Description of the Location

Nepal is the home of three prominent cat species namely the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, the elusive snow leopard, and the common leopard. The Royal Bengal Tiger and the common leopard inhabit in the southern Terai region in the low belts of Nepal. Leopards are also found in the mid-hilly regions. The Himalayan region is the habitat of the elusive snow leopard. Snow leopards are limited to the Himalayas. Bardia National Park and the Chitwan National Park have the highest number of tigers and leopards and the highest chances of spotting them in Nepal. Likewise, the Manang region the Annapurna Conservation Area is the paradise of snow leopards with more sightings in Nepal.

Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed area in southern Nepal. In comparison to Chitwan, the park is less congested and provides a more secluded, untamed experience. It is renowned for its diverse fauna, which includes the Royal Bengal Tiger and Leopard, and its rich biodiversity. Following the visit of well-known actor Leonardo DiCaprio from the Titanic, Tiger Tracking in Bardia gained popularity. He came and spotted a mother tiger and her four cubs. Also, Bardia National Park won the Mission TX2 Award in 2022 for doubling the tiger population since 2010. The park is the home to 125 individual tigers as per the latest census of 2022. So, the park is the most pristine and perfect place if you are willing to see one of the endangered majestic tigers in its natural habitat in Nepal. During the tiger tracking in Bardia, we engaged in jungle walks, jeep safaris, and river rafting to encounter the tigers, leopards, Asian white elephants, One-horned Rhinoceros, crocodiles, and many more birds.

Train Yourself

Best physical condition is required to trek in Nepal’s high altitude. Without some pre-trek training or a good level of basic fitness, it can be hard. We suggest running, walking, hiking on the hill, and climbing stairs rather than elevators to prepare for the trek. Include swimming, rowing, and biking in your daily base training.

Basic further experience and strength required for Trekking

1. One should be able to hike for 6-7 hours a day.
2. One should be able to carry 4 kg in a backpack for preparation.
3. We suggest you run about 3/4 miles in the home for the preparation with some load on your back for 1 to 2 months to make your Snow leopard trek much easier. Or use a treadmill for everyday running and walking.
4. If you have a rugged location/mountain then once a week you should go hiking with a loaded bag pack on your back. If you do not have mountains and high hills then use stairs to go up/down than the elevator.
5. Regular swimming, biking, and rowing are also good ways to maintain your physical strength.

We will meet pickup you from Internatinal Airport:

We organized Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) airport pick-up and drop service. Upon your arrival, you are welcomed and greeted at your arrival gate (Holding your name on the company pamphlet- Tiger Encounter) by our representative member from a company, then transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. For departure transfer, we will come to pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and take you to the airport for your international flight.

As per our plan, we’ll provide you with domestic departure and arrival as per the flight schedule.

Passport & Visa: 

All foreigners except Indian nationals must have a valid visa to enter Nepal. Visa is available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport upon entry in Kathmandu, Nepal, and at Nepal borders of India and Tibet. Visa can be easily extended to the central immigration office. www.immigration.gov.np Visa application requires a passport with at least 6 months until expiration and one passport-size photo.

The current cost of a visa for 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD, and 90 Days – 125 (to be paid in cash) Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. Other nationalities should check entry requirements. Visitors are requested to specify return flight tickets, and the time intended to stay in Nepal.

Visa Extension Fee: Tourist visa extension is done for a minimum of 15 days with USD 45 and USD 3 per day for additional days. In the case of a delay of less than 150 days additional USD 5 per day as of late fine.

Safety precautions for Annapurna Conservation Areas:

Aside from geographical protection, Tiger Encounter has taken safety in following things to make travel as safe as possible making the most out of it without any worry!

1. Our guides have received extensive wilderness first-aid training.
2. Tour leaders and guides have years of wildlife experience and can help you if there is any kind of uneasiness and assure happiness & satisfaction are guaranteed.
3. We’ll have High-quality masks & Gloves with sanitizers for everyday use throughout the journey for the Tiger Encounter team assisting you.
4. Encouragement and inspiration can be a regular occurrence.
5. Food and accommodation in the national park would be rechecked for additional hygiene.

Facts About Bardia National Park:  

Declare Year: 1976 AD as a Royal Karnali WildlifeReserve (348 km²) and 1988 AD as a Bardia National Park (968 km²

National park area: 968 km²

Location: The south-western part of Nepal (Province 5 & 6)

Bioclimatic zone: Tropical to sub-tropical

Elevation: 152m (Manaughat) to 1564m (Banspani Peak)

Major Rivers: Karnali, Geruwa, Babai, Orahi

Main mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Wild Elephant, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Gangetic Dolphin, Swamp Deer, For-Horned Antelope

Main birds: Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican, White-rumped Vulture

Major tree species: Shorea robusta, Adina cardifolia, Terminalia tomentosa, Lagestroemia parviflora, Pinus roxburghii

Buffer zone declared: 1996 AD and extended in 2010 AD

Buffer zone area: 507km²

Municipalities: 5 (Thakurbaba, Madhuban, Barbardia, Bansgadhi, and Bheriganga)

Rural Municipalities: 3 (Geruwa, Barahatal and Baijanath)

Population: 1,14,201

Major caste: Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri

Economy: Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Tourism, Trade, and Labors