In short
- Foreigner park entry costs NPR 2,000 per day.
- All permit fees exclude a mandatory 13% VAT.
- Guides, jeeps, and canoe rides cost extra.
In this article
Planning your budget for Chitwan National Park requires understanding the two-part pricing structure. You must pay a daily park entrance fee to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. After securing your permit, you pay separately for the specific safari activities you want to do.
How much is the entrance fee for Chitwan National Park?
The foreigner park entry fee is NPR 2,000 per person per day.
Citizens of SAARC nations pay NPR 1,000 per person per day. Nepali citizens pay NPR 150 per person per day. All of these base rates exclude the mandatory 13% VAT. You must keep this valid permit on your person at all times while inside the park.
Are safari activities included in the permit fee?
No, the daily permit only covers your access to the park.
You must book jeep safaris, dugout canoe rides, and jungle guides separately. Activity prices vary based on duration and the booking platform. Guided tours often bundle the park permit and activity costs together for convenience.
How much does a jeep safari in Chitwan cost?
A shared half-day jeep safari starts around $76 per person.
This price typically includes the jeep rental, a licensed guide, and your park entrance permit. Prices fluctuate by platform and specific inclusions. Shared jeeps are a budget-friendly way to cover core jungle areas, sal forests, and grasslands.
What is the cost of a walking safari?
A guided nature walk starts from approximately $37 for one to two hours.
Walking safaris allow you to track rhinos and tigers on foot. The park strictly requires you to hire at least two licensed jungle guides for safety. Booking a packaged walk covers the guide fees and hotel transfers.
Are multi-day safari packages a better deal?
All-inclusive packages range from $150 to $250+ per person and simplify logistics.
These 2-3 day tours usually include round-trip tourist bus transfers, meals, hotel stays, and daily park permits. They also bundle activities like canoe rides on the Rapti River and jeep safaris. Buying a package eliminates the need to handle individual daily fees at the gate.
Where does the entrance fee money go?
The park allocates 30% to 50% of your entrance fee to local Buffer Zone Communities.
These funds support wildlife conservation and infrastructure projects around Sauraha and the park borders. Your permit directly aids efforts to protect endangered species like the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and Royal Bengal tiger.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the entrance fee for Chitwan National Park?
The entrance fee is NPR 2,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 150 for Nepali citizens. These daily rates do not include the required 13% VAT.
Do I need a guide to enter Chitwan National Park?
Yes, you must be accompanied by guides for specific activities. Walking safaris strictly require at least two licensed jungle guides for your protection.
How much does a jeep safari in Chitwan cost?
A shared jeep safari costs roughly $76 per person. This usually covers your transportation, a guide, and the national park entrance permit, though prices vary by provider.
