# Bardia National Park Tiger Safari > The Bardia National Park tiger safari is a 5-day wildlife adventure in Nepal's largest and wildest lowland national park, widely known as the best place to see wild Bengal tigers in Nepal. Explore the sal forest and grasslands on guided jungle walks and a full-day jeep safari, float down the Karnali River looking for Gangetic dolphins and gharial crocodiles, and look for one-horned rhinos, wild elephants and more than 400 bird species.Bardia is far quieter than Chitwan, with small eco-lodges run by Tharu families. The tour flies from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and is best from October to April, with the highest tiger sightings from March to May. Flights, transfers, park fees, a naturalist guide, the jungle lodge and all meals in Bardia are included. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 5 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Jungle safari - **Max altitude:** 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Kathmandu) - **Best season:** Oct–Apr (tigers most seen Mar–May) - **Group size:** 1–12 - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, jungle lodge in Bardia - **Meals:** All meals in Bardia - **Price:** from US$590 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/bardia-national-park-tiger-safari - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=bardia-national-park-tiger-safari ## Overview **Quick answer:** Bardia National Park in western Nepal covers about 968 km² and has one of the highest tiger densities in the country. A 5-day safari from Kathmandu costs from US$590 per person, includes flights to Nepalgunj and offers a realistic chance of seeing tigers, especially in the dry season (March–May), though sightings are never guaranteed. Nepal has more than doubled its wild tiger population since 2010, and Bardia has been one of the greatest conservation success stories. The park is best explored on foot with experienced naturalists, who read tracks, alarm calls and river crossings. Waiting quietly at a river bank or watchtower is often the best way to see a tiger coming down to drink. ### Bardia tiger safari at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration5 days from Kathmandu (3 nights in Bardia)Park areaAbout 968 km², Nepal's largest lowland national parkWildlifeBengal tiger, one-horned rhino, wild elephant, Gangetic dolphin, gharial, 400+ bird speciesActivitiesJungle walks, jeep safari, Karnali rafting, Tharu village visitAccessFlight Kathmandu – Nepalgunj, then 2.5 hours by roadBest timeOctober–April; tigers most seen March–MayCostFrom US$590 per person### Bardia or Chitwan? BardiaChitwanTiger sightingsBetter chanceLess likelyRhino sightingsPossibleVery commonCrowdsVery quietBusyAccessFlight + 2.5 hr drive5 hr drive or short flight### Highlights - **Tiger tracking** on foot with expert naturalists. - **Full-day jeep safari** deep into the park. - **Karnali River rafting** with dolphins and gharials. - **Tharu culture** and village life. - **Birdwatching** with over 400 species recorded. ### Safety on jungle walks Walking safaris are led by two experienced guides, who brief you on how to behave around rhinos, elephants and tigers. Groups are small, and guides always keep a safe distance. ## Highlights - Best place in Nepal to see wild Bengal tigers - Jungle walks and a full-day jeep safari - Rafting on the Karnali River with dolphins and gharials - One-horned rhinos, wild elephants and 400+ bird species - Quiet eco-lodges and Tharu village culture ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Someone from our office will be waiting at arrivals to take you to your hotel. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj, drive to Bardia Morning flight to Nepalgunj and a 2.5-hour drive to your jungle lodge. Afternoon Tharu village walk. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_ ### Day 3: Full-day jungle walk and tiger tracking Spend the day on foot with naturalists, waiting at river crossings and watchtowers for tigers and other wildlife. _Walking: 6–8 hours · Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_ ### Day 4: Jeep safari and Karnali rafting Morning jeep safari into the core zone, afternoon rafting on the Karnali River to look for dolphins and gharials. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Jungle lodge_ ### Day 5: Drive to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu and departure Early bird walk, then drive to Nepalgunj for the flight to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 1 night in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Flights Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu - Private transfers Nepalgunj – Bardia – Nepalgunj - 3 nights in a jungle lodge in Bardia with all meals - Bardia National Park entry fees - Jungle walks, full-day jeep safari, Karnali rafting and village walk - Experienced naturalist guides - All government taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa fee - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu - Travel insurance - Drinks and personal expenses - Tips for guides and lodge staff ## Useful information ### Wildlife sightings Tigers are wild and sightings are never guaranteed. Chances are best in the dry season from March to May, when grass is cut and animals come to the rivers. Patience and quiet are key. ### Weather October to February is pleasant (cold mornings in December–January). March to May is hot, up to 40°C. The park is closed or limited during the monsoon (mid-June to mid-September). ### Health Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening and drink only filtered or bottled water. ### Flights Nepalgunj flights have a baggage allowance of about 20 kg. Winter fog can delay morning flights. ## Packing list - Neutral-coloured clothing (green, brown, khaki) - Comfortable walking shoes - Binoculars and camera with zoom lens - Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - Insect repellent - Warm layer for winter mornings - Reusable water bottle ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Bardia National Park? In western Nepal's Terai, about 2.5 hours by road from Nepalgunj airport. ### Is Bardia the best place to see tigers in Nepal? Yes, Bardia is widely considered the **best place in Nepal to see wild Bengal tigers**, though sightings are not guaranteed. ### When is the best time to see tigers in Bardia? **March to May**, when grass is low and animals gather near rivers. ### How much does a Bardia safari cost? Our 5-day Bardia safari costs **from US$590 per person**, including flights, lodge, meals, park fees and activities. ### How do I get to Bardia from Kathmandu? Fly to Nepalgunj (about 1 hour) and drive 2.5 hours, or travel 12–14 hours by road. ### Bardia or Chitwan: which is better? Bardia is quieter with better tiger chances; Chitwan is easier to reach with more rhino sightings. ### Are jungle walks safe? Yes, with experienced guides following strict safety rules. ### What animals live in Bardia? Tigers, rhinos, wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, Gangetic dolphins, gharials and 400+ bird species. ### How many days do I need in Bardia? At least 3 nights; more days increase your chances of seeing a tiger. ### Is Bardia open during the monsoon? Access is limited from mid-June to mid-September; many lodges close. ### Can children join? Yes, although walking safaris have minimum ages set by the park; jeep safaris suit all ages. ### What should I wear on safari? Neutral colours such as green, khaki and brown.