Overview: This is an exciting four day package traveling within the dense jungle region of central Nepal and to the amazing wildlife sanctuaries of Royal Chitwan National Park. There are elephant rides to be had — what an unusual way to travel and view the abundance of nature! Or how about gliding silently past tranquil shorelines in your dugout canoe? Here you can get close views of free-roaming wildlife such as the Great Horned Rhinoceros, the Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Gangetic Dolphin, Langur and Rhesus Monkeys, Flying Squirrels, Crocodiles as well as hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Lucky travelers might even spy Leopards, Mongoose, Indian Civets and Porcupines, or perhaps even the elusive and rare Bengal Tiger.

Trained naturalists are available in the park, as well as tracers (scouts who walk ahead trained to spot animal movement). Optionally your Nepal Safari can be accompanied by an experienced local guide from Kathmandu to help you get the most out of this amazing adventure. If you prefer to fly instead of drive, we can arrange that too! Or you can't resist, there are tempting options to extend your stay. Remember the more time you spend in the wild, the better your chances of seeing wild animals! Our basic $250USD package (per person, double occupancy) includes round trip transportation by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan, three nights lodging, one elephant tour and all meals while you're there. Other packages can range to about $400 to include longer stays as well as amenities like an English-speaking guide, multiple elephant rides, nature walks with a local naturalist to prime viewing localities, optional area tours and much more.

About Chitwan National Park: Nepal's Chitwan National Park lies about 60 miles from Kathmandu. The Chitwan Valley is the largest valley in Nepal holding two major rivers, Narayani and Rapti. These waterways create the park's northern and western park boundaries. This subtropical jungle is a combination of dense forest, lush grassland and a wide flood plain. There are ethnic villages and an Elephant Breeding Center found nearby. Temperatures are cool to warm from October to March and can be hot from March to July.

Nepal Safari Special Adventure Itinerary Detail:


Day 1: Lunch will be served upon arrival at your lodge near Chitwan. Traveling through the lowlands, you will arrive at the elephant 'boarding' area for your first close–up elephant encounter. After a safety briefing, you'll be ready for the ride of your life as you go 'elephant-back!' into the forests of Chitwan National Park. From this lofty perch, you will move quietly in search of the abundant wildlife surrounding you around each bend. Ride time today is between one and two hours. On your return, it's time for a well-deserved rest before dinner.

In the cool of the evening, members of a local tribal village often perform their traditional dances and song. It's been such an eventful day, you'll want to make it an early night — tomorrow you will start before the sunrise for a busy day filled with adventure. (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Dawn comes early to Chitwan. You have an option for another elephant safari at dawn's light (about two hours). The early morning is the best time to observe elusive species and their activity at the waterways. You'll also be ready for a hearty breakfast on your return while you take in the remarkably lush, verdant panorama. After breakfast, you'll slip into a dugout canoe for a silent two mile glide along the river to Kasara, the park center. Stopping to enjoy the park headquarters, you can begin a guided nature walk accompanied by a trained park naturalist. Later, return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. Depending on the season, the afternoon may lead you to a demonstration of elephant bathing or a visit to an ethnic Taurus village. Back at the lodge, dinner will be a welcome sight before you settle in for a final night in this magical park. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: It's another early rise this morning! Our day starts early as we head out for todays exploration. Today we take breakfast 'to go' or 'takeaway' (breakfast boxes) as we leave by jeep headed to the banks of the Rapti River. You'll cross streams and traverse meadows before being met by your elephants. Back on your perch, you'll move effortlessly through deep green vegetation to reach the Elephant Breeding Center.

After a surprising tour of this unique center, you'll pause on the banks of the Rapti to finish breakfast before launching on your two hour canoe trip through some of the best river areas of the Chitwan. This schedule will mean a late lunch back at the lodge, but afterwards there will be ample time to rest, walk or swim before dinnertime. This is your last night in the jungle to soak up the sounds, sights and smells of the unique Chitwan Valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: The stillness of early morning finds us accompanied by our local guide for a favorite local activity — bird watching! There are hundreds of bird species found in this lush area and they are a bountiful target for your binoculars. Today we make a mid–day departure to return to Kathmandu, signaling the close to this rare adventure. You'll take with you some unforgettable memories and photographs of this unique and bountiful refuge in the center of Nepal. How wonderful it would be to spend more time — and you can! (Breakfast)

Travel Details: The details of this itinerary are subject to change depending on conditions at Chitwan and this guide is meant only as a general guide to the daily events. It only hints at the potential activities to enjoy on your visit to Chitwan — there are many options available at the park for other naturalist–oriented hikes, rafting and boat excursions, tours, horseback riding as well as many other outdoor and cultural activities. Our lodges are comfortable and conveniently located with good food. Accommodations are based on double bungalows with attached bathrooms.

You don't want to frighten away the animals you came to see, so wear earth-toned clothing (not bright red) and long pants (also helpful for riding the elephants). Also, try to avoid any scented products. Activities will include an elephant-back safari (about 1-2 hours to spy rhino, deer, monkeys, wild boar and other wildlife), a dugout canoe ride (float down the Rapti to spot crocodiles, water birds, locals, and more), jeep and bullock cart rides, village tours and bird watching. Village visits can often allow you to enjoy local folk dancing and crafts. With so many different activities available you can see why you need at least three nights and two full days in order to experience so much. If you can, spend more time! Contact us to discuss your interests and plans — we'll tell you the options you have to make the most of your trip. Please be aware that all activities are subject to local changes and that there is never a guarantee you'll see any specific species of wildlife — your experience is real and this is not a zoo. Some people are luckier than others.... Your naturalist guide will brief you on your exact program you'll experience once you arrive at the lodge.

If you are on a limited package, it's possible to book an extra elephant ride. How often will you have the opportunity? Riding on 'elephant back' is the easiest way to view animals — elephants are quiet and you sit high, so it is safe to get fairly close. The cost is about $20USD additional and you must inquire in advance as the animals are in great demand. Groups of four or more can also enjoy several hours of easy river rafting on the Trisuli River along with a picnic lunch ($30US per person for four to six member groups). Rafting logistics should be arranged in advance as you would stop on your way to Chitwan and raft towards the park. Your vehicle would follow you to the pick-up spot to carry you on to the park and your lodge. Please refer to the booking information section of our application form for more information.

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Updated by: HHT in September 2012
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