Nepal is not only mountains. A few hours south of Pokhara the land flattens into the Terai, a belt of subtropical forest, tall grassland and slow rivers along the Indian border. At its heart is Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park and one of the best places in Asia to see the greater one-horned rhinoceros in the wild.
A few days in Chitwan is the perfect contrast to a trek: warm air, early starts and the thrill of not knowing what is around the next bend in the trail.
About Chitwan National Park
Established in 1973 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the park covers more than 900 square kilometres of sal forest, riverine woodland and grassland between the Rapti, Narayani and Reu rivers. It is one of Nepal’s great conservation stories: rhino numbers, once reduced to a few hundred across the country, have recovered thanks to protection and community-led anti-poaching work.
- Mammals: greater one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, several deer species and wild elephants.
- Reptiles: the rare, fish-eating gharial and the mugger crocodile.
- Birds: more than 500 species recorded, including hornbills, kingfishers, storks and seasonal migrants.
Tigers are the animal everyone hopes for. Nepal’s national tiger survey in 2022 counted 355 tigers, close to three times the 2010 figure, and Chitwan holds the largest share. They are still shy and mostly active at night, so a sighting is a matter of luck. Most visitors see rhino, deer, crocodiles and a long list of birds; a tiger is a bonus to treasure.
You come to Chitwan hoping to see a tiger. You leave remembering the rhino that stepped out of the grass twenty metres from your canoe.
Ways to explore the park
The park is surrounded by a buffer zone of community forests, farmland and villages. A share of park revenue goes back to these communities, which is one reason local people have become some of the most committed protectors of the wildlife.
Most visitors stay in Sauraha, a small town on the northern edge of the park across the Rapti River. Activities are run with licensed naturalist guides, and entering the park requires a daily park permit (NPR 2,000 per day for foreign nationals at the time of writing).
- Jeep safari: the best chance of covering ground and seeing rhino, deer and, with luck, a tiger. Half- and full-day options are available.
- Canoe trip: a quiet drift down the Rapti or Budhi Rapti in a dugout canoe, excellent for crocodiles and birds.
- Jungle walk: on foot with two experienced guides. Thrilling and intimate, but follow your guides’ instructions to the letter.
- Birdwatching: early-morning walks along the river and lake edges.
- Tharu culture: village visits and evening stick dances with the Tharu people, the original inhabitants of the Terai.
Wild animals, rhinos included, can be dangerous, especially on foot. Walking safaris are led by two or more trained guides who know how to read animal behaviour and what to do if a rhino or sloth bear is surprised. Listen carefully to the safety briefing and stay together.
Wear neutral colours, keep your voice low and switch off your phone’s sound in the park. Animals detect noise and bright colours long before you see them, and the quietest groups invariably see the most.
Chitwan is also good for families. The flat terrain, short activities and wildlife make it an easy introduction to Nepal’s natural world for children, and many lodges have gardens and pools for downtime between safaris.
When to go
October to March is the most comfortable time, with warm days, cool mornings and clear air. The tall elephant grass is cut by local communities, usually in January and February, which opens up the landscape and improves sightings into spring.
April to early June is hot, often above 35°C, but wildlife concentrates around water and sightings can be excellent. During the monsoon, from late June to mid-September, heavy rain floods parts of the park and many safari activities are suspended or limited. Check before you book a summer visit.
Early mornings are the best time for wildlife in every season. Mist often lies over the river at dawn in winter, and the forest is full of birdsong; afternoons are better for long jeep drives into the park’s interior.
u003cstrongu003eChoosing ethical activitiesu003c/strongu003ernrnWe recommend jeep, canoe and walking safaris rather than elephant-back rides or elephant bathing. They give excellent sightings with far less impact on the animals.
Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera with a decent zoom if you have one. Your naturalist guide will spot animals long before you do, and the best sightings are often at a distance across open grassland or the river.
Getting there and how long to stay
Sauraha is roughly five to six hours by road from Pokhara and a similar time from Kathmandu, depending on traffic and roadworks. Tourist buses run daily, and private transfers are more comfortable. Flights to Bharatpur from Kathmandu take about 25 minutes.
- Day one: arrive in Sauraha, sunset by the Rapti and a Tharu cultural evening.
- Day two: early canoe trip and jungle walk, afternoon jeep safari.
- Day three: early birdwatching, then continue to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Two nights is the minimum to make the journey worthwhile; three nights gives a full day in the park and more chances to see wildlife.
Combining Chitwan with your trip
Chitwan sits neatly between Kathmandu and Pokhara, so it slots easily into a wider itinerary. Our Chitwan Jungle Safari can be added before or after a trek, and the Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan Tour combines heritage, lakes and wildlife in one trip. You will find more lowland ideas among our nature and wildlife tours.
Pack light, breathable clothing in muted greens or browns, long sleeves for mosquitoes and the morning chill in winter, and a pair of binoculars if you have them. Insect repellent is essential in every season.
Accommodation in Sauraha ranges from simple guesthouses to comfortable resorts with pools, and a few lodges sit inside the buffer zone for a more immersive stay. Most can arrange activities and park permits for you.
