Chitwan · 3 Days / 2 Nights

Chitwan Jungle Safari 3 Days

· Easy · Max altitude 415m (1,362 ft) · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

Max Altitude

415m (1,362 ft)

Grade

Easy

Lodging

Jungle resort (2 nights)

Overview

The Chitwan Jungle Safari 3 Days is a classic Nepal add-on - a chance to drop down from the Himalayas into the Terai plains and spend two nights inside or on the edge of Chitwan National Park looking for one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharial crocodiles and over 500 bird species. The package combines jeep safari, canoe ride, elephant breeding centre visit, jungle walks and an evening of Tharu cultural performance.

It is the standard family-friendly counterweight to a trekking or cultural week in the hills.

Highlights

Royal Chitwan National Park - Nepal's first national park, UNESCO World Heritage
Look for one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, gharial crocodile
Jeep safari deep into the jungle
Canoe ride on the Rapti or Narayani river
Elephant breeding centre visit
Bird watching - over 500 species recorded in the park
Tharu village walk and museum
Traditional Tharu stick dance evening performance
2 nights in a jungle resort
All meals included
Family-friendly itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Chitwan

🍽 Lunch, dinner

- **Overnight:** Jungle resort Arrive in Sauraha by tourist bus, private vehicle or flight (option). Hotel check-in and welcome briefing. Lunch at the resort. Afternoon Tharu village walk and museum visit. Sunset on the riverbank with the local fishermen. Tharu stick dance performance after dinner. Overnight at the resort.

Day 2

Jungle Activities

🍽 Breakfast, lunch, dinner

- **Overnight:** Jungle resort Early breakfast. Morning canoe ride on the Rapti River and walk to the elephant breeding centre. Return to the resort for lunch. Afternoon jeep safari deep into the park looking for rhino, deer, sloth bear and (with luck) tiger. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

Day 3

Departure

🍽 Breakfast

Breakfast at the resort. Optional early bird walk for keen birders. Mid-morning departure back to Kathmandu or onward to Pokhara.

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What's included

Included

Round-trip transport (tourist bus or upgrade to private vehicle / domestic flight)
2 nights accommodation in jungle resort
All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner across the trip
All national park entry fees
Jeep safari
Canoe ride
Elephant breeding centre visit
Tharu village tour and museum visit
Cultural dance performance
English-speaking nature guide
Government taxes and service charges

Not included

Beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks)
International and domestic flights (unless upgraded)
Travel insurance
Tips for the guide and driver
Optional mountain flight (USD 250)
Personal expenses
Anything not listed under inclusions

Trek guide

Inside Royal Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park covers 953 km square of subtropical jungle, grassland and floodplain in the Terai. It is the best place in Nepal to see large mammals - especially the greater one-horned rhino, which has its largest wild population here.

Geography

The park sits along the Indian border in central southern Nepal. Most resorts are around the town of Sauraha on the Rapti River. Transport from Kathmandu is around 5 hours by tourist bus, or a 25-30 minute flight to Bharatpur airport.

Wildlife to Look For

Greater one-horned rhinoceros
Bengal tiger (very rare sightings)
Asian elephant
Sloth bear
Gharial crocodile
Mugger crocodile
Spotted deer, sambar deer
Wild boar
Over 500 bird species - peacocks, hornbills, kingfishers, eagles

Cultural Stops

Tharu village walk
Tharu museum
Stick dance cultural performance
Sunset over the Rapti River

Permits

National park entry fees are included.

Altitude

Maximum 415m. Hot and humid - very different from the cool Himalayan air of Kathmandu.

Best Season

October to March for the most comfortable weather (cool and dry)
March to May for the highest wildlife sighting odds (grasslands burnt, animals visible)
Avoid June-August monsoon - hot, humid, some park activities limited

Fitness

Easy. Most activities are seated or short walks. The jungle walk is 1-2 hours on flat terrain.

Trip Flow

Day 1 is travel day with arrival in the afternoon and a soft start - village walk, river sunset and the cultural performance. Day 2 is the main wildlife day - canoe, elephant centre and the jeep safari. Day 3 is breakfast and departure back to Kathmandu or onward to Pokhara.

Packing list

Clothing: Light cotton trousers and shirts (neutral colours - greens, browns, beige), light fleece for cool mornings, lightweight rain shell, sun hat with a brim

Footwear: Comfortable trainers or trail runners that can get a bit dusty / muddy

Accessories: Small daypack, 1.5L water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (important), binoculars, camera with zoom lens, headlamp

Documents: Passport, Nepali rupees

Medical: Personal medication, malaria-zone awareness (consult your doctor), small first-aid kit

Frequently asked questions

Will I definitely see a rhino?

Chitwan has one of the highest one-horned rhino populations in the world; sightings are very common but not guaranteed.

What about tigers?

Tigers are present in healthy numbers but sightings are rare - typically a few each year per resort. The jeep safari maximises your chances.

Is elephant riding included?

We no longer offer riding for ethical reasons. The package includes the breeding centre and (where available) the elephant bathing display.

How hot does it get?

30-38C during the day in April-May; 18-26C in winter; humid year-round.

Is malaria a concern?

Low but real risk during monsoon. Consult your doctor about anti-malarials and bring repellent year-round.

Can children come?

Yes - this is a great family trip. The jeep safari is fine for any age.

Vegetarian food?

Yes - all jungle resorts handle vegetarian and vegan diets well. Let us know in advance.

How long is the drive from Kathmandu?

Around 5-6 hours by tourist bus. Flights take 25-30 minutes plus airport time.

Can this be combined with Pokhara or Lumbini?

Yes - both pair naturally with Chitwan. Ask for a custom multi-stop quote.

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Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $200

per person

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