Pokhara or Kathmandu to Bardiya Package

Overview:

Bardiya National Park, located in the far western Terai region of Nepal, offers a more rugged and less-crowded wildlife experience compared to Chitwan. It's renowned for its high chances of spotting the Bengal tiger, as well as wild elephants, rhinoceroses, and various deer species.

Important Notes for Bardiya:

1. Bardiya is more remote than Chitwan, meaning longer travel times. Flights to Nepalgunj are highly recommended to save time.
2. Best Time to Visit: Mid-September to mid-December and February to May are ideal. During the hotter months (February to July), animals come out more frequently to drink from water sources, increasing tiger sighting chances, but it can be very hot. Avoid the monsoon season (June-August) due to heavy rainfall and difficult access.
3. Tiger Spotting: While Bardiya boasts excellent tiger sighting rates, wildlife viewing is never guaranteed. Patience and a good guide are key.
4. Accommodation: Most lodges and resorts are located outside the main park entrance, near Thakurdwara.
5. Here's a general itinerary for a Bardiya National Park package, typically 3 nights/4 days, with options for starting from Kathmandu or Pokhara:

Option 1: Kathmandu to Bardiya Safari Package (3 Nights, 4 Days)

Day 1: Travel from Kathmandu to Bardiya & Arrival Activities

• Morning (Flexible):

  • Recommended: Flight to Nepalgunj (KEP): Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu (KTM) to Nepalgunj (approx. 1 hour). This is by far the most efficient way to reach the region.

  • Alternative: Overnight Bus to Nepalgunj/Ambassa: If on a strict budget, an overnight local bus from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (12+ hours) or Ambassa (the nearest junction to Bardiya, then a local taxi/jeep) is an option. Be prepared for a long, possibly uncomfortable journey.

• Upon Arrival in Nepalgunj: You will be met by resort representative or guide and transferred by private vehicle to your resort/lodge near Bardiya National Park (Thakurdwara area, approx. 2-3 hours drive).

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your resort.

• Afternoon:

  • Resort Briefing: Receive a detailed briefing about the park, safety, and your planned activities.

  • Tharu Village Cultural Tour: Take a leisurely stroll or ox-cart ride to a nearby traditional Tharu village. Learn about their unique culture, architecture, and daily life.

  • Sunset View: Enjoy the serene sunset over the Babai or Karnali River, often a beautiful sight.

• Evening:

  • Tharu Cultural Dance Performance: Witness a lively cultural dance performance by the local Tharu community.

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your resort.

1. Day 2: Full Day Jungle Safari - Jeep Safari

   • Early Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Wake-up call, followed by tea/coffee.

   • Breakfast: Have breakfast at the resort.

   • Morning:

     • Full-Day Jeep Safari: Embark on an exciting full-day jeep safari deep into Bardiya National Park with a packed lunch. This is the best way to cover vast areas of the park and maximize your chances of spotting various wildlife. Your experienced naturalist guide will take you to prime locations like waterholes, grasslands, and dense forests to look for:

       • Bengal Tiger: Bardiya is famous for its tiger population.

       • One-horned Rhinoceros: Healthy population found here.

       • Wild Asian Elephants: Often seen in herds.

       • Deer Species: Spotted deer, sambar, hog deer, barking deer.

       • Other Animals: Sloth bear, wild boar, monkeys, civets, various reptiles.

       • Bird Watching: Bardiya is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 species.

   • Lunch: Enjoy your packed lunch amidst the jungle.

   • Late Afternoon: Continue the safari, exploring different sections of the park.

   • Evening: Return to the resort. Freshen up and enjoy dinner. Your guide will often provide a recap of the day's sightings.

2. Day 3: Jungle Activities - Walking Safari & Canoeing

   • Early Morning: Wake-up call, tea/coffee.

   • Breakfast: Have breakfast at the resort.

   • Morning:

     • Jungle Walk (Walking Safari): Accompanied by experienced and armed nature guides, embark on a walking safari. This provides a more intimate experience of the jungle, allowing you to observe smaller creatures, tracks, and the intricate ecosystem up close. Guides will ensure your safety.

     • Canoeing on the Rapti or Karnali River: Enjoy a peaceful canoe ride, ideal for birdwatching, spotting marsh mugger crocodiles, gharials, and perhaps even the elusive Gangetic dolphin in the Karnali River.

     • Elephant Breeding Center/Crocodile Breeding Center (Optional): Depending on the package and time, you might visit the local elephant or crocodile breeding centers.

   • Lunch: Return to the resort for lunch.

   • Afternoon (Choose One or as per package):

     • Additional Jeep Safari: If you want more chances for wildlife sightings.

     • Bird Watching Tour: Focused excursion for avid birdwatchers.

     • Relaxation: Enjoy the resort facilities, perhaps by the pool if available.

   • Evening: Dinner at the resort.

3. Day 4: Departure from Bardiya

   • Morning: Wake-up call, tea/coffee.

   • Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast at the resort.

   • Transfer to Nepalgunj Airport: Your resort vehicle will transfer you back to Nepalgunj Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.

   • Alternative: Bus Departure: If traveling by bus, transfer to the bus station for your journey back to Kathmandu.

4. Option 2: Pokhara to Bardiya Safari Package (3 Nights, 4 Days)

   Day 1: Travel from Pokhara to Bardiya & Arrival Activities

   • Morning (Flexible):

     • Recommended: Flight to Nepalgunj (KEP): Take an early morning flight from Pokhara (PKR) to Nepalgunj (approx. 1.5 hours). Some flights might have a short stopover in Kathmandu.

     • Alternative: Overnight Bus to Nepalgunj/Ambassa: An overnight local bus from Pokhara is also an option, but it's a very long journey (10-12+ hours).

   • Upon Arrival in Nepalgunj: You will be met by your resort representative or guide and transferred by private vehicle to your resort/lodge near Bardiya National Park (Thakurdwara area, approx. 2-3 hours drive).

   • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your resort.

   • Afternoon:

     • Resort Briefing: Receive a detailed briefing about the park, safety, and your planned activities.

     • Tharu Village Cultural Tour: Take a leisurely stroll or ox-cart ride to a nearby traditional Tharu village.

     • Sunset View: Enjoy the serene sunset over the Babai or Karnali River.

   • Evening:

     • Tharu Cultural Dance Performance: Witness a lively cultural dance performance.

     • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your resort.

5. Day 2: Full Day Jungle Safari - Jeep Safari

   • Early Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Wake-up call, followed by tea/coffee.

   • Breakfast: Have breakfast at the resort.

   • Morning:

     • Full-Day Jeep Safari: Embark on an exciting full-day jeep safari deep into Bardiya National Park with a packed lunch. This is the best way to cover vast areas of the park and maximize your chances of spotting various wildlife. Your experienced naturalist guide will take you to prime locations like waterholes, grasslands, and dense forests to look for:

       • Bengal Tiger: Bardiya is famous for its tiger population.

       • One-horned Rhinoceros: Healthy population found here.

       • Wild Asian Elephants: Often seen in herds.

       • Deer Species: Spotted deer, sambar, hog deer, barking deer.

       • Other Animals: Sloth bear, wild boar, monkeys, civets, various reptiles.

       • Bird Watching: Bardiya is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 species.

   • Lunch: Enjoy your packed lunch amidst the jungle.

   • Late Afternoon: Continue the safari, exploring different sections of the park.

   • Evening: Return to the resort. Freshen up and enjoy dinner. Your guide will often provide a recap of the day's sightings.

6. Day 3: Jungle Activities - Walking Safari & Canoeing

   • Early Morning: Wake-up call, tea/coffee.

   • Breakfast: Have breakfast at the resort.

   • Morning:

     • Jungle Walk (Walking Safari): Accompanied by experienced and armed nature guides, embark on a walking safari. This provides a more intimate experience of the jungle, allowing you to observe smaller creatures, tracks, and the intricate ecosystem up close. Guides will ensure your safety.

     • Canoeing on the Rapti or Karnali River: Enjoy a peaceful canoe ride, ideal for birdwatching, spotting marsh mugger crocodiles, gharials, and perhaps even the elusive Gangetic dolphin in the Karnali River.

     • Elephant Breeding Center/Crocodile Breeding Center (Optional): Depending on the package and time, you might visit the local elephant or crocodile breeding centers.

   • Lunch: Return to the resort for lunch.

   • Afternoon (Choose One or as per package):

     • Additional Jeep Safari: If you want more chances for wildlife sightings.

     • Bird Watching Tour: Focused excursion for avid birdwatchers.

     • Relaxation: Enjoy the resort facilities, perhaps by the pool if available.

   • Evening: Dinner at the resort.

7. Day 4: Departure from Bardiya

   • Morning: Wake-up call, tea/coffee.

   • Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast at the resort.

   • Transfer to Nepalgunj Airport: Your resort vehicle will transfer you back to Nepalgunj Airport for your flight back to Pokhara (or Kathmandu if flying directly from Nepalgunj is easier for onward travel).

   • Alternative: Bus Departure: If traveling by bus, transfer to the bus station for your journey back to Pokhara.

8. Package Inclusions (Typically):

   • 3 nights' accommodation at a resort/lodge in Bardiya.

   • All meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners) during your stay in Bardiya.

   • All jungle activities as per the itinerary (Full-Day Jeep Safari, Jungle Walk, Canoeing, Tharu Cultural Program, Village Tour).

   • Experienced English-speaking nature guide.

   • National Park entrance fees and permits.

   • Round-trip transfers from Nepalgunj Airport/Bus Station to the resort.

9. Exclusions (Typically):

   • Domestic flights (Kathmandu/Pokhara to Nepalgunj and back) - these are usually an add-on or booked separately.

   • Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

   • International flights and visa fees.

   • Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, laundry, phone calls, tips).

   • Travel insurance.

   • Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances (e.g., flight delays, road closures).