Nepal Jungle Safari: Chitwan & Pokhara
Rhinos in the tall grass of Chitwan, then lakes and mountain sunrises in Pokhara. Eight easy days
The journey
An eight-day private Nepal safari and lakes tour: three nights in Chitwan National Park for jeep safaris, canoe trips and jungle walks in search of one-horned rhinos, elephants and, with luck, tigers, then three nights in Pokhara on Phewa Lake beneath the Annapurnas, ending with a Sarangkot sunrise and a short flight back to Kathmandu.
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Your route, and when to go
Best time for this tour
Oct–Apr
Gold marks the best months. Thinking of another time of year? Ask us what's possible.
The stops
- 01Kathmandu1 night
- 02Chitwan3 nights
- 03Pokhara3 nights
- 04Sarangkot
The journey ends back in Kathmandu.
Day by day
A scenic drive of about 160 km out of the Kathmandu valley and along the Trishuli river to Sauraha, on the edge of Chitwan National Park. After a welcome drink, visit a Tharu village and watch the sun set over the Rapti River.
NightChitwan
A dugout canoe ride past basking crocodiles and kingfishers, then a guided jungle walk with a naturalist, learning to read tracks and signs. Afternoon birdwatching and wildlife photography. Chitwan has more than 500 bird species.
NightChitwan
An early start for a jeep safari deep into the park's grasslands and sal forest, the best chance to see one-horned rhinos, deer, wild elephants and sloth bears. Tigers live here too, though sightings can never be guaranteed. Evening at leisure by the river.
NightChitwan
Drive west through the hills to Pokhara, Nepal's lakeside town. In the evening, stroll along the shore of Phewa Lake and take a wooden boat out onto the water as the light fades.
NightPokhara
An early hike to the World Peace Pagoda for views across the lake to the Annapurna range, then Old Pokhara's lanes of craft shops and the Bhimsen Temple. In good weather, an optional evening hot-air balloon flight over the valley.
NightPokhara
A day to slow down: lakeside cafés, a walk along the shore, and perhaps a Himalayan massage or spa treatment or, for the adventurous, paragliding from Sarangkot.
NightPokhara
A pre-dawn drive up to Sarangkot to watch the first light touch Machapuchare, the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri. After breakfast, a short flight back to Kathmandu and a free evening in Thamel.
NightKathmandu
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or across the Himalayas to Paro to continue into Bhutan.
What's included
- Three nights in Chitwan with all meals and jungle activities (canoe, jungle walk, jeep safari, village visit)
- Three nights in Pokhara and one night in Kathmandu, with breakfast
- All ground transport by private vehicle
- Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Licensed English-speaking Nepali guide
- Government taxes (13% VAT)
Not included
- International flights and the Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Entrance fees for sightseeing outside Chitwan
- Optional activities: hot-air balloon, paragliding, spa
- Drinks, personal expenses and tips
Gallery
Canoeing the Rapti River at dawn
A one-horned rhino in Chitwan
Phewa Lake, Pokhara
Sunrise from SarangkotEnquire about this journey
Tell us your dates and we'll tailor Nepal Jungle Safari: Chitwan & Pokhara around you.
Nepal Jungle Safari: Chitwan & Pokhara FAQs
Good to know
Still wondering about something? Ask our Thimphu team directly. We're happy to help.
Ask us on WhatsAppChitwan is home to well over a hundred Bengal tigers, but they are shy and sightings are never guaranteed. You are very likely to see one-horned rhinos, deer, crocodiles and many birds, and quite likely wild elephants.
October to April. February to April is often best for wildlife, when the tall grass has been cut and animals come to the rivers; the summer monsoon (June to September) is hot and wet and some areas close.
About 160 km, five to six hours by road. There are also short flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, near the park.
No. We choose jeep safaris, canoe trips and guided walks, which are better for the animals and give a more natural experience of the jungle.
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