Best of Bardia – 5 days
Paired with the neighboring Banke National Park, Bardia forms the largest, undisturbed wilderness in the Terai region. Approximately 70% of the park is covered in open sal forests, while the rest comprises a blend of grasslands, savannah, and riverine forests.
The park is a sanctuary for endangered creatures like Bengal tigers, wild elephants, Greater one-horned rhinoceroses, swamp deer, and blackbucks. It's also home to other endangered species, including Gharial crocodiles, Marsh muggers, and Gangetic dolphins. Among the endangered bird species in the park are Bengal floricans, lesser floricans, and sarus cranes. With more than 30 different mammal species, over 200 bird species, and various snakes, lizards, and fish, the park's forest, grassland, and river are thriving with biodiversity. Additionally, the park plays host to migratory birds throughout the year.
Activities in Bardia revolve around the jungle, offering jeep safaris, jungle walks, and tranquil boat rides along the Karnali River. We also recommend immersing yourself in the Tharu villages on the jungle's fringes. This provides insight into how past conflicts between humans and wildlife have been transformed into mutually beneficial solutions. Discovering the rich Tharu culture alone makes a visit to this remarkable part of Nepal worthwhile.
Our "Best of Bardia" program combines two exceptional properties in Bardia. One is a unique camp situated in the buffer zone on the park's edge. It's an excellent place to learn about the challenges facing the local villages and offers opportunities to spot wildlife in less-visited areas. The other property is the remarkable Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, serving as our base for exploring Bardia National Park itself.
- Starts In: Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Ends In: Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Duration: 5 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Highlights
- A chance to spot the Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat
- Experience Tharu culture in the villages around the National park
- Soaking up the peacefulness of the jungle
- Spot the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros
- Stay at the best Safari camp and the best safari lodge in Nepal
Itinerary
Day 01: Journey West to Bardia National Park
We commence our journey with one of the routine daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, situated within the expansive southern plains of Nepal. Upon our arrival at Nepalgunj airport, we commence a westward drive of approximately two hours, leading us to Bardia National Park. Here, we reach just in time for a satisfying late lunch at our extraordinary wilderness haven, a micro-conservancy designed in the style of African Safaris.
Known as Burhan Wilderness Camps, this establishment occupies a vital segment of the Khata Wildlife Corridor and is managed by a dedicated team of conservation enthusiasts. It operates on the fundamental principle of ‘leaving no trace,’ minimizing reliance on permanent structures within the land. The camp is established only when we have guests arriving, preserving the area as a natural playground on other occasions. Wilderness enthusiasts can make the most of their stay while actively contributing to the ongoing protection of this critical land for both wildlife and local communities.
In the afternoon, our knowledgeable rangers or guides will provide you with a comprehensive orientation about the surrounding ecosystem, the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region, and all the exciting activities planned for the following day. To cap off your day, relish a mesmerizing sundowner experience by the banks of the Geruwa River in a luxurious setting, complete with delightful snacks and refreshing beverages.
Accommodation: Burhan Wilderness Camp
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Tiger tracking & Tharu culture
Burhan Wilderness Camp is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Greater One-Horned Rhinos, Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Smooth Coated Otters, abundant Spotted Deer (Chital), and a variety of bird species such as Black Ibis, Ruddy Shelduck, Greater Cormorants, Nightjars, Fishing Owls, and numerous seasonal visitors.
This morning, we embark on a walking safari in the riverine ecosystem within the Khata Wildlife Corridor, a critical link connecting Bardia National Park to Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. Our primary goal is to spot the elusive Tigers that inhabit the islands along the Geruwa River, all while indulging in some birdwatching. We return to camp for a leisurely late breakfast.
Following breakfast, we unwind at the camp until late morning, when we cross the river to where our vehicles await. From there, we journey to a local Tharu village, immersing ourselves in their culture and savoring a Tharu lunch.
We later return to the camp, and in the evening, we gather around a bonfire to enjoy captivating jungle stories from a Tharu Wisdom Keeper or savor traditional Sadana music performed by local Tharus.
Accommodation: Burhan Wilderness Camp
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Jungle safari adventures from Tiger Tops
This morning, we kick-start the day with a picturesque sunrise rafting expedition from the camp, which typically lasts around 45 minutes, depending on water levels. Our destination is Pathharboji village, where we’ll enjoy a delightful tea session at a local home shared with 68 welcoming family members. Here, our Tiger Tops naturalists will join us and transport us to the Karnali Lodge, where we’ll indulge in a hearty breakfast and complete the check-in process.
Note: If you have the luxury of extra time, we highly recommend extending your stay at Burhan to partake in the unique experience of patrolling and camera trapping with the local rangers of CBAPU (Community Based Anti-Poaching Unit).
In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we journey to the entrance of Bardia National Park. Once inside the park, we embark on a captivating walking safari. As we stroll through the jungle, keep an eye out for enchanting moments such as a mother rhino leading her young one down to the river for a refreshing drink. The air is filled with the chatter of monkeys and the melodious calls of birds in the nearby trees, often signaling the presence of a elusive Royal Bengal Tiger stealthily stalking deer amidst the tall grass. This extraordinary experience is truly unparalleled within the vast expanse of Bardia National Park!
Accommodation: Tiger Tops - Karnali Lodge
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Jungle safari adventures from Tiger Tops
Begin your day with the melodic symphony of the jungle’s vibrant birdlife. After a nourishing breakfast, embark on an exhilarating full-day jeep safari through the heart of the wilderness, all in pursuit of the elusive Tiger. Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist, you’ll be led to concealed observation points, scenic vistas, and prime wildlife habitats within Bardia National Park. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a rich display of the park’s diverse fauna.
During your adventure, savor a hearty packed lunch as you patiently await a sighting of the majestic creature with its striking orange and black stripes. On your return journey, pass by the National Park Headquarters, where a visit to the Gharial breeding center offers an encounter with the world’s rarest crocodile species.
As the sun dips below the horizon, make your way back to the lodge in the early evening, where you can unwind with a well-deserved cold beverage or a soothing hot shower. A delectable dinner will be the perfect ending to your unforgettable day.
Accommodation: Tiger Tops - Karnali Lodge
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Return to Kathmandu or Pokhara
This morning, we have the opportunity for one final safari before breakfast, marking the end of our jungle adventure. Afterward, we’ll say our farewells to the wilderness and set our course eastward towards Nepalgunj, where we’ll catch our return flight to either Kathmandu or Pokhara. As we journey, keep your eyes peeled; you might just be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of another Gharial or Marsh Mugger Crocodile as we cross the Babai River.
Meals included: Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
- Transfers as per the itinerary transfer to your hotel plus all other transfers for a domestic flight, as mentioned in the itinerary above, in a private vehicle
- Hotel/Camp nights in the properties specified in the itinerary; based on double/twin share rooms on bed and breakfast plan
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Domestic return flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and back including airport tax and airport transfers
- Jungle and village activities in Bardia
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
Single supplement - Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg landslides, strikes, fuel shortages, etc)
