Wild Nepal
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Nepal is home to some of the richest and most diverse wildlife in Asia. A haven for Bengal tigers, rare one-horned rhinos and a vast array of birdlife, its national parks can provide some spectacular wildlife encounters. This unforgettable journey takes you into three of its most prized sanctuaries and wilderness. Beginning amongst the historic treasures and bustling streets of Kathmandu, you’ll venture west to the Indian border to explore the rich jungles of Bardia National Park. Bardia ...
Nepal is home to some of the richest and most diverse wildlife in Asia. A haven for Bengal tigers, rare one-horned rhinos and a vast array of birdlife, its national parks can provide some spectacular wildlife encounters. This unforgettable journey takes you into three of its most prized sanctuaries and wilderness. Beginning amongst the historic treasures and bustling streets of Kathmandu, you’ll venture west to the Indian border to explore the rich jungles of Bardia National Park. Bardia is one of the largest protected areas in the country, where you can enjoy a wealth of activities from safari jeep drives, guided bird watching, to cultural tours and guided walks. The next stop is Chitwan National Park and the vast open landscapes of the Terai. Here you will have an opportunity to enjoy nature walks and canoe trips along the Rapti River, before driving on Koshi National Park for fantastic birdwatching opportunities
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Kathmandu: Arrival
Arriving in Kathmandu you will be met by your guide and transferred to your boutique hotel. An oasis the heart of Kathmandu.
Day 2 Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Bardia National Park: Into the Terai
Take a morning flight to Nepalgunj and transfer to the vast expanse of Bardia National Park, set amongst the country's Terai region. After checking into your lodge you will have a choice of a number of excursions on offer, from guided walks, to river trips and cultural tours. With a variety of terrain including thick forest, savannahs, upland slopes and the wide Geruwa River, Bardia is home to mugger crocodiles, one-horned rhinos and over 250 species of birds as well as elusive tigers.
Day 3 Bardia National Park: Jeep Safari
Rising early today you'll head out by jeep to track tigers, elephants and rare one-horned rhinos in the cool light of morning. Other residents of the park include gharial crocodiles and swamp deer and the jeeps will stop at watchtowers, riverbanks and watering holes in the hope of spotting some of this abundant wildlife. This afternoon then provides an opportunity to enjoy some bird watching.
Day 4 Bardia National Park – Lumbini: The Buddha’s Birthplace
There is time for some early morning activities in the park before setting off for the long drive to Lumbini via the Jagdishpur Reservoir, the largest in Nepal and home to a vast number of endangered species. The drive will also take you by Tilaurakot, the childhood home of Prince Siddartha, or Lord Buddha and from where he set out on his journey. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the archaeological remains are an important pilgrimage site.
Day 5 Lumbini - Chitwan National Park: On Safari in Chitwan
This morning you will drive to the rich landscapes of Chitwan National Park. Arrive at your lodge, where lunch will be available once you have had a chance to settle in. This afternoon then provides your first opportunity to search out some of the park's renowned wildlife, with a game drive into the jungle. With over 700 species of flora and fauna found in the park, it is a haven for all manner of wildlife.
Day 6 Chitwan National Park: Nature Walk & Canoe Trip
This morning you will embark on a nature walk in the park, the perfect opportunity to discover some of the rich varieties of birds that call Chitwan home. With over 270 different species recorded here, the park is a real bird watchers paradise. This afternoon then provides a chance for a gentle canoe ride down the Rapti River, the perfect setting from which to observe life along the banks, with mugger and gharial crocodiles regular visitors to the water's edge.
Day 7 Chitwan National Park – Janakpur: Journey through the Terai
A final visit to the park this morning gives you the chance for some last wildlife sightings before heading east through the Terai to Janakpur, once the capital of King Janak’s kingdom of Mithila, it now attracts many pilgrims due to its part in the Hindu epic the Ramayana as the birthplace of Sita. Make a visit to the Janakpur Women’s Development Centre, promoting and preserving Janakpur’s ancient art and culture as well as empowering women economically and socially.
Day 8 Janakpur - Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: Hindu Temple
Visit the Janaki Mandir Temple, a magnificent temple is dedicated to Sita, early this morning when the worshippers gather and the priests perform rituals in the inner sanctum. Afterward, drive on to Koshi Wildlife Reserve Camp. If there is time, go on a bird-watching tour after listening to a briefing on the camp and its facilities.
Day 9 Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: Wetlands Bird Watching
The reserve is a set on a large floodplain and is an important wetland environment, as such it is a fantastic site for birders and an early morning wake-up call ensures good opportunities of seeing shy species like crakes and bitterns. Spend the day on a jeep safari throughout the park searching for warblers, raptors, orioles and flycatchers in the Indian Rosewood forest. Return to camp late afternoon for dinner and another briefing before retiring to your tent.
Day 10 Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – Kathmandu:
There is time for more birdwatching within the premises of the camp before breakfast and departing for your flight from Biratnagar airport. Upon arrival into the capital, settle into your hotel in preparation for a cultural dinner experience at a Nepalese restaurant.
Day 11 Kathmandu: Departure
Depart on your transfer back to Kathmandu Airport and your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
Dwarika’s Hotel is a stunning 5* star traditional Newari-style property that oozes charm. Located in Kathmandu the hotel is within easy reach of the spectacular Boudhanath stupa and the Pashupatinath temple complex. The property itself features a mix of woodwork and artefacts salvaged from temple and house restorations. Dwarika’s 86 spacious and luxurious rooms and suites are decorated in Newari style and the hotel pool and grounds are a tranquil haven and a perfect place to relax. A Himalayan spa is also on site and offers a range of wonderful treatments for guests to enjoy at their own leisure. The hotel’s restaurants and bar each offer a variety of culinary experiences for you to choose from.
Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, Chitwan National Park
Tiger Tops Tharu is nestled between lush forests whilst overlooking the idyllic Terai landscapes and is the perfect location to relax and unwind. The lodge is built from local materials and emulates a longhouse style of Tharu architecture, providing guests with a well-balanced wilderness retreat, being both quiet yet captivating. Tiger Tops is made up of 21 spacious guest rooms that come equipped with ensuite bathroom facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi as well as an inclusive breakfast and free parking. Guests can dine al fresco and enjoy a selection of Nepali and Continental dishes, take a refreshing dip in the garden side pool or spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock whilst enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Dalai La Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu
Dalai La Boutique is a traditional styled hotel situated in the centre of Kathmandu. The hotel has 25 rooms spread throughout two traditionally designed Nepalese wings, the Old and New Wing. All rooms come with Wi-Fi, TVs and premium bathrobes. The hotel offers bespoke services that aim to cater to all needs including yoga & meditation sessions, room service massage and spa treatments, astrology and palmistry sessions, mehendi and 24 hour room service. These services are all available on request. Dalai-La Boutique also has its own authentic Italian and continental restaurant where a variety of locally sourced, seasonal and fresh produce are incorporated into the menu and also has a courtyard bar where guests can unwind and enjoy a cocktail.
Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, Bardia National Park
Karnali lodge is a specialist wildlife safari lodge located at the periphery of Bardia National Park, Nepal's' largest and most preserved wilderness area. The lodge's main focus is on privacy and calm and consists of 20 spacious simple rooms decorated with soothing natural colours, soft fabrics and ensuite bathroom facilities. The rooms have been designed using local materials to minimize their impact on the environment and the lodge runs almost entirely on solar energy. Karnali is also committed to responsible tourism and is close to self-sufficient, providing an abundance of fresh produce from their organic vegetable garden for guests to enjoy.
Koshi Wildlife Camp, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
A small charming tented camp, Koshi Wildlife Camp is run by some of Nepal’s leading naturalists. The camp has large semi-permanent tented rooms, all twelve tents spread around the gardens and property. All the tents come with twin bedrooms, basic amenities and attached bathrooms, equipped with hot and cold water. The camp has a small restaurant that offers delicious local Nepali food and a modest range of international options on a fixed menu. There is also a small bar with a limited but sufficient choice of drinks. The advantage of staying at this camp, is that it is situated on the edge of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and is the perfect location for jeep and boat safaris and naturalist-led walks.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN NEPAL
Check out our group tours in Nepal
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Nepal. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Nepal