Bardia National Park Tour from Kathmandu

Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed wildlife park in Nepal. It is located at the far western part of the country, covering 968 square kilometers of land. This park offers an astounding range of flora and fauna including a swamp deer, Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, Gangetic dolphins as well as wild elephants. Bird watchers will be able to enjoy more than 400 species of birds which are found within the park.

The combination of rivers, forests and grasslands make Bardia an ideal ecosystem to explore. Unlike Chitwan National Park which is commercialized, Bardia National Park offers secluded adventures in the wild which are perfect for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. It provides various options to explore the park, including jungle walks, bird watching tours, jeep safaris, and even river excursions.

Bardia National Park never fails to impress nature observers. And with the added culture of the Local Tharu community which allows visitors to experience traditional homestays, local dishes and dances, this park promises both with thrilling wildlife encounters and serene nature retreats, making Bardia an ideal place for ground explorers.

Reaching Bardia National Park Tour from Kathmandu

By Road (Public Transport)

From Kathmandu, take a long-distance bus to Ambassa, the nearest bus stop to Bardia National Park. Buses depart from Gongabu Bus Park and take approximately 16–18 hours. From Ambassa, hire a local jeep or rickshaw for a 30–45 minute ride to your hotel near the park. Public transport is the most budget-friendly option but can be time-consuming.

By Road (Private Car)

For a more comfortable journey, travelers can hire a private car or jeep from Kathmandu to Bardia. The drive covers around 500 km and takes approximately 12–14 hours, passing through scenic landscapes, winding hills, and the Terai plains. A private vehicle allows for flexibility, personalized stops, and a smoother travel experience compared to public transport. Although longer than flying, it is an excellent way to see Nepal’s countryside along the way.

By Flight

The fastest way to reach Bardia is by taking a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which takes about 50 minutes. From Nepalgunj Airport, Bardia is a 2.5–3-hour drive away. You can hire a private vehicle or take a local bus from Nepalgunj to Ambassa, then transfer to a jeep or rickshaw. Flights are the most time-efficient option, allowing you to maximize your time in the park while avoiding the long road journey from Kathmandu.

Suggested Bardia Safari Packages

2-Night Bardia Safari Package

A 2-night Bardia Safari Package is perfect for those with limited time but eager to experience the park’s wildlife.

Day 1: Arrive at Bardia, check in at the resort, and enjoy a Tharu cultural dance in the evening.

Day 2: After breakfast, embark on a full-day jeep safari inside Bardia National Park, searching for tigers, rhinos, elephants, and rare bird species. Enjoy a packed lunch inside the jungle before returning to the resort in the evening.

Day 3: Early morning birdwatching tour followed by breakfast. Visit a local Tharu village to learn about their traditions before departing for Kathmandu.

This package provides a quick yet immersive experience, combining wildlife exploration, cultural interaction, and relaxation.

3-Night Bardia Safari Package

A 3-night Bardia Safari Package (Tiger Tracking Tour) offers a deeper exploration of the park’s wilderness.

Day 1: Arrive at Bardia, check into your resort, and relax. In the evening, experience a Tharu cultural dance and village walk.

Day 2: After breakfast, set out on a full-day jeep safari, tracking tigers, rhinos, and other wildlife. Enjoy lunch in the jungle before returning to the resort.

Day 3: Embark on a jungle walk, a thrilling way to explore Bardia’s dense forests and encounter wildlife up close. After lunch, take a canoe ride on the Karnali River to spot dolphins, crocodiles, and exotic bird species.

Day 4: Start your day with an early birdwatching tour before breakfast. Visit the Bardia National Park Visitor Center, where you can learn more about conservation efforts. Depart for Kathmandu.

This package is ideal for those seeking more adventure and wildlife encounters, with a mix of jeep safaris, jungle walks, and river experiences.

4-Night Bardia Safari Package

A 4-night Bardia Safari Package is the ultimate wildlife experience, offering ample time to explore Bardia’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Day 1: Arrive at Bardia, check into your resort, and relax. Take an evening Tharu village tour to learn about the local culture and traditions.

Day 2: Start the day with a full-day jeep safari, covering core jungle areas to increase the chances of spotting tigers, rhinos, elephants, and more. Enjoy lunch in the jungle and return in the evening.

Day 3: Embark on an exciting jungle walk, accompanied by experienced guides. This walk offers a more intimate wildlife experience, tracking animal footprints and exploring lesser-known trails. In the afternoon, enjoy a canoe ride on the Karnali River, spotting dolphins, gharials, and migratory birds.

Day 4: Explore off-the-beaten-path jungle areas on another half-day jeep safari. After lunch, visit the Crocodile Breeding Center and Bardia’s Wildlife Museum.

Day 5: Take an early morning birdwatching tour before breakfast. Enjoy a relaxing morning at the lodge before departing for Kathmandu.

This package is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive, in-depth safari experience, with multiple safaris, jungle walks, and cultural interactions to fully explore Bardia National Park.