Nepal Wildlife Tour

From $2,500 pp

  • Duration

    10 days

  • Bookable From

    October - May

  • Trip Style

    Privately Guided

  • Country

    Nepal

  • Physical Rating

    Easy

Overview

Enjoy Nepal's myriad wildlife on this tour combining jungle activities like a river cruise, jeep safari, bird watching, and exploring the grassland, forests, and national parks.

This 10-day tour intertwines the best of Nepalese lush natural landscapes and rich culture. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites, architectural marvels, and indigenous dances, to Nepal’s Terai plains, jungle lodges, and migratory birds – it’s the best of both worlds.

This trip is perfect for travelers seeking to feel transported back through time for a unique experience in the wildlands of Nepal.

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 appreciate the rich history, heritage, culture, and tradition
  • Witness Buddhist monks draped in maroon robes in prayer in the monasteries, religious rituals, and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation
  • 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 to 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 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

Day 1 Kathmandu [Nepal] (arrival day)

  • Arrive in Kathmandu, filled with ancient temples and traditions.
  • Picked up at the airport, and escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle.
  • Brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by a representative.

Accommodation at a hotel
Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m.
Driving time Airport-Hotel: approx 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 2 Kathmandu: Cultural Tour

  • Start with a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley, where its colors, sounds, and tastes will marvel you.
  • Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, which incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.
  • Visit Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century.
  • Tour of Boudhanath, built in the 5th century, and one of the largest stupas in Nepal.
  • Observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa.
  • Visit Pashupatinath temple and witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyre burns at open-air cremation.

Accommodation in a hotel
Breakfast included
Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m.
Tour duration: 8 hours approx.

Day 3 Kathmandu - Nepalgunj

  • Transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Nepalgunj.
  • Scenic drive to the resort, passing through towns, fields, and forests.
  • Dusk jeep safari to Bardia National Park in search of elusive tigers and leopards.
  • Cocktails at an outdoor fireplace.

Accommodation in Jungle Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Altitude above sea level: 159 m.
Flight duration: approx 50 mins.

Day 4 River & Jeep Safari

  • Breakfast beneath the shady mango trees
  • Safari in the Karnali River to spot a variety of birdlife and wildlife. Expect to see the endangered Gharial crocodile and its more sinister relative, the Marsh-Mugger.
  • Nepali-style lunch and free time to relax in the hammock.
  • Jeep safari in the national park with a naturalist. Encounter deers, birds, monkeys, and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Perhaps, you can even get to spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

Accommodation in a Jungle Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Altitude above sea level: 159 m.

Day 5 Jungle Day

  • Breakfast and drive to the National Park Entrance on a Land Rover
  • Day in the jungle scouting out the undergrowth for the elusive big cats and hiding at spots to maybe see a rhino, a jungle cat, or something else!
  • Drinks and return to the lodge, where dinner will be served.

Accommodation in a lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Altitude above sea level: 159 m.

Day 6 Lumbini: Birdwatching Tour

  • Drive to Lumbini and reception with drinks at the lodge.
  • Briefing about the facilities and introductory walk to explore the habitat around the camp.
  • Short walk through the cultivated fields (if time permits so)

Accommodation in a lodge
Breakfast included
Altitude above sea level: 150m.
Driving duration: 6-7 hours approx.

Day 7 Lumbini - Chitwan

  • Exploration around the camp to see the lowland farmland birds.
  • Optional walk to Peace Pagoda, a stunning Buddhist stupa
  • Breakfast and visit to Chitwan National Park, one of the most beautiful and well-known wildlife parks in Asia that boasts a beautiful setting and abundant wildlife. There are more than 50 different species of mammals and 450 different species of birds!
  • Welcome drink at the lodge and lunch in the garden.
  • Time to explore the facilities and relax at the swimming pool with available drinks.
  • Stroll to the Narayani River with a naturalist to see the resident elephants bathe and frolic.

Accommodation in a Lodge
Breakfast included
Altitude above sea level: 415 m.
Driving duration: 6 hours approx.

Day 8 River and Jungle Safari

  • Breakfast served al fresco beneath mango trees
  • River safari in the Narayani River. You will start with a nature walk or bullock cart ride through the riverine forest, followed by a scenic float down the river. As you sit inside a hand-carved boat, pay attention to the variety of animals around you.
  • Nepali lunch at the lodge.
  • Jeep safari in the national park with a knowledgeable naturalist. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the jungle.
  • Dancing performance by a local troupe with their brightly colored costumes and infectious rhythms. You´ll soon find your feet tapping along.

Accommodation in a lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included

Day 9 Bharatpur - Kathmandu 

  • Breakfast and drive to Kathmandu.
  • Check-in at the hotel and leisure time for souvenir shopping.
  • Dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

Accommodation in a hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Driving duration: 6 hours approx.
Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m.

Day 10 Kathmandu (departure day)

  • Breakfast and transfer to the airport
  • Flight back home
  • If you wish to stay few more days there’s still plenty more places to explore around Kathmandu valley.

    Breakfast included
    Driving duration: Approx. 30 minutes

Route Map

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast

  • 3 night’s Jungle Lodge accommodation at Bardiya

  • 1 night hotel in Lumbini with breakfast

  • 2 night’s Jungle Lodge accommodation at Chitwan

  • 9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners

  • Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

  • Private vehicle to/from tour point

  • Private airport pick-up and transfer

  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu

  • Naturalist

  • Station tour guide for sightseeing

  • Kathmandu sightseeing tour

  • Jungle activities

  • Any meals not mentioned as covered above and in the itinerary

  • Flights to/from Nepal

  • Tips

  • Travel Insurance

  • Liability Insurance

  • Beverages

  • Personal equipment

  • Visa fee: US $30 for 15 days, US $50 for 30 days, and US $125 for a 90-day, multiple-entry visa

  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Excess baggage beyond 25 kilos including day pack

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

Prices are for twin-share rooms.

If you're traveling by yourself, you will NOT be sharing a room with someone else.

  • Deposit per person

    $200 pp

  • Group of 2 Travelers - price per person

    $2,700 pp

  • Group of 10 Travelers - price per person

    $2,500 pp

Optional Add-ons

  • Single Room Supplement: $950 (if traveling with a group and you prefer a private room)

Sustainability

As a Travelife-certified company, we are committed to reducing negative impacts on the natural and social environments. We do this by supporting our business partners, including accommodation providers and excursion providers, to adopt sustainable best practices. By promoting sustainability, we help to create a more responsible tourism industry that benefits the local economy. This trip takes travelers to off-the-beaten-path destinations where they can experience authentic Nepali culture and explore the wilderness. This promotes greater tourism dispersal and helps to boost the local economy.

  • Environmental Initiatives

We take environmental stewardship seriously and conduct all trek-related activities without causing any disturbance to the natural, social, or ecological environments. Our trekking staff is encouraged to camp in established campsites, leaving no trace behind. We collect trash along the trail and dispose of it in designated areas. The accommodation on this wildlife tour includes special "green" jungle lodges that use renewable energy resources like solar panels. They are constructed from local materials and built by local craftsmen. This trip includes low-carbon impact activities such as bird watching, a jungle walk, a canoe ride, and a village walk. We also use biodegradable hand soap and cleaning powder for our office cleaning. Travelers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and water filter tablets to reduce plastic waste.

  • Sociocultural Initiatives

We believe in promoting sustainability awareness among our guests, office, and trekking staff. We encourage our guests to respect the natural and cultural heritage of the destination they visit. We also support charitable organizations and provide poverty-stricken children with shelter and education. Additionally, we create opportunities for travelers to interact with locals and experience the everyday lifestyles of local communities. By staying in the "green" jungle lodges, guests support the culture and traditions of local tribes. We also cater to guests' dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan meals, to promote cultural sensitivity.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?

It means the trip involves cultural sightseeing tours, local interaction, and wildlife experiences.

What are the accommodations like?

The accommodations on this trip include hotels and jungle lodges. The lodges are traditional buildings made with local materials of stone and wood. There are comfortable communal areas where guests can sit to warm up at a fire pit lit at the communal dining area during winter.

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.

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.

Is this trip safe for solo travelers?

This trip is safe for solo (female and male) travelers.

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.

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