This wildlife adventure focused on tiger tracking takes you deep into Bardia National Park, the very place where the Royal Bengal Tiger population tripled in just over a decade!
Just for you, we’ve organized a luxury stay in one of the top-notch jungle lodges combined with thrilling safaris and serene river rides. Not to forget, you’ll also be immersed in authentic Tharu culture. Clearly, this trip is more than just a vacation. It could actually be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with Nepal’s incredible wildlife.
Your journey begins in Kathmandu, the bustling capital often regarded as the ‘City of Temples’. After a warm welcome from our Altitude Himalaya team, you'll fly west to Nepalgunj and drive straight to Bardia, where the real jungle experience begins!
Across two different Jeep Safaris on separate days, you’ll ride in a comfortable open Land Rover, exploring the forest terrain within the park. And don’t worry! You’ll be accompanied by a seasoned naturalist who knows every corner of the jungle.
Next comes the River Safari, where a handcrafted canoe floats you down the Karnali River. It’s the same river that’s home to Gangetic dolphins, gharials, marsh crocodiles, otters, and other fascinating aquatic species.
One of the most unforgettable moments is the Sundowner Experience. Why? Well, picture yourself relaxing by the riverbank with a chilled drink in hand and freshly cooked snacks beside you, and you're watching the sunset. That imagination will come alive, and all you have to do is hit that ‘Book Now’ button!
Up next is the main adventure you’ve been waiting for: Tiger Tracking on Foot. Led by a professional tiger tracer, you'll head into the core jungle zones of Bardia and follow pugmarks, scat trails, scratch marks, and alarm calls. You'll hike, wait silently, and with a bit of luck, you’ll witness the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger right on the trail.
Finally, you return to Kathmandu, where a professional guide will take you through all four UNESCO World Heritage monument zones. The trip concludes with a farewell dinner and a cultural show!
Want to learn more about this package? Keep reading until the end, and you’ll understand why Altitude Himalaya is the right travel agency not just for the Bardia Tiger Tracking Tour, but for all your adventures across Nepal.
Facts About Bardia National Park
|
Established |
1976 AD |
|
Area |
968 sq. km. |
|
Location |
Karnali Province, Terai, Mid-West Nepal |
|
Bio-climatic zones |
Subtropical |
|
No. of mammals |
53 |
|
No. of birds |
230 |
|
No. of fish |
125 |
|
No. of reptiles + amphibians |
23 |
|
Plant species |
70% forest is Sal, Grassland forest, Riverine forest, 173 vascular plants, 140 dicots, 26 monocots, six ferns, one gymnosperm |
|
Human Population |
1,14,201 |
|
Municipalities/ Rural Municipalities |
5 / 3 |
|
Major Caste |
Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri |
|
Major Rivers |
Karnali, Geruwa, Babai, Orahi |
|
Elevation |
154m to 1564m |
Thrilling Jungle Jeep Safari Through Dense Forests
Bardia National Park’s Jeep Safari comes in a fully privatized Land Rover. With its raised seating, this service makes traversing the rugged terrain and bumpy forest tracks much more comfortable!
In this package, you’ll be included in two Jeep Safaris—one in the Karnali floodplain area and the other in the Babai Valley region. Both offer entirely different landscapes and unique opportunities to spot wildlife at different times and on different days.
The first safari takes you through open grasslands and riverbanks, which are ideal for spotting herds of deer, wild boars, and even the occasional tiger crossing the trail. On the other hand, the second safari ventures deeper into the sal forests, waterholes, and narrow jungle paths. These are the areas where wildlife tend to roam the most during the cooler hours.
Also, there’s a naturalist on every Jeep. These aren’t just ordinary guides! With years of experience, they’ve learned to read the jungle like a book. From explaining animal behavior to identifying birds just by their calls, they truly help you form a deeper connection with the Bardia forests.
Scenic River Safari Along the Karnali River
Another popular adventure is the canoe ride, where you’ll glide through the heart of Bardia National Park on a peaceful wooden raft along the Karnali River. You’ll immerse yourself in this activity as it brings you remarkably close to the rare aquatic life and riverside wildlife found here.
Your ride begins from the Chisapani Bridge, where the river widens into calm, slow-moving waters, which is ideal for wildlife viewing. The journey lasts no more than one or two hours, with gharials and marsh crocodiles lining the banks and birds soaring overhead.
Just like the Jeep Safari, a knowledgeable naturalist guide and a skilled canoe rider accompany you. This duo brings together deep expertise on the Karnali River, its birdlife, and aquatic species. Be sure to listen carefully to your naturalist as they point out riverbank behavior, birds, crocodile sightings, and even dolphins.
Unforgettable Sundowner Experience
After a long day of adventure, there’s no better way to cool off than with a sundowner by the bank of the Karnali River. It’s arranged by the very resort you're staying at!
As the sun slowly sets, you’ll get mesmerized watching the sky turn golden-orange. The reflection on the clean river flowing beside you gently soothes your mind.
This is a luxury experience designed to ease your work pressure, bring calmness within, and break the routine you’ve been living for so long!
Whether you’re here with your partner, family, or office group, the sundowner setting makes you pause and feel grateful. With your favorite drink in hand and some light snacks freshly prepared beside you, the evening becomes one of the most rewarding you’ve ever experienced!
Intense Tiger Tracking on Foot
The Bardia Tiger Tracking program is organized over two full days and involves a fully guided walking safari deep inside the western forests of Nepal.
The Royal Bengal Tiger, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, has seen a surprising population increase in Bardia, making it a popular destination for tourists like you!
Back in 2010, the park was home to just 18 tigers. But through active conservation and smart forest management, that number tripled by 2022. According to recent reports, there are now 125 of these tigers in Bardia National Park.
This also means that your chances of seeing the Royal Bengal Tigers have significantly improved. During the two days, you’ll explore different regions of the park guided by a professional tiger tracer.
You’ll begin on a Land Rover (just like the jeep safari), stopping at locations where tiger activity is highest. Then, with your guide, you’ll quietly continue on foot.
You’ll be looking for signs like scats, pugmarks, and scratch marks on trees, following trails that hint at the tiger’s movements. These signs are crucial in pinpointing their exact location.
Once the team identifies a high-probability zone, the waiting game begins. You’ll settle into a good vantage point and wait silently. Make sure to keep your cameras ready and, most importantly, your senses alert!
Immerse Yourself in Authentic Tharu Culture
Bardia is one of the ‘Tharu lands,’ and you’ll notice this as soon as you enter the district. Whether you’re driving through the countryside or walking around your lodge, you’ll be surrounded by Tharu people, their traditional homes, farming lifestyle, and warm hospitality!
One of the highlights organized by the hotel is the Tharu cultural program. With traditional music, stick dances, and folk songs performed in their own language, it’s a beautiful evening to relax and appreciate their local traditions.
While not included in our package, we still offer the option to join a Tharu village tour. It’s a great way to get a closer look at their way of life.
Conclude With Kathmandu’s Iconic Sights
After returning to Kathmandu from Bardia, your journey wraps up with one final dose of culture and history. You’ll be joined by a professional tour guide who’ll take you on a full-day sightseeing tour covering sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Here are the main highlights in Kathmandu:
- Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. You'll witness cremation rituals and devotion toward Lord Shiva from mostly Nepali and Indian Hindus.
- Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in the world, it’s surrounded by prayer wheels, small monasteries, the scent of incense, pigeons flying, and most importantly, people’s devotion while walking the kora.
- Swayambhunath Stupa: Known as the Monkey Temple, it’s located right atop a hill. It also offers panoramic views of Kathmandu along with the Langtang range (especially in autumn and winter).
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: This historic former royal courtyard is filled with temples, palaces, and traditional architecture that takes you centuries back to when Malla and Shah kings ruled Nepal. You’ll even find traces of how Kathmandu looked before Prithvi Narayan Shah captured the valley.
10 KM