3-day jungle safari in Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu

Canoe the Rapti River at dawn, then hunt tigers and rhinos by jeep through one of Asia's best-preserved parks.

A 3-day jungle safari from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park combines canoeing along the Rapti River, jeep safaris through the park, and guided walks with a naturalist to spot wildlife including one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tigers, and over 500 bird species. Meals on day two come with a traditional Tharu stick dance; accommodation is in Sauraha, the gateway town; an English-speaking guide leads the wildlife and cultural components throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and cultural tour in Chitwan

• Depart Kathmandu at 7:00 am
• Arrive Sauraha at 1:00 pm
• Transfer to hotel and lunch
• Visit Tharu Village at 2:30 pm
• Explore Chitwan Museum
• Watch sunset at Rapti River
• Enjoy traditional Nepali dinner

Day 2: Canoeing and jeep safari adventure

• Breakfast at hotel
• Canoeing on Rapti River at 7:00 am
• Walk along riverbank with naturalist
• Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park
• Traditional Nepali dinner and Tharu dance

Day 3: Bird watching and departure

• Bird watching walk along Rapti River
• Depart Chitwan for Kathmandu at 9:30 am

The experience

The tour starts at 7 am from Kathmandu's Nayabazar bus stop in a luxury coach, arriving in Sauraha by 1 pm. After lunch and a rest at your hotel, a 2:30 pm pickup takes you to Chitwan Tharu Village to walk through the settlement and learn how the Tharu community has lived in harmony with the surrounding forest for generations. You'll also visit the Chitwan Museum to explore the park's wildlife and local traditions before watching the sunset from the Rapti River banks, followed by a traditional Nepali dinner nearby.

Day two is the core safari experience. A 7 am pickup begins with canoeing along the Rapti River in a small wooden boat piloted by a local guide who points out the ecosystem, two rare crocodile species (Marsh Mugger and Gharial), and riverbank birds. After the canoe, a walk with an experienced naturalist explores the flora and fauna along the banks. The afternoon jeep safari takes you deep into the park to search for deer, one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, sloth bear, and Royal Bengal tiger in their natural habitat. The guide briefs you on safety and what to expect. The evening brings a traditional Nepali meal and Tharu stick dance performance where you learn about the culture firsthand.

Day three starts with a guided bird-watching walk along the Rapti River with the naturalist, targeting the park's 500-plus avian species including Kingfishers, Herons, Egrets, Storks, Woodpeckers, and Raptors. You depart for Kathmandu at 9:30 am by luxury coach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on day two are included. The coach, accommodation in Sauraha, and the English-speaking naturalist guide cover the rest of the logistics.

What’s included

• Luxury air-conditioned coach from Kathmandu to Sauraha and back.
• accommodation at a hotel in Sauraha for two nights.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner on day two, plus breakfast on days one and three.
• canoeing along the Rapti River with a local boat operator.
• guided nature walks with an experienced naturalist.
• jeep safari through Chitwan National Park.
• visits to Chitwan Tharu Village and Chitwan Museum.
• traditional Tharu stick dance performance.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:45

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Rainbow Safari Tours

Is this one for you?Book this 3-day version if you want both canoe and jeep safari in one trip. A 1-day option won't cover both activities, while longer itineraries explore different park regions.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What wildlife might I actually see on the jeep safari in Chitwan?

Chitwan National Park is home to over 700 wildlife species. You have a real chance to encounter one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various deer species in their natural habitat during the afternoon jeep ride on day two. The park's conservation efforts are considered among the most successful worldwide.

How much time do I spend actually in the park versus traveling?

Day one is arrival and a cultural visit to Tharu Village and the museum. Day two is entirely in the park: canoeing from 7 am, a naturalist walk, and the jeep safari in the afternoon, plus the evening cultural program. Day three is a morning bird-watching walk, then departure at 9:30 am for the return to Kathmandu.

What is the Tharu stick dance and when does it happen?

The Tharu stick dance is a traditional performance by the local Tharu community that takes place on the evening of day two, after dinner. It gives you a chance to learn about Tharu traditions and culture directly from the people who live near the park.

Is the guide experienced with wildlife, and what language do they speak?

The naturalist guide is experienced and leads the walks and safaris throughout the tour. The guide speaks English and provides insights about the park's ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and safety precautions during each activity.

What meals are included, and are there dietary options?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on day two. Day one includes lunch and dinner. Day three includes breakfast. All meals are traditional Nepali cuisine served in Sauraha. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately if you wish.