3-Day Chitwan National Park Safari from Kathmandu with Tharu Culture

For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the Gangetic flatlands of the Terai, which stretch throughout the southern part of Nepal, provide a wholly different experience. A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai, and Chitwan is the best place to go. Established in 1973, Chitwan National Park is located just 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level. Chitwan gets steamy from March through June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes February to May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are also gorgeous, with superb Himalayan views. In winter (December-January), Chitwan is pleasantly warm compared to Kathmandu, while the humid monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. This is an excellent opportunity to spot native birds and look out for 2 rare crocodiles: the marsh mugger and the fish-eating gharial. Chitwan National Park is home to more than 530 species of birds, and your guide will help you spot cormorants, herons, egrets, cranes, woodpeckers, osprey, falcons, kestrels, parakeets, ibis, cuckoos, kingfishers, swallows, drongos, babblers, and many more.

During the tour, you will get the opportunity to explore the wildlife from different perspectives. Explore by jeep on a drive to a crocodile breeding center. Visit the first elephant breeding center in Asia, located just minutes from the hotel, where you will see baby elephants socializing with their parents and discover how elephant meals are prepared. On a sunny day, one of the main attractions on the Rapti River is swimming with the elephants as they take their baths. You will also join experienced naturalist guides to examine some of the more specialized habitats of the animals. There are several watchtowers en route to climb for better views of the surroundings.

Several towers and lakes have been created by a local community committee to preserve wildlife in the forest, and should you wish, there are provisions to stay for an extraordinary night to experience the deep and peaceful jungle environment.

There are several ways to get to and from Chitwan. On the outward journey, you can depart by car or coach at 07:00 for Mugling, at the confluence of the Marshyangdi and Trisuli rivers. From here, travel by raft and float down to a picnic spot, where you can pause for lunch and continue to where the Nepal Social Treks and Tours vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Chitwan. Alternatively, depart from Kathmandu by car or coach at 07:00 and drive along the Mugling-Narayanghat Highway for approximately 105 miles (175 kilometres) to Chitwan. Air service is also available from Kathmandu to Bharatpur every day, taking about 20 minutes and costing USD 100.00 one-way.