Bardiya National Park 8 Nights 9 Days Tour 2026

                                        
                                        duration
                                        9 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Easy
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        1,441m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Included
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        Hotel/Resort/Jungle Lodge in Thakurdwara
                                    
                                        season
                                        March, April, May, September, October, November

Overview

The Bardiya National Tour is an adventure involving wildlife, culture, and nature, consisting of touring in Kathmandu and then a long stay in Bardiya National Park. It is a 9-day package with a schedule of arrival in Kathmandu, visits to heritage and cultural sites, flying to Nepalgunj, staying at a comfortable hotel near Thakurdwara, experiencing Tharu culture, jungle safaris, activities at rivers, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. During the journey, one gets to discover sal forests, grasslands, riverbanks, swamps, and other types of habitat where one may encounter rhinos, wild elephants, deer, crocodiles, birds, and other types of wildlife. Bardiya National Park has been recognized for having tigers of Bengal and Gangetic dolphins, and hence there are chances to view some of the most interesting wildlife in Nepal depending on weather and visibility. This tour involves activities such as a day-long walking safari, open jeep safari, rafting and canoeing in the Karnali River, tracking through deep forest and jungle, and staying overnight. One will be able to visit a Tharu village, get to know their culture, and watch a Tharu stick dance show.

Details

The tour in Bardiya National Park is a perfect choice for those travelers who wish to explore Nepal in terms of its culture and wildlife at once. The tour starts in Kathmandu city, where tourists will get an opportunity to visit culturally and historically significant places like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Boudhanath. After that, tourists will head towards Bardiya to experience something different in addition to Himalayan trekking in Nepal.

The tours give you a chance to experience a variety of habitats in and around the Bardiya National Park, such as forests, plains, rivers, and wetlands. You will have a chance to do different activities that can help you explore the area and its wildlife. While a walking safari is all about tracking and observing the animals, the jeep safari helps you venture further into the park. With the Karnali River tour, you get the opportunity to look for Gangetic dolphins and water birds and with the machan tour, you get to have a more tranquil experience of the jungle. Apart from experiencing wildlife, you can also visit a Tharu village and discover their way of life and culture. For tourists who want to explore Kathmandu, wildlife, nature, adventure and culture within nine days, Bardiya National Tour is a good option.

Documents Required for Bardiya National Park Tour

Preparation of all these documents before going on a Bardiya National Tour will certainly be helpful. Various documents will be needed during the flight, hotel stay, park entry, and as identity proof. It is advisable to carry these documents both electronically and in print form.

Valid Passport: All foreign tourists are required to carry a valid passport throughout their tour. Information related to passports will be needed in connection with domestic flights, hotel, park, and other travel-related arrangements. It is advised that there should be another copy of the passport in electronic form.
Nepal Entry Visa: Foreign travelers traveling to Nepal must have a valid entry visa or visa on arrival to Nepal. Passport and information will have to be kept in proper order during the course of travel.
Details of Domestic Flights: Information about the booked domestic flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu will have to be kept safe, as these are important documents for check-in at the airport and for travel to Bardiya from the airport.
Bardiya National Park Entry Permit: Your Bardiya National Park entry permit is required for better management and conservation of wildlife.
Hotel and Tour Confirmation: Always ensure that you have your tour confirmation and details of the hotel reservation at hand during the entire trip. It will be helpful to you during check-ins and also in coordinating with your guides and transport companies.
Travel Insurance: Complete travel insurance is strongly recommended for the tour. Ideally, this will be an inclusion of everything about travel insurance, including costs for treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and many others.
Passport Size Photographs: Some recent passport-size photographs could prove helpful for permits or other purposes in Nepal. Having two or three extra photographs will be wise.

Trip Highlights

Combine your stay in Kathmandu with safaris and other adventures in one convenient 9-day package.
Enjoy bird watching in the forests, grassland, wetlands, and river regions of Bardiya National Park.
Visit the Crocodile Breeding Center and visitor center and learn about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Stay overnight in a jungle machan for a new perspective of the jungle and its wildlife.
Join a rafting trip or a traditional wooden canoe trip on the Karnali River and spot Gangetic dolphins and water birds.
Enjoy a performance of traditional Tharu stick dance and enjoy the local culture of the region.
Tour a Tharu village nearby and get insights into their culture and way of life.
Find out if you can spot the Bengal tigers amid the forests, savannas, and riverbanks of Bardia National Park.
Spot rhinos, elephants in the wild, deer, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Discover the Bardiya National Park through guided walks, safaris, open jeep safaris, bird watching, and deep jungle treks.
Travel to Nepalgunj via flight and then move towards Thakurdwara that leads you into the Bardiya National Park.
Discover the sights of culture and history in Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Boudhanath.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a representative, who will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Thereafter, you can have some time off either relaxing or exploring the area depending on your choice. On the basis of the timing of your arrival, you may have time to explore the marketplaces and streets of the city. Your guide will inform you about your itinerary and make you ready for your trip to the Bardiya National Tour. The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, provides a combination of historical architecture, traditional neighborhoods, temples, and city life, giving you a taste of Nepal for the first time.

Max Elevation: 1,400 m
Travel Distance: Approx. 6 km
Travel Hours: Approx. 30 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Guided Tour in Kathmandu

In the morning after your breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu city. The guide will accompany you throughout the day and explain to you the history, culture, architecture, and the spiritual meaning of the sites you will be visiting. There are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley which you will have a chance to visit.

A. Swayambhunath Stupa
It is also referred to as the Monkey Temple, and Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the ancient religious places in Kathmandu. It is located on a hill and provides you with a breathtaking view of the Kathmandu Valley. You can see prayer wheels, shrines, monasteries and prayer flags here. Religious devotees and monks who do their religious activities here can be seen here as well.

B. Pashupatinath Temple
One of the most sacred temples in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the religious places that are located near the Bagmati River. This temple boasts pagoda-style architecture along with shrines, statues, and many other religious structures.

C. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square used to be the royal seat of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom. It has been recognized for having some very well-preserved buildings of the Newari architecture style. There are a number of palaces, temples, courtyards and stone carvings in this place. Some of the most popular attractions in this location are the 55 Windows Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Golden Gate and Vatsala Temple.

D. Boudhanath Stupa
The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas found in Nepal and serves as an important pilgrimage point for Tibetan Buddhists. With its large white dome, gold spire, prayer flags and monasteries in the surroundings, the place is known for the unique atmosphere it creates. The place can be visited by people walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction.

Max Elevation: 1,400 m
Travel Distance: Approx. 40 km
Travel Hours: Approx. 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Kathmandu to Bardiya via Nepalgunj

Day 4: Tharu Culture and Local Exploration

Day 5: Full-Day Walking Safari

Day 6: Full-Day Jeep Safari

Day 7: Karnali River Rafting, Canoeing and Dolphin Sighting

Day 8: Machan Overnight and Deep Forest Tracking

Day 9: Bird Watching, Second Safari and Departure

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Transportation for pick-up and drop-off from Tribhuvan International Airport in a private car
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per the mentioned itinerary
Accommodation in comfortable hotels or resorts as per the mentioned itinerary
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per the mentioned itinerary
Experience and professionally qualified English-speaking tour guide
Professional naturalist and jungle safari guide for the Bardiya activities
Guide salary, food, accommodation and insurance
Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Domestic flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
All necessary transport for ground transport in a private car
Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
All entrance fees for the mentioned sightseeing places
Entry fee for the Bardiya National Park and all permits
Walking safari inside Bardiya National Park
Jeep safari, Birdwatching and nature activity
Tharu village visit and Tharu culture activity
Performance of Tharu stick dance
Tour of the Crocodile Breeding Center and Visitor Center
Rafting or canoeing on the Karnali River as per the mentioned itinerary
Jungle machan or watch tower
Experienced guide and equipment for all jungle activities
Airport and hotel transportation
Emergency rescue support during the tour
Government taxes and service charges
Service charge of the company

Exclusion

Nepal entry visa fee
Round-trip airfare to Nepal
Travel Insurance
Personal costs including phone call charges, laundry charges, snack charges, beverages, and bar charges
Additional food/drink which is not mentioned in the itinerary
Water bottles/Personal beverages
Personal medication costs and any medication bought
Medical evacuation cost and cost incurred during rescue operations
Extra hotel nights because of flight delay/cancellation/unforeseen events
Guide tip, driver tip, naturalist tip, and others' tips
Camera/video charges, if any
Optional activities/services if not listed in the Cost includes section of the itinerary.

Check List

The Bardiya National Tour involves jungle safaris, walking tours, boat rides, cultural tours, and bird watching. Wear comfortable and light clothing that suits the weather in the Terai region, as well as protective clothing for the jungle tour. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellents, and a small backpack are particularly recommended for the safari and walking tours.

Head

Wide-brimmed sun hat
Lightweight cap
UV-protected sunglasses
Neck gaiter or buff
High-SPF sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF

Hands

Lightweight gloves for walking activities
Hand sanitizer

Upper Body

Lightweight cotton T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts
Lightweight fleece or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
Lightweight waterproof or windproof jacket
Quick-dry shirts
Comfortable casual shirts for Kathmandu and Bardiya

Lower Body

Lightweight trekking trousers
Comfortable walking pants
Quick-dry trousers
Lightweight waterproof pants, if required
Comfortable casual trousers for sightseeing

Footwear

Comfortable hiking or walking shoes
Lightweight sandals
Breathable socks
Extra pairs of socks

Toiletries

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toilet tissue and wet wipes
Travel-size shampoo and soap
Quick-dry towel
Hand sanitizer
Insect repellent
Personal skincare products

Accessories

Small daypack
Reusable water bottle
Water purification tablets
Binoculars
Sunglasses case
Small travel pouch for essentials
Camera or smartphone

First Aid Kit

Personal medications
Basic painkillers
Antiseptic wipes
Bandages
Anti-diarrhea medicine
Motion sickness medicine
Blister care kit
Insect bite treatment

Miscellaneous Items

Power bank
Travel adapter
Camera and spare batteries
Binoculars
Small flashlight or headlamp
Small amount of Nepalese cash
Passport and important travel documents
Waterproof bag for electronic devices

Specific Gear for Women

Women travelers can carry a few additional personal items to make the journey more comfortable and convenient. Lightweight clothing, personal hygiene products, and comfortable footwear are useful during the walking safari, cultural visits, and other outdoor activities.

Comfortable sports bra
Sanitary pads or tampons
Lightweight comfortable innerwear
Extra undergarments
Hair ties, hair bands, or clips
Personal hygiene kit
Personal medications
Small cosmetic or toiletry pouch
Lightweight scarf or shawl

Trip FAQs

1. How long is the Bardiya National Tour?

The Bardiya National Tour is a 9-day package combining Kathmandu sightseeing with wildlife and cultural experiences in Bardiya National Park. This trip comprises arrival in Kathmandu, sightseeing, traveling from Nepalgunj to Bardiya, several jungle and culture programs, and leaving for Kathmandu.
2. What am I going to see during my visit to Bardiya National Park?

Bardiya National Park shelters various animals and birds. You will be able to see one-horned rhinos, elephants, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and lots of different types of birds. There are also Bengal tigers in this national park, but no animal sighting is assured.
3. Is the Bardiya National Tour appropriate for novices?

Yes, the tour can be participated in by individuals who lack prior safari or trekking experience. The tour activities have experienced guides or naturalists who will help out during the tours. But some of the tour activities, especially the walking safari, require a decent amount of physical fitness.
4. What tour activities are done in the Bardiya National Tour?

Guided tours around Kathmandu, a visit to the Tharu village, a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Center, a Tharu cultural show, a walking safari, a full-day jeep safari, Karnali River rafting/canoeing, deep jungle tracking, a machan, bird watching, and another safari are some of the activities in the Bardiya National Tour.
5. Am I able to see the Bengal tiger in Bardiya National Park?

Bardiya National Park is among the habitats of the Bengal tigers, and there is a chance of meeting them while going on safari. But wildlife viewing is unpredictable depending on animals' movements, weather, vegetation, and natural factors.
6. What should I wear for the Bardiya National Tour?

Light clothes are appropriate for most of the activities in Bardiya. For jungle trekking, long sleeves shirts and pants will be necessary, whereas for the safari, walking shoes will be needed. Sunglasses, sunblock, and insect repellents could also be useful. It is advised to bring along a jacket to be worn in the early morning and evening.
7. Do I need travel insurance for the Bardiya National Tour?

It is highly recommended that one takes travel insurance on the tour. The insurance should preferably cover medical expenses, evacuation, delays, and cancellations. This is very helpful since most of the activities take place in natural and remote settings.
8. When should the Bardiya National Tour be done?

The dry season is favorable for wildlife activities in Bardiya, especially from October to May. The activities in the national park and nature reserves become easier during these months. Nevertheless, the activities will depend upon the weather conditions and the migration of the wild animals.
9. Am I allowed to take photos during the safari?

Certainly, you can take photos during the safari and other activities. The places provide the option to photograph animals, birds, forests, rivers, communities and landscapes. Carry a camera or Smartphone with sufficient memory and battery capacity. You need to listen to the instructions provided by the guide when taking pictures during the wildlife activity.
10. Why go for the Bardiya National Tour rather than a short wildlife tour?

The Bardiya National Tour is for 9 days, including a Kathmandu cultural tour and various wildlife and nature activities in Bardiya. It provides the chance to enjoy walking and jeep safaris, bird watching, river activities, forest tracking, machan, and a Tharu culture experience. So the tour is good for those travelers who like to explore different wildlife and culture of Nepal in one tour.