Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Learn how to reach Sauraha, when to spot the most wildlife, and how to schedule your days in the Terai lowlands.
Chitwan National Park
Subtropical Inner Terai lowlands, Sauraha, Chitwan District
GPS 27.5341, 84.4525
Open directionsGetting there
Tourist buses and private cars are the main ways to reach the park.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Tourist bus from Kathmandu (Sorhakhutte) or Pokhara to Sauraha Tourist Bus Station | 5-7 hours | $8 - $15 (NPR 800 - 1,500) | Departs daily around 7:00 AM; includes AC, bottled water, plush 'sofa' seating on premium buses, and rest stops. |
| Car: Private car or taxi from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha or Meghauli) | 4-5 hours | $90 - $130 per vehicle | Offers the most flexibility and a faster, more comfortable ride along the scenic Prithvi Highway. |
| Tour: All-inclusive 2-3 day safari packages from Kathmandu or Pokhara | 2-4 days total | $150 - $250+ per person | Usually includes round-trip tourist bus transfers, accommodation, meals, daily park permits, and guided safari activities. |
When to go
- J
- F
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round. The best time to visit is from October to March for clear skies. For wildlife tracking, late January to March is optimal. During this time, the tall elephant grass is cut, making rhinos and tigers easier to see.
What to bring
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Single-use plastics should be minimized inside the park boundaries.
All rubbish must be carried out to protect the wildlife.
How the day runs
Maximize your time with a structured itinerary.
The typical schedule for visitors arriving from major cities.
- Depart Kathmandu/Pokhara
Board the daily tourist bus for a 5-7 hour journey to Sauraha.
- Arrive and settle in
Check into your hotel in Sauraha and have lunch.
- Tharu Village Walk
Take a short walk around the local community.
- Cultural Dance
Watch an evening Tharu cultural dance performance.
A full day dedicated to wildlife tracking inside the park.
- Canoe Ride
Take a dugout canoe on the Rapti River to spot crocodiles.
- Jungle Walk
Walk with two licensed guides through the sal forests.
- Jeep Safari
Join a half-day sharing jeep safari deeper into the park.
- River sunset
Watch elephants or rhinos bathing near the Rapti River Bank.
Packing for your safari
You must wear neutral-colored clothing like khaki, olive, or brown. Bright colors like red or white agitate the animals. Bring long-sleeved shirts and lightweight trousers to protect against mosquitoes and scratches.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes for jungle walks. Bring strong insect repellent containing DEET, high-SPF sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. A dry bag is useful during canoe rides.
Easiest way to do it
3-Day Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari Tour Package with Pick Up
72 h 4.9 (191)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Kathmandu -Chitwan -Kathmandu transfers by Tourist bus
From$200per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long is the bus ride from Kathmandu?
The tourist bus from Kathmandu to Sauraha takes 5 to 7 hours. Buses depart daily around 7:00 AM and cost $8 to $15.
Is Chitwan open in the monsoon season?
Yes, the park is open year-round. However, heavy rains can make some dirt tracks impassable, and tall grass limits wildlife visibility.
Where is the main entrance?
Sauraha is the primary tourist gateway town. It provides easy access to the Rapti River and most safari starting points.