Trip Facts

Duration

2–3 Days

Trip Grade

Easy

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

300 m

Group Size

2–12

Starts

Bardiya

Ends

Bardiya

Activities

Jungle Safari

Best Time

Oct–Apr

Highlights

  • Explore the untouched wilderness of Bardiya National Park, Nepal’s largest Terai national park.
  • Jeep safari or elephant-back safari to spot Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, and more.
  • Birdwatching paradise with over 400 species including hornbills, eagles, and kingfishers.
  • Peaceful canoe ride on the Karnali or Babai River, home to gharials and freshwater dolphins.
  • Cultural immersion in Tharu village – traditional dances, unique houses, and local life stories.
  • Quieter and less crowded than Chitwan, offering a more intimate wildlife experience.
  • Experienced naturalist guides for safe, informative, and fun jungle adventures.

Overview

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life jungle, Bardiya National Park is the perfect place. Spread across 968 square kilometers in Nepal’s far-western Terai region, Bardiya is home to some of the rarest and most fascinating wildlife in Asia. Unlike Chitwan, it’s quieter and less touristy, so your chances of spotting animals like the Bengal tiger or the shy one-horned rhinoceros are higher. For two to three days, you can go on exciting jungle safaris, relax by watching birds, learn about the Tharu culture, and have times of pure nature magic. Every part of this wild paradise is meant to make you feel like you’re a part of it, from the early morning jeep rides to the golden sunset views over the fields.

Itinerary

Arrive in Nepalgunj by flight or long scenic drive from Kathmandu, then transfer to your jungle lodge in Bardiya National Park. After a warm welcome and lunch, take a guided walk through a Tharu village to learn about their traditions, lifestyle, and how they live in harmony with the jungle. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance under the stars. Dinner and overnight at a jungle lodge.

Max. Altitude

150 m | Accommodation: Lodge | Dinner included

Wake up early for a hearty breakfast, then head out for your full-day jungle adventure. Choose between a jeep safari or elephant-back safari to explore deep into Bardiya’s wilderness. With your experienced naturalist guide, keep an eye out for tigers, rhinos, elephants, swamp deer, and exotic birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park. In the afternoon, take a gentle canoe ride along the Karnali or Babai River, where you might spot gharials and Gangetic dolphins. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening by the fire.

Max. Altitude

150 m | Accommodation: Lodge | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Start the day with an early morning birdwatching tour. Bardiya is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 400 species to spot, including hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles. After breakfast, pack up and transfer to Nepalgunj for your return journey with unforgettable jungle memories.

Max. Altitude

150 m | Breakfast included

Cost Details

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off from Nepalgunj airport or bus station.
  • Accommodation in a jungle lodge on twin sharing basis.
  • All meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
  • Bardiya National Park entry fees.
  • Jeep or elephant safari, walking safari, birdwatching tour.
  • Cultural program in Tharu village.
  • Experienced English-speaking naturalist guides.
  • Canoe ride on the Karnali or Babai River.

 

Excluded

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa.
  • Travel insurance covering emergency rescue/evacuation.
  • Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, laundry, etc.).
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Single supplement charges if required.

 

Useful Information

  • Best Time to Go: From mid-September to May is the best time to go to Bardiya National Park.  At this point in time, the weather is nice, and seeing animals is more common.  From December to February, the weather is cooler and the sky is clearer, which makes early morning safaris very enjoyable.  In the spring (March and April), the park is full of new plants and flowers in bloom, which brings in more wildlife.
  • Wildlife: Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, wild elephants, and swamp deer can all be seen in Bardiya.  But seeing a tiger or rhino rests on luck, timing, and how the animal moves.  Because the park has both tall grass and thick forests, being patient and quiet on safaris will help you see more animals.
  • Safety Tip: Pay close attention to what your guide says, especially when you’re on safaris or walks in the bush.  Stay away from wild animals and never feed them or get close to them.  It is their job to keep you safe while also giving you an interesting and fun time.
  •  What to Wear: To fit in, wear neutral-colored clothes that are light, comfy, and light or khaki in colour.  Don’t use bright colours because they might scare dogs away.  Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to keep bugs away and avoid getting burned.  It can get cool in the mornings and nights, so bring a warm jacket or fleece.
  • Protection from bugs: During the warmer months, there are mosquitoes and other bugs in Bardiya’s woods.  Bring a good bug spray with you, and if you are easily bitten, think about bringing a mosquito net.  Wearing a hat or cap and drinking water will also help protect you from the sun and bugs.
  • Connectivity and Facilities: There aren’t many cell phone signals or internet connections in the park, which makes it a great place to get away from it all and enjoy nature to the fullest.  The lodges have simple but nice amenities, like hot baths and meals made with fresh, local food.
  • Physical Fitness: This package is good for most people, including adults and families with kids.  Safaris and walks are done at a leisurely pace and don’t require a lot of climbing or hiking.  You will enjoy your experience more, though, if you can move around easily and walk on rough ground.
  •  Photography Tips: If you want to take pictures of animals from far away, bring a good camera or a smartphone with a zoom lens.  The best times to go outside are early in the morning and late in the afternoon.  For the best shots, remember to be still and wait.
  • Respect for Culture: When you go to Tharu villages, please follow the rules and practices of the people who live there.  Ask people first before taking their picture, and be open-minded and friendly when you take part in cultural events.

FAQs

You can fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (about 50 minutes) and drive 2 hours to the park, or take a long overland journey by bus or private vehicle.

Yes, Bardiya is one of the best places in Nepal to spot wild tigers, but sightings depend on timing, patience, and luck.

Bardiya is less busy and farther away, which makes seeing wildlife feel more real. It is easy to get to Chitwan, and there are more tourist facilities there.

Of course, safaris are safe for children because they are led by trained naturalists.

Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, and a warm jacket for evenings.