Overview: This is an exciting four day package traveling within the dense jungle region of central Nepal and to the amazing wildlife sanctuary of Royal Chitwan National Park. Glide silently past tranquil shorelines in your dugout canoe? Nature–walk early in the day for close views of free-roaming wildlife such as the Great Horned Rhinoceros, the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Gangetic Dolphin, Langur and Rhesus Monkeys, Flying Squirrels, Crocodiles as well as hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Lucky travelers might even spy Leopards, Mongoose, Indian Civets and Porcupines, or perhaps even the elusive and rare Bengal Tiger.

Trained naturalists as well as tracers (scouts working ahead, trained to spot animals)are available. Optionally your Nepal Safari can be accompanied by our experienced Kathmandu guide to help you get the most out of this tropical adventure. If you prefer to fly to the park, instead of drive, we can arrange that too! If you can't resist, there are tempting options to extend your stay — the more time you spend in the wild, the better chance for viewing native wildlife! The basic (per person, double occupancy) package would include round-trip tourist bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan, three nights lodging, one elephant–back tour and all meals while you're there. Other packages can range to about $500 and can include longer stays, additional elephant rides, cooking lessons, nature walks with a local naturalist to prime viewing localities, area tours and much more.

About Chitwan National Park: Nepal's Chitwan National Park lies about 60 miles from Kathmandu. The Chitwan Valley is the largest valley in Nepal holding two major rivers, Narayani and Rapti. These waterways create the park's northern and western park boundaries. This subtropical jungle is a combination of dense forest, lush grassland and a wide flood plain. There are ethnic villages and an Elephant Breeding Center found nearby. Temperatures are cool to warm from October to March and can be hot from March to July.

Nepal Safari Special Adventure Itinerary Detail:


Day 1: Lunch will be served upon arrival at your lodge near Chitwan. Traveling through the lowlands, you will arrive at the elephant 'boarding' area for a close–up elephant encounter. After a safety briefing, you'll be ready for a gentle ride 'elephant-back!' into the lush, deep forests of Chitwan National Park. From this lofty perch, you move quietly in search of the hidden wildlife surrounding you around each bend. You can see elephants eating and washing in the river. Ride–time today is between one and two hours. On your return, it's time for a well-deserved rest before dinner.

In the cool of the evening, members of the Tharu village present a cultural program of their traditional dances and song. It's been such an eventful day, you'll want to make it an early night — tomorrow you might awake before the sunrise for an exciting day filled with adventure. (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Dawn comes early to Chitwan. The early morning is the best time to observe elusive bird and animal species and their morning activity at the waterways. You'll soon be ready for a hearty breakfast on your return while you take-in the remarkably lush, verdant panorama. After breakfast, you'll slip into a dugout canoe for a silent two mile glide along the river to Kasara, the park center. Stopping to enjoy the park headquarters, you can begin a guided nature walk accompanied by a trained park naturalist. Later, return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. Depending on the season, the afternoon may lead you to a demonstration of elephant bathing or a visit to an ethnic Tharu village. Back at the lodge, dinner will be a welcome sight before you settle in for a peaceful night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: It's another early rise this morning! Our day starts early as we head out for todays exploration. Today we take breakfast 'to go' or 'takeaway' (breakfast boxes) as we leave by jeep headed to the banks of the Rapti River. You'll cross streams and traverse meadows before being met by your elephants. Back on your perch, you'll move effortlessly through deep green vegetation to reach the Elephant Breeding Center. Nepal has been very proactive to protect its wildlife and help fight poaching. Today, Nepal experiences very little poaching.

After an informative and fun tour of this unique center, you'll pause on the banks of the Rapti to finish breakfast before launching on your two hour canoe trip through some of the best river areas of the Chitwan. This schedule will mean a late lunch back at the lodge, but afterwards there will be ample time to rest, walk or swim before dinnertime. This is your last night in the jungle to soak up the sounds, sights and smells of the unique Chitwan Valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: The stillness of early morning finds us accompanied by our local guide for a favorite local activity — bird watching! There are hundreds of bird species found in this lush area and they are a bountiful target for your binoculars. Today we depart after breakfast to return to Kathmandu, signaling the close to this jungle adventure. You'll take with you some unforgettable memories and photographs of this unique and bountiful refuge in the center of Nepal. How wonderful it would be to spend more time — and you can! (Breakfast)

Travel Details: The details of this general itinerary are subject to change depending on conditions at Chitwan and this guide is meant only as a suggestion for the daily events. It only hints at the potential activities to enjoy on your visit to Chitwan — there are many options available at the park for other naturalist–oriented hikes, rafting and boat excursions, tours, horseback riding as well as many other outdoor and cultural activities. Our lodges are comfortable and conveniently located with good food. Accommodations are based on double bungalows with attached bathrooms.

To help avoid frightening the jungle animals you came to see, wear earth-toned clothing (not bright red) and long pants. Avoid wearing scented products. Activities will include an elephant-back safari (about 1-2 hours to seek rhino, deer, monkeys, wild boar and other wildlife), a dugout canoe ride (float down the Rapti to spot crocodiles, water birds, locals, and more), jeep and ox-cart rides, village tour and bird watching. Village visits allow you to enjoy local folk dancing and crafts. With so many different activities available, you can see why three nights with two full days are a minimum to experience this area. If you can, spend more time! Contact us to discuss your interests and plans — we'll tell you the options you have to make the most of your trip. Please be aware that all activities are subject to local changes and that there is never a guarantee you'll see any specific species of wildlife — your experience will be natural — it's not a zoo. Your naturalist guide will brief you on your specific program schedule once you arrive at the lodge.

Groups of four or more can also enjoy several hours of easy river rafting on the Trisuli River along with a picnic lunch ($40US per person for four to six member groups). Rafting logistics should be arranged in advance as you would stop on your way to Chitwan and raft towards the park. Your vehicle would follow you to the pick-up spot to carry you on to the park and your lodge. Please refer to the booking information section of our application form for more information.

The Nepal Safari Adventure • Administrative Details:

(+) Land Cost (land cost as itinerary has described):

$300USD typical, each, double occupancy

(+) In-Trip Airfare Estimate (none applicable):

+  $ NONE

(=) Total Program Cost (for the above itinerary):

=  $300USD per person

Trip Deposit (submit with application):

$250USD (or payment in full with options)

Optional Supplement (longer stays, more services):

$Per Request (optional, please ask us)

Maximum Group Size:

Two or more, as you wish

Other Cost & Need Considerations:

Passport, Visa(s), Physicians Visit, Emergency Medical & Evacuation Insurance, International travel to/from Kathmandu, Meals Beyond Above Itinerary, Beverages, Spending/Personal Money (usual requirements for our main trips, nothing extra is required for this addition). General tourist bus from/to the city included (or options for a car & driver or air & jeep additional).

Trip Activity–Level:

Mild: Accommodation is in a comfortable jungle lodge. Activities are usually mild and can include short day hikes and touring. Other options available per your interest.

Registration Deadline:

Four weeks before date. ($100USD late fee thereafter)

Nepal Safari Adventure Printable Itinerary:

Nepal Safari Adventure

Trip Application:

Himalayan High Treks Application

Need More Information? Email Us, we're nice:

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