Wildlife
Bardia Safari
Nepal's wildest park: tiger tracking on foot, Karnali River dolphins and quiet jungle far from the crowds.
- Duration
- 4 nights / 5 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $320per person
DetailsNational park
Bardia National Park travel guide
Nepal's wild west: tiger tracking, the Karnali River and quiet jungle far from the crowds.
About Bardia
Bardia National Park, in far-western Nepal, covers about 968 km² along the Karnali River — the largest national park in Nepal's Terai lowlands. It became a national park in 1988 after years as a royal hunting reserve.
Far fewer visitors make it here than to Chitwan, which is exactly the appeal: guided walks, jeep safaris and river trips through sal forest and grassland with a real sense of wilderness.
Things to do in Bardia
Tiger tracking on foot
Guided walks through forest and riverine grassland with experienced naturalists.
Full-day jeep safari
Deep into the core zone and the Babai Valley, with long stops at waterholes.
Karnali River
Boat trips for gharials, mugger crocodiles and the rare Gangetic river dolphin.
Tharu villages
Lodges near the park gate at Thakurdwara are surrounded by traditional Tharu villages.
Getting to Bardia
- Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (about an hour), then drive about 2 hours to Thakurdwara at the park boundary.
- Our Bardia safari includes the flights and transfers, starting and ending at our homestay.
Best time to visit
October to March is the most comfortable; February to May often gives the best wildlife visibility, though April and May are very hot. The monsoon brings heavy rain and flooding.
Local tips
- Bardia is remote — bring any medication and cash you need.
- Long trousers and neutral colours are best for walking safaris.
- Allow at least three nights; wildlife takes patience.
Visit Bardia with us
Guided trips that include this destination, starting and ending at our homestay in Budhanilkantha.
Bardia: frequently asked questions
Is Bardia better than Chitwan?
It is wilder and quieter, with good tiger-tracking opportunities; Chitwan is easier to reach with more facilities. See our Chitwan vs Bardia guide.
Related guides
Nepal travel
Chitwan or Bardia? Choosing a Wildlife Safari in Nepal
Nepal's two great lowland parks compared — access, wildlife, crowds, activities and the best season — so you can choose the right safari, or combine both.
· 5 min read
Plan a trip to Bardia
Staying with us in Budhanilkantha? We can arrange a driver, a guide or a full tour to Bardia. Tell us your dates and what you'd like to see.
More destination guides
National parkChitwan
Nepal's first national park: one-horned rhinos, jungle safaris and Tharu village life in the Terai lowlands.
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