- Clear sustainable travel policy
- Social / Environmental Impact
- Small Group Travel
This 9-day Nepal Wildlife Tour intertwines the best of Nepalese culture and natural landscapes. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to the wildlife of Nepal’s Terai plains – it’s the best of both worlds. This trip is perfect for travelers seeking a unique experience in the wildlands of Nepal.
You will enjoy various jungle activities like exploring the grassland, taking a river cruise on a traditional canoe, doing a jeep safari, bird watching, and visiting the indigenous Tharu village. In addition, this trip highlights the rich culture of the Nepalese people and takes you back in time through its architectural marvels.
Highlights:
- Explore the pristine, dense forests of the Terai lowlands in Bardia and Chitwan National Parks in search of exotic flora and fauna.
- Enjoy delicious and wholesome meals prepared from fresh local ingredients.
- Visit the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu and witness the rich history, heritage, culture, and tradition.
- Observe the endangered Sarus Crane, also known as Lord Buddha’s bird, and see various migratory birds in Lumbini.
- Stay at a jungle lodge, a tented camp that provides a complete wilderness experience.
🌤️ Seasonal Notes:
- The high season is from October to May. Autumn is the best season to spot all the endangered animals and plants in the jungles of Nepal.; the climate is dry. the air is humid, and the visibility is clear. There is also a greater chance of spotting the elusive Bengal Tiger. Other animals like elephants, rhinoceros, and birds can be enjoyed to the fullest in the autumn season.
- Winter and Spring are also good for visiting the jungle. It is quieter and not as hot.
- The off-season (monsoon season) is from June-September. Throughout these months there’s constant rainfall. The forests will surely be greener because of the rain, but the animals will also be sheltering from the rain in their bills and dens. The humidity also decreases the visibility and kills the chance of spotting Bengal tigers and Bengal floricans. Thus, summer is not the ideal time to visit Nepal for wildlife tours.
📋 Itinerary
This itinerary is customizable. Contact Yūgen Earthside for more information.
Day 1-2: Kathmandu [Nepal] (arrival day)
Day 3-4: Bardiya
Day 5: Lumbini
Day 6-7: Chitwan
Day 8-9: Kathmandu (departure day)
🌱 Sustainability
🌱 We are Travelife certified, and we work to reduce all negative impacts on the natural and social environments. We do this by supporting business partners (accommodation providers, excursion providers) to be more sustainable by circulating and encouraging the adoption of sustainable best practices. We also create sustainability awareness among our guests, office, and trekking staff.
🥾 We conduct trek-related activities while avoiding any natural, social, or ecological disturbances. We trek in eco touristic destinations and are accountable for protecting both the natural and cultural heritage.
↔️ This trip takes travelers off the beaten path where they can explore the wilderness, and the real, authentic Nepali culture. This promotes greater tourism dispersal and helps to boost the local economy of the destination.
🧼 We use biodegradable hand soap and cleaning powder for our office (i.e. cleaning the floors, furniture, and utensils). All products are handmade and hand-packed by women who are mostly from poor, remote communities.
💧 Travelers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles as well as water filter tablets to reduce plastic waste.
🗑️ We encourage our trekking staff to camp in established campsites and to leave no trace (no garbage, no tent trenches, no fire pit, etc.). Our guides collect trash along the trail and dispose of it in designated areas. We also use cloth bags as much as possible.
🏡 The accommodation on this wildlife tour includes special, "green" jungle lodges:
- The lodges use renewable energy resources like solar panels.
- They are constructed from local materials and built by local craftsmen.
- Staying in these lodges supports and preserves the culture and traditions of local tribes.
🛶 The trip includes low carbon impact activities like bird watching, a jungle walk, a canoe ride, and a village walk.
☀️ Our office is solar powered and prioritizes energy-efficient lights and water-efficient toilets.
🍴 Meals are cooked using local produce and we cater to guests' dietary requirements (i.e vegetarian, vegan).
🐘 On this trip, strict safari guidelines and wildlife protocol are observed. Guests will be in close quarters with incredible animals and can help with their care (this is one of the more ethically sound ways of interacting with elephants in Asia). In addition, the jungle lodges are involved in conservation efforts in their local communities, including the innovative Jatayu Vulture Restaurant. This 'restaurant' is not for humans - it's a feeding area and conservation site for vultures, which are in danger of becoming extinct.
🍎 We provide poverty-stricken children with shelter, education and engage in various volunteering and charitable organizations.
- Adhere to Strict Environmental Standards
- Conserve Ecosystems/Preserve Biodiversity
- Use Environmentally Friendly Products
- Use Renewable Energy
- Local/Organic Restaurants
- Focused on Minimizing Waste
- Responsible Waste Management
- Energy-Saving Lights
- Solar Thermal Panels
- Use Water Flow Reducers
- Provide Local Employment
- Fair Wages / Fair Trade
- Ensures Good Working Conditions
- Supports Local Businesses
- Tours Benefit Local Community
📌 Location
Use the Google map to orient yourself about where in the world this trip is. The location indicates the starting point for this trip.
A specific route map is included in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
🏷️ Pricing
🏷️ Prices are for twin-share rooms.
🏷️ Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
🏷️ See the full list of price inclusions and exclusions in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
ℹ️ Other Info
📧 If you're ready to book this trip or have any questions, contact us!
💯 Book with confidence: To reserve your spot on a tour, a $200 deposit will be required. However, you can book with complete peace of mind as this deposit will be 100% refundable until 45 days prior to the trip start date (excluding fees paid to the payment gateway or bank).
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel any of your trips that have been booked with us then notice of trip cancellation must be sent in writing & refunds will be made as follows:
- 30 days before trip departure: 90% of your total payment will be refunded.
- 15-30 days before trip departure: 70% of your total payment will be refunded.
- Less than 15 days before trip departure: 20% of your total payment will be refunded.
- No shows: No refund
1. Flight Delays and Changes in Itinerary:
We are not responsible for the rerouting of the itinerary due to flight and/or bus cancellations, unexpected obstacles like unfavorable weather conditions, political unrest, or natural calamities. Any additional expenses necessitated by such an event will be borne by the client/s.
2. Incomplete Trip:
The paid amount will not be reimbursed for any unused portion of the trip if you leave your trip for any reason.
3. Nepal Passport and Visas:
All clients must have a passport and visa valid up to 6 months from the issued date. The cost of the visa is the client’s responsibility.
📅 This trip has a variable start date, so you can plan a departure date for when it is safe to travel. It's also a private tour, meaning you will only be traveling with those you book the trip with.
⚕️ Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
😷 If you choose to travel before a vaccine is widely available, be sure to get a negative test result prior to arriving. You should also have both a mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Special precautions for guests:
Arrival
- Check the temperature of all the passengers before boarding.
- Guest luggage will be sprayed with a disinfection spray or wiped down after off-loading, and all handles and corners will be carefully wiped with surface sanitizer.
Transportation
- The vehicle used to transport guests are fully disinfected at the end of the service, and daily four multi-day services.
- Vehicles have a pedal trash bin available for guests.
- The driver will wear a face mask and gloves and maintain social distance.
- The representative will put on a mask and social distance as much as possible.
- Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and masks are available to all guests onboard.
- Comprehensive first-aid kits in the vehicle are fully equipped.
- Only guests of the same travel group will be placed in the same vehicle.
- The number of guests per vehicle will be limited to seating capacity.
- The seat next to the driver will be vacant.
- Ensure guests stay in the designated seats. No changing of the seats allowed.
- Avoid unplanned stops with guests that bring them in contact with other individuals.
Guests
- Carry hand sanitizer and put on a mask when traveling.
- Report to the staff any symptoms of any kind of illness.
- Take out travel insurance prior to the trip.
Accommodation
- Temperature check upon arrival.
- Provided hand cleaning facilities.
- Social distancing measures during check-in / check-out and contact is limited.
- Meals are served 'a la carte' or served by a waiter.
- Thoroughly sanitize rooms after guests check out. Keep room vacant for 24 hours after checkout; re-clean the room, seal for further 24 hours before next guest checks in.
- Accommodations that we are working with are assessed on hygiene standards in regard to COVID-19.
- We ensure these measures include: enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high-frequency touchpoints in public areas, food safety, staff re-training, and minimizing contact within the properties.
Staff Safety and Training
- All employees and guides underwent training to ensure health and safety measures are upheld and to protect the health of our guests.
💭 Q: What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?
It means the trip involves cultural sightseeing tours, local interaction, and wildlife experiences.
💭 Q: What are the accommodations like?
The accommodations on this trip include hotels and jungle lodges.
💭 Q: What about the weather?
Chitwan Park has varied climatic seasons each offering a unique experience. October through February has an average temperature of 25°C (77°F), offering pleasant weather. From March to June temperatures can reach as high as 43°C (109°F). The hot, humid days give way to the monsoon season that usually lasts from late June until September.
The Bardia National Park has a sub-tropical monsoon climate with three different seasons: hot season (March-June), monsoon season (July-October), and winter (October-February). The hot, humid days give way to the monsoon rain. The weather is dry from October through early April with warm days and cool nights. The absolute maximum temperature of 41°C (106°F) in May and a minimum temperature of 31°C (88°F) in January-February.
💭 Q: What about health & safety?
- For the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash, and other valuable items we advise the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling.
- A safety deposit box is available in city hotels to store your valuable items but during the tour, you have to secure your belongings. We recommend you leave valuables at your home. A lock is suggested for securing your luggage.
- It is advised to consult or get professional advice from a travel doctor about vaccinations and medical travel information beforehand.
- Avoid consuming ice, salad, raw vegetables, and deep-fried, spicy, and greasy food.
- The company and our suppliers (including for accommodation and transportation) adhere to stringent protocols related to health and safety.
💭 Q: Is this trip safe for solo travelers?
This trip is safe for solo (female and male) travelers.
💭 Q: Do I need a visa?
A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border and Kerung on the Nepal-China border. Outside of Nepal, a visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
- Visa fee: US $30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, and US $125 for a 90-day, multiple entry visa.
The latest COVID-19 visa process:
In regard to tourist visas, travelers need to apply for their visas from their respective countries. If travelers wish to apply for a visa on arrival, then a trekking agency based in Nepal shall do the arrangement of prior approval to enter Nepal. For prior visa approval, the Nepal-based trekking agencies shall submit all prescribed details of the trekkers to the appropriate tourism agencies to get a recommendation of which visa type to submit to the Department of Immigration in advance.
