Kathmandu Valley and Bardia National Park Tour - 8 Days

Today, after breakfast, we start a guided tour to four of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the ancient kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world. We also visit popular Buddhist stupas in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath, is located in the heart of the city and is also called Monkey Temple by the tourists owing to the large number of monkeys in the temple area. Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan gompas or monasteries.  Overnight in Kathmandu.

Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Patan Durbar Square is rich in ancient arts and architecture. We also visit Bhakatpur, an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. While in the city square, we get to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts and the 55 Window Palace which merge together to provide an ambiance of a magical outdoor theater to its visitors. We also immerse ourselves in the authentic delicacy of the locals in Bhaktapur. Then we drive to Nagarkot, a village renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas and enjoy spectacular sunset views amidst the Himalayas. Overnight in Nagarkot.

Early in the morning, we enjoy amazing views of the sunrise amidst the Himalayas. After breakfast we drive to the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and fly to Nepalgunj, located in western Nepal. From here, we drive to the Bardia National Park and check-in to our resort. After lunch, we take a tour of an authentic Tharu village. The Tharus are believed to be the original inhabitants of the local jungle area. We will also visit the Bardia National Park visitor center and tour its crocodile farm. Overnight in Bardia National Park.

After breakfast, we venture deep into the steamy jungles of Bardia on foot, accompanied by a nature guide and porter. The dense forests are teeming with wildlife, including majestic Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, barking deer, sambar, swamp deer, black buck, wild boar, royal Bengal tiger, elusive leopard, golden jackal, striped hyena, and more. We’ll have the chance to wait for unsuspecting wild animals to pass by from the comfort of towers (Machan) located at different spots throughout the jungle. Our experienced guide will help us track the wildlife as we explore the lush surroundings. Later, we’ll return to our resort for a delicious dinner and participate in the traditional Tharu dance. Overnight at the National Park.

After breakfast, we drive to Chisapani for a wildlife discovery tour on a Safari float. A trained guide accompanies us as we maneuver the Karnali River which does not have any rapids. The sub-tropical landscape and wildlife along the way offer a breathtaking experience. We may catch glimpses of wild animals quenching their thirst in the river, including the endangered Gharial crocodile, marsh mugger, and gangetic dolphins. The trip is also great for bird-watching as there are plenty of resident and migratory birds in Bardia National Park. In the evening, we enjoy a Tharu cultural dance program before spending the night at the National Park.

After breakfast, we set out on an exciting jeep safari through the rugged terrain of Bardia National Park. A jeep safari offers a more thrilling and adventurous way to explore the wilds than the traditional elephant-back safari. We will be accompanied by a trained naturalist who will help us spot and identify various wildlife such as one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, spotted deer, and wild boars, among others. The jeep safari also offers a more immersive experience, allowing us to get closer to the wildlife and observe their natural behavior. After the safari, we return to Nepalgunj and take a flight to Kathmandu for an overnight stay.

As our incredible journey in Nepal comes to a close, we will be assisted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will accompany us to the airport, ensuring we arrive approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. We will depart with memories of stunning landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people. Although our journey has come to an end, the memories and experiences will stay with us forever.