Overview
Experience Nepal's wildest national parks
Head to the jungles and plains of Nepal’s south in search of iconic wildlife, getting an insight into the country’s rich history and culture as you explore two diverse national parks on safari.
After a night in the bustle of Kathmandu, fly south to the iconic Chitwan, a beautiful park that is home to an abundance of species, before driving via the birthplace of Gautama Buddha to the remote and rarely visited Bardia National Park. In both, discover the landscape on an engaging mix of activities, from game drives and guided walks to village visits and boat trips.
Alongside expert naturalist guides, spot Nepal’s most iconic species, such as leopards, Asian elephants, greater one-horned rhinoceroses, gharial crocodiles, river dolphins, sloth bears, monkeys, hundreds of bird species and, of course, the majestic Bengal tiger.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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A chance to see iconic species including tigers in the wild
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A great mix of safari activities on land and water
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Sundowners with the elephants at Tharu Lodge
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Time to explore Kathmandu and Lumbini with a private guide
Inclusions
What's included
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Nine nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and safari activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 2
An introduction to Kathmandu
You’ll be met on arrival in Kathmandu and taken to Dwarika’s Hotel, an oasis in the heart of the city. A guide and a car are on hand to show you around this fascinating city of centuries-old temples, colour and modern energy.
Days 2 — 5
Chitwan National Park
Take a short flight and drive to Tharu Lodge, a charming luxury retreat on the fringe of a rural village right on the edge of Chitwan National Park. Enjoy an engaging array of activities from here, such as full days exploring the national park and its buffer zone by Land Rover, stopping at hides, trekking through the forest on guided walks, and taking to the river by boat on the lookout for deer, birds, monkeys, one-horned rhinoceroses, sloth bears, crocodiles and, with luck, Bengal tigers.
Other highlights here are community tours and encounters with the lodge’s elephants, once used for safaris and now enjoying as natural a life as possible in their early retirement.
Days 5 — 6
Birthplace of Buddha
You’ll be driven west between Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, skirting the Indian border as you cross the fertile ‘Terai’ plains. Midway, overnight close to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Today it is an important place for pilgrims and UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll be shown around some of the most interesting temples and visit a sanctuary for sacred sarus cranes.
Days 6 — 9
Bardia National Park
As one of Nepal’s least visited and best-preserved wilderness areas, the remote Bardia National Park and the chance Karnali Lodge offers to reconnect with nature are well worth the journey.
Accompanied by expert naturalists, explore the park on foot by jeep and raft. Once again, spot a great mix of birdlife, deer and monkeys as you search for one-horned rhinos, wild Asian elephants, powerful leopards and tigers. On the river, you have a chance of spotting the extremely rare Gangetic dolphin and prehistoric gharial crocodiles. Back at the lodge, visit the organic gardens, wander local villages and enjoy convivial evenings where the bar is open until the last guest goes to bed.
Days 9 — 10
Final night in Kathmandu
Fly back to the capital with an afternoon at leisure by the pool before a sumptuous dinner, or choose to explore the city one last time with a guide.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
