How much does the Bardiya safari cost?

Our 5-day package starts from USD 750, including flights to Nepalgunj, drive to Bardiya, park fees, jungle lodge, all meals, jeep safaris, guided walks, river excursion, cultural program, and guide.

What are the chances of seeing a tiger?

Higher than any other park in Nepal. Bardiya has 125+ tigers in 968 sq km. Multi-day safaris with experienced guides significantly increase sighting probability, especially in March when animals concentrate at water.

When is the best time for tiger sightings?

March is peak tiger season. October to March is the general best season. The park is closed during monsoon (July to September).

How do you get to Bardiya?

50-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then 2.5-hour drive to Thakurdwara (park entrance). We arrange all logistics.

How is Bardiya different from Chitwan?

Bardiya is larger (968 vs 952 sq km), more remote, has higher tiger density, and sees far fewer tourists. Chitwan is closer to Kathmandu, better established, and has higher rhino density. Bardiya for tigers; Chitwan for convenience.

Are there river dolphins?

Yes. Gangetic river dolphins (critically endangered) live in the Karnali and Babai rivers. Boat excursions offer good sighting opportunities. Bardiya is one of the best places in the world to see them.

Yes. All walks and safaris are guided by trained naturalists. Tiger tracking on foot follows strict protocols. The guides carry no weapons but rely on decades of experience and knowledge of animal behavior.

What other animals can I see?

One-horned rhinos, wild elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, langur monkeys, mugger crocodiles, and 400+ bird species including Bengal florican and giant hornbill.

Wildlife Safaris RegionEasy

Bardiya JungleSafari Tour

Track Royal Bengal tigers in Bardiya National Park, western Nepal's wild frontier. 125+ tigers, one-horned rhinos, Gangetic river dolphins, and Tharu culture. Nepal's best chance to see a wild tiger. 5 days, from USD 750.

View Itinerary

DaysTotal tour duration

DestinationsPlaces visited

Mar–Jun

Best SeasonIdeal experience window

$750

FromPer person (twin sharing)

Tiger tracking on foot in Bardiya is the ultimate Nepal wildlife experience. Experienced guides read pugmarks, scratchings, and alarm calls from spotted deer and langurs. When a tiger is located, the silence of the forest and the proximity of the animal create an encounter unlike any vehicle-based safari.

Gangetic river dolphins are visible on boat excursions along the Karnali and Babai rivers. These freshwater dolphins are critically endangered, and Bardiya is one of the best places in the world to observe them.

Bardiya sees a fraction of Chitwan's tourist traffic. Morning jeep safaris often encounter only your vehicle in the entire core zone. The solitude adds to the wildness of the experience.

The Bardiya Jungle Safari Tour is a 5-day wildlife experience in Bardiya National Park, Nepal's largest and most undisturbed protected Terai area at 968 square kilometers. The park has 125+ adult Royal Bengal tigers (the highest density in Nepal), making it the best destination in the country for tiger sightings. Activities include jeep safaris, guided jungle walks, river excursions for Gangetic dolphins, and Tharu cultural visits.

Bardiya is reached by a 50-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then a 2.5-hour drive to the park entrance at Thakurdwara. The park gate opens into dense sal forest, riverine grasslands, and flood plains where tigers, rhinos, wild elephants, and river dolphins live.

Tiger tracking is done on foot with experienced guides and on jeep safari. March is the peak month for sightings when animals congregate at water sources. The park earned the 2XT award in 2022 for doubling its tiger population.

For a shorter, closer-to-Kathmandu wildlife experience, the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour visits Chitwan National Park in 3 days (USD 260). Chitwan has more rhinos; Bardiya has more tigers and far fewer tourists.

Journey

5 Stops

KathmanduArrival in Kathmandu

NepalgunjFly to Nepalgunj & Drive to Bardiya

Karnali RiverFull Day Bardiya Jungle Safari

Tharu VillageContinued Jungle Activities

KathmanduReturn to Kathmandu

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu, a Mountain Hawk airport representative will receive you and transfer you to your hotel. The tour itinerary will be discussed upon arrival. Overnight at hotel.

Hotel

Day02

Fly to Nepalgunj & Drive to Bardiya

Nepalgunj

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then drive to Bardiya (or continue from Ambasa bus stand if arriving by road). Transfer to the jungle resort.

Jungle Resort

Day03

Full Day Bardiya Jungle Safari

Karnali River

Full-day Bardiya jungle safari, including jungle walks, tiger tracking, river dolphin watching, and visits to Tharu villages.

Jungle Resort

Day04

Continued Jungle Activities

Tharu Village

Continued jungle safari activities and cultural experiences in and around Bardiya National Park.

Jungle Resort

Day05

Return to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Return drive and flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel or transfer to the international airport for departure.

Hotel

Trip Cost

TierPrice

Per Person

USD 750

What's Included

Airport pickup and drop-off

Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu)

Ground transportation to/from Bardiya

Accommodation in jungle resort

Full board meals throughout

National park entry fees

Jeep safari and nature walks

Expert naturalist guide

Tharu cultural program

Not Included

International airfare

Nepal visa fees

Travel insurance

Personal expenses and tips

Alcoholic beverages

Items not mentioned in inclusions

Scenery

Nepal's best chance to see a wild Royal Bengal tiger. 125+ tigers in dense forest.

Thrill

Far fewer tourists than Chitwan. Morning safaris feel private and exclusive.

Connection

Gangetic river dolphins are a rare and magical sighting available almost nowhere else.

Expectations

Before you book

You specifically want to see wild tigers. Bardiya has Nepal's highest tiger density.

You can travel to western Nepal (flight to Nepalgunj + drive). Bardiya is more remote than Chitwan.

You prefer fewer tourists and a wilder, more exclusive safari experience.

You have 5 days available for a wildlife experience.

Budget is USD 750 all-inclusive for 5 days with park fees, lodge, meals, and all activities.

FAQs

The most asked

No reviews yetBe the first to share your experience on this trek.

Bardiya JungleSafari Tour

The moments that matter most

A closer look

Your journey, visualized