Chitwan National Park Safari
🏠 Sacred Trails · Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
Your Chitwan safari begins with breakfast at Sacred Trails Homestay in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. Your driver departs for Chitwan National Park by private vehicle or tourist bus — a scenic 5-hour drive through Nepal’s Terai lowlands, descending from the Kathmandu Valley into the flat jungle plains.
On arrival in Sauraha, the gateway village to Chitwan, the afternoon is deliberately gentle. A canoe ride on the Rapti River lets you spot mugger crocodiles, gharials and river kingfishers from the water. At the Elephant Breeding Centre, you can interact with and bathe the resident elephants. The evening closes with a traditional Tharu cultural dance performance around the lodge campfire.
No jungle safari on Day 1 — just a soft introduction to the sights, sounds and rhythms of Chitwan before two full wildlife days begin.
Tour Schedule
Your Chitwan safari begins with breakfast at Sacred Trails Homestay in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. Your driver departs for Chitwan National Park — a scenic 5-hour journey descending from the Kathmandu Valley through Nepal's Terai lowlands. On arrival in Sauraha, the gateway village to Chitwan, the afternoon is deliberately gentle. A canoe ride on the Rapti River lets you spot mugger crocodiles, gharials and river kingfishers from the water. At the Elephant Breeding Centre, you interact with and bathe the resident elephants. The evening closes with a traditional Tharu cultural dance performance around the lodge campfire. No jungle safari today — just settle in and feel the rhythm of the jungle before two full wildlife days begin.
A 6:00 AM jeep safari takes you deep into Chitwan's core zone during the golden morning hours — the best time to encounter one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers and leopards in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a hot breakfast, followed by a mandatory 2-hour midday rest while the jungle is at its hottest and quietest. The afternoon brings a guided jungle walk with a trained naturalist — reading animal tracks, identifying medicinal plants, and spotting birdlife among Chitwan's 650+ species. The day ends with a visit to a Tharu village community alongside the park boundary, where traditional paintings and woven crafts tell the story of indigenous life in the jungle.
Rise early for a morning bird watching walk through the buffer zone — Chitwan is home to over 650 bird species including painted storks, hornbills and rare kingfishers best seen at first light. Return to the lodge for a leisurely late breakfast and a free afternoon — explore Sauraha village, browse the local craft shops, or simply rest by the river. As the day closes, walk to the Rapti River bank for one of Chitwan's most memorable moments: watching wild one-horned rhinos graze on the opposite bank as the sun sets over the jungle.
Breakfast at the lodge, then check out at leisure. Travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus (approximately 5 hours) or by a short 20-minute domestic flight from Bharatpur Airport. Your Sacred Trails driver meets you on arrival in Kathmandu and brings you back to the homestay — or directly to the international airport if your onward flight departs today.
✓ What's Included
- ✓All hotel accommodation
- ✓Airport pickup & drop-off
- ✓All overland transfers
- ✓Professional English guide
- ✓Welcome & farewell dinners
- ✓All government & local taxes
- ✓Budhanilkantha Temple visit
- ✓Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur entry
✕ Not Included
- ✕International airfare
- ✕Nepal visa (USD 25–50)
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕Beverages & personal expenses
- ✕Tips for guide & driver
- ✕Lunches in Kathmandu (Essential tier)
- ✕Optional cooking / yoga class
Guest Reviews
I am fully satisfied with my stay at Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay. The hospitality was outstanding from the moment I arrived until my departure. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the peaceful environment made my stay very relaxing. The hosts were incredibly friendly, caring, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The beautiful views, delicious breakfast, and warm family atmosphere truly made me feel at home. This is the perfect place for anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine Nepali hospitality. I highly recommend Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay to all travelers visiting Kathmandu. I will definitely stay here again on my next visit.I am fully satisfied with my stay at Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay. The hospitality was outstanding from the moment I arrived until my departure. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the peaceful environment made my stay very relaxing. The hosts were incredibly friendly, caring, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The beautiful views, delicious breakfast, and warm family atmosphere truly made me feel at home. This is the perfect place for anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine Nepali hospitality. I highly recommend Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay to all travelers visiting Kathmandu. I will definitely stay here again on my next visit.
Kind, flexible, clean rooms, modern amenities, hot shower, quiet. Great stay. With pathao and indrive apps it is easy to reaxh and depart from.
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