Chitwan National Park
In Nepali: चितवन राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Chitwan became Nepal's first national park in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Once a royal hunting reserve, it is now a conservation success: the population of greater one-horned rhinos has recovered to several hundred, and tiger numbers have grown strongly.
Visitors take jeep safaris, guided jungle walks and canoe trips on the Rapti and Narayani rivers, where mugger and gharial crocodiles bask. More than 500 bird species have been recorded. Sauraha and Meghauli are the main gateways, and the Gharial Breeding Centre at Kasara is worth a visit.
What to see and do
Jeep safaris cover the most ground and give the best chance of seeing rhinos, deer, wild boar and, with luck, tigers and sloth bears. Guided jungle walks bring you close to the forest's sounds and tracks. Canoe trips in dugout boats on the Rapti are excellent for crocodiles and birds. Visit the elephant breeding centre and the Kasara gharial centre, and the Tharu museum in Sauraha.
Beyond Sauraha, Meghauli and Kasara in the west and the community forests around Barauli and Amaltari offer quieter wildlife experiences.
Good to know
Entry permits are required, and walks must be with licensed guides. Ethical travellers avoid elephant rides; many lodges now offer elephant-friendly alternatives. October to March is pleasant; April to June is hot but good for sightings as the grass is cut and animals come to water.
Quick answers
- Where is Chitwan National Park?
- Chitwan National Park is in Chitwan district, Bagmati Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Chitwan National Park?
- About 150 m (492 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Chitwan National Park?
- For a 4-day trip from Pokhara, about NPR 9,500 (≈ US$70) per person on a budget, or NPR 21,000 (≈ US$155) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 7,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Chitwan National Park?
- Plan 2 nights there; with travel from Pokhara and back, about 4 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Chitwan National Park?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 2,000 / US$15 to enter Chitwan National Park (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- When is the best time to visit Chitwan National Park?
- October–March; February–April for wildlife in short grass
- How do I get to Chitwan National Park?
- 5–6 hours by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara; flights to Bharatpur. It is about 86 km (straight line) from Pokhara.
- What is Chitwan National Park called in Nepali?
- चितवन राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
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