Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: 2 Nights / 3 Days

2Nepal
Difficulty
easy
Group size
1-12
Best season
Autumn and Spring
OverviewHighlightsItineraryGood to knowPackingFAQ

The 3 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour leads you into the heart of Nepal's Terai lowlands, far from the mountains most visitors expect. This short but rich journey brings you face to face with one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles and the deep green wilderness of Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour Overview

The Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour is Nepal's most rewarding short escape into the wild, taking you into a landscape where it give way to sal forest, elephant grass and slow-moving rivers. Chitwan National Park was Nepal's first national park and still holds UNESCO Natural World Heritage status today, protecting 932 square kilometers of forest and grassland roughly 169 kilometers south of Kathmandu.

Everything begins with the drive down from Kathmandu or Pokhara, watching the hills flatten out into the humid, green plains of the Terai. Once you reach Sauraha, the small town at the edge of the park, you settle into your hotel and get your first look at the Rapti River, usually just as the sun starts to dip toward the horizon. Evenings here move at a slower pace, filled with the sound of drums and bells drifting over from the Tharu cultural show and the smell of a warm dinner waiting back at the hotel.

The real treasure of Chitwan is its wildlife and the people who live alongside it. Over 68 species of mammals and 544 species of birds call this park home, including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, wild Asian elephants, sloth bears and, for the lucky few, the Royal Bengal tiger. Down in the rivers, gharial crocodiles sit quietly on the sandbanks.

The Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour reaches its most active point on day two, when jeep safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks and a stop at the Elephant Breeding Center in one full day. That's why it's essential to come with comfortable shoes, a bit of patience for early starts and a genuine curiosity about wildlife and culture.

You can browse all of our trips in Nepal or read the stories on our journal before you go, including the 10 UNESCO sites every Nepal trip should touch. You leave Chitwan having experienced a side of Nepal shaped by rivers, forest and the resilience of the Tharu people who have called this land home for generations.

Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour Route

3 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour breaks down into one full travel day, one full activity day and a shorter departure day, giving you a complete circuit through the park and its surrounding villages. Everything starts with the pickup from the tourist bus station in Kathmandu or Pokhara, followed by a 7 to 8 hour drive south along winding hill roads that gradually flatten into the Terai plains.

Once you arrive in Sauraha, you check into your hotel near the park entrance and spend the rest of the afternoon settling in before the evening's activities begin. This is where you take your first proper look at the Rapti River, catching the sunset from its banks before heading to the Tharu cultural show around 6:30 pm.

From Sauraha, the trail into the park opens up the next morning with a guided jungle walk, moving on foot through sal forest and grassland while your guide points out birdlife along the way.

The route then continues to the Elephant Breeding Center, followed by a canoe ride along the Rapti River, drifting past crocodiles and riverside wildlife at a slow pace. After lunch back at the hotel, the route pushes deeper into the park's core zones on a jeep safari, covering the ground where rhinos, deer and tigers are most active.

The final leg of the journey takes you back out of Sauraha, either by road for another 7 to 8 hour drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara, or by a short 25 to 35 minute flight from Bharatpur Airport. If you have extra days afterward, this route connects easily with our other Guided Journeys, a gentle mountain-view trek like the Annapurna Sunrise Panorama, or the bigger Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake for those who want to add the mountains back into their trip.

This entire route was designed to give you the fullest possible experience of Chitwan National Park in the shortest realistic time, covering forest, river, and village life without feeling rushed at any point along the way. For booking details or custom dates, reach out through our contact page.

Alternative Chitwan Jungle Safari Itinerary

The 3 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour covers every major highlight of the park, but it isn't the only way to experience Chitwan through Nobel Holidays.

Whether you want more days in the jungle, a longer circuit that pairs Chitwan with other parts of Nepal, or a route built around a bigger cultural theme, we can build a version that fits. Browse all our trips for ideas, or tell us your dream trip and we'll shape it around you.

1.   Chitwan with Kathmandu and Pokhara - 8 Days

If you want to see more of Nepal beyond the jungle, our Kathmandu Chitwan Pokhara Tour combines your Chitwan jungle safari with sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and a relaxed stay by Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

After your jeep safari, canoe ride, and Tharu cultural show in Sauraha, you head north to Pokhara for mountain views, boating and a slower pace before returning to Kathmandu.

This route works well for first-time visitors who want a proper introduction to Nepal in one trip, rather than treating Chitwan as a standalone. We recommend this option when you have a full week or more and want wildlife, culture and lake views all covered under one itinerary.

2.   Chitwan with Lumbini and Pokhara - 9 Days

For travelers who want to add Nepal's spiritual side to their trip, our Kathmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara Tour routes you through Chitwan on the way to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, before finishing in Pokhara.

It's a natural pairing, since Lumbini sits close to the Terai region where Chitwan National Park is located.

We designed this route for travelers who want more than wildlife alone, mixing in a UNESCO pilgrimage site along with the jungle safari and lakeside relaxation.

It suits anyone with nine days to spare who wants a well-rounded picture of Nepal's nature, history and faith in one continuous journey.

Our Assurance

We at Nobel Holidays operate every version of the Chitwan jungle safari. Every combination tour is built around it, with the same level of support from our experienced guides and our dedicated 24/7 customer care team on WhatsApp.

We design each itinerary around your available time and interests rather than pushing everyone through one fixed route. Whether you join a standard group departure or arrange a private tour, we adjust pacing, hotel category and add-on activities to match what you're actually looking for.

Whether you book the standard 3-day Chitwan jungle safari or one of these longer, combination routes, we commit to making your experience smooth, well-organized and genuinely memorable from pickup to drop-off.

Trip highlights

Take a scenic 7 to 8 hour road journey from Kathmandu or Pokhara down into the flat, green plains of the Terai

Ride a jeep deep into Chitwan National Park's core forest zones, where sightings of rhinos, deer and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger are possible

Glide along the Rapti River on a canoe, passing gharial crocodiles and muggers on the banks

Visit the Elephant Breeding Center in Sauraha, where mahouts train and care for elephant calves

Walk through the jungle on foot with a trained naturalist guide, spotting hornbills, kingfishers and songbirds along the way

Watch the sun set over the Rapti River, one of the most peaceful views in all of Nepal

Sit in on a 45 to 60 minute Tharu cultural show, featuring the stick dance, fire dance and peacock dance

Spend time in a Tharu village, learning about the food, customs and daily life of Chitwan's indigenous community

Stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel with AC, WiFi and hot showers, just minutes from the park entrance

Option to fly back to Kathmandu or Pokhara from Bharatpur Airport, cutting the return journey down to under an hour

Day-by-day itinerary

Day
01Meetup and Drive to ChitwanHotelDinner+

Your Chitwan jungle safari tour begins with an early pickup from the tourist bus station in Kathmandu or Pokhara. From there, you settle into a comfortable tourist bus for the ride south, which usually takes 7 to 8 hours with a stop along the way for lunch and a short break to stretch your legs. The seats are padded and roomy enough for a long ride, and the drive itself is a nice transition, watching the landscape shift from hills to the flat, green Terai.

Once you arrive in Chitwan, our guide meets you and takes you straight to the hotel we've arranged near the park. You'll be greeted with a welcome drink and a quick briefing on the plan for the rest of the day and the days ahead. After that, you have some free time to rest, unpack or wander around Sauraha on your own before the evening activities start.

As the sun starts to drop, head down to the banks of the Rapti River for one of the best sunset views in Nepal. Around 6:30 pm, your guide will walk you over to the venue for the Tharu cultural show, a 45 to 60 minute performance that gives you a genuine experience and knowledge into local traditions. After the show, dinner is served back at the hotel, wrapping up day one of your Chitwan jungle safari tour on a relaxed note.

If you'd rather skip the shared tourist bus, we can arrange a private vehicle to Chitwan at an additional cost. It works well for families or anyone who prefers a more flexible schedule on day one.

Day
02Jungle Safari and Wildlife ExplorationHotelBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner+

This is the day that most people book a Chitwan jungle safari tour for in the first place. After an early breakfast, you head out with your guide for a guided jungle walk inside the park, which is one of the best ways to actually feel the forest rather than just drive past it. Along the trail, your guide points out birdlife as you go, from hornbills overhead to smaller songbirds tucked into the undergrowth.

From there, you'll visit the Elephant Breeding Center, where you can watch elephant calves being trained and cared for by their mahouts. It's a popular stop on any Chitwan jungle safari tour, especially for families with kids, since you get an up-close look at how these animals are raised in a supervised environment.

Next comes the canoe ride along the Rapti River, gliding quietly past basking gharial crocodiles, muggers, and the occasional rhino cooling off at the water's edge. The pace slows right down here, which makes it one of the more peaceful parts of the whole trip.

After lunch back at the hotel, the afternoon is dedicated to either an elephant-back safari or a jeep safari, depending on availability and your preference. The jeep takes you further into the core forest zones where sightings of rhinos, deer, and, if you're lucky, the elusive Royal Bengal tiger are most likely. Even without a tiger sighting, the sheer density of birds, deer and forest scenery makes this drive worth every minute.

By evening, you're back at the hotel to relax before dinner, capping off what is usually described as the most memorable day of the entire Chitwan jungle safari tour.

Day
03Departure from ChitwanHotelBreakfastKathmandu+

After breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel and prepare for the return journey. The tourist bus drops you back at the same station in Kathmandu or Pokhara, marking the end of your 3 days Chitwan jungle safari tour.

If you'd rather not spend another 7 to 8 hours on the road, you can fly instead. Domestic flights connect Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan to both Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the flight itself takes only around 25 to 35 minutes, plus you get a scenic aerial view of the middle hills on the way back.

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Click a map marker or use Start trek to follow the itinerary route.

Good to know before you go

If you want to upgrade a small part of your Chitwan jungle safari tour, here are two options worth considering.

  • Luxury Hotel or Resort in Chitwan: USD 100 per day extra, for travelers who want a higher standard of accommodation than the included 3-star hotel.
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Flight: USD 130 one way, for anyone who would rather skip the road journey entirely and fly straight into the Terai.

Packing essentials

Clothing

Lightweight and breathable T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, comfortable trousers, shorts, lightweight jacket, rain jacket, underwear, socks, and a sun hat or cap

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and lightweight hiking shoes

Personal Items

Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, quick-dry towel, hand sanitizer, reusable water bottle, and personal medications

Safari Essentials

Binoculars, camera, small backpack, flashlight or headlamp, and a waterproof bag for electronics

Documents & Money

Passport, travel insurance documents, travel permits if required, emergency contact details, and Nepalese cash

Frequently asked

Why should I choose Nobel Holidays for the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
We run this Chitwan jungle safari tour year-round with experienced local guides who know Chitwan National Park and the Tharu community well. Our pricing is transparent from the start, with park fees, meals, hotel and transport already built into the rate you see on our website. You can read more about our approach on our story page.
Is departure guaranteed for the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
Yes, we guarantee departures for both the standard and private Chitwan jungle safari tour, regardless of how many people join a group date. If unusual circumstances like extreme weather or road closures come up, we'll offer a rescheduled date rather than cancel your trip outright.
Can I join as a solo traveler?+
Absolutely, solo travelers are welcome on every Chitwan jungle safari tour departure. You'll be placed with other travelers on the standard group package, or you can request a private trip if you'd rather have your own vehicle and guide.
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival?+
Yes, most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport before starting their Chitwan jungle safari tour, using an electronic kiosk to fill in your details and pay by cash or card. Costs run USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, and USD 120 for 90 days. If you have questions, contact our team.
Where does the tourist bus depart from for the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
The bus leaves from Sorhakhutte near Thamel if you're starting in Kathmandu, or from Prithivi Chowk if you're departing from Pokhara. Departure is usually around 7:00 am, so we recommend arriving about half an hour early.
How long does it take to reach Chitwan National Park?+
The drive to Chitwan takes roughly 7 to 8 hours by tourist bus from either Kathmandu or Pokhara, with a stop along the way for lunch. If you'd rather save time, a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport takes only 25 to 35 minutes, plus another short drive to reach the park.
Can I buy a local SIM card before my Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
Yes, you can pick up an NCELL or NTC SIM card at the airport or an authorized shop in Kathmandu before heading to Chitwan. You'll need a copy of your passport and two passport-sized photos, and the whole thing usually costs around USD 1 to 2.
How do I book the Chitwan jungle safari tour, and do I need a deposit?+
You can book directly through our website, by email or over WhatsApp, filling in your traveler details first. A 20 percent advance payment confirms your Chitwan jungle safari tour booking, and the rest is paid once you arrive.
How can I pay my remaining balance?+
Once you're in Nepal, you can pay the remaining amount for your Chitwan jungle safari tour by cash or card, either at our office or through our online payment portal. We'll confirm the exact balance with you before your trip begins.
Will I get a refund if I cancel my Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
Our cancellation terms are outlined on our terms and conditions page, so it's worth checking there before booking. In most cases, we can offer credit toward a future trip if your travel plans for Chitwan National Park change.
How difficult is the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
This trip is graded easy, with no strenuous hiking or high altitude involved anywhere along the route. The jungle walk and other activities are paced comfortably, so you don't need any prior trekking or wildlife safari experience to join.
Is there an age limit for the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
No, there's no official age limit, and we've hosted families with young children as well as older travelers on this same itinerary. Fitness matters far less here than on a mountain trek, since most of the day is spent riding in a jeep, walking short distances, or floating along the river by canoe.
Is the Chitwan jungle safari tour suitable for families?+
Yes, it's one of our most family-friendly packages, with activities like the Elephant Breeding Center visit and Tharu cultural show appealing to both kids and adults. Guides adjust the pace of the jungle walk and jeep safari depending on who's in the group.
Do I need travel insurance for the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
Insurance isn't mandatory to join, but we strongly recommend a policy that covers medical emergencies, jungle activity accidents, and trip cancellations. It's a small upfront cost that saves a lot of stress if something unexpected comes up during your time in Chitwan National Park.
Do I need any vaccines before the trip?+
Vaccines aren't required to enter Nepal or join the Chitwan jungle safari tour, though it's worth checking with your doctor about routine travel vaccinations. Since you'll be near forested and rural areas, some travelers choose to get a rabies vaccination as a precaution.
What safety measures are in place during the jeep safari and jungle walk?+
Our guides are trained to keep safe distances from wildlife during both the jeep safari and jungle walk portions of the Chitwan jungle safari tour. They also carry basic first aid supplies and know the park's rules and terrain well enough to keep the group out of unnecessary risk.
Is it safe to travel to Chitwan National Park?+
Yes, road conditions on the route to Chitwan are generally smooth, and the area around Sauraha is well set up for tourism. Our guides accompany you throughout the Chitwan jungle safari tour, which adds an extra layer of comfort for solo travelers and families alike.
What type of accommodation is included in the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
We arrange a comfortable 3-star hotel near Chitwan National Park, with air conditioning, an attached bathroom, WiFi, and hot showers included. If you'd like a higher standard of accommodation, we can upgrade you to a luxury hotel or resort for an additional USD 100 per day.
Will I have WiFi and phone connectivity during the trip?+
Yes, WiFi is available at the hotel throughout your Chitwan jungle safari tour, and phone connectivity is generally reliable in and around Sauraha. If you'd like a local SIM for the trip, NCELL and NTC are both easy to pick up in Kathmandu beforehand.
Can I charge my devices during the tour?+
Yes, charging points are available in your hotel room for the full duration of the Chitwan jungle safari tour. There's no need to bring a power bank unless you plan on using your phone heavily during the jeep safari or jungle walk.
What kind of food is served during the Chitwan jungle safari tour?+
Meals are served buffet style with a mix of Nepali and international dishes, including dal bhat, gundruk and taas alongside chicken tikka masala, paneer butter masala and pasta options. Breakfast typically includes fresh fruit, pancakes, eggs, toast, and a choice of tea, coffee, or juice.
Are vegetarian meals available?+
Yes, vegetarian options are available throughout the Chitwan jungle safari tour, including paneer butter masala and a range of vegetable curries at every meal. If you have specific dietary needs, just let us know in advance so we can coordinate with the hotel kitchen.
Is the drinking water safe during the trip?+
Bottled and filtered water are both available at the hotel throughout your Chitwan jungle safari tour, so hydration isn't a concern. We recommend carrying a refillable water bottle for the jungle walk and jeep safari to cut down on plastic waste inside Chitwan National Park.
Can I customize my Chitwan jungle safari tour itinerary?+
Yes, our private Chitwan jungle safari tour package allows you to adjust timing, add extra nights, or combine it with a stop in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Group departures follow the fixed standard itinerary, but private bookings give you far more flexibility.
Can I start the tour from Pokhara and return to Kathmandu, or the other way around?+
Yes, this is a common request, and we can arrange your Chitwan jungle safari tour to start and end at different cities based on your travel plans. Just let us know your preferred route when booking so we can adjust the transport accordingly.
Can I extend my trip after the Chitwan jungle safari tour ends?+
Yes, many travelers add on a few extra days afterward, whether that's more time in Pokhara, a visit to Lumbini, or a short trek like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Reach out through our contact us page and we'll help you plan the extension around your remaining days in Nepal.

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