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
Wildlife · 4 nights / 5 days
Bardia National Park Safari — 4 Nights / 5 Days
Nepal's wildest park: tiger tracking on foot, Karnali River dolphins and quiet jungle far from the crowds.
From $320 per person
- Written quoteExactly what is and isn't included — no surprises
- Airport pickup includedMet at arrivals, dropped off for your flight
- Starts at our homestayBriefing and planning with the family
- Private departuresYour own guide and schedule on request
- Quick repliesWhatsApp answered 7 days a week
Overview
Bardia National Park, in far-western Nepal, is roughly twice the size of Chitwan with a fraction of the visitors. It is known for some of the best chances in Nepal of seeing a wild Bengal tiger, as well as wild elephants, Gangetic river dolphins and gharial crocodiles.
You fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and transfer to a Tharu jungle lodge at Thakurdwara, on the park boundary. A full-day jeep safari, a Karnali River boat safari and a guided tiger-tracking walk make this the trip for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and anyone who has already seen Chitwan.
Highlights
- Full-day jeep safari into the core zone and the Babai Valley
- Karnali River boat safari for Gangetic dolphins and gharials
- Guided tiger-tracking walk on foot
- Tharu cultural programme and village visit
- Bird watching — more than 400 species recorded in the park
Day-by-day itinerary
Every itinerary can be adjusted — extra rest days, private departures or a different pace.
Day 1: Fly to Bardia
Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and a 2-hour private transfer to Thakurdwara. Check in at the Tharu lodge, take a village orientation walk and enjoy an evening Tharu cultural programme with dinner.
Day 2: Full-day jeep safari
A 6:00 am start for a full day in the core zone and the Babai Valley, with a picnic stop and a midday rest. Afternoon bird watching and a Tharu village visit.
Day 3: Karnali River safari
A morning boat safari for river dolphins, gharials and wildlife coming down to drink. Optional afternoon raft on the Karnali.
Day 4: Tiger tracking on foot
An early guided walk through sal forest, savannah and riverine grassland. Free afternoon with an optional sunset jeep run, and a farewell Tharu feast.
Day 5: Fly back to Kathmandu
Optional 5:30 am bird walk, check-out, transfer to Nepalgunj and a one-hour flight to Kathmandu — back at the homestay by midday.
What's included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Hotel and lodge accommodation for the tour
- All overland transfers in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All government and local taxes
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Lunches in Kathmandu
- Optional cooking or yoga classes
Prices are per person and vary with group size, season and the options you choose. Your written quote confirms exactly what is included before you book.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Bardia National Park Safari cost?
The 4 nights / 5 days tour starts from $320 per person. That includes airport pickup and drop-off, hotel and lodge accommodation for the tour, all overland transfers in the itinerary, professional English-speaking guide and more — see the full list above. The final price depends on group size, season and options, and we confirm it in a written quote.
Is Bardia better than Chitwan?
They are different. Chitwan is easier to reach and has more facilities; Bardia is remote, quieter and wilder, with good tiger-tracking opportunities. Many visitors see Chitwan first and come back for Bardia.
Are tiger sightings guaranteed?
No — Bardia has a healthy tiger population, but these are wild animals and sightings can never be promised.
Planning guides
Practical advice from our team to help you prepare for this trip.
Destination guides:Bardia
Nepal travel
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
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred dates and group size for the Bardia National Park Safari — 4 Nights / 5 Days and we'll send a detailed, no-obligation quote.
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