Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set in the lowland Terai region 165 kilometres south-west of Kathmandu. It is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, elephants, leopards, and over 540 bird species. The dry season from October to March offers the best wildlife viewing. Jeep safaris, canoe trips, and guided jungle walks are the main ways to explore. Entry permits are required for foreign visitors. Book safaris a day in advance during peak season.
Most travellers head to Nepal for the mountains. Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit, the trekking routes carry the country’s reputation. But Nepal isn’t just rock and snow. Drop down from the highlands into the Terai lowlands and you find subtropical forest, slow rivers, and one of the best wildlife reserves in Asia. Chitwan National Park is where Nepal’s safari country lives, and it makes a strong second leg for any trekking trip.
Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s first national park, established in 1973 and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Covering 952 square kilometres in the Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal, the park is one of the country’s most important wildlife destinations and a highlight of many Nepal itineraries.
Located approximately 165 kilometres from Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park can be reached in around five to six hours by road. The main gateway to the park is Sauraha, a popular town near the eastern entrance that serves as a base for wildlife safaris and nature experiences.
Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Chitwan’s landscape is shaped by the floodplains of the Rapti, Narayani and Reu rivers. Its diverse mix of grasslands, sal forests and riverine habitats supports an extraordinary range of wildlife, making it one of the best places in Nepal for wildlife viewing and jungle adventures.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Size | 952 square kilometres |
| Established | 1973 |
| UNESCO status | World Heritage Site (1984) |
| Location | Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal |
| Distance from Kathmandu | 165 kilometres (5 to 6 hours by road) |
| Closest town | Sauraha (eastern entrance) |
Chitwan is one of the few places in the world where you can spot both the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger in the same morning.
Over 540 species, including:
A safari is the best way to experience Chitwan National Park’s wildlife, with several options available depending on how much time you have and the type of experience you’re seeking.
A jeep safari is ideal for covering larger areas of the park and reaching more remote habitats where sightings of rhinos, deer and, with luck, Bengal tigers are possible. Morning departures, typically around 6:30am, offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
For a quieter experience, a canoe trip on the Rapti River provides excellent opportunities to spot crocodiles, water birds and rhinos along the riverbanks. Canoe excursions are often combined with a short guided jungle walk.
A guided jungle walk offers the most immersive wildlife experience, allowing visitors to explore Chitwan on foot with experienced guides. While this can provide close encounters with wildlife, it also requires following guide instructions carefully, particularly when animals such as rhinos or sloth bears are nearby.
While elephant-back safaris were once common in Chitwan, they are increasingly being phased out for ethical reasons. Most reputable operators now focus on wildlife experiences that prioritise animal welfare and responsible tourism.
he best time to visit Chitwan National Park is during the dry season, from October to May, when wildlife viewing is at its strongest and conditions are more comfortable. From October to February, travellers can expect clear weather, lower water levels and excellent safari conditions, as animals often gather near the rivers. This is peak season, especially in November and December, so it is best to book six to eight weeks ahead.
From March to May, Chitwan becomes hotter, with afternoon temperatures reaching 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, but tiger sightings can be better as the foliage thins and crowds reduce. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rain, leeches on trails, partial park closures and a lush green landscape, making it less reliable for safaris. If you are combining wildlife with trekking, explore our Nepal tours for itineraries that pair Chitwan with Nepal’s trekking regions.
If you’re combining safaris with trekking elsewhere in Nepal, see our Nepal tours for itineraries that pair Chitwan with the trekking regions.
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, cool | October to February | Clear weather, low water levels, animals gather at rivers, peak season |
| Dry, hot | March to May | Best tiger sightings as foliage thins, hot afternoons (35 to 40°C), reduced crowds |
| Monsoon | June to September | Heavy rain, leeches on trails, park partially closed, lush landscape |
Chitwan gives you a different side of Nepal. Slow river drifts, dawn jeep tracks through tall grass, real chances to see rhinos and tigers in the wild. It pairs naturally with a trekking trip and gives you two or three days of low-altitude wildlife after the mountains. Book in the dry season, choose an operator that has dropped elephant-back safaris, and let the park surprise you.
Ready to combine Chitwan with the Annapurna or Everest regions? Take a look at our Nepal tours
In the Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal, around 165 kilometres south-west of Kathmandu. The main entry town is Sauraha.
October to February for the best balance of weather and wildlife viewing. March to May is best for tiger sightings but very hot. Monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain and partial closures.
Yes. All safaris and walks must be accompanied by a licensed guide. Lodges arrange guides as part of safari packages.
Booking a day or two ahead is recommended during peak season (October to February). Jeep safaris and canoe trips fill quickly.
One-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, gaur, crocodiles, monkeys, and over 540 species of birds.
Jeep safaris, canoe trips on the Rapti River, and guided jungle walks. Elephant-back safaris are being phased out on ethical grounds.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
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