Once home to a royal hunting reserve, Chitwan National Park is now widely recognised as one of the best national parks in Asia. Occupying an area of 932 sq.km, this national park in the Inner Terai lowlands region of southern Nepal boasts an amazingly rich ecosystem that includes large mammals, reptiles, birds and a number of aquatic species.

Covering an area of an area of 953 square kilometres, Chitwan was the first national park to be established in Nepal in 1973 and was granted World Heritage status in 1984. Major species found in the park include the iconic Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, clouded leopard, sloth bear, Asian elephants and gharials, as well as over 500 species of birds.

The four-day Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari is a small guided group tour that starts and ends in Kathmandu and includes accommodation, transport & meals. As well as the abundant wildlife, it also offers the opportunity to spend time among the local Tharu people, becoming immersed in their lifestyle and their culture.

You can relax in your luxurious resort deep in the heart of Chitwan’s jungle. You’ll track wild animals through its lush landscapes on foot, by traditional canoe and also by jeep. You’ll discover an enchanting lost world of verdant jungle alive with birdcalls and punctuated with wildlife sightings.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park & elephant safari

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at 07:00 to travel by private transfer vehicle through the hills following the Trishuli River to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Chitwan National Park (approx. 5 hours - or you can choose to fly), where you’ll be met and transferred to your luxury resort, where you’ll be greeted with refreshing cold/ hot towels and welcome drinks & briefed by the resort Manager, before freshening up for lunch.

After lunch, you can choose to take a short jeep drive to the elephant camp for an elephant safari in the local community forest, which is a great platform for viewing and photographing wildlife. In the evening, you’ll have a presentation on flora & fauna by the resident senior naturalist followed by dinner.

Day 2 – Morning jungle canoe safari & afternoon jeep safari

We’ll start the day with a sunrise dugout canoe safari on the Rapti River, which shelters about a quarter of the world's remaining gharial population. Travelling via canoe on the river allows you to see the park in a quiet and unobtrusive way, providing a unique perspective and opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. We'll follow this with an adventurous walk in the jungle to the Crocodile Breeding Centre, where you can learn about the conservation and breeding programmes. The gharial is a unique fish-eating crocodile that has long been hunted for the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of its snout. 

Back at the resort, a scrumptious breakfast will be waiting for you. After breakfast, you’ll visit the elephant camp where a senior naturalist will provide more insight into these magnificent animals.

Depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to watch their bathing session on the riverbank.

After lunch, you’ll take a jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park with the opportunity to spot an abundance of wildlife. You’ll discover a lost world of towering trees and twisting foliage, of rare and elusive forest creatures, brilliantly coloured birds and - if you are really lucky - the superb Bengal tiger.

Day 3: Morning birdwatching safari (or bike ride) & afternoon cultural visit to Tharu village

After breakfast, you’ll visit the community forest a bird watching safari. If birdwatching is not your thing you can opt for cycle ride around Tharu village before lunch, or simply relax by the pool. After lunch, you’ll explore Tharu village on a traditional ox cart, which is the traditional form of transportation of the Tharu people.

Before dinner, you’ll experience vibrant traditional cultural performances by the Tharu Community, with traditional dances, cultural tales and their wardrobes reflecting the close relationship the people have with their environment.

Day 4 – Return to Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu by air or road. You’ll have the afternoon free to visit Durbar Square in the heart of Kathmandu, ride through the streets in a cycle rickshaw, bargain for saris and scarves and explore this fascinating city.

Accommodation

Your accommodation is one of thirty-five upscale Deluxe Rooms in the highly-rated Kasara Resort, which is renowned for understated luxury. Each room offers an overall footprint of 130 square meters and a living space of 55 sq meters and includes a private water-garden courtyard, a private garden, an indoor-outdoor bathroom space, and a sun deck set up for personal dining. Guests can connect with the natural surroundings through a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor space. The use of natural wood, subtle shades and chic interior design adds to the unique charm.

Kasara source much of their menu locally and are supporting local farmers to raise their production standards in order that that they can become trusted producers in the region. Kasara also grows much of their own organic vegetables and fruits.

Included:

• Return transportation in a private vehicle from Kathmandu to Chitwan or domestic flight
• Three nights’ Deluxe A/C accommodation in jungle resort
• All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Financial protection: we are a fully insured UK based tour operator
• Pre-departure support and advice by email & phone
• Two Bottles of Mineral Water in each Room
• Tea/Coffee maker in the Room
• Elephant Safari in the community forest
• Canoe safari
• Visit to the crocodile breeding centre
• Jungle walking safari
• Bird watching safari
• Ox cart ride through the Tharu villages
• Elephant bathing (Seasonal)
• Cycling trip to the Tharu villages (optional)
• Jeep Safari inside the National Park
• National Park Fee & Taxes

Excluded:

• Additional Jeep Safaris inside the National Park
• Spa facilities
• Personal expenses such as bar, laundry and telephone
• Staff gratuity

Booking:

You can book a Chitwan jungle safari extension while booking any Nepal trek. Click on the button below to see all available Nepal trek departure dates.

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