Royal Bardiya National Park
Nepal’s largest lowland jungle. Walking safari, jeep, and river — the country’s best odds of seeing a tiger.
Days
5 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Max Altitude
300 m
Best Season
Oct–Mar
Trip Overview
The largest, least disturbed jungle in the Terai, on the Karnali. Fewer vehicles, longer walks, and Nepal’s strongest tiger landscape - for travellers who want wilderness over convenience.
Bardiya is for serious wildlife. You walk more, drive less, and stay in a quieter corner of the park than Chitwan’s busiest lodges.
Base near Thakudwara. Dawn walking safari, jeep on open tracks, and a Karnali canoe for dolphin. Days are long and unhurried.
Look for tiger, wild elephant, Gangetic dolphin, and sloth bear. Best for travellers who already know they want wilderness, not a weekend add-on.
Access is a flight to Nepalgunj plus about two hours by road. We include park permits, a private naturalist, and lodges that keep group sizes small.
Trip Information
- Day 1 : Fly to Nepalgunj, drive to Bardiya (Flight + 2 hr, 300 m)
- Day 2 : Walking safari and jeep (Full day, 300 m)
- Day 3 : Karnali canoe (Full day, 300 m)
- Day 4 : Full day in tiger country (Full day, 300 m)
- Day 5 : Morning safari and fly back (Flight, 1,400 m)
Day 1: Fly to Nepalgunj, drive to Bardiya
Walking: Flight + 2 hr · Altitude: 300 m · Stay: Thakudwara lodge · Meals: L, D
Morning flight Kathmandu-Nepalgunj, then a two-hour drive to Thakudwara. Lodge briefing and a short evening orientation drive if time allows.
Day 2: Walking safari and jeep
Walking: Full day · Altitude: 300 m · Stay: Thakudwara lodge · Meals: B, L, D
Dawn walking safari with your naturalist. Afternoon jeep on grassland tracks. This is tiger country - patience and quiet pay off.
Day 3: Karnali canoe
Walking: Full day · Altitude: 300 m · Stay: Thakudwara lodge · Meals: B, L, D
River day on the Karnali: canoe for Gangetic dolphin, mugger, and river birds. Afternoon walk or jeep depending on sightings.
Day 4: Full day in tiger country
Walking: Full day · Altitude: 300 m · Stay: Thakudwara lodge · Meals: B, L, D
Long jeep and walking combination in the core. Time at waterholes and river edges where tiger, elephant, and deer concentrate.
Day 5: Morning safari and fly back
Walking: Flight · Altitude: 1,400 m · Stay: - · Meals: B
Optional dawn activity, then drive to Nepalgunj for the flight to Kathmandu.
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Required equipment
- Binoculars
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Light long-sleeved shirts
Clothing list
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown)
- Light trousers for jeep and walks
- Warm layer for dawn drives
Personal items
- Camera with spare batteries
- Sunscreen
- Personal medicines
- Refillable water bottle
Technical climbing equipment
- Torch or headlamp
- Soft duffel or overnight bag
Your trek cost includes
- Airport / hotel pickup in Kathmandu
- National park permits and entry fees
- Lodge or resort stay on a full-board basis
- Private naturalist / jungle guide
- Jeep safari as scheduled
- Canoe safari as scheduled
- Village or cultural visit where listed
- All government taxes
- Domestic flights Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu
- Private transfers Nepalgunj-lodge-Nepalgunj
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed
Required permits
Bardiya National Park entry and buffer-zone fees. We arrange these before you enter the park.
Visa information
A Nepal tourist visa is required. Obtain on arrival or in advance.
Insurance requirements
Travel insurance covering wildlife activities and medical evacuation is compulsory.
Fitness requirements
Easy to moderate. Jeep and canoe need no trekking fitness; walking safari is unhurried on flat ground.
Safety information
Always stay with your naturalist. Do not approach wildlife. Follow lodge and park briefings.
Altitude information
Terai lowland. No altitude risk.
Cancellation policy
Park fees and lodge nights are often non-refundable close to travel. See our terms.
Is Bardiya better for tiger than Chitwan?
Bardiya has more space, fewer vehicles, and Nepal’s strongest tiger landscape. Sightings are still never guaranteed.
How do I get there?
Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (about an hour), then a two-hour private drive to the lodge near Thakudwara.
Is a walking safari safe?
Walks are with an experienced naturalist on established routes. You follow briefings and never approach wildlife.
Have Additional Questions?
Our team can help with altitude safety, packing lists, insurance, or a custom itinerary.
