Tea
Tea or coffee and biscuits before the walk or the canoe trip
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All destinationsChitwan National Park Safari
5.021 reviews
A lowland trip combining guided jungle safaris with a stay at a luxury eco-lodge on the edge of Chitwan National Park.
- 4 days
- Easy
- Duration
- 4 days
- Grade
- Easy
- Altitude
- 150 m (490 ft)
- Start and end
- Kathmandu
- Best season
- Oct to Mar
- Accommodation
- Jungle resort
- Meals
- Breakfast daily
- Group size
- Up to 15
- Getting there
- Drive or fly
Chitwan National Park Safari Overview
A lowland trip combining guided jungle safaris with a stay at a luxury eco-lodge on the edge of Chitwan National Park.
Tour overview
You spend two full days in Nepal's first national park, on the Terai plain at 150 m, which is very different from the Himalaya in climate, vegetation and pace. Chitwan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last strongholds of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. It is also home to Bengal tigers, sloth bears, gharial crocodiles and more than five hundred species of bird.
Wildlife
You are very likely to see rhinos: Chitwan has several hundred, and they are often seen in the grassland at dawn. Deer, monkeys, wild boar and crocodiles are seen regularly, along with a great many birds. Tigers are seen only occasionally and by chance, and no operator can guarantee a sighting. Sloth bears are sometimes seen.
After a trek
We add this trip to the end of Himalayan itineraries more often than any other, for physical as well as scenic reasons. After ten days above 3,000 m, two nights at 150 m in warm air, with a swimming pool and a comfortable bed, is a good way to recover. Chitwan also sits roughly halfway along the drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Key highlights of the Chitwan National Park Safari
- Private luxury eco-lodge
- Guided game drives and canoeing
- Rhino, deer and birdwatching
- Tharu cultural performance
Itinerary
You travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan by car or tourist bus on winding roads past clear rivers and evergreen hills, then transfer to the resort for refreshments. In the afternoon there is a jeep safari or a guided walk on the edge of the park to look for one-horned rhinoceros, deer and, with luck, a Bengal tiger.
- Altitude
- 150 m (490 ft)
- On foot
- None, 5 hr drive
- Night in
- Resort, Chitwan
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a morning jungle walk, followed by a canoe trip on the Rapti River, where you may see gharial crocodiles, a jeep safari into the park, and birdwatching in a park with more than 500 bird species. You also visit Tharu villages to learn about rural Nepali culture through traditional dances.
- Altitude
- 150 m (490 ft)
- On foot
- Jungle walk, 2–3 hrs
- Night in
- Resort, Chitwan
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you drive back to Kathmandu, or take a scenic flight at additional cost. There are opportunities to shop for souvenirs and see more of local Nepali life along the way.
- Altitude
- 1,400 m (4,590 ft)+1,250 m
- On foot
- None, 5 hr drive
- Night in
- Hotel, Kathmandu
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
The trip ends with a transfer to the airport, or you can extend your stay. Breakfast is included.
- Altitude
- 1,400 m (4,590 ft)
- On foot
- None, departure day
- Night in
- No overnight
- Meals
- Breakfast
What's included
- Airport transfers and ground transport
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Accommodation throughout the trip
- All permits and national park fees
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Four-star hotels in Kathmandu, upgraded from three-star
- Single en suite room wherever available on the route
- One porter per traveller rather than one between two
- Domestic flights in place of the longest road transfers
- Down jacket and sleeping bag provided
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Not included
- International flights
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Nepal entry visa (on arrival)
Dates and prices
Start date
17 Jan 2027
End date
20 Jan 2027
Available
15 left
US $367
Per person
Start date
6 Dec 2026
End date
9 Dec 2026
Available
15 left
US $367
Per person
Start date
15 Nov 2026
End date
18 Nov 2026
Available
15 left
US $367
Per person
Route map
The trail from start to finish, at a glance.
Photos
A look at the trail, the villages and the mountains.
Packing list
Neutral colours and a warm layer for the mornings
Wear green, brown or khaki in the park. Bright colours and white are visible from a long distance, and animals move away from them. From December to February the jeep leaves in fog at around 10°C and the temperature reaches the mid twenties by lunchtime, so bring a fleece you can take off. If you fly back from Bharatpur, the domestic baggage allowance is lower than on your international ticket and bags are weighed. Anything you do not need in the park can be stored free of charge at our Kathmandu office.
- Sun hat with a brim
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm
- A warm hat for foggy winter mornings, December to February
- Light long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in green, brown or khaki
- A fleece or light jacket for early mornings from November to February
- A light rain jacket from May onwards
- Swimwear for the lodge pool
- Closed walking shoes or light boots for the jungle walk
- Socks that come above the ankle, to protect against leeches and ticks after rain
- Sandals for the lodge
- A soft bag or small suitcase
- A daypack for water, camera and a layer
- A dry bag or plastic liner for the canoe
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Any medication you take regularly, and a small first aid kit
- Antihistamine for bites
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets. The risk in the Terai is low but not zero
- Binoculars, which are more useful than a camera for birdwatching
- A long lens if you have one
- Spare batteries and memory cards
- Passport and a photocopy
- Travel insurance certificate
- Cash in small notes for tips and drinks. There are cash machines in Sauraha and Bharatpur
Accommodation
The lodge
The two nights in Chitwan are at a luxury eco-lodge on the edge of the national park. Rooms have a private bathroom with hot water, and the lodge has a swimming pool and a restaurant where meals are served. The safari activities start and finish at the lodge. Chitwan is warm for most of the year; in December and January the early mornings can be cool and foggy, so bring a warm layer.
The third night
On the third day you drive back to Kathmandu or on to Pokhara, and the last night is in a hotel there, depending on where you go next.
3 nights, and where
| Where | Nights | Type | Room | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chitwan, on the edge of the park | 2 | Jungle lodge | Double or twin, air-conditioned | Private, hot water |
| Kathmandu, or Pokhara if you travel on | 1 | Four-star hotel | Double or twin | Private, hot water |
- Chitwan, on the edge of the park
- Nights
- 2
- Type
- Jungle lodge
- Room
- Double or twin, air-conditioned
- Bathroom
- Private, hot water
- Kathmandu, or Pokhara if you travel on
- Nights
- 1
- Type
- Four-star hotel
- Room
- Double or twin
- Bathroom
- Private, hot water
Heat, hot water, power and signal
- Cooling
- Air conditioning and a ceiling fan in the room. Power cuts are now rare, and the lodge has a generator as a backup.
- Hot shower
- In your room, at no extra cost.
- Charging
- Sockets in the room. Nepal uses round two-pin and three-pin plugs, so bring an adapter.
- Wi-Fi
- Free, and strongest in the main building. Suitable for messages, but not always for video calls.
- Phone signal
- Ncell and NTC both work at the lodge. There is little or no signal inside the park.
- Swimming pool
- At the lodge. A good place to spend the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Mosquitoes
- Every room has nets or screened windows. We still recommend wearing repellent at dusk.
- Laundry
- Available for a small charge, returned the same day in dry weather.
Meals
Breakfast
Eggs, toast, porridge, fruit, pancakes, Nepali and Indian dishes, tea or coffee
Lunch
Dal bhat, curries, salads, pasta and fresh fruit
Dinner
Nepali, Indian and continental dishes, often a buffet, with a Nepali dinner on the cultural evening
If you eat differently
- Vegetarian
- Easily catered for. Much Nepali and Indian cooking is vegetarian, and dal bhat is the best dish on the menu.
- Vegan
- Manageable with notice. Tell us when you book and we will inform the lodge kitchen before you arrive.
- Gluten free
- Rice, dal, curries and fresh fruit are safe. Please tell us in advance, as the kitchen cannot rule out cross-contamination.
- Halal
- The kitchen is not halal certified. Vegetarian food is the practical option, or you can ask the kitchen about the chicken.
- Allergies
- Tell us when you book and remind the kitchen when you arrive. The nearest hospitals are in Bharatpur, 30 to 40 minutes from the lodges.
A typical day
Difficulty and preparation
Easy. If you can manage a morning walk on flat ground in warm weather, you can do everything on this trip.
- The jungle walk is two to three hours on flat, sometimes muddy paths, at a slow pace with frequent stops.
- The jeep safari is about four hours on rough, dusty tracks, seated in an open vehicle.
- You remain seated in the canoe. You do not paddle; the boatman does.
- The main discomforts are heat, insects and early starts, usually before six in the morning.
- The drive from Kathmandu takes about five hours each way and is the longest part of the trip.
Getting ready, week by week
Written for somebody who walks a bit and does not train. If you already run or cycle regularly, start partway through. Nothing here needs a gym.
- Trek
4 weeks before, stage 1 of 2
Walk regularly
No training is needed for this trip. If you do not walk much, a few two-hour walks on flat ground will make the jungle walk more comfortable. Wear the shoes you will bring.
Weather by month
Typical conditions on this route in each month, including the months we do not run this trip.
- Best
- Good
- Hard
- We do not run it
February
Best- Daytime in the park
- +26°C
- Night-time at the lodge
- +10°C
- Early morning, at jeep departure
- +12°C
Warm days, short grass after the annual cutting, and good wildlife sightings.
Approximate averages from Department of Hydrology and Meteorology records for the Chitwan area. Winter mornings are often foggy until mid-morning and feel colder than the figure, and pre-monsoon afternoons can run several degrees above it.
Booking and payment
How to book
Write to us, or send a WhatsApp message, with your approximate travel dates. You will receive a personal reply from a member of our team who has done this trip. There is no obligation at any stage before you pay a deposit.
Deposit
A 30 per cent deposit secures your dates, and the balance is paid when you arrive in Kathmandu, in cash or by card. At the same time we ask for a copy of your passport, your insurance certificate and any dietary or medical information.
Payment
You can pay by bank transfer or by card through a secure link. Card payments carry a bank fee of about 4 per cent, which we show you before you pay. The balance in Kathmandu can be paid in US dollars, pounds, euros or Nepali rupees.
Cancellation
If you cancel more than 30 days before departure, the deposit can be transferred to any other date or trip we run, with no time limit. If you cancel within 30 days, the deposit is retained, because the permits, flights and crew have been booked by then. If we cancel for any reason other than weather, you receive a full refund.
Private and group departures
Both cost the same for a party of five or more. A private departure runs on your dates at your pace and can be arranged for one person. A group departure runs on the dates in the table above. Most people book privately, at no extra cost.
Late bookings
Three days' notice is enough outside the Christmas and New Year period. No permit application is needed and flight seats are readily available, so this trip is easy to add at short notice.
Reviews
Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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- 426
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Outstanding excellent exceptional and if its your first time its best to go with them.
August 2026, Tripadvisor
An Exceptional Travel Experience — Highly Recommend Earthbound Expeditions! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Earthbound Expeditions doesn’t just plan trips—they create unforgettable experiences. From the thoughtfully designed itinerary to the seamless organization and personal attention, every detail was handled beautifully. Their knowledge, professionalism, value for service and genuine passion for travel made the entire journey feel effortless, enriching, and truly special. If you want to experience a destination rather than simply visit it, Earthbound Expeditions is the company to choose. Exceptional service, meaningful adventures, and memories that last long after you return home. I would travel with them again without hesitation and highly recommend them to anyone looking for an extraordinary travel experience. Five stars!
Nee JRead on Tripadvisor
What stood out most was the personal care and genuine concern shown by the entire team. They treated us not simply as tr
August 2026, Tripadvisor
A special thank you to Rajan ji for his guidance, encouragement, patience, and positive energy throughout the journey. His presence gave us confidence, I would also like to sincerely appreciate the trek leaders, co-leaders, cooks, porters, drivers, guides, and the entire Earthbound team. Everyone worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure we were safe, comfortable, well-fed, and looked after at every step. The food was delicious and thoughtfully prepared, which was especially appreciated during such a physically demanding journey.
Traveler30085727276Read on Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience with Earthbound expeditions
August 2026, Tripadvisor
Our experience with Earthbound expeditions tour operator was absolutely fantastic! They made our dreams come true. With 25 years of experience, Rajan Ji and the team are incredibly organized and treated us like family. They prepared delicious meals, regardless of the altitude or location, and even offered neck and foot massages along with a variety of drinks in the mornings. They were always available to help and went above and beyond to meet our needs. The team is hardworking and pleasant, making us feel like we were on a luxurious spiritual journey. I highly recommend Earthbound for all Kailash and Nepal tours. Rajan Ji took care of all our special requests without any complaints and made sure everything ran smoothly until we boarded our flight back home. I will definitely choose them for my future tours.
SureshBadamBengaluru, IndiaRead on Tripadvisor
Best vacation of my life
August 2026, Tripadvisor
What an unforgettable journey! I recently completed a 3-week Kailash Mansarovar tour with Earth Bound Expedition Team, and I can say without hesitation this was one of the most profound experiences of my life ,made possible entirely by how well this team looked after us. From the very first day, their attention to detail was remarkable. The logistics for a trip like this are notoriously complex permits, altitude acclimatization, remote accommodations, unpredictable weather, border crossings and Earth Bound handled every single piece flawlessly. Nothing felt rushed or uncertain; every transition, every stop, every meal was thoughtfully planned, which let me actually be present for the spiritual and physical magnitude of the journey instead of worrying about the details. Their guides and support staff were incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and attentive. They anticipated our needs before we even had to ask checking in constantly on our health and comfort at altitude, offering guidance on the parikrama, and creating a genuine sense of safety throughout some very demanding terrain. Their care never felt like a formality; it felt like they truly wanted each of us to have a meaningful, safe pilgrimage. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm so grateful I did it with a team this professional and this caring. If you're considering this pilgrimage, I can't recommend Earth Bound Expedition Team enough they turned a physically and spiritually demanding journey into something smooth, safe, and deeply moving. Thank you, Earth Bound team, for everything. This trip will stay with me forever. 🙏
Shivangi GRead on Tripadvisor
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the 6 questions travellers ask us most often. If your question is not here, contact us and we will answer it.
We grade this trip as Easy. Rest days are included in the itinerary, and a good level of everyday fitness is enough. Tell us about your experience when you enquire and we will advise you on whether the trip is suitable.
The best time to go is from autumn to spring (October to March), when the weather is most settled and the views are clearest. We also run the trip outside these months on request. Please ask us and we will tell you what to expect.
Groups are small. Many of our trips run for just one or two people, and we keep group sizes low so that the pace suits you and your guide has time for everyone. You can also book the whole trip privately.
A 30% deposit, about $110 on this trip, secures your place, and the balance is due before you travel. You can change your dates free of charge up to 60 days before departure.
Yes, permits are required, and they are included. We arrange all the national park fees and permits for this route, and they are included in the price. You only need a valid passport and a Nepal entry visa, which you can obtain on arrival.
Every itinerary can be adjusted to suit your dates, your pace and the time you have available. If you would like extra rest days, a different start date or an additional region, let us know and we will plan the trip accordingly.
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4 days
$367 per person
