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Chitwan National Park Tour – 2 Night 3 Days
Trip Facts
Country
Nepal
Difficulty
Leisurely Plus
Best Season
Oct - Mar
Accommodation
Hotel
Start / End Point
Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Max. Altitude
Kathmandu (1350 M)
Group Size
1 - 15
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatization
Not Included in Itinerary
Permits
Chitwan National Park Permit
Recommended For
Anyone
Duration
03 Days
Activity
Jungle Safari Tours
Nature Of Trek
Lodge to Lodge Tour
Activity Per Day
4 - 5 Hours walk
Transportation
Tourist Bus
Chitwan National Park Tour -2 Nights, 3 days Overview
The Chitwan National Park Tour of 2 nights, 3 days package covers 952 SQ KM in Nepal’s southern lowlands. Its altitude ranges from 100 M in the river basins to 815 M in the Churia Hills. Founded in 1973 AD, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 AD. The Chitwan National Park protects a massive variety of wildlife. You can find 50 mammal species, 525 bird species, and 55 reptile species here. It is widely known as Asia’s top safari destination for its biological diversity.
The local Tharu people are the original inhabitants of this region. Their culture and language are unique compared to those of other groups in Nepal. You will mostly find Tharu villages in the lowlands near the park boundary. Visitors have many chances to learn about their traditional lifestyle and customs during this 2-night, 3-day program. While the park is famous for the One-Horned Rhino and Bengal Tiger, the cultural experience adds a deeper layer to the trip. If you are interested in these rare wildlife and want to witness them, make sure you book this adventure today.
Chitwan National Park Tour Highlights
- See the one-horned rhino eating in its natural home.
- Follow the tracks of the Bengal tiger.
- Observe prehistoric crocodiles during a serene dugout canoe ride.
- Experience Tharu culture by watching the traditional “Stick Dance” and visiting local villages.
- Explore deep wilderness on a jeep safari to find sloth bears and leopards.
- Walk through the jungle with expert naturalists for a thrilling, up-close wildlife encounter.
- Identify rare bird species among the 500 varieties found in this UNESCO-listed paradise.
- Visit the breeding center to see mother elephants and their playful calves.
3 Days Chitwan National Park Tour Outline Itinerary
| Route | End Elevation | Elevation Gain/Loss | Duration | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan | 150 M | - 1,200 M | 5-6 Hours Drive | 151 KM |
| Day 02 Full day's programs | 150 M | - | - | - |
| Day 03 Drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu | 1,350 M | + 1,200 M | 5-6 Hours Drive | 151 KM |
3 Days Chitwan National Park Tour Detailed Itinerary
Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Drive Distance
151 KM
Drive Duration
5 - 6 Hours
Highest Altitude
1,350 M
Place
Sauraha, Chitwan
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
River View Jungle Camp
The 2-night 3-day Chitwan National Park package tour begins with your arrival at Kathmandu. You will be picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu or the bus station for a 151 KM drive to Chitwan National Park. This journey takes about 5 – 6 Hours as you descend from the 1,350 M altitude of Kathmandu to the subtropical lowlands of the Inner Terai.
Most of the route follows the Trishuli River, where you can see rafters on the water and small farming villages on the hills. Upon arriving at your resort in Sauraha (150 M), our guide will take you to your room, followed by a fresh lunch. A briefing session then outlines the upcoming wildlife activities to ensure you are prepared for the jungle environment.
In the late afternoon, you head out for a tour of an ethnic Tharu village and the museum. Afterward, you walk to the banks of the Rapti River for a sunset view. The sky often turns deep shades of orange over the water, providing a calm end to the day’s travel. Your evening concludes with a warm dinner and a Tharu cultural stick dance performance. This local dance features rhythmic movements and the clashing of wooden sticks, originally used to keep wild animals away from village crops.
Note: If you are already in Pokhara, you can drive directly to Chitwan from Pokhara. This saves you from having to backtrack through Kathmandu.
Full Day Program's
Highest Altitude
150 M
Place
Chitwan
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
River View Jungle Camp
Your morning starts with a fresh breakfast before you head to the Rapti River for a canoe ride. This trip uses traditional dugout boats carved from single tree trunks. As you float down the river, you can see Mugger crocodiles and the rare Gharial crocodile sunning on the banks. This is also the best time for bird watching, as kingfishers, egrets, and storks are active near the water.
After the boat ride, you visit the Elephant Breeding Center. This facility was established to protect the species, and you can see young calves with their mothers while learning about how these animals are cared for. Before lunch, you can watch the elephants go to the river for a bath, where they spray water with their trunks to cool down.
The afternoon focuses on the dense forest during an elephant-back safari. You sit on a wooden platform on an elephant’s back and travel deep into the tall grass where vehicles cannot go. This method is effective for spotting Greater One-horned Rhinos, deer, and wild boars because the animals do not see the elephant as a threat.
The safari lasts for about 2 to 3 Hours and covers several kilometers of the core park area. You return to the hotel as the light fades for a warm dinner. The quiet forest sounds provide a calm background for your final night in the lowland plains at 150 M altitude.
Drive from Chitwan to Kathmandu
Drive Distance
151 KM
Drive Duration
5 - 6 Hours
Highest Altitude
1,350 M
Place
Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
Your final morning in the lowlands begins with a relaxed breakfast at the resort. After the meal, you have a free morning to enjoy the natural surroundings at 150 M altitude or walk around the local market for last-minute souvenirs. This is the time to pack your stuff and ensure all your trekking or safari gear is ready for the journey back. The early morning air is often filled with the sounds of local birds, giving you one last chance to see wildlife near the park boundary before you leave the plains.
The departure to Kathmandu starts in mid-morning for the 151 KM drive. As you leave the flat lands of Chitwan, the road winds upward along the hills, reaching the 1,350 M elevation of the capital city. This drive typically takes 5 – 6 Hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions along the Prithvi Highway. You will stop for a break along the way, where you can see the fast-flowing rivers and terraced farms that define the middle hills of Nepal. The trip ends with a drop-off at your hotel or the bus station in Kathmandu.
Note: If you would prefer to be driven to Pokhara rather than returning to Kathmandu, we can arrange a drop-off there so you can continue with your next destination.
Inclusion/Exclusion in Chitwan National Park Tour – 2 Night 3 Days
What's Included
- Kathmandu to Chitwan to Kathmandu by Deluxe Tourist Bus.
- 2 nights’ hotel in Kathmandu (before and after the trip).
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with tea/coffee).
- Chitwan National Park fees.
- Hotel in Chitwan.
- All jungle programs in Chitwan.
- Jungle guide during Chitwan safari.
Cost Excludes
- Hard and soft table drink; Coke, Fanta, Mineral Water, Juice, beer etc.
- Meals on the way to Kathmandu.
- Tips for staff.
Private Trip Booking
Prefer a more personal journey? Our private packages offer flexible dates, custom itineraries, and dedicated support—perfect for those seeking a tailored travel experience.
Chitwan Jungle Safari 2Nights 3 Days Photo Gallery
Chitwan National Park Tour – 2 Night 3 Days Trip Information
Can we do the Chitwan National Park Tour without a Guide?
No, you cannot tour Chitwan National Park without a guide. The Nepal Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) requires all foreign visitors to be accompanied by a licensed nature guide for any activity within the core park area. This rule applies to jungle walks, jeep safaris, and canoe rides to ensure the safety of both tourists and the wildlife.
Here are some reasons why you need a guide for all kinds of Chitwan National Park tour packages.
Wildlife Safety Protocols
The park is home to dangerous wildlife, including the One-horned Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger, and the Wild Elephant. Unlike a zoo, these animals roam freely in dense, tall grass and thick forests. A guide is trained to recognize warning signs of an animal charge and knows exactly how to react, such as finding a climbable tree or standing ground. Walking alone would put you at extreme risk of a fatal encounter.
Tough Navigation
Chitwan National Park covers an area of 952 SQ KM. The park has many animal paths and seasonal trails that change every monsoon. Without a guide, it’s easy to get lost in the dense Sal forest or stuck in marshy areas. Guides know the local geography well and use landmarks to help you return to the park gate before sunset.
Tracking and Education
Licensed guides are expert naturalists. They can identify animals by their alarm calls, fresh tracks, and droppings, especially during the Chitwan Jungle Safari. They know the specific waterholes and riverbanks where animals gather at different times of day. Without their expertise, you would likely walk past hidden wildlife without noticing them. They also provide essential information about the ecosystem and ensure that visitors follow the “Leave No Trace” policy to protect the park.
What Are Permits Requirement For Chitwan National Park Tour?
To enter Chitwan National Park, you must purchase a park entry permit. In 2026, the daily fee for foreign tourists is 2,000 NPR (USD 14). Visitors from SAARC countries pay a reduced rate of 1,000 NPR (USD 7), while Nepali citizens pay 150 NPR. These permits are valid for a single entry and expire at the end of the day. If you plan to spend multiple days inside the park for safaris or jungle walks, you must buy a new permit each morning. You can get these tickets at the park entrance gates in Sauraha or at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.
Beyond the basic entry permit, specific activities require additional fees and rules. A mandatory nature guide must accompany you for any jungle walk or safari activity to ensure safety. Jeep safaris, canoe rides, and visits to the Elephant Breeding Center involve separate costs ranging from 500 NPR (USD 3.5) to 5,000 NPR (USD 35), depending on the duration and group size. Most travelers book a 2-night or 3-day package, which usually covers the permits, guide fees, and all meals. Make sure to carry your passport for the permit registration process at the gate.
Best Time For Chitwan National Park Tour
The best time to visit Chitwan National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from October to March. During these months, the skies remain clear, and the weather is mild, with temperatures typically ranging from 10 °C (50 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F). This period follows the monsoon rains, so the landscape is lush and green, but the forest tracks are dry enough for jeep safaris. January and February are particularly unique because the tall elephant grass is cut by local villagers, which significantly improves your chances of spotting Greater One-horned Rhinos and Bengal Tigers near the watering holes.
If you prefer birdwatching or can handle more intense heat, April and May are also excellent options. During this pre-monsoon period, temperatures can climb above 35 °C (95 °F), prompting many animals to head to the Rapti River to drink and cool down. While the humidity is higher, the migratory birds are most active during this time, and the forest canopy is less dense. Most travelers avoid the park from June to September because heavy monsoon rains cause rivers to swell, making many jungle tracks impassable for vehicles.
What Kind Of Wildlife Can One Expect To See During A Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour?
Chitwan National Park is home to a high density of large mammals, making it one of the premier wildlife destinations in Asia. The most iconic resident is the greater one-horned rhinoceros, with over 700 roaming the grasslands and riverine forests at 150 M altitude. You have a high chance of seeing these prehistoric-looking animals grazing or bathing in the Rapti River.
The park is also a major refuge for the royal Bengal tiger, though these big cats are more elusive and typically stay hidden in the dense sal forests. Other large mammals include the asian elephant, sloth bear, and the gaur (wild bison). You will also frequently see various species of deer, such as the spotted deer (chital), hog deer, and the larger sambar deer, often accompanied by rhesus macaques or gray langur monkeys in the canopy.
The park’s river systems and wetlands support a distinct range of reptiles and birds. While canoeing, you can observe two types of crocodiles: the fish-eating gharial, known for its long, thin snout, and the broader marsh mugger. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 540 species recorded throughout the year.
During the winter season, migratory birds like the ruddy shelduck and bar-headed goose fly from Siberia to the park’s warmer waters. Resident birds include the colorful giant hornbill, peafowl, and various kingfisher species. Whether you are in a jeep, on a canoe, or on a jungle walk, the diverse ecosystem ensures a variety of sightings across the protected area.
2 Night 3 Days Chitwan National Park Tour Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Chitwan National Park Tour 2 Nights 3 Days and the 3 Nights 4 days option?
Is an elephant safari part of the Chitwan National Park Tour guided tour?
Why choose this Chitwan safari package for discovering Chitwan's wonders of wildlife?
What kinds of bird species can you see during a Chitwan National Park tour?
What does the park offer for exploring the jungle during a Chitwan National Park tour?
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