The first national park of Nepal, Chitwan National Park, has served nature lovers and wildlife safari enthusiasts for well over five decades. It’s one of the country's ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and approximately 300,000 tourists visit here each year.
It’s home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a go-to destination for every naturalist. While you're here, expect to witness diverse ecosystems, ranging from the Churia Hills and oxbow lakes to the floodplains of the Rapti, Reu, and Narayani rivers.
The jungle safari we’re talking about in this 4-day Altitude Himalaya package is considered one of the best in the country. As your travel partner, we ensure you have an unforgettable experience with activities like the jeep safari, jungle walk, and canoe ride.
You’ll also visit Bis Hazari Lake during this trip, a perfect for birdwatching. And let’s not forget the Tharu Cultural Village tour, which offers in-depth insights into the indigenous community and their day-to-day life.
All set to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Sauraha, Chitwan? Before we dive into the itinerary, let’s begin by understanding the experience that Altitude Himalaya promises to deliver:
Discover Tharu Culture on a Village Tour
While Chitwan might be famous for its wildlife safaris, it’s essential to recognize those who have made it all possible. It’s none other than the indigenous Tharu community!
Your Chitwan journey begins by interacting with the wonderful people here who are the original inhabitants of the region. They are known for their significant contributions to the cultural and ecological landscape of Chitwan.
On this short village walk, you’ll get to learn about their unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions. You’ll stroll past their bamboo and mud houses, capturing photographs and saying namaste to everyone, warmly welcoming you to their homes.
In fact, we’ll also take you to a Tharu Cultural Museum for an in-depth exploration of their history. It features paintings, antiquities, instruments, and other cultural displays.
Enjoy Traditional Tharu Dances in a Cultural Show
From the previous village tour itself, you might already have gotten a glimpse of how hospitable the Tharu people truly are. You’ll understand this even better when you return to your resort, where they’ll be ready with a cultural show.
The program will be organized within the resort, where you’ll have the opportunity to both watch and participate in their local dances, such as the Sakhiya dance and Lathi Nach (stick dance).
Explore Wildlife on a Jeep Safari
Now, let’s talk about the main adventures in Chitwan National Park. To start off, there’s the early morning jungle jeep safari, which offers the best chances to spot the park’s incredible wildlife. You will also be accompanied by a naturalist or a nature guide on this safari.
While spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger and other endangered species is rare, you’ll definitely catch glimpses of deer, monkeys, elephants, rhinos, sloth bears, wild boars, and various species of birds here.
One mistake many travelers make on this journey is focusing only on the animals, forgetting the park’s stunning variety of flora. Know that your jeep safari takes you through dense sal trees, but you’ll also come across elephant grass, giant cane, Khagra reed, Palash trees, crimson flowers, silk cotton trees, and so much more!
Glide Along the Rapti River in a Canoe
Chitwan National Park isn’t limited to terrestrial wildlife. It’s equally rich in aquatic life. Home to the endangered Gharials and Marsh Crocodiles!
Besides, the Rapti and Narayani Rivers, which flow through the national park, host over 100 species of fish, along with Asian water monitor lizards, Ganges softshell turtles, and more.
To get closer to these aquatic wildlife, Altitude Himalaya has arranged a special canoe ride for our guests, where you’ll be accompanied by a professional guide.
All you have to do is sit in the handcrafted wooden Patela boat and stay silent as you glide past alligators and crocodiles.
Explore the Jungle with a Guided Walk
Nothing beats the experience of walking through the heart of Chitwan National Park, navigating your way into the wild. You can pause wherever you like, take photos of the flora and fauna, and even enjoy a dry picnic if you wish to.
The jungle walk is also a guided tour, with a naturalist and a local nature guide by your side at all times. You’re welcome to ask questions about the wildlife you encounter in the jungle. Or if you have the right knowledge, share it with the team!
During this adventure, you’ll also visit both the Elephant and Crocodile Breeding Centres.
Spot Rare Birds at Bis Hazari Lake
Bis Hazari Lake, also known as Twenty Thousand Lake, is a forested wetland that's incredibly popular for birdwatching. In addition to resident birds, it’s also home to migratory waterfowl and wading birds.
Altitude Himalaya has scheduled this activity early in the morning, as bird activity is typically at its peak during that time. So, while exploring the lake, don’t forget to take out your phone or camera to capture snaps of some of the rarest birds on the planet.
170 Km