderness experience: together with an experienced local nature guide, you will trek on foot into the heart of Bardia National Park. A jungle walk is the ultimate way to experience the park intensely. Your guide will point out paw prints in the sand, the warning calls of monkeys or deer, and help you spot predators and other wildlife – naturally from a safe distance.

You walk along narrow paths, cross a river occasionally, and stop regularly at viewpoints or shelters by the water. There you wait in silence, searching for that magical moment when a herd of deer comes to drink, a crocodile shows itself, or even a tiger emerges from the bushes. In total, you walk about 15 to 20 kilometers, with sufficient rest breaks and a packed lunch along the way.

An intense day in nature, where all your senses are on high alert.

Today you start early for an adventurous jeep safari in the vast Bardia National Park. As the sun slowly rises over the misty jungle, you drive deeper into the park in an open jeep, to places that are difficult to reach on foot. The wind blows past your face, the scent of damp grass and fresh earth hangs in the air, and the soft crunching of branches under the tires accompanies your ride.

Your guide scans the surroundings intently: playful monkeys swing through the trees, deer dart away into the forest edges, and by the river, crocodiles lie motionless warming themselves in the sun. You stop regularly at observation towers and watering holes, where you wait in complete silence for wild elephants, rhinos, or – with a little luck – even the elusive Bengal tiger.

The jungle is alive, and today you are part of it. Every movement, scent, and sound brings you closer to nature than ever before.

🧠 Interesting fact:
Nepal is one of the few countries in the world where the number of Bengal tigers is increasing. In 2010, Nepal, along with 12 other countries, pledged to double the number of tigers by 2022 – a goal that Nepal is one of the few to have actually achieved. Thanks to stricter protection, the establishment of tiger corridors between national parks, and close cooperation with local communities, the number of wild Bengal tigers in Nepal has risen from approximately 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022. Their numbers are increasing remarkably, particularly in Bardia and Chitwan National Park.

After breakfast, you head into nature on foot, towards a tributary of the mighty Karnali. You walk through a quieter part of the buffer zone, where community forests define the landscape — forests that are protected and managed by the local population. In this green corridor between Bardia National Park and the Indian Katharniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, animals move freely between the two areas. It is a paradise for birdwatchers: with a little luck, you will see colorful kingfishers, owls, woodpeckers, and perhaps even a stray rhinoceros on the water’s edge.

Around midday, you will join a local Tharu family for a homemade lunch — a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of this special community up close. You will be back at your homestay around 1:30 PM. The rest of the afternoon is free. Ideal for relaxing, reading a book on the terrace, or simply reflecting on all the impressions you gathered in the jungle.

Interesting fact about the Tharu people:
The Tharu are known as the ‘original inhabitants of the Terai’ and have managed to protect themselves against malaria for generations, a disease that was once prevalent in the jungles of southern Nepal. Their genetic adaptation to these conditions enabled them to be the only ones to live permanently in the swampy forests, where others did not survive. As a result, their traditions, lifestyle, and architecture remained preserved virtually intact for centuries — a fascinating glimpse into a unique cultural heritage.

Today you will discover the jungle from a different perspective: the water. Don’t worry if you associate “rafting” with whitewater and adrenaline — this trip is calm and relaxed. At this stretch, the Karnali is a tranquil river, perfect for gliding silently through the landscape.
You will depart after breakfast towards Chisapani, where the rubber boat awaits. Together with an experienced guide, you will drift slowly downstream. Without the roar of an engine and with minimal movement, you will glide almost silently along the banks of Bardia National Park. This silence allows you to get closer to animals unnoticed. You will stop regularly at watering holes and river crossings — who knows, you might spot a deer, a crocodile, or even an elephant.

The lush vegetation along the river is teeming with life, with countless bird species making themselves heard or briefly perching on a branch. A particularly relaxing day where you can truly experience the jungle with your eyes and ears open.

Please note: if the water level is too low, the trip will be adjusted and you will combine half a day of leisurely rafting on a different section of the river with half a day of hiking in the park.

Via Lake Ghodaghodi to Shukla Phanta National Park
After an early breakfast, your drive begins towards the far west of Nepal, to Shukla Phanta National Park. Along the way, you will make a special stop at the enchanting Lake Ghodaghodi. This vast lake area consists of a mosaic of ponds, swamps, and grasslands — a total of thirteen shallow lakes that together form an important haven for birds and other wildlife.

You walk peacefully along the banks, where purple water lilies adorn the water and bird sounds can be heard from all directions. This is an ideal spot to stretch your legs and quietly enjoy nature. You might even spot a kingfisher or a great egret here, while dragonflies skim low over the water.

After a picnic lunch en route, you continue your journey westward. You arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, close to the entrance of Shukla Phanta National Park — a place where the real, pristine Nepal begins.

Sukla Phanta National Park
Sukla Phanta National Park, located in western Nepal, is a pristine nature reserve known for its vast grasslands, dense forests, and rich wildlife. The park is home to rare animal species such as the Bengal tiger and the marsh deer, which live here in large herds. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of native bird species.

The relatively unknown park offers a peaceful and authentic experience, ideal for nature lovers seeking adventure. Whether you are spotting wildlife or hiking through the vast grasslands, Sukla Phanta offers a unique opportunity to explore Nepal’s pristine nature.

Today, you will explore the remote and pristine Shukla Phanta National Park by jeep. This vast 305 km² park consists of grasslands, forests, riverbeds, and wetlands, making it an ideal place to spot wildlife. The jeep will drive you through the park, past expansive grasslands and picturesque lakes such as Rana Tal, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the serene landscape.

Shukla Phanta is home to no fewer than 46 mammal species, including majestic Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, leopard bears, wild elephants, and, of course, the iconic marsh deer. In fact, the group of marsh deer in this park is the largest herd in the world! Along the way, you will stop at various locations to observe animals and enjoy the rich birdlife, making this safari an extraordinary experience.

With a little luck, you will see these impressive animals up close while traveling along the park’s quiet paths. It is a unique opportunity to discover the wild nature of western Nepal and explore one of the country’s most pristine corners.

Please note: Park accessibility.
Although Shukla Phanta National Park is a breathtaking nature reserve, the park is not always optimally maintained. This may mean that certain parts of the park, particularly the grasslands, are difficult to access. The tall grass can obstruct the view and make some areas impassable, which affects the safari experience. Therefore, it is possible that certain routes or specific sections of the park may be temporarily closed to visitors, depending on the conditions. Nevertheless, the jeep safari remains a great way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem and spot wildlife, even if some areas are inaccessible.

Today begins with a drive of approximately 2 hours from your accommodation in Sukla Phanta to Dhangadi Airport. Your guide will ensure everything runs smoothly so you can check in for your flight to Kathmandu without any worries. After a short domestic flight, you will arrive in the capital, where the rest of the day is free for you.

If you still wish to enjoy some peace and quiet after the nature experiences in Sukla Phanta, you can visit the Garden of Dreams, a beautiful neoclassical garden in the heart of Kathmandu. This green oasis offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a moment of silence.

Whether you choose a quiet moment in the garden or continue exploring the city, this final day in Kathmandu offers you the opportunity to take everything in at your leisure before heading home.

Note regarding the Domestic Flight from Dhangadi to Kathmandu

Please note that the domestic flight from Dhangadi to Kathmandu may sometimes be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. In that case, your flight will be rerouted to Nepalgunj, from where you will still fly to Kathmandu. Although we do everything to ensure your flight runs smoothly, such schedule changes can sometimes be unavoidable, depending on weather conditions in the far west of Nepal. Your guide and the local tour operator will keep you informed of the situation and arrange an alternative solution so that your trip remains as comfortable as possible.

Unfortunately, the end of your trip is in sight. Depending on your flight time, you may still have some time to pick up souvenirs or discover a few more nice spots.
You will be picked up at the reception of your accommodation at least 3 hours before your flight departure time. The driver will take you to the airport. We hope you take home many wonderful memories!

Domestic flights in Nepal may sometimes be delayed or even cancelled due to weather or other conditions. In the event of a cancellation, the flight to Kathmandu may be rerouted via Nepalgunj. Please note that there may sometimes be changes to your itinerary. We will always keep you informed of the latest information and assist you with alternative arrangements.

For walks and safaris in the nature parks, it is important to bring suitable clothing, such as comfortable walking shoes, light, breathable clothing in a neutral color, a hat, sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses), and mosquito protection. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for spotting wildlife! A raincoat is also recommended, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season.

The best time to travel to southwestern Nepal is between October and March. This is the dry season, making the weather milder and ideal for hiking and safaris. The rainy season from June to September brings lush greenery, is very hot, and makes walking some trails difficult, so it is important to take the season into account when planning your trip.

During the trip, you will use comfortable jeeps for the safaris and a private vehicle with a driver for transport between the various national parks. The drives can be long, but offer you the chance to discover the rural beauty of Nepal. Please keep in mind that the roads can sometimes be bumpy, which may extend travel time. Transport by jeep is usually comfortable, but it can be a bit unpredictable depending on the weather conditions.

In the nature parks themselves, there is no access to Wi-Fi or the internet, especially in the more remote areas. This offers you the chance to truly enjoy your surroundings and experience nature in peace and quiet. However, in Kathmandu, Sauraha, Lumbini, and Bardia, there are ample internet options available.

The nature parks are well guarded, and our guides know the area extremely well. Although wild animals such as elephants, tigers, and rhinos inhabit the parks, the guides are well-trained to ensure your safety and guarantee that you are not in danger. It is always important to follow your guide’s instructions, especially when walking close to wildlife.

It is best not to bring gifts or goods for the local communities, as this can encourage begging. Sustainable tourism is key, and supporting local initiatives and projects is a positive way to contribute to the communities you visit. Talk to your guide or at the lodge where you are staying about the best ways to support the local economy, for example by buying handmade products or enjoying local dishes in villages.

The nature parks are located in areas with diverse ethnic communities, such as the Tharu people. Respect for local customs and traditions is important. The local communities will welcome you hospitably, but it is good to be aware of the culture and customs of the residents, especially when visiting local villages or participating in a cultural event.