Wildlife: Chitwan rhinos and Bardia tigers

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Boudhanath Stupa evening kora · 2 h. Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
• Thamel and Asan bazaar walk · 2 h. Walk from Thamel via Kathesimbhu Stupa to Asan and Indra Chowk; spice, bead and brass stalls. Bargain politely for souvenirs and trekking gear.

Local tip: Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Kathmandu → Chitwan

Chitwan · Kathmandu to Chitwan, Tourist bus ~5–6h (flight to Bharatpur ~25 min + 30 min drive)

• Dugout canoe on the Rapti River · 1.5 h. Mugger crocodiles, gharials and kingfishers at dawn; usually combined with a short guided walk back. Price includes the park fee.
• Tharu cultural dance show · 1.5 h. Nightly in Sauraha's cultural houses; the stick dance is the finale.

Local tip: Mugger crocodiles, gharials and kingfishers at dawn; usually combined with a short guided walk back. Price includes the park fee.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Chitwan

Chitwan

• Chitwan jeep safari (half day) · 4 h. Price includes the foreigner park fee (about NPR 2,000 per day) and a shared jeep. One-horned rhinos and deer are common; tigers and sloth bears are rare. Feb–May, after the grass is cut, gives the clearest views.
• Elephant breeding centre (no riding) · 2 h. About 4 km from Sauraha by bicycle or jeep; calves stay with their mothers. Elephant rides and bathing are widely criticised on welfare grounds — choose jeep, canoe or walking options instead.
• Rapti riverbank sunset · 1.5 h. Sauraha's riverside bars face the park; rhinos sometimes cross at dusk — keep your distance.

Local tip: Price includes the foreigner park fee (about NPR 2,000 per day) and a shared jeep. One-horned rhinos and deer are common; tigers and sloth bears are rare. Feb–May, after the grass is cut, gives the clearest views.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Full-day jeep safari deep in the park

Chitwan

• Full-day jeep safari deep in the park · 9 h. Reaches the quieter grasslands and lakes such as Kasara and Lami Tal; better odds for tiger and gaur. Bring a packed lunch and a scarf for dust.

Local tip: Reaches the quieter grasslands and lakes such as Kasara and Lami Tal; better odds for tiger and gaur. Bring a packed lunch and a scarf for dust.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Chitwan → Bardia

Bardia · Chitwan to Bardia, Private car ~9–10h on the East–West Highway

• Tharu village walk at Thakurdwara · 2 h
• Crocodile breeding centre and park museum · 1 h

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Bardia full-day jeep safari

Bardia

• Bardia full-day jeep safari · 9 h. Includes the foreigner park fee (about NPR 2,000 per day) and a shared jeep. Tiger odds are among the best in South Asia Feb–May, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Local tip: Includes the foreigner park fee (about NPR 2,000 per day) and a shared jeep. Tiger odds are among the best in South Asia Feb–May, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Tiger tracking on foot

Bardia

• Tiger tracking on foot · 8 h. Long waits at river viewpoints with two licensed guides; bring a packed lunch, muted clothes and patience.

Local tip: Long waits at river viewpoints with two licensed guides; bring a packed lunch, muted clothes and patience.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Bardia

Bardia

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.