Nepal Safari: The Hidden Side of the Himalayas
- Roxana Nothaft
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Nepal and Safari: Something Few People Know About
When people hear the word “safari,” most immediately think of Kenya. The Serengeti. Elephants silhouetted against acacia trees at sunset.
Very few people think of Nepal.
And that is exactly what makes this country so special.
Nepal is home to two national parks in the Terai, the tropical lowland region in the south of the country, that rank among the best wildlife destinations in Asia: Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, and Bardia National Park in western Nepal—wilder, more remote, and offering some of the best tiger-spotting opportunities in the region.
The numbers are impressive. According to Nepal’s 2022 tiger census, the country is home to more than 350 Bengal tigers, making it one of Asia’s greatest conservation success stories. Chitwan alone is home to hundreds of one-horned rhinoceroses, along with elephants, leopards, gaur bison, crocodiles, and more than 650 species of birds.
Chitwan National Park: The Classic That Still Impresses
What You Can See
The one-horned rhinoceros is undoubtedly the star of Chitwan.
Whether on a jeep safari, a canoe trip, or even from the comfort of your lodge, chances are high that you will encounter these remarkable animals. Tiger sightings are less common, but experienced local guides know the best areas and significantly improve your chances of seeing one.
How to Experience the Park
Early morning jeep safaris offer the best opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Visitors can also enjoy guided jungle walks, canoe trips along the Rapti River past crocodiles and water birds, and visits to local communities. Elephant riding is no longer offered by responsible safari operators, an important step forward for animal welfare and conservation.
Accommodation
From simple guesthouses in Sauraha to luxury jungle lodges located directly on the edge of the park, Chitwan offers accommodation for every budget.
One of the most renowned properties is Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, widely regarded as one of South Asia’s leading eco-lodges.
Bardia National Park: Nepal’s Best-Kept Secret
Why Bardia?
Bardia offers many of the same experiences as Chitwan—just in a far more untouched setting.
The park is larger, less developed, and receives only a fraction of the visitors. Those who spend four to five days in Bardia have realistic chances of spotting a tiger.
In addition, the park is home to large herds of swamp deer, rhinoceroses, wild elephants, and vast forest landscapes that feel considerably more pristine than many protected areas elsewhere in Asia. The Babai River is considered one of Nepal’s most beautiful river valleys and adds another dimension to the experience.
Getting There
Bardia lies approximately 500 kilometers west of Kathmandu.
The easiest option is to fly to Nepalgunj and continue by jeep to the park. Alternatively, overnight buses connect Kathmandu with the region. The slightly more challenging journey is one of the reasons Bardia has remained so authentic and unspoiled.
How We Plan Your Nepal Journey
Our Nepal itineraries combine the country’s three defining experiences: Himalayan trekking, cultural discovery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
To experience Nepal properly, we recommend allowing at least three weeks. This makes it possible to combine Kathmandu, Pokhara, the Himalayan mountains, and the national parks of the Terai into one well-balanced journey.
Current tours include the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Circuit, and the Langtang Valley Trek. All itineraries can be customized with additional stays in either Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park.
Conclusion
Most people associate Nepal with the Himalayas, snow-covered peaks, and legendary trekking routes. Few realize that the country is also one of Asia’s most rewarding safari destinations.
This unique combination is what makes Nepal truly special.
Within a single journey, you can cross high mountain passes, visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, and only a few days later find yourself observing tigers, rhinoceroses, and elephants in the wild.
Few destinations in the world combine spectacular mountain experiences and extraordinary wildlife in such a compact area. If you want to experience the Himalayas while also enjoying an authentic safari far away from the crowds, Nepal is one of the most remarkable travel destinations on Earth.
Our recommendations and initial travel consultations are completely free and without obligation. Together, we will create a journey tailored to your travel style, fitness level, and personal interests—whether your dream is Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit, or simply discovering the very best Nepal has to offer.
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