Few visitors expect jungle in the land of Everest, but Nepal's southern lowlands, the Terai, hold some of the best wildlife parks in Asia. Chitwan National Park, established in 1973 as Nepal's first national park and listed by UNESCO in 1984, protects sal forest, tall grassland and rivers that are home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles and more than 500 bird species.
Most visitors stay in Sauraha, a village on the northern edge of the park beside the Rapti River.
Quick answer: Chitwan (about 150 m) is 5–7 hours by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, or a short flight to Bharatpur. Activities include jeep safaris, canoe trips, jungle walks and Tharu village visits. Most people see rhinos. Best time: October–April, with the best wildlife viewing February–April. Allow 2–3 nights.
Chitwan National Park at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1973; UNESCO World Heritage Site 1984 |
| Gateway | Sauraha |
| Wildlife | One-horned rhino, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gharial, elephant, 500+ bird species |
| From Kathmandu | 5–7 hours by road, or flight to Bharatpur |
| Best time | October–April |
| Time needed | 2–3 nights |
Things to do
- Jeep safari into the park's grasslands and forest.
- Canoe trip on the Rapti River past crocodiles and birds.
- Guided jungle walk with experienced naturalists.
- Tharu village visit and cultural dance show.
- Birdwatching, especially in winter.
- Sunset on the Rapti riverbank.
Best time to visit
October–November is green and pleasant. December–January brings foggy mornings. February–April is the best time for wildlife, after the grass is cut. May–June is very hot. The monsoon (July–September) brings heavy rain and some activities stop.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Chitwan fits neatly between Kathmandu and Pokhara or after a trek. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.