Our 3-day safari in Chitwan was magical. Gliding down the misty Rapti River in a wooden dugout canoe while spotting marsh mugger and fish-eating gharial crocodiles along the banks was serene. During our afternoon jeep safari deep in the park, we encountered three greater one-horned rhinos grazing peacefully in the tall elephant grass.
Chitwan National Park • Subtropical Wildlife Safari
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Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour — 5 Days
Explore Chitwan’s forests, rivers and Tharu culture on a five-day tour from Kathmandu. You’ll travel by road to Chitwan for two nights, with guided jungle walks, a Rapti River canoe ride and birdwatching.
Travelers' Choice
Best of the Best 2026
Key Trip Facts
DURATION
5 Days
5 days, including arrival, departure and two nights in Chitwan
DIFFICULTY
Guided Walks
Guided walks; uneven ground, heat and canoe boarding require consideration
HIGHEST OVERNIGHT ALTITUDE
Kathmandu (~1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
Kathmandu, approximately 1,400 m / 4,593 ft; Chitwan is a lowland stay
DESTINATION
Nepal
Terai Lowlands & Chitwan Valley
ACTIVITY
Tour and Jungle Safari
Guided forest walks, canoeing, birdwatching & cultural visit
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel & Chitwan Lodge
Two nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel and two nights in Chitwan
TRANSPORT
Tourist Bus & Transfers
Kathmandu → Chitwan → Kathmandu by tourist bus, plus scheduled local and airport transfers
MEALS
Included as Quoted
Kathmandu hotel breakfasts; full-board meals during the Chitwan stay; seasonal fruits when available
RECOMMENDED SEASON
October – March
October–March; warmer weather and monsoon conditions affect activity planning
SAFARI STARTS
Chitwan
Sauraha / Chitwan National Park Buffer Zone
SAFARI ENDS
Chitwan
Sauraha / Chitwan National Park Buffer Zone
TOUR REGION
Chitwan
Chitwan National Park & Rapti River Basin
PACKAGE START POINT
Kathmandu
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
PACKAGE END POINT
Kathmandu
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour Overview
Our five-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour combines a two-night wildlife stay with travel from Kathmandu and your international arrival and departure. Chitwan National Park protects forests, grasslands and river habitats in Nepal’s southern Terai lowlands. The programme focuses on guided nature activities and Tharu cultural visits, with time beside the Rapti River during your stay.
After arriving in Kathmandu, you travel south by tourist bus to Chitwan. The road journey connects the capital’s hills with the warmer Terai plains. On arrival, your local activity briefing explains the programme and visitor rules. A walk around a Tharu village offers an introduction to local homes and daily life. The evening cultural programme features music and dance presented by members of the community for visiting guests.
Your full day in Chitwan includes a guided jungle walk, canoeing and birdwatching. Forest paths reveal different habitats, while the Rapti River provides another setting for observing birds and crocodiles. Rhinoceroses, deer and monkeys live in the park, alongside Bengal tigers. Every encounter depends on wildlife movements; neither sightings nor a particular species are guaranteed.
Before returning to Kathmandu, an Elephant Breeding Centre visit is planned around its opening hours and the onward transport schedule. The centre houses managed elephants, so this is a facility visit rather than a wild-elephant encounter. Your two Chitwan nights allow one full activity day between the road journeys. Weather and river conditions can require practical changes to the programme.
Accommodation includes two Kathmandu nights with breakfast and two Chitwan nights with meals during your stay. The five-day programme finishes with your Kathmandu departure after the return journey.
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour Highlights
Why Book the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour with Igloo Himalaya Treks?
We connect your Kathmandu stay with guided activities in Chitwan. The package brings these travel arrangements together within one programme.
Tour Briefing and Activity Planning
Before the activities begin, the local team explains your programme, visitor rules and what to carry. Discuss your walking comfort, dietary needs and any questions about the planned excursions.
Professional Jungle Guide Support
A professional jungle guide accompanies the scheduled nature activities and explains the surroundings. Follow instructions on forest paths and beside the river, keeping the agreed distance from wildlife throughout each outing.
Accommodation and Meals Arranged
The programme includes two Kathmandu hotel nights with breakfast and two nights in Chitwan. Meals during the Chitwan stay are included, with seasonal fruits when available and dietary arrangements discussed beforehand.
Communication When Plans Change
Road conditions, rainfall and river levels can affect the programme. We explain required changes and discuss the arrangements with you, including extra transport or accommodation costs when services fall outside your booking.
Our five-day itinerary includes arrival in Kathmandu, two Chitwan nights and the return road journey before departure. Driving times and distances are approximate; traffic, road conditions, weather and activity schedules can affect the programme.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival & Airport Transfer — Kathmandu (~1,400 m / 4,593 ft) — Hotel Check-in & Tour Briefing
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and accompanies you to your Kathmandu hotel. After settling in, review the onward travel arrangements, check tomorrow’s departure time and discuss any questions about your planned stay in Chitwan.
Depending on your arrival time, you can explore nearby streets or rest after your flight. Keep essentials ready for the road journey, including water, medicines and clothing for Chitwan’s warmer lowland climate.
Day 2: Drive to Chitwan and Explore Tharu Culture
Overland Scenic Drive — Chitwan Lowlands (~150 m) — Tharu Village & Cultural Show
After breakfast, travel by tourist bus from Kathmandu towards Chitwan. The journey follows hill and river roads before reaching the lowlands, with timing affected by traffic, roadworks and the route.
On arrival, check into your accommodation and receive an activity briefing. A Tharu village visit introduces local life, while time near the Rapti River offers a look at the surroundings. Attend the evening cultural programme featuring music and dance, then return to your accommodation for the first of two nights. Activities depend on arrival time.
Day 3: Jungle Activities, Canoeing and Birdwatching
Wildlife Safari & River Canoeing — Chitwan National Park (~150 m) — Jungle Walks & Birdwatching
Join your jungle guide for nature activities on forest trails. Look for animal tracks and learn about habitats around you, following the guide’s instructions and staying with the group.
A canoe ride on the Rapti River lets you observe water birds and crocodiles from the boat. Remain seated, wear a life jacket and follow the boat crew’s instructions. River conditions determine whether canoeing can operate.
Birdwatching completes the planned activities, with species varying by habitat and season. Return to your accommodation between outings for meals. Wildlife sightings remain unpredictable throughout your visit.
Day 4: Elephant Breeding Centre Visit and Drive to Kathmandu
Breeding Centre Visit & Return Road Journey — Kathmandu (~1,400 m / 4,593 ft) — Scenic Highway Drive
A visit to the Elephant Breeding Centre is planned before return travel. Opening hours and your bus departure determine the morning schedule; confirm the visit timing before booking.
Observe the elephants from designated visitor areas, then begin the road journey to Kathmandu. Allow extra time for traffic and road conditions. After reaching your hotel, the evening is free for rest or exploring nearby streets before tomorrow’s departure.
Day 5: Departure from Kathmandu
Final Morning & Farewell — Kathmandu (~1,400 m / 4,593 ft) — Airport Transfer Departure
Your five-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Depending on flight time, you may have an opportunity for a final walk near the hotel before your airport transfer.
Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
What’s Included in the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
Airport transfers
Scheduled Kathmandu airport pickup and drop-off for arrival and departure.
Road transport
Return tourist-bus journeys between Kathmandu and Chitwan, with the meeting points and local connections confirmed before travel.
Kathmandu accommodation
Two nights in a three-star hotel with breakfast, before and after Chitwan. The property, room arrangement and requested upgrades are confirmed in your quotation.
Chitwan accommodation and meals
Two nights in Chitwan, with breakfast, lunch and dinner during the stay, plus seasonal fruits when available. Arrival-day and departure-day meal arrangements follow the confirmed programme.
Jungle walks
Scheduled guided nature walks on suitable trails, with routes adjusted to local conditions.
River activity
The scheduled Rapti River canoe ride, subject to suitable river conditions and the local operator’s instructions.
Birdwatching
Guided opportunities to observe birds during the Chitwan programme, with the locations and timing chosen according to season and conditions.
Cultural visits
Scheduled Tharu village visit and evening cultural programme in Chitwan.
Breeding-centre visit
The Elephant Breeding Centre excursion, coordinated with onward travel.
Guide and permits
A professional jungle guide, necessary entry permits and scheduled activity fees.
What’s Not Included in the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
International flights and Nepal visa
Your airfares and Nepal entry visa charges remain separate.
Travel insurance
Your personal insurance policy, including suitable medical, activity and emergency transport cover for Nepal.
Medical expenses
Treatment, emergency transport and related personal costs outside the services confirmed in your booking.
Personal equipment
Clothing, walking shoes, binoculars, cameras, medicines and other personal belongings you choose to bring for the tour.
Extra food and drinks
Personal snacks, additional drinks and meals beyond those specified in your confirmed Chitwan and Kathmandu programme.
Other Kathmandu meals
Lunches and dinners during Kathmandu stays are at your own expense.
Personal services
Laundry, telephone calls and charged hotel services.
Tips
Gratuities for drivers, tour staff and jungle guides.
Additional arrangements
Extra nights, transport upgrades and optional excursions, including any jeep safari not specified in your confirmed activity programme.
Earplugs
Optional for comfort in hotels and during road travel.
Chitwan National Park Safari Dates & Availability
Package Prices
Transparent Tiered RatesContact us with your travel dates, group size and room arrangement for a quotation. Your final price confirms the accommodation, transport and scheduled activity inclusions.
1 person
Request a quote
Solo Traveller
2–4 people
Request a quote
Small Group
5–9 people
Request a quote
Best Value Deal
10–20 people
Request a quote
Large Group
Other group sizes
Request a quote
Custom Group
| Number of travellers | Package price per person | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Request a quote (from $299) | |
| 2–4 people | Request a quote | |
| 5–9 people Best Value | Request a quote | |
| 10–20 people | Request a quote | |
| Other group sizes | Request a quote |
Group Departures
If you would like to travel with other visitors, ask about available group arrangements. We’ll confirm dates, spaces and the quoted price for your preferred Chitwan programme.
04
OCT
Oct 04 – Oct 08, 2026
AVAILABLE$299 pp
15
OCT
Oct 15 – Oct 19, 2026
AVAILABLE$299 pp
What to Pack for the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
Pack for warm days, outdoor activities and cooler mornings, with rain protection suited to your season. Carry drinking water, insect repellent, medicines and valuables in a small daypack. Keep your remaining belongings in a bag suitable for road travel.
Walking & Safari Gear
Closed walking shoes, daypack, optional binoculars, hotel sandals and river bag
Clothing
Neutral-colored safari clothing, long sleeves, sun hat, light scarf and fleece
Night & Hotel Items
Earplugs for hotel comfort, light sleepwear and resort accessories
Toiletries & Hygiene
Insect repellent, sunscreen, toiletries, sanitiser, towel and medicines
Electronics
Camera with zoom lens, phone, power bank and travel adapter
Documents & Personal Items
Passports, National Park permits, booking vouchers, cash and dry pouch
Tour Difficulty and Fitness
The programme combines long road journeys with guided walks and river travel. Forest paths may be uneven, muddy or slippery, while heat and humidity can make short walks tiring. Boarding a canoe requires balance and may involve steps or an uneven riverbank, depending on river levels.
Regular walking helps you prepare for nature activities. Tell us about mobility limits, balance concerns or difficulties sitting for road journeys before booking.
Discuss children’s ages and accessibility needs before confirming the programme. The local operator must assess which activities are suitable. Wear comfortable footwear, carry drinking water and follow your guide’s advice about pace, rest stops and the chosen route.
Altitude and Lowland Conditions
This itinerary moves from Kathmandu to Chitwan’s lower and warmer plains. Its nature activities take place in a lowland setting, with no mountain walking stages or planned acclimatisation days.
Prepare for sun, humidity and insects during outdoor sessions. Carry drinking water, use insect repellent according to its label and wear suitable covering clothing. Tell your guide if you feel unwell, overheated or unusually tired, so the activity can stop and appropriate help can be arranged.
Medical Conditions and Travel Insurance
If you have an existing medical condition, discuss the journey with a healthcare professional before travel. Ask about vaccinations, insect-bite precautions and any medicines you need to carry.
Arrange travel insurance that covers your wildlife activities, medical treatment and emergency transport in Nepal. Check the policy’s exclusions and assistance procedure with your insurer, including any restrictions on guided walks or canoeing. Carry your policy details and emergency contact number during travel.
Accommodation and Room Facilities
The package includes two nights in a three-star Kathmandu hotel with breakfast and two hotel nights in Chitwan. Your quotation identifies the chosen properties, room arrangement and requested upgrades before booking.
Chitwan hotel facilities vary, so ask about air conditioning, hot water, insect screens and bathroom arrangements before booking. Mention accessibility or room-sharing needs early. A national-park visit does not mean your hotel is inside the protected area.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Chitwan, with seasonal fruits when available. Kathmandu hotel nights include breakfast; other meals cost extra.
Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements before booking so we can discuss arrangements with the hotel. Confirm arrival-day, departure-day and road-meal coverage, especially if travel times change the meal schedule.
Drinking Water
Carry a reusable bottle and drink safely bottled, boiled or appropriately treated water. River water or untreated tap water may still contain germs.
Boiling is the best way to kill germs in water. If boiling is unavailable, filtration followed by disinfection offers broader protection than many portable filters alone. Follow the instructions for treatment equipment or tablets.
Jungle Guide Support
A professional jungle guide accompanies nature activities and explains local habitats. Follow their instructions, remain with the group and keep away from wildlife. Carry your own daypack with drinking water and personal essentials.
Showers, Charging and Communication
Hotel facilities and connectivity vary between properties. Confirm hot water, Wi-Fi, charging access and any separately charged services with the selected hotel. Mobile reception may weaken during forest activities. Keep devices charged, protect them from water and ask permission before photographing local people during village visits.
Permits and Documents
Necessary entry permits and scheduled activity fees are included in the programme. Carry your passport or identification and keep entry documents for checks. Permission may be needed for professional filming or drones; confirm before bringing equipment.
Road Delays and Extra Time
Traffic, roadworks, landslides and heavy rain can delay the Kathmandu–Chitwan journeys. River levels and local restrictions can also change activity schedules during your stay.
Allow flexibility before international departure. We return to Kathmandu on Day 4 without a buffer day. Extra nights, transport or activities may cost more.
Altitude Profile of the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
The tour starts and finishes with Kathmandu stays, with two nights in Chitwan between the road journeys. Chitwan’s activities take place in the lowlands rather than on mountain trails. The table identifies the stops; Chitwan hotel elevation depends on the property selected for your booking.
Interactive elevation map showing daily gain and route staging points. Switch units below to convert between metres (m) and feet (ft).
Overnight Altitudes
Overnight Stops & Altitudes
Kathmandu’s elevation is approximate; the Chitwan property determines its overnight altitude.
Places You Visit
4 Key Safari Experiences
Cultural Village
150 m
Day 2 — Tharu Village
Learn about local life during your visit, respecting residents and privacy.
Jungle Walk
150 m
Day 3 — Forest Trails
Join your jungle guide on routes chosen for conditions and wildlife activity.
River Safari
140 m
Day 3 — Rapti River
Observe river habitats from a canoe when local conditions allow your outing.
Wildlife Facility
150 m
Day 4 — Elephant Breeding Centre
Observe managed elephants from visitor areas before your return journey.
Activity & Lowland Programme Note: The two Chitwan nights create one activity day. They are part of the wildlife programme, with the surrounding days also used for travel and visits.
Weather and Best Time for the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
October to March generally offers more comfortable conditions for Chitwan’s outdoor activities. Hotter months require preparation for heat, while monsoon rainfall can affect forest access, canoeing and road travel. Wildlife remains unpredictable in every season, and activities depend on the conditions assessed during travel.
Find out the temperature ranges you will experience along the route. Toggle between daily variation and monthly averages, and switch units below to convert between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F).
Seasonal Weather Conditions
Subtropical Lowland Climate
These are seasonal patterns; conditions can vary from year to year and during an individual tour.
How Weather Changes Along the Route
Valley to lowland transitionKathmandu and Chitwan can feel different on the same trip. The capital lies in a higher valley, while Chitwan’s lowlands are generally warmer and more humid, especially during hotter months.
Winter mornings beside the river can feel cool or misty, even when afternoons become warmer. Pack a layer for early outings and sun protection for later activities. Wet weather can change river conditions and the suitability of forest paths.
Pack lightweight neutral clothing for jungle safaris and a warm fleece for early morning river safaris.
Which Season Should You Choose?
Wildlife activity & temperature prioritiesChoose October to March if comfortable outdoor temperatures are your priority. Plan carefully for the heat from April to June. During the monsoon, keep expectations flexible and check which activities are operating before confirming your onward travel arrangements and dates.
Early morning and late afternoon safaris avoid midday subtropical heat in all seasons.
Chitwan Jungle Safari Reviews & Wildlife Experiences
4.9 / 5
(178+ Reviews)
Authentic impressions from travelers and wildlife photographers who experienced Chitwan National Park's one-horned rhinos, Rapti River canoeing, and Tharu hospitality with Igloo Himalaya Treks.
25 October
18 October
14 October
22 October
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour FAQs
Everything you need to know about preparing for, booking, and enjoying Chitwan National Park activities.
General & Experience
Can I join without previous safari experience?
Yes, previous safari experience is unnecessary. You should be comfortable with the planned walks, road journeys and canoe boarding. Discuss mobility needs, children’s ages and health concerns before booking, then follow the jungle guide’s instructions during every activity.
Does this five-day tour include five days in Chitwan?
No. The package lasts five days including arrival and departure in Kathmandu. You spend two nights in Chitwan, with one full activity day between outward and return road journeys, plus shorter visits around the travel schedule.
Are rhinoceros or tiger sightings guaranteed?
No. Wild animals move freely, and sightings depend on their movements, habitat, weather and viewing conditions. Chitwan supports rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers, but the programme promises guided activities rather than an encounter with a particular species.
Where do we stay during the tour?
You spend two nights in a three-star Kathmandu hotel and two nights at the selected Chitwan accommodation. Your quotation confirms the properties and room arrangements. Staying near Chitwan National Park does not mean accommodation inside the protected area itself.
Is a jeep safari included in this itinerary?
A jeep safari is not part of this itinerary. The scheduled activities are jungle walks, canoeing, birdwatching and cultural visits. Ask about availability, timing and any extra cost before adding one to your confirmed programme.
Do I need a guide for the nature activities?
A professional jungle guide is included for the scheduled nature activities. Stay with the group and follow instructions on wildlife distance, walking routes and river outings. Do not enter forest trails independently during the programme.
What should I wear for walks and canoeing?
Wear comfortable closed shoes and lightweight, covering clothing suitable for the season. Bring drinking water, sun protection and insect repellent. Carry rain protection when needed. For canoeing, use a life jacket and follow the boat crew’s instructions.
Can I enquire as a solo traveller?
Yes. Send your preferred dates and group requirements so we can check available room and activity arrangements. Your quotation confirms the price for one traveller, the selected hotel and any room supplement before you book.
Which meals are included in the package?
The Chitwan stay includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus seasonal fruits when available. Kathmandu hotel nights include breakfast. Kathmandu lunches and dinners remain separate. Confirm road meals and the first and last Chitwan meals against your transfer schedule.
Can children or travellers with mobility needs join?
Suitability depends on the individual and the activities selected. Tell us children’s ages and any mobility, balance or health needs beforehand. Forest paths and canoe boarding may present difficulties; the local operator must assess arrangements and available alternatives.
Will all activities operate in every season?
Activities depend on weather, river levels, park access and local operating decisions. Heavy rain can interrupt canoeing and forest visits. The local team confirms arrangements; any replacement activity and related price change should be agreed with you.
How is the Elephant Breeding Centre visit arranged?
The visit is planned for Day 4 before the journey to Kathmandu. Its opening hours must fit your transport departure. Check the final schedule before booking; this is a visit to a managed facility and does not include elephant riding.
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