Not Just Mountains
Most people come to Nepal for the Himalayas. But in the subtropical lowlands — the Terai — lies Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What You'll See
- One-horned rhinoceros: ~700 in the park. You'll almost certainly see one.
- Bengal tigers: ~93 in the park. Elusive, but tracks are everywhere.
- Gharial crocodiles: The long-snouted fish-eaters bask on riverbanks.
- Over 500 bird species: Chitwan is a birder's paradise.
A Typical Day
5:30 AM — Canoe ride through morning mist on the Rapti River. Crocodiles slide off mudbanks.
8:00 AM — Jeep safari into the core zone. Your naturalist guide reads footprints to track wildlife.
12:00 PM — Lunch at the lodge. Rest during the hottest hours.
3:30 PM — Walking safari through community forest with an armed guide.
7:00 PM — Tharu cultural performance. The Tharu people are indigenous to the Terai and their stick dance is mesmerising.
Best Time to Visit
October to March. The grass is cut in January, making wildlife spotting easiest.
