Bardia National Park Wilderness & Royal Bengal Tiger Safari
$1100
per person
Bardia National Park is the crown jewel of Nepal’s protected wilderness, encompassing 968 square kilometers (374 square miles) of pristine, undisturbed Terai ecosystems. Established in 1988, Bardia stands as the largest and most authentic wildlife sanctuary in lowland Nepal. Unlike the heavily commercialized national parks elsewhere, Bardia preserves a truly untouched wilderness where dense Sal forests, extensive riverine woodlands, and sweeping Savannah grasslands provide sanctuary to some of the world’s most critically endangered species.
Renowned internationally for possessing one of the highest densities and best sighting success rates of the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris), Bardia also provides vital habitat for wild Asian Elephants, Greater One-Horned Rhinoceroses, endangered Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Blackbucks, and more than 30 mammal species. The aquatic corridors of the Karnali and Babai river systems host the critically endangered Gharial crocodile, Marsh Mugger, and the rare freshwater Gangetic Dolphin. With over 400 recorded avifaunal species—including the endangered Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican, White-rumped Vulture, and Sarus Crane—Bardia is a paradise for ornithologists and discerning wildlife enthusiasts.
Handcrafted by The Regal Retreat, this 7-day expedition seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage in Kathmandu with exhilarating jungle expeditions in Western Nepal. Guests enjoy private guided walking safaris with seasoned local trackers, exclusive 4WD open jeep safaris deep into remote riverine zones, immersive encounters with the indigenous Tharu community, and boutique, eco-luxury resort accommodations offering warm Nepalese hospitality and farm-to-table cuisine.
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Each tour package showed is for the general information as all the packages are highly customizable according to our valued guests
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR EXPERIENCE
- • Round-trip domestic scheduled flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu (KTM–KEP–KTM) including all passenger airport taxes.
- • All private airport transfers in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.
- • 3 Nights accommodation at a selected 4-Star Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu (Deluxe Room on Bed & Breakfast basis).
- • 3 Nights accommodation at a Premium Jungle Safari Resort in Bardia (Thakurdwara) on Full Board (AP - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- • Full-day guided cultural sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley with a licensed government cultural guide and private vehicle.
- • Full-day guided deep wilderness jungle walk and Royal Bengal Tiger tracking in Bardia with senior naturalists and local trackers.
- • Full-day private 4WD open jeep safari inside core sectors of Bardia National Park.
- • All Bardia National Park entry permits, conservation fees, community forest entrance charges, and government taxes.
- • Guided Tharu tribal cultural village tour, Crocodile Breeding Center, and Elephant Center excursion.
- • Traditional Tharu cultural dance performance in Bardia.
- • Official government taxes, 13% VAT, and agency service charges.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- • International airfare to and from Kathmandu and international airport departure taxes.
- • Nepal entry visa fees (USD 30 for 15 days / USD 50 for 30 days, obtainable upon arrival at TIA Airport).
- • Comprehensive travel, medical, and emergency helicopter evacuation insurance (mandatory).
- • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except welcome/farewell meals if arranged).
- • Monument and heritage entrance fees in Kathmandu Valley (approx. USD 35 per person total, payable on site).
- • Personal bar bills, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, soft drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenses.
- • Gratuities and tips for tour guides, naturalists, safari drivers, hotel staff, and luggage porters.
- • Any additional expenses arising due to flight delays, weather disruptions, roadblocks, strikes, or political events.
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Tour Plan
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Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu – Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m)
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be warmly received by The Regal Retreat's dedicated airport representative outside the arrival terminal hall. You will be transferred in a private, comfortable vehicle to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Kathmandu. After check-in and refreshments, attend an orientation and trip briefing session with your expedition leader covering the safari schedule, wildlife viewing etiquette, and safety guidelines. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax or take a gentle stroll through the vibrant, culturally rich alleyways of Thamel.
Overnight: Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu | Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (BB)
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Day 02: Full-Day Cultural Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley
Following a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day guided heritage tour of the Kathmandu Valley accompanied by a licensed cultural historian guide and private transport. Begin at Patan Durbar Square (the City of Fine Arts), renowned for its intricate Newari wood carvings, the octagonal stone Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), and Kumbheshwor Temple. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square to admire the ancient royal courtyards, Taleju Temple, and the sacred residence of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar).
In the afternoon, visit the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site of Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, followed by Boudhanath Stupa—one of the largest spherical Buddhist stupas in the world and center of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality in Nepal. Conclude the cultural circuit at Swoyambhunath (the legendary Monkey Temple), perched atop a scenic hilltop offering sweeping panoramic vistas across the entire Kathmandu Valley basin at sunset.
Overnight: Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu | Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (BB)
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Day 03: Scenic Domestic Flight to Nepalgunj & Scenic Drive to Bardia National Park (Thakurdwara)
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for a scenic 50-minute scheduled flight along the southern sub-Himalayan plains to Nepalgunj Airport (KEP) in Banke District. Upon landing, you will be met by our private safari transfer team and driven west through fertile Terai landscapes, crossing the Karnali River basin to Thakurdwara (~90 km, approx. 2 hours drive)—the picturesque gateway village to Bardia National Park.
Check into your premium safari resort, where you are greeted with a welcome drink and a briefing on park regulations. In the late afternoon, embark on an authentic walking tour of the traditional Tharu tribal village. Discover unique Tharu vernacular mud-and-thatch architecture, agricultural traditions, and customary handicrafts. Conclude your day with a mesmerizing sunset over the wilderness riverbanks followed by a gourmet dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Premium Wildlife Safari Resort, Bardia (Thakurdwara) | Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 04: Full-Day Wilderness Jungle Walk & Royal Bengal Tiger Tracking in Bardia National Park
Awake to the dawn chorus of tropical and migratory birds. After an early morning hearty breakfast, set out on a thrilling full-day guided deep jungle walking safari into the core wilderness zones of Bardia National Park. Accompanied by our seasoned senior naturalist and experienced local trackers equipped with bamboo safety batons, you will explore riverine forests, open grasslands, and dense Sal woodlands on foot.
Bardia is renowned as Nepal's best destination for tracking wild Royal Bengal Tigers on foot. Your trackers will identify fresh pugmarks, territorial scratchings, and alarm calls from deer and langurs to position you discreetly at prime observation machans (watchtowers) and river vantage points. Enjoy a packed wilderness picnic lunch in a shaded jungle hideout. In addition to tigers, watch for Asian Wild Elephants, One-Horned Rhinoceroses, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, and rare avifauna such as the Bengal Florican and Great Hornbill. Return to the lodge before dusk for evening refreshments and dinner.
Overnight: Premium Wildlife Safari Resort, Bardia | Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 05: Full-Day 4WD Open Jeep Safari, Breeding Centers & Karnali River Exploration
Today is dedicated to an extensive 4WD Open Jeep Safari traversing deep, remote sectors of Bardia National Park inaccessible by foot. Board your specialized open-top 4WD safari vehicle after breakfast. The safari takes you through varied ecological zones—dense Sal canopy, expansive phantas (grasslands), and lush riverine corridors.
Stop at the Crocodile Breeding Center to observe endangered Gharial and Marsh Mugger conservation projects, as well as the Elephant Care Center. Proceed along the scenic riverbanks of the Karnali and Babai rivers, keeping your binoculars ready to spot freshwater Gangetic River Dolphins surfacing for air, otters playing along the shallows, and massive Gharials sunning on sandbanks. The jeep safari provides excellent photographic vantage points for large mammal herds and apex predators. Return to the resort in the late afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a vibrant traditional Tharu cultural stick dance performance around a bonfire.
Overnight: Premium Wildlife Safari Resort, Bardia | Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 06: Early Morning Nature Walk, Drive to Nepalgunj Airport & Flight to Kathmandu
Enjoy a serene early morning bird-watching walk along the park periphery and riverbanks to capture morning bird sightings, or relax in the peaceful garden surroundings of the resort. After breakfast, bid farewell to the resort staff and board your private vehicle for the 2-hour return drive to Nepalgunj Airport.
Board your scheduled flight back to Kathmandu (50 minutes), gazing out over the Churia hills and mountain landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our private vehicle will transfer you to your boutique hotel. The afternoon is yours to indulge in last-minute souvenir shopping for authentic Pashmina, Thangka paintings, and handcrafted tea in Thamel, or enjoy relaxing spa therapies. In the evening, celebrate the successful wildlife expedition with a special farewell dinner.
Overnight: Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu | Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (BB)
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Day 07: Leisure Morning & Private Transfer for Final Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your international flight departure schedule, you may spend your morning relaxing or visiting nearby local markets and cafes. At the appointed time (3 hours prior to your international departure flight), our driver and airport representative will pick you up from the hotel and provide a smooth, private vehicle transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your onward flight home, taking with you unforgettable wilderness memories of Nepal's wild west.
Overnight: Final Departure | Meal Plan: Breakfast Included
