Explore Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a 3-day jungle safari. Jeep safaris, canoe rides on the Rapti River, one-horned rhino tracking, and Tharu cultural evening. 90% rhino sighting rate. From USD 260.
The jeep safari covers the park's core zone in an open-sided 4WD with a naturalist guide. One-horned rhinos graze in the grasslands, often within 20 meters of the vehicle. Spotted deer, wild boar, and langur monkeys are virtually guaranteed. Sloth bears and tigers are rare but possible.
The Rapti River canoe ride is quiet and atmospheric. Mugger crocodiles bask on the banks. Gharial crocodiles (critically endangered) are often spotted in the water. Kingfishers, egrets, and fish eagles hunt from overhanging branches.
Tharu culture is indigenous to the Terai lowlands. The evening dance performance features stick dances and peacock dances, accompanied by traditional drums. The Tharu village visit shows mud-and-thatch houses, community fish ponds, and agricultural life in the subtropical lowlands.
The Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour is a 3-day immersion in Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The park covers 952 square kilometers of subtropical lowland and is home to 694 one-horned rhinoceros, 128 Royal Bengal tigers, and 544 bird species. Jeep safaris, canoe rides, and guided jungle walks form the core activities.
Day 1: Arrive in Chitwan (5-hour drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara), check into jungle lodge, afternoon Tharu village visit and cultural dance. Day 2: Full-day jeep safari inside the park with naturalist guide, canoe ride on the Rapti River through crocodile habitat, elephant breeding center visit. Day 3: Morning birdwatching walk, departure.
Rhino sighting probability is above 90% on a standard jeep safari. Tiger sightings are rarer (10 to 15% on a 3-day visit) due to dense sal forest cover.
For a longer wildlife experience, the Jungle Safari Package is 4 days (USD 395). For tiger-focused safari in western Nepal, the Bardiya Jungle Safari Tour visits Bardiya National Park (5 days, USD 750) with Nepal's highest tiger density.
3 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan. We pick you up at the arrival point, offer a welcome drink and a briefing, and allocate your room. After freshening up, enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, visit a Tharu village and the elephant stable, watch the riverside sunset, and enjoy the traditional Tharu stick dance performance in the evening followed by dinner.
Wake-up call, followed by breakfast. The day includes elephant-back safari, lunch, canoeing, a short jungle walk, and a visit to the elephant breeding center. Dinner in the evening.
Wake-up call, morning tea or coffee, bird watching, and breakfast. Depart for Kathmandu.
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
Ground transportation to/from Chitwan
Accommodation in Chitwan
Full board meals
National park entry fees
Elephant-back safari
Canoe ride
Jungle walk and nature activities
Expert naturalist guide
Tharu cultural program
International airfare
Nepal visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and tips
Alcoholic beverages
Items not mentioned in inclusions
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
90%+ rhino sighting rate. Chitwan has more one-horned rhinos per square kilometer than any park in Nepal.
The Rapti River canoe ride through crocodile habitat is unlike anything on a mountain trek.
Tharu cultural evening is genuine and fun. Stick dances, drums, and community warmth.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want wildlife and culture alongside (or instead of) mountain trekking.
You are comfortable in subtropical heat (Chitwan is lowland, 25 to 35 degrees Celsius).
You want a high probability of seeing one-horned rhinos in the wild.
You have 3 days available between treks or as a standalone experience.
Budget is USD 260 all-inclusive. Exceptional value for a UNESCO heritage wildlife experience.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.
