Tiger and Rhino safari in Nepal

On arrival into Kathmandu airport you will be met and transferred approximately 6km to the famous Dwarika’s heritage hotel (breakfast only) located right in the heart of the city. Most of the Dwarika’s Architecture dates back to the period of profound artistic creation, preserving a cultural legacy that has defined the face and soul of Kathmandu. The courtyard- surrounded by vertically oriented building structures is one of the hallmarks of Newari residential complexes. The buildings integrate the traditional woodwork into the building façade, representing a style that is indigenous to the valley

The month of June is the hot season in Nepal so we will start our small group private tour of Kathmandu nice and early to avoid the afternoon heat. Visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site; watch the monkeys frolic around another heritage site, Swayambhunath Temple; and take in the sacred prayer wheels and incense. Explore Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, which has roots going back to 600 AD. Hear informative commentary from your guide throughout the day on this comprehensive tour.

Leaving the bustling lanes of Kathmandu city behind, we take a private transfer to the airport and connect with our short flight to Bharatpur. On arrival we will be met and transferred approximately 2 hours to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge (full board basis). We will arrive in time for lunch before enjoying our first safari activity inside Chitwan national park. Tharu Lodge offers 12 Traditional Rooms built using local materials and with local Tharu building techniques. All rooms are very spacious and come with en suite bathrooms.

Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most famous National Parks in South Asia. It was the first national park in Nepal, established in 1973 by His Majesty the late King Mahendra with the help of the founder of Tiger Tops, Jim Edwards. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, the high population density of Royal Bengal Tigers and as ideal habitat for the highly endangered Gharial Crocodile.

Step aboard one of our restored open-top Landrovers for a jungle jeep safari unlike any in Nepal. With an experienced driver and expert naturalist to lead the way, explore the mystery and magic of the jungle from the comfort of
your seat.

Nepal is one of the few places in Asia where walking safaris are permitted in National Parks. Both Chitwan and Bardia offer excellent wildlife encounters on foot. Head out with our team of skilled naturalists into the jungle in search for the abundant game that both parks have to offer for a safari experience in its purest form.

Chitwan national park is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park.

A boating experience down the Narayani or Karnali rivers can be a soothing and exhilarating experience. Cruising on the wide expanse of the river, pockets of rapids propel the boats along, as gentle waves lap at the sides. Sitting inside a Tiger Tops hand-carved boat, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birdlife and wildlife. Top of the list are the endangered fish-eating Gharial crocodile and its more sinister relative, the Marsh-Muggger.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu by Yeti Airlines and connect to flight to Nepalgunj by flight. You will be met at the airport by Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge staff and driven to the lodge (Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes).

Over the years Bardia has become the go to location in Nepal for a tiger safari, although in the past elephants were used to find the tigers; as they were at one time in many of India’s tiger sancturaries. However, the habitat is ideal for tigers here and our decision to travel in the hotter months will definitely increase our chances of seeing this majestic cat. Our main focus in Bardia will be the tigers and therefore we will mainly be taking the morning and afternoon game drives during our stay.

Three days of vehicle, boat and walking safaris in Bardia national park. Given the time of year and the hot temperatures in the afternoon, any walking safaris will be conducted early in the morning to avoid fatigue and over heating. Nepal is one of the few places in Asia where walking safaris are permitted in National Parks. Both Chitwan and Bardia offer excellent wildlife encounters on foot. Head out with our team of skilled naturalists into the jungle in search for the abundant game that both parks have to offer for a safari experience in its purest form.

After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Shuklaphanta, approximately 4 hours’ drive. Overnight at Shuklaphanta Wildlife Camp on full board basis.

Full-day jeep safari with packed lunch to explore for waterbirds and raptors and the Marsh mugger crocodile. (7- 8 hours).

Drive to Dhangadi airport approximately 1 hour and then fly to Kathmandu. On arrival you will be met and then driven to Dwarika’s Hotel for your overnight accommodation.

When appropriate you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the international airport