Chitwan National Park (CNP), formerly called "Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), covering an area of 932 square kilometres, is the oldest national park and indubitably the most popular safari destination in Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The RCNP is located in the sub-tropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in the Chitwan district, 200kms southwest of Kathmandu.
The Park contains unique ecosystems, with low- lying hills, ox-bow lakes, and flood plains. Although the vegetation is dominated by sal forests, the reserve boasts fifty species of grasses. The wealth of wildlife is no less staggering at forty-three species of animals on record. To name only a few of the denizens that call this wilderness home are the protected one-horned Asian rhino, the critically endangered Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, the gharial, marsh crocodiles, the gaur, wild elephants, the four-horned antelope, numerous species of deer, the striped hyena, the pangolin, the Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizards, cobras, kraits, rat snakes and pythons. The park also boasts over four hundred bird species, both locally resident and migratory.
Chitwan National Park (CNP), formerly called "Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), covering an area of 932 square kilometres, is the oldest national park and indubitably the most popular safari destination in Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The RCNP is located in the sub-tropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in the Chitwan district, 200kms southwest of Kathmandu.
The Park contains unique ecosystems, with low- lying hills, ox-bow lakes, and flood plains. Although the vegetation is dominated by sal forests, the reserve boasts fifty species of grasses. The wealth of wildlife is no less staggering at forty-three species of animals on record. To name only a few of the denizens that call this wilderness home are the protected one-horned Asian rhino, the critically endangered Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, the gharial, marsh crocodiles, the gaur, wild elephants, the four-horned antelope, numerous species of deer, the striped hyena, the pangolin, the Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizards, cobras, kraits, rat snakes and pythons. The park also boasts over four hundred bird species, both locally resident and migratory.
Day to day activity
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to the Jungle Lodge.
Day 2: Briefing with regard to the activities and room assignation. Late afternoon jungle safari on elephant back enables one to penetrate deep into the jungle for sighting animals and photographing wildlife. Alternately, a jungle walk can be organized in order to get a closer view of the abundant bird life, flora and fauna of the park. If one is lucky, one may see the rare, reclusive Royal Bengal tiger!
Our well stocked bar will cater to the needs of the thirsty. A hearty meal (choice of either continental or Nepali cuisine) will be served in the evening around the campfire.
Overnight at lodge
Day 3: Early morning elephant back jungle safari for 2/3 hours through thick, tall grass. This grass, commonly known as elephant grass, is dense and grows to a height of 18/20ft. It is the favorite habitat of the rhinoceros and other mammals.
After breakfast the guests are taken to the elephant stables where the senior naturalists will introduce them to their mounts and acquaint them with elephant lore. One may also to bathe the pachyderms in the river.
Lunch at the Lodge
Rest and relax in the afternoon at the lodge or take a drive through the jungle in a Land Rover.
Take a boat ride down the Narayani River where there are excellent chances of catching sight of a gharial, or getting to see mugger crocodiles sunbathing. If one is really lucky, one may get a glimpse of a freshwater or Gangetic dolphin frolicking in the waters. Otters and a vast variety of water birds can be seen as well. There is also the alternative of taking a nature walk along one of the park’s many trails or even doing some bird watching with one of the naturalists from a machan or watch tower.
Enjoy a hearty and tasty dinner served around the campfire.
Overnight at lodge
Day 4: Early morning elephant safari. After breakfast return to Kathmandu. A packed lunch will be provided for the journey.
>All meals as specified for trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee).
>Arrival pick up & departure.
>All internal local transport as per the itinerary.
>Internal flights
>All trekking arrangements including trekking permits, climbing permits, National Park entrance fees.
>Accommodation in twin sharing local lodges or best available places for accommodation,
>Trekking & Climbing leader & porter (salary, insurance, food, accommodation & other allowances).
>Basic first aid kit is carried by your leader.
>All hard ware gears
>Fare well dinner after the trip
>Kathmandu food lunch & dinner,
>International flights to Kathmandu,
>Tips for Porter, guide & other
>Personal climbing gears and climbing boot, clothing & equipment
>Personal expenditure, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, hot shower in the mountain region, mineral water, snacks, desserts.
>Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs
>Optional trips. Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control
>Visa fees & Travel insurance. Airport taxes
>Meals or drinks except the 3 main meals specified in itinerary
>Anything else not specified in the ‘included costs’ section above