Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an exciting three-day tour that combines jungle adventure with cultural immersion. Located in the subtropical lowlands of southern Nepal, Chitwan is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, elephants, sloth bears, and over 500 species of birds.
The Chitwan National Park is situated in the mid-southern Terai region of Nepal, characterized by its flatland terrain. It is one of Asia's largest national parks, offering a variety of jungle activities to observe wildlife and birdlife. Spanning an area of 932 square kilometers, Chitwan National Park is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in Nepal. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Visitors can reach Chitwan National Park by taking a regular tourist bus service from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, or by using private vehicles. Alternatively, one can opt for a 20-minute flight to either Meghauli or Bharatpur. For those seeking a more adventurous route, the park can also be accessed via scenic rafting on the Trishuli River.
Chitwan National Park boasts a pristine area with a unique ecosystem that holds significant value globally. The park features the Churia hills, oxbow lakes, and the floodplains of the Rapti, Reu, and Narayani rivers.
Day 01: Arrival and Tharu Cultural Experience
-Departure from Kathmandu or Pokhara
-Pickup from Arrival Point (Tourist bus station)
-Reception, welcome drinks, and introduction to your room check-in
-Freshen up and a briefing session
-Lunch
-Cultural Tour (To Visit Tharu Village)
-Riverside Sunset View
-Tharu cultural program (Tharu stick dance) or the next evening.
-Dinner
Day 02: Jungle Safari and Wildlife Activities
-Wake-up call
-Breakfast
-Bird Watching, Canoeing Ride, Jungle Walk, and Elephant Breeding Center Visit
-Lunch
-Jeep Safari or Elephant Back Safari
-Dinner
Day 03: Departure
-Wake-up call
-Tea/Coffee
-Breakfast
-Departure
Chitwan National Park is home to 43 species of mammals, including the famous endangered and elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Other animals found in the park include sambars, chital (spotted deer), barking deer, sloth bears, palm civets, langurs, and rhesus monkeys.
The park also protects the one-horned Indian Rhinoceros and the freshwater gharial crocodile, along with various other species, including the gaur (Asian bison), wild elephants, four-horned antelopes, striped hyenas, pangolins, Gangetic dolphins, monitor lizards, and pythons.
In addition, Chitwan National Park is renowned for its rich birdlife, featuring over 800 species. Among these, the Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican, Black Stork, and White Stork are considered endangered. Common birds observed in the park include peafowl, red jungle fowl, and various species of egrets, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers, and woodpeckers. The best time for bird watching is generally from March to December.
The park has recorded 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the marsh mugger crocodile, cobras, green pit vipers, as well as several species of frogs and tortoises. Additionally, Chitwan National Park offers numerous jungle lodges and resorts with tented camps located outside the buffer zone of the park.
"Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park (Sauraha), 163 km, and from Pokhara, 143 km approximately"
The 2-night 3-day tour to Chitwan National Park Itinerary begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara to the lush lowlands surrounding Chitwan National Park. Upon reaching the lodge, one receives guests. They will be served traditional drinks and receive a briefing on the lodge's amenities and services. Guests check into their rooms and freshen up before sitting down for a tasty lunch featuring local cuisine.
In the afternoon, there is a chance to visit the nearby Tharu village for culture, where guests get to learn about the culture, lifestyle, and architecture of this indigenous community. As the sunset falls on the riverside view, it is time to unwind and soak up the stunning view of the Rapti River, an excellent time for taking many pictures and relaxing.
Later in the day, there will be another Tharu cultural presentation that highlights the famous Tharu stick dance, which represents their culture. Dinner at the lodge will mark the end of the first day of this unforgettable 2-night, 3-day Chitwan jungle safari journey.
Your day begins at dawn with a gentle wake-up call, followed by breakfast at the hotel to prepare you for the adventurous day ahead. Start your morning with a serene birdwatching tour led by a trained naturalist; Chitwan is home to over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Afterward, enjoy a relaxing canoe ride down the Rapti River, where you may spot painted marsh crocodiles, gharials, and a variety of river birds. Next, embark on a jungle walk accompanied by a guide, immersing yourself in the lush wilderness of Chitwan National Park. A visit to the Elephant Breeding Centre will provide insight into conservation efforts and allow you to observe baby elephants up close.
Return to the hotel for a delicious lunch, then set off on another adventure with a jeep safari/or choose an optional elephant-back safari through the heart of the park. During this excursion, you'll have the best chance to spot the one-horned rhinoceros, wild boar, deer, and, if you're lucky, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
After a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner, reminiscing about your exciting 3-day Chitwan jungle adventure.
On the final day in Chitwan, wake up and enjoy breakfast. Afterward, check out of the hotel and make your way to the tourist bus stop for your journey to Kathmandu or Pokhara. This concludes your memorable 2-night, 3-day Chitwan safari tour, filled with wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.
Our online published departure date is guaranteed to run the tour. The Chitawan wildlife departure date is not working, regardless of your Nepal holiday plan. Send a message via email to us for the new trip departure date.
We can travel through open grassland and dense forest on elephant back in search of rare games; we can spot one-horned rhino, various species of deer, wild boar, sloth bear, leopard, bison, and the big one, the Royal Bengal tiger, etc.
A traditional dugout takes us on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view birds, crocodiles, and the animals of the river, especially from October through mid-March.
Well-trained naturalists/ecologists take us to prime spots to view deer, rhinos, sloth bears, and other wildlife, and no doubt, the detailed explanation from the experienced guide on wildlife and the jungle will help to widen our knowledge and enhance our trip.
We can view the birds while we are on an early morning walk through the bush and along the Rapti River, where over 450 species of exotic birds, including the Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican, and Paradise Flycatcher, exist. No doubt we will be accompanied by our experienced naturalist.
We will have a look at a melodious tribal dance performed by Tharu men with the rhythms of drums and with the clashing of a stick that embodies and projects how to drive away Rhino and other wild animals from the human habitat, especially after dinner at the hotel /lodge/tented camp, we will watch the Tharu stick dance.
You can spend time in Chitwan National Park as much as you like, there are options for 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, or 5 days and basically, we suggest you take our 2 nights 3 days package tour which is quite enough to experience all the jungle activities available in the park or do let us know if you have shorter time and have only had 1 night 2 days or you want to spend more day in Chitwan as we tailor and offer tours program in Chitwan National park as per your requirement and interests.
1. Comfortable Clothing: Bring light and breathable clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, and lightweight pants for warm days. Additionally, pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
2. Swimwear: Remember to bring your swimsuit, as you will be relaxing by the pool and enjoying the sunset.
3. Walking Shoes: Since you will be exploring Tharu villages, going on safaris, and hiking through the park, pack comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
4. Sun Protection: The sun can be strong, so make sure to include a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF for skin protection.
5. Insect Repellent: Given that Chitwan is home to a diverse range of wildlife and insects, it’s essential to pack insect repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay.
6. Binoculars or Camera: To capture the beautiful sights of wildlife and birds, bring along a camera or binoculars.
7. Medications: If you take any medications, ensure you have enough for the entire trip.
8. Chargers and Adapters: Don’t forget your chargers for electronic devices and any necessary plug adapters.
9. Accessories: Consider carrying a small backpack for day trips to keep your important items with you. A refillable water bottle would also be useful throughout your journey.
10. Miscellaneous: Here are recommended items to carry during your tour:
- Cash (for souvenirs, tips, etc.)
- Travel documents (passport, tickets, itinerary)
- Travel insurance information
Good question. You can start your Chitwan National Park tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara and return to either location, according to your convenience. The tour start point at Kathmandu is Sorakhutte Tourist Bus Stop ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4W4GzGTqvZuFKq1A ), and the end point of the tour at Kathmandu would be Balaju Bus Stop. For your information, with the location Google map visit: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iJchKMtLbT5zsUoj8
For Pokhara, the start point and end point of the tour would be Tourist Bus Park Pokhara ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5wBUvPpRrnCpog48 )
We recommend the best time to visit Chitwan National Park in the following seasons;
October to March: This period offers the most pleasant weather and the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Here's why:
Weather: Mild temperatures (15°C to 25°C), low humidity, and clear skies.
Wildlife Viewing: Excellent visibility as animals gather near water sources, and grass is shorter after the monsoon.
Activities: Ideal for jungle safaris, bird-watching, canoe rides, and cultural visits to Tharu villages.
October – November: Post-monsoon freshness, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife.
February – March: Cooler mornings, warming days, and great for birdwatching (many migratory birds).
Pros: Fewer tourists, good for spotting wildlife (they gather near water).
Cons: Very hot (can exceed 40°C), which can make safaris uncomfortable.
Not recommended:
1. Heavy rainfall leads to muddy trails and flooding.
2. Many lodges close.
3. Wildlife is harder to spot in tall grasses and dense foliage.
Yes. Chitwan National Park is safe to travel; it is one of the safest and best-managed wildlife reserves in Nepal. Trained professionals and naturalists guide all activities offered.
The Chitwan Highlights Tour is perfect for families, couples, and senior travelers. Activities can be tailored to suit comfort levels, offering both adventurous and relaxed options.
The bus heads off from the Tourist Bus Stop in Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4W4GzGTqvZuFKq1A
The tourist bus departs from the Tourist Bus Park at Lakeside, Pokhara, and returns to the same point.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5wBUvPpRrnCpog48
You will be dropped off at Balaju Bhatbhateni, Kathmandu, at the conclusion of your trip.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iJchKMtLbT5zsUoj8
Yes, you can start your Chitwan tour from Pokhara and then return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This is a feasible option. You can travel to Chitwan by tourist bus, enjoy the safari experience, and then return to Kathmandu comfortably by bus.
Absolutely! Traveling by private car or taking a short flight to Chitwan is always a more comfortable option. Just let us know, and we’ll provide customized offers.
The tourist bus takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, but this varies depending on the road and traffic conditions.
A speedier travel option, it takes no more than 20–25 minutes to fly from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Bharatpur Airport (Chitwan).
The full board meal is includes, the menu includes Nepali, Indian, and continental cuisines, ensuring a delicious and diverse culinary experience.