Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay
Elephant wading the Rapti River in Chitwan National Park at dawn

Wildlife · 4 days

Chitwan National Park Safari

One-horned rhinos, canoe rides on the Rapti and Tharu village life in Nepal's best-known national park.

Overview

Chitwan National Park, in the subtropical lowlands of the Terai, is home to one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, gharial crocodiles and more than 650 species of birds. This four-day safari bases you in Sauraha, the gateway village on the park's edge.

Day one is a gentle introduction — a canoe ride and the Elephant Breeding Centre, with no early start. Then come two full wildlife days of jeep safari, guided jungle walks and bird watching, with time to visit a Tharu village and watch rhinos cross the Rapti River at sunset.

Highlights

  • Early-morning jeep safari in the park's core zone
  • Canoe ride on the Rapti River for gharials, mugger crocodiles and kingfishers
  • Elephant Breeding Centre visit
  • Guided jungle walk with a naturalist
  • Tharu cultural dance and Tharu village visit
  • Bird watching in the buffer zone
  • Sunset rhino viewing on the Rapti riverbank

Day-by-day itinerary

Every itinerary can be adjusted — extra rest days, private departures or a different pace.
  1. Day 1: Kathmandu to Chitwan

    Breakfast at Sacred Trails, then a scenic drive of about 5 hours to Sauraha. Afternoon canoe ride on the Rapti River, a visit to the Elephant Breeding Centre and an evening Tharu cultural dance.

  2. Day 2: Jeep safari and jungle walk

    A 6:00 am jeep safari into the core zone looking for rhinos, tigers and leopards. Hot breakfast and a midday rest, then a guided jungle walk with a naturalist and a visit to a Tharu village.

  3. Day 3: Bird watching and a Rapti sunset

    Early bird walk in the buffer zone, late breakfast and a free afternoon in Sauraha. At sunset, watch for rhinos from the riverbank.

  4. Day 4: Return to Kathmandu

    Check out and travel back by tourist bus (about 5 hours) or a 20-minute flight from Bharatpur. Our driver meets you and takes you to the homestay or the international airport.

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
  • 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 Chitwan National Park Safari cost?

The 4 days tour starts from $340 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.

Will I see a tiger?

Tigers are present but elusive, so sightings are never guaranteed. One-horned rhinos, deer, crocodiles and a huge variety of birds are seen on most safaris.

Can I fly instead of taking the bus?

Yes. The return can be a 20-minute flight from Bharatpur — ask us for the current fare when you enquire.

When is the best time for wildlife?

October to March has comfortable temperatures; February to April, when the tall grass is cut, often gives the best visibility.

Planning guides

Practical advice from our team to help you prepare for this trip.

Destination guides:Chitwan

Poon Hill viewpoint sign at 3,210 m with the Dhaulagiri range behind

Trek planning

Trekking in Nepal with Kids: A Family Guide

Which treks work for children, how high is sensible, how to spot altitude problems in kids, and family-friendly alternatives like a Chitwan safari.

· 6 min read

Colourful boats on Phewa Lake in Pokhara with Machapuchare behind

Nepal travel

One Week in Nepal: Two Itineraries That Work

Seven days in Nepal, two ways: Kathmandu and Pokhara for mountains and lakes, or Kathmandu and Chitwan for culture and wildlife — with realistic travel times.

· 5 min read

Request a quote

Tell us your preferred dates and group size for the Chitwan National Park Safari and we'll send a detailed, no-obligation quote.

Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Optional — include your country code.

Dates and travellers

No payment is taken — the family replies personally.We use your details only to reply to this inquiry. See our privacy policy.

You might also like

Bengal tiger resting in tall grass at the water's edge in Bardia National Park
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

Details
Krishna Mandir and pagoda temples in Patan Durbar Square
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
Golden statue of the infant Buddha in the Lumbini Sacred Garden
Spiritual

Lumbini Pilgrimage

A short, contemplative journey to the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar and the monasteries of Lumbini.

Duration
2 nights / 3 days
Group
Private or small group

From $300per person

Details

From $340 pp

Free to enquire · written quote

Check dates