Photo: Kedar Bhusal / UnsplashNepal
Nepal's first national park, on the plains near the Indian border: one-horned rhinos, gharials, more than 500 bird species and, with luck, a tiger.
Chitwan's grasslands and sal forest are home to one of the largest populations of greater one-horned rhinos in the world. Most visitors stay in Sauraha, a small town on the Rapti River at the park's edge.
It's an easy stop between Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Indian border, and two nights is enough for a canoe trip, a jeep safari and a walk.
Day by day
₹7,500–12,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
Arrive, watch the sunset over the Rapti River and visit a Tharu village, with a cultural dance in the evening.
A dawn dugout canoe on the Rapti for gharials, mugger crocodiles and birds, then a jeep safari into the park for rhinos, deer and, with luck, a tiger.
A guided jungle walk or birding around Bis Hajar Tal wetland, then continue to Pokhara, Kathmandu or the border.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (Sauraha lodge) | ₹700–1,500 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Food | ₹400–800 | ₹1,000–1,800 |
| Park entry (per day, SAARC rate) | about ₹625 | about ₹625 |
| Safari, canoe or guided walk | ₹1,500–3,000 | ₹3,500–7,000 |
| Typical day | ₹2,500–4,000 | ₹8,100–15,400 |
Park entry is about NPR 1,000 a day for SAARC nationals, on top of activity costs. Lodges sell packages with meals, a canoe trip, a jeep safari and a Tharu dance show; booking activities yourself in Sauraha can be cheaper.
Seen on most jeep safaris, and sometimes wandering into Sauraha.
A quiet dawn float past gharials, crocodiles and kingfishers.
Mud-walled homes, a small museum and stick-dance performances.
More than 500 species, best in winter and spring.
It's possible but rare. Rhinos, deer, crocodiles and birds are seen on most trips; a full-day jeep safari into the core gives the best tiger chances.
Two nights is enough for a canoe trip, a jeep safari and a Tharu village. Stay three for a full-day safari or birding.
Yes. A 9–10 day loop of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan is the classic first Nepal trip, and Chitwan is close to the Birgunj and Bhairahawa borders.
Discover the beauty of Nepal with experienced local guidance. From breathtaking Himalayan treks to cultural adventures, we’re here to make your journey safe, memorable, and unforgettable.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.
