Chitwan Jungle Safari

Chitwan National Park protects one of the last great stretches of lowland Terai jungle, and it works. Greater one horned rhinos graze the elephant grass in growing numbers, gharial crocodiles bask along the Rapti and East Rapti rivers, and Bengal tigers move through the sal forest, seen rarely and remembered forever.

Our standard package is two nights at a comfortable lodge in Sauraha on full board, with activities led by naturalist guides: a jeep safari deep into the park, a slow dugout canoe drift past mugger and gharial crocodiles, a guided jungle walk that reads tracks and calls, and an evening cultural program of Tharu stick dance.

March to May offers the best wildlife viewing as animals gather near water, while October to February brings cool mornings and clear skies. The park is reachable by road from both Kathmandu and Pokhara, about 5 to 6 hours, or by a short flight to Bharatpur.

About the wildlife, honestly. Rhino sightings are very likely, the park holds several hundred greater one horned rhinos and they graze near the rivers. Deer, monkeys, gharial crocodiles, wild boar and over 500 bird species are everyday sightings. Tigers live here in healthy numbers but move mostly at night; seeing one is a matter of luck that even weekly visitors cannot schedule. We would rather tell you that before you book than have you count on it.

What to pack is simple: neutral colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and closed shoes for the jungle walk. Mornings November to January can be cold and foggy on the canoe, bring a warm layer. Summer is hot and humid, and the monsoon months turn activities around the rain.

The lodges we use in Sauraha are locally owned, comfortable rather than luxurious, with fans, hot water and honest cooking. If you prefer an upper tier lodge inside the buffer zone with a pool and naturalist library, say so and we will price both.