Nepal Short Break: Chitwan National Park

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. You'll meet your trip leader this morning and depart Kathmandu at approximately 7 am, travelling to Chitwan National Park by bus. Take in the views of lush valleys, terraced farmlands and rural settlements during the drive. When you arrive, check into your jungle resort, located on the banks of the Rapti River in the small village of Sauraha, on the edge of the national park. Have a welcome lunch and settle into your room. Later this afternoon, join your leader for a walk through the village and get a glimpse of the local Tharu culture. This evening, you’ll have sundowners and canapes on the banks of the Rapti. Sit down to dinner with your group at the resort, then watch a performance of Lathi Nach (a traditional stick dance) by the local Tharu people.

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and have breakfast overlooking the resort’s gardens. Spend the morning on a canoe safari along the Rapti River. As you glide through the waterways, keep watch for marsh crocodiles, water birds like egrets and herons, and the critically endangered gharial crocodile. Return to the resort for lunch, then hop into a jeep and venture out on a jungle safari. Accompanied by expert naturalist guides, travel through dense sal forests, sprawling grasslands, oxbow lakes and riverine habitats in search of the park’s remarkable wildlife. Look out for the greater one-horned rhino, sloth bears, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar deer and langurs. If you’re lucky, you might encounter the elusive royal Bengal tiger. Head back to the resort in the late afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening until dinner.

Take part in an expert-led bird watching experience this morning. Chitwan National Park is home to more than 500 bird species including kingfishers, hornbills, storks, eagles, woodpeckers and a diversity of seasonal migratory birds. Learn about the region’s ecosystems as you try to spot as many of its winged inhabitants as you can. Later today, visit the Tharu Museum, where you’ll gain an insight into the history, customs and traditions of the Tharu people who have lived in the jungles of Chitwan for many generations. Have lunch back at the resort, then spend the afternoon however you like. Unwind by the pool, explore the gardens or maybe just sit back and enjoy the serene atmosphere with the sounds of nature surrounding you. Tonight, join your group for a farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure.

After breakfast, travel back to Kathmandu, where your adventure comes to an end. There is no accommodation included tonight. If you would like to stay for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.