Overview:
Chitwan National Park is a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to see rhinos, various bird species, and if you're lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger. Packages typically include accommodation, meals, and various jungle activities.
Here's a general itinerary for a 2-night, 3-day Chitwan package, with options for starting from Kathmandu or Pokhara:
Important Notes:
Best Time to Visit: Late September to May is generally considered the best time. October to March offers cooler temperatures. Avoid monsoon season (June-August) due to heavy rainfall.
Transportation: Tourist buses are the most common and budget-friendly option. Private cars offer more flexibility. Flights are also available to Bharatpur (near Chitwan) from Kathmandu and Pokhara, significantly reducing travel time.
Accommodation: Most packages include accommodation in resorts or lodges near Sauraha, the main tourist hub for Chitwan National Park.
Flexibility: This is a general itinerary. Specific activities and timings may vary slightly depending on the package provider and weather conditions. Also, as per the requirement customized packages can be made.
Option 1: Kathmandu to Chitwan Safari Package (2 Nights, 3 Days)
Day 1: Travel from Kathmandu to Chitwan & Arrival Activities
Morning (7:00 AM): Depart from Kathmandu by flight, tourist bus or private vehicle. The scenic drive takes approximately 5-7 hours whereas flight will take 30 mins.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrive at your resort/lodge in Sauraha, Chitwan.
Upon Arrival: You'll be greeted with a welcome drink and receive a briefing about the resort facilities and the planned activities.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your resort.
Late Afternoon:
Tharu Village Cultural Tour: Visit a nearby traditional Tharu village to learn about their unique culture and lifestyle.
Sunset View: Head to the banks of the Rapti River to enjoy a beautiful sunset view over the river.
Evening:
Tharu Cultural Dance Performance: Witness a captivating traditional Tharu stick dance performance.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your resort.
Day 2: Jungle Safari & Wildlife Encounters
Early Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Wake-up call, followed by tea/coffee.
Breakfast: Have breakfast at the resort.
Morning Activities:
Canoeing on Rapti River: Embark on a serene canoe ride along the Rapti River. This is an excellent opportunity for bird watching and spotting various aquatic animals, including two rare species of crocodiles (Marsh Mugger and Gharial).
Jungle Walk: After canoeing, you might go for a short jungle walk with a naturalist, looking for various plants, birds, and smaller animals.
Elephant Breeding Center Visit (Optional/Subject to package): Some packages include a visit to the Elephant Breeding Center.
Lunch: Return to the resort for lunch.
Afternoon Activity:
Jeep Safari: The highlight of your Chitwan trip! Embark on an exciting jeep safari deep into Chitwan National Park. This offers the best chance to spot wild animals like the one-horned rhinoceros, deer, wild boar, sloth bear, and various bird species. While tiger sightings are rare, they are a possibility. Elephant back safaris are also available.
Evening:
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the resort.
Briefing for next day's activities.
Day 3: Departure from Chitwan to Kathmandu
Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Wake-up call, followed by tea/coffee.
Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast at the resort.
Optional Morning Activity (if time permits/not included in standard 2N/3D): Some packages might offer a short bird-watching session or another nature walk.
Departure (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Transfer to the place for your journey back to Kathmandu.
Afternoon: Arrive in Kathmandu.
Option 2: Pokhara to Chitwan Safari Package (2 Nights, 3 Days)
Day 1: Travel from Pokhara to Chitwan & Arrival Activities
Morning (7:00 AM): Depart from Pokhara by flight, tourist bus or private vehicle. The drive takes approximately 4-6 hours, offering scenic views.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Arrive at your resort/lodge in Sauraha, Chitwan.
Upon Arrival: You'll be greeted with a welcome drink and receive a briefing about the resort facilities and the planned activities.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your resort.
Late Afternoon:
Tharu Village Cultural Tour: Visit a nearby traditional Tharu village to learn about their unique culture and lifestyle.
Sunset View: Head to the banks of the Rapti River to enjoy a beautiful sunset view over the river.
Evening:
Tharu Cultural Dance Performance: Witness a captivating traditional Tharu stick dance performance.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your resort.
Day 2: Jungle Safari & Wildlife Encounters
Early Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Wake-up call, followed by tea/coffee.
Breakfast: Have breakfast at the resort.
Morning Activities:
Canoeing on Rapti River: Embark on a serene canoe ride along the Rapti River. This is an excellent opportunity for bird watching and spotting various aquatic animals, including two rare species of crocodiles (Marsh Mugger and Gharial).
Jungle Walk: After canoeing, you might go for a short jungle walk with a naturalist.
Elephant Breeding Center Visit (Optional/Subject to package): Some packages include a visit to the Elephant Breeding Center.
Lunch: Return to the resort for lunch.
Afternoon Activity:
Jeep Safari: The highlight of your Chitwan trip! Embark on an exciting jeep safari deep into Chitwan National Park. This offers the best chance to spot wild animals like the one-horned rhinoceros, deer, wild boar, sloth bear, and various bird species.
Evening:
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the resort.
Briefing for next day's activities.
Day 3: Departure from Chitwan to Pokhara
Morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Wake-up call, followed by tea/coffee.
Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast at the resort.
Optional Morning Activity (if time permits/not included in standard 2N/3D): Short bird-watching session or another nature walk.
Departure (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Transfer to the tourist bus station for your journey back to Pokhara.
Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara.
Package Inclusions (Typically):
2 nights' accommodation at a resort/lodge.
All meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners) during your stay in Chitwan.
All jungle activities as per the itinerary (Jeep Safari, Canoeing, Tharu Cultural Program, Village Tour, Jungle Walk).
Experienced English-speaking nature guide.
National Park entrance fees and permits.
Round-trip transportation by tourist bus from Kathmandu/Pokhara to Chitwan and back. (Private car or flight can be arranged at an additional cost).
Things to bring:
Light, comfortable clothing (preferably in neutral colors for safari).
Walking shoes/sandals.
Hat and sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Insect repellent.
Binoculars (highly recommended for bird watching).
Camera.
Small backpack for day trips.
Personal medications.