Chitwan National Park

Nepal’s classic lowland wildlife park, known for one-horned rhinoceros, birds, river habitat, jungle activities and Tharu cultural experiences.

Photo gallery

Image moments

This section is database-ready and can grow as admin content is attached.

What Rhino, tiger habitat, canoeing, jungle safari, Tharu culture

Where Bharatpur

When October-March; April-June hot; July-September rainy

Entry Permit or entry fee may apply

Guides Guide recommended for safety/context

Safety Check weather, alerts and local rules

Visitor experience

Most visits revolve around safari drives or walks, canoe trips, birdwatching, buffer-zone villages and early-morning/evening wildlife movement. Sightings are possible, never guaranteed.

How to get there

NTB describes Kasara, the park headquarters, as a 21 km drive from Bharatpur; Bharatpur is around 20 minutes by air or 146 km by road from Kathmandu.

Permits and fees

Protected areas normally require entry permits or local fees. Use official sources or entry points to confirm the latest rate before travel.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are often easier for visibility and travel; monsoon can affect roads, rivers and trails; winter may affect high-altitude parks.

Safety notes

Use trained guides for jungle walks, follow canoe and vehicle instructions, keep distance from wildlife and avoid activities that pressure animals.

Facilities

Chitwan has one of Nepal’s strongest tourism support networks around Sauraha, Bharatpur and buffer-zone areas, including lodges, guides, transport and safari operators.

Accessibility

Accessibility differs by site. City parks are usually easier; jungle, wetland, mountain and remote parks may involve uneven ground, boats, stairs, jeep tracks or multi-day trekking.

Wildlife viewing

Keep distance, stay quiet, follow guide/warden instructions and never feed, chase or surround wildlife for photos.

Route planning

Connect this park with nearby cities, routes, lakes, guides and packages in the database. For trekking or jungle routes, verify guide and permit requirements.

Nearby places

Sauraha, Bharatpur, Devghat, Bishazari/Beeshazar wetlands, Chepang Hills Trail and Tharu cultural experiences can be connected.

Plan like a ranger

Check alerts, permit rules, travel time, weather, water/wildlife safety and local facilities before you go.

932 sq km UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site

Sources

Nepal Tourism Board protected areas Nepal Tourism Board protected areas Nepal Tourism Board national parks guide NTNC protected areas overview

Last checked: 3 May 2026

Before you go

Park planning timeline

Before you go

Check permits, opening/closure notices, weather, transport and whether a guide is required.

At entry

Confirm fees, route rules, wildlife safety and return timing.

Inside the area

Stay on allowed routes, keep distance from wildlife and follow local instructions.

After the visit

Connect the park with nearby cities, guides, routes, packages, stories and reviews.

Why visit Chitwan National Park?

Chitwan is the easiest major wildlife park for many travellers because it combines strong biodiversity, road/air access, guides, lodges, canoeing, jungle walks and cultural add-ons.

Wildlife & Nature

NTB lists mammals such as one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, deer, leopard, gaur, wild boar and crocodiles, plus rich bird diversity.

Responsible Travel

Stay on permitted routes, avoid litter, support local communities, respect sacred/cultural places, keep wildlife distance and choose ethical operators.

Main Experiences

All activities

JE Jeep safari Jeep safari experiences connected to Nepal nature destinations. WA Walking safari Walking safari experiences connected to Nepal nature destinations. BI Birdwatching Birdwatching experiences connected to Nepal nature destinations. CA Canoeing Canoeing experiences connected to Nepal nature destinations. WI Wildlife photography Wildlife photography experiences connected to Nepal nature destinations. VI Village Tour Village Tour helps travellers understand Nepal through places, people, routes and local co... JU Jungle Safari Explore park landscapes with a guide or operator. Wildlife sightings are possible, never g... JU Jungle Walk A guided nature walk focused on forest, tracks, safety and interpretation.Source: Nepal To... CA Canoe Ride A river experience often used for birdwatching and crocodile observation from a safe dista... JE Jeep Drive A guided drive into permitted park areas for wildlife and habitat viewing.Source: Nepal To... TH Tharu Cultural Experience Learn about Tharu culture and local community life around Chitwan.Source: Nepal Tourism Bo... BI Bird Watching Chitwan is listed by Nepal Tourism Board as a major bird habitat with resident and migrato...

Wildlife & Nature

One-horned rhinoceros

Mammal - Possible sighting

Known habitat or possible sighting only. Do not promise sightings, feed wildlife, chase animals or leave marked routes.

Royal Bengal tiger

Mammal - Possible sighting

Known habitat or possible sighting only. Do not promise sightings, feed wildlife, chase animals or leave marked routes.

Sloth bear

Mammal - Possible sighting

Known habitat or possible sighting only. Do not promise sightings, feed wildlife, chase animals or leave marked routes.

Gharial crocodile

Reptile - Possible sighting

Known habitat or possible sighting only. Do not promise sightings, feed wildlife, chase animals or leave marked routes.

Mugger crocodile

Reptile - Possible sighting

Known or associated habitat does not mean guaranteed sighting. Keep distance and follow guide instructions.

Rhesus monkey

Mammal - Possible sighting

Known or associated habitat does not mean guaranteed sighting. Keep distance and follow guide instructions.

Deer

Mammal - Possible sighting

Known or associated habitat does not mean guaranteed sighting. Keep distance and follow guide instructions.

Paradise flycatcher

Bird - Seasonal sighting

Known or associated habitat does not mean guaranteed sighting. Keep distance and follow guide instructions.

Local Guides

All guides

Anita Chaudhary

Chitwan wildlife, Tharu culture and ethical safari planning

Nepali, EnglishVerified

Gateway & Nearby Cities

Bharatpur

Bharatpur is a Metropolitan City in Chitwan District, Bagmati Pradesh.

ChitwanBagmati Pradesh

Entry Fees & Permits

Nepali entry permit
0 NPR. Fee amount needs admin verification before public trip planning.

Saarc entry permit
0 NPR. Fee amount needs admin verification before public trip planning.

Foreigner entry permit
0 NPR. Fee amount needs admin verification before public trip planning.

How to Get There

Kathmandu to Bharatpur / Kasara
Nepal Tourism Board notes the park headquarters at Kasara is a 21 km drive from Bharatpur, which is about 20 minutes by air or 146 km by road from Kathmandu.

Main access planning
NTB describes Kasara, the park headquarters, as a 21 km drive from Bharatpur; Bharatpur is around 20 minutes by air or 146 km by road from Kathmandu.

Questions About Chitwan National Park

Do I need a permit to enter Chitwan National Park?

Yes. Protected-area entry permits should be checked before visiting, and fee details should be confirmed from official or entry-point sources.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Go See Nepal only shows possible sightings and known habitat.

Should I use a guide?

For wildlife, jungle walks, remote trails or unfamiliar terrain, use trained local guides and follow official rules.

What activities are listed for Chitwan National Park?

Nepal Tourism Board lists jungle safari, jungle walk, canoe ride, jeep drive and Tharu cultural experience.

What is the best season for Chitwan National Park?

Nepal Tourism Board lists October to March as the main pleasant season, April to June as hot and July to September as rainy.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Chitwan is known wildlife habitat, but sightings are never guaranteed and visitors should follow ethical viewing guidance.

Do I need an entry permit?

Yes, protected-area entry fees apply. Check the latest official fee before travel.

Do I need a permit for Chitwan National Park?

If it is a protected area, entry permit or fee rules may apply. Confirm the latest official rate before travel.

Traveller FAQ

Do I need a permit for Chitwan National Park?

If it is a protected area, entry permit or fee rules may apply. Confirm the latest official rate before travel.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Go See Nepal only shows possible sightings and known habitat.

Should I hire a guide?

For wildlife, jungle walks, remote mountain routes, unfamiliar trails or protected areas, a trained local guide is strongly recommended.

More parks

Reviews

4.0 / 5

**** Helpful and worth planning around

Useful place information, especially when connected with guides, routes and practical notes.

Arjun Rai - Family

Chitwan National Park

Photo gallery