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EXCLUSIVE WILDLIFE TOUR

Chitwan National Park: Kathmandu & Chitwan

07 DAYS

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BEST SEASON

October-March
Tooltip Icon From October to March, Chitwan’s climate is generally dry with pleasant days and cool nights, making jeep safaris, boat rides, and nature walks far more comfortable. Winter months (roughly December–February) often bring excellent visibility and concentrated wildlife around rivers and grasslands, which is ideal for both general wildlife and birding.

GRADE

Easy–Moderate
Tooltip Icon Where it can feel moderate
1. The Phulchowki birding day typically involves several hours of walking on forest tracks with some steady uphill, which can feel like a moderate hike for those not used to walking or for anyone sensitive to altitude gain.

2. Jungle walks in Chitwan are usually flat but can involve uneven ground, heat, humidity, and standing or walking for a few hours, so basic stamina, closed shoes, and comfort with outdoor conditions are helpful.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

AVAILABILITY

Space Available

07 DAYS Request Quote

BEST SEASON

October-March
Tooltip Icon From October to March, Chitwan’s climate is generally dry with pleasant days and cool nights, making jeep safaris, boat rides, and nature walks far more comfortable. Winter months (roughly December–February) often bring excellent visibility and concentrated wildlife around rivers and grasslands, which is ideal for both general wildlife and birding.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 Pax

GRADE

Easy–Moderate
Tooltip Icon Where it can feel moderate
1. The Phulchowki birding day typically involves several hours of walking on forest tracks with some steady uphill, which can feel like a moderate hike for those not used to walking or for anyone sensitive to altitude gain.

2. Jungle walks in Chitwan are usually flat but can involve uneven ground, heat, humidity, and standing or walking for a few hours, so basic stamina, closed shoes, and comfort with outdoor conditions are helpful.

AVAILABILITY

Space Available

Trip Overview

Chitwan National Park began its journey in 1973, transforming a former royal hunting reserve into one of Nepal’s greatest conservation success stories. Spread across subtropical forests and river plains, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 in recognition of its outstanding natural value. From the Churia (Siwalik) hills to the banks of the Narayani, Rapti, and Reu rivers, Chitwan now stands as a thriving sanctuary for wildlife and a symbol of Nepal’s long-term commitment to conservation.

Please note:

The itineraries provided on our website serve as general outlines. If you’re interested in this tour and would like a detailed itinerary, we’ll be happy to provide it upon request.

Trip Highlights

  • Full‑day birding on Phulchowki Hill, the highest point around the Kathmandu Valley and one of Nepal’s richest birding sites.
  • Scenic overland drive from Kathmandu to the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan, giving a sense of Nepal’s changing landscapes.
  • Time in Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s premier protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its riverine forests, grasslands, and rich wildlife.
  • Open‑jeep safaris inside or around the park, with chances to see iconic Terai mammals and birds.
  • Peaceful boat rides on the park’s rivers, ideal for spotting aquatic birds, crocodiles, and river scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you are met and transferred to Hotel Royal Singi, a centrally located 4-star property. Settle into your room and enjoy free time to rest or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Day 2 – Birding at Phulchowki Hill
Spend a full day birding around Phulchowki (2,760 m), the highest peak encircling the Kathmandu Valley. This broad-leaved subtropical forest, located about 18 km southeast of the city above Godavari (1,525 m), is the richest site in the valley for birds and wildlife and is renowned as the most accessible place to see many of Nepal’s rarer or more localized species.
Day 3 – Drive to Chitwan National Park
After breakfast, depart Kathmandu and drive approximately 175 km (about 5 hours) to Chitwan National Park, in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of south‑central Nepal. Established in 1973 and later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan protects an exceptional mosaic of riverine forests, grasslands, and floodplains along the Rapti, Reu, and Narayani rivers. On arrival, check in at Tigerland Safari Resort (or a similar lodge) and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Days 4 & 5 – Exploring Chitwan National Park
Over the next two days, explore Chitwan National Park through a programme of open‑jeep safaris, peaceful boat rides, and guided nature walks in and around the park. These activities provide opportunities to encounter iconic wildlife, observe birdlife along the rivers, and experience the park’s diverse habitats from forest to floodplain.
Day 6 – Return to Kathmandu & Cultural Evening
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu, following the scenic highway along river valleys and foothills. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepalese dinner with a live cultural performance at a local restaurant, offering a flavour of the country’s music, dance, and cuisine.
Day 7 – Departure
At the appropriate time, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your Chitwan and Kathmandu journey.

What to Expect

Expect a relaxed mix of Kathmandu city stay, one full day of hill birding, and two classic safari days in Chitwan National Park. The focus is on wildlife (especially birds and jungle mammals), gentle nature activities, and a smooth flow rather than intense trekking or continuous long days.
You travel by private vehicle between Kathmandu and Chitwan, with scenic highway drives of about 5 hours each way. Walking includes a full birding day on forest tracks at Phulchowki and easy jungle or village walks in Chitwan; most wildlife viewing there is by jeep and boat, so overall walking demands remain moderate.
Cultural elements are woven in mainly through evenings in Kathmandu and the final night’s traditional Nepali dinner with live music and dance. Around Chitwan, you also experience lowland village life and Tharu cultural performances or interactions that often accompany jungle safari packages in the area.
In Kathmandu, you stay at Hotel Royal Singi, a centrally located 4‑star city hotel with modern comforts and easy access to main sights. In Chitwan, you stay at Tigerland Safari Resort or a similar jungle lodge, with air‑conditioned cottages and a nature‑focused setting close to the park boundary.

Review

Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland

We went with “Wild Nature Quest” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.


Bhutan’s Bird Songs

Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds

Bhutan Birdsong Collection
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.

Norbu

With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.