Wildlife
Chitwan Safari
One-horned rhinos, canoe rides on the Rapti and Tharu village life in Nepal's best-known national park.
- Duration
- 4 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $340per person
DetailsNational park
Chitwan National Park travel guide
Nepal's first national park: one-horned rhinos, jungle safaris and Tharu village life in the Terai lowlands.
About Chitwan
Chitwan National Park, in Nepal's subtropical inner Terai, was established in 1973 as the country's first national park and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers about 950 km² of sal forest, grassland and river, home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, leopards, gharial crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
Most visitors stay in Sauraha, a village on the park's northern edge beside the Rapti River, and explore by jeep, on foot with a naturalist, and by dugout canoe.
Things to do in Chitwan
Jeep safari
Early-morning drives into the core zone give the best chance of rhinos, deer, wild boar and, with luck, a tiger or leopard.
Canoe ride on the Rapti
A quiet way to see gharial and mugger crocodiles, kingfishers and other water birds.
Guided jungle walk
Tracking on foot with a trained naturalist — a very different, more intense experience than a jeep.
Bird watching
Chitwan's mix of forest, grassland and river makes it one of Nepal's best birding areas.
Tharu culture
Village visits and evening dance programmes introduce the Tharu people, the Terai's indigenous community.
Getting to Chitwan
- By road the drive from Kathmandu to Sauraha takes about 5 hours.
- Domestic flights connect Kathmandu with Bharatpur in about 20 minutes, followed by a short drive.
- Our Chitwan safari starts and ends at our homestay in Budhanilkantha, with all transfers arranged.
Best time to visit
October to March is the most comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. Visibility often improves from around February after the tall grasses are cut; April and May are very hot but can be excellent for sightings. Heavy monsoon rain (June–September) can close parts of the park.
Local tips
- Wear neutral colours on jungle walks and follow your guide's instructions closely.
- Bring binoculars, insect repellent and a light layer for cool early mornings.
- Tigers are elusive — enjoy the rhinos, birds and forest rather than counting on a tiger.
Visit Chitwan with us
Guided trips that include this destination, starting and ending at our homestay in Budhanilkantha.
SpiritualBest seller
The Sacred Triangle
Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two jungle days and the birthplace of the Buddha in nine well-paced days.
- Duration
- 8 nights / 9 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $800per person
Details
Cultural
Complete Nepal Journey
Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara in eleven days — the best of Nepal for first-time visitors.
- Duration
- 10 nights / 11 days
- Group
- Private or small group
From $1,500per person
DetailsChitwan: frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Chitwan?
Two full days is ideal — enough for a jeep safari, a canoe ride, a jungle walk and a Tharu village visit. Our safari is 4 days including travel.
Will I see a rhino?
One-horned rhinos are seen on most Chitwan safaris, though no sighting can ever be guaranteed in the wild.
Related guides
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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.
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Best Time to Visit Nepal: Seasons for Trekking, Safaris and Kathmandu
A season-by-season guide to Nepal — when the mountain views are clearest, when the rhododendrons bloom, the best months for Chitwan and Bardia, and what the monsoon really means.
· 6 min read
Plan a trip to Chitwan
Staying with us in Budhanilkantha? We can arrange a driver, a guide or a full tour to Chitwan. Tell us your dates and what you'd like to see.
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