Overview
Located in western Nepal near Nepalgunj, Bardiya is known for its untouched wilderness and higher chances of spotting wild animals like the Bengal tiger compared to busier parks.
Highlights
- Remote jungle experience in Bardiya National Park
- Full-day jeep safari with tiger tracking 🐅
- Tharu village visit & cultural program 🎭
- Karnali riverside sunset 🌅
- Bird watching & nature exploration 🐦
Itinerary
📅 Day 1: Arrival & Local Culture Experience
Your journey begins with arrival in the Bardiya region, typically via Nepalgunj followed by a scenic drive to the park area (Thakurdwara). Upon reaching your lodge, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and check-in.
After lunch, head out for a guided walk through a nearby Tharu village. This gives you insight into the traditional lifestyle, culture, and daily routines of the indigenous Tharu community.
In the evening, enjoy a peaceful sunset near the Karnali River. Later, experience a vibrant Tharu cultural dance performance, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
📅 Day 2: Full-Day Jungle Safari Adventure 🐅
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off for a full-day jeep safari deep inside Bardiya National Park. This is the highlight of the trip.
Accompanied by an experienced naturalist, you’ll explore dense forests, grasslands, and riverbanks in search of wildlife. Bardiya is one of the best places in Nepal to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. You may also encounter one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.
A packed lunch is served inside the park, allowing you to spend more time in the wilderness. The safari continues into the afternoon with opportunities for bird watching and short nature walks.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation after an exciting day in the jungle.
📅 Day 3: Bird Watching & Departure 🐦
Wake up early for a guided bird-watching session, as Bardiya is home to hundreds of bird species. The calm morning environment offers the best chance to observe rare and colorful birds.
After breakfast, you’ll check out and begin your return journey to Nepalgunj or onward destination, marking the end of your wilderness adventure.
🚗 Arrival at Bardiya (via Nepalgunj + drive to Thakurdwara) 🏨 Hotel check-in + welcome drink
🍽️ Lunch
🚶 Village walk (Tharu community)
🌅 Sunset view near Karnali River
🎭 Tharu cultural dance
🍛 Dinner + overnight stay
- ☀️ Early breakfast
- 🚙 Full-day jeep safari inside Bardiya National Park
- 🐾 Wildlife spotting:
- Bengal tiger 🐅
- One-horned rhino 🦏
- Wild elephant 🐘
- Deer, crocodiles 🐊, birds 🐦
- 🍱 Packed lunch inside jungle
- 🌿 Nature walk + bird watching
- 🍛 Dinner + overnight stay
🌅 Morning bird watching
🍽️ Breakfast
🚗 Drive back to Nepalgunj / onward journey
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 🏨 Accommodation: 2 nights stay at a standard hotel/lodge in Bardiya (twin/double sharing basis)
- 🍽️ Meals: Full board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- 🚙 Jungle Activities:
- Full-day jeep safari inside Bardiya National Park
- Guided jungle/nature walk
- Bird watching excursion
- Tharu village tour
- 🎭 Cultural Program: Evening Tharu cultural dance show
- 🎟️ Entrance Fees: All national park permits and government taxes
- 👨🏫 Guide Services: Experienced English-speaking naturalist/guide during activities
- 🚗 Transfers: All local transfers (Nepalgunj ⇄ Bardiya / hotel pick-up & drop)
- 🍹 Welcome Drink: On arrival at the lodge
Cost Excludes
- ✈️ Airfare: Domestic flights (e.g., Kathmandu ⇄ Nepalgunj Airport)
- 🚌 Long-distance Transport: Tourist bus/private vehicle from Kathmandu (unless specified)
- 🍷 Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water
- 💸 Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, tips, shopping, etc.
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance: Medical/emergency insurance not included
- ➕ Optional Activities: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- ⚠️ Unforeseen Costs: Expenses due to delays, weather, strikes, or natural causes
- 💰 Gratuities: Tips for guides and staff (customary but optional)
FAQs
Bardiya National Park is located in western Nepal, near Nepalgunj, and is one of the largest and most pristine national parks in the country.
You can reach Bardiya by:
- ✈️ Flight: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj Airport (~1 hour) + 2–3 hour drive
- 🚌 Bus: Direct long-distance bus (12–15 hours)
- 🚗 Private vehicle (custom tour option)
Bardiya is famous for:
- 🐅 Bengal tiger sightings (high chance)
- 🐘 Wild elephants
- 🦏 One-horned rhinoceros
- 🐦 Rich bird diversity
- 🌿 Untouched natural jungle experience
Yes, all jungle activities in Bardiya National Park are conducted with trained naturalists and follow strict safety guidelines.
The safari usually includes:
- Jeep safari inside the national park
- Jungle walk with guide
- Bird watching tour
- River and grassland exploration
