Tiger Encounter in Bardia National Park is best possibly during the warm months of March, April, and May. However, there is a huge probability of seeing them during the early winter months of September to November. The number of tigers in Nepal had increased from around 121 in 2009 to 198 in 2013.
According to the census conducted in 2018, the tiger population has reached 235 in Nepal. The increasing number is positive news for all wildlife enthusiasts. This increment also gives us a lifetime opportunity to visit these majestic creatures in their natural state and innate habitat.
Together with the adjacent 550 sq km Banke National Park, Bardia National Park’s 968 sq km now forms one of the largest protected tiger habitats in the world, with estimated 50-puls tigers in Bardia alone. While this is less than Chitwan, you probably stand a much better chance of seeing one here if you put in the hours at one of the ‘hotspots’ for tiger sightings: Tinkuni (three corners), Kingfisher, Tented Camp, and the Balcony. All the Tiger Encounter’s guides know these places well and you will certainly be taken to them on a safari. Don’t be surprised to find a large troop of tiger-spotters already in position when you arrive.
The best time of the year to see the tiger is February to May and the best tactic is to sit and wait at one of the hotspots. Don’t forget to bring binoculars (tiger encounter has enough binoculars), a telephoto lens for your camera, and maybe a book to while away the hours. Raft trips may also stop at one or more hotspots en route, although this limits your time at them.
Tiger Encounter in Bardia National Park trip itineraries are customizable; according to your choice & the number of days you want to stay. Simply, Contact Us
Encounter everything that you've read and watched on the internet, the tranquil beauty of Nepal, and the warm hospitality of Nepalese. Flying through the beautiful mountain view and thickly wooded hills and plains, you will land in the capital of the country. At the airport, you will meet one of our team members who will escort you to the hotel in Thamel.
Once checked in, you can walk around in Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist hub. Here you can also find restaurants with varieties of cuisine to dine.
Early morning fly to Nepalgunj, This one-hour flight will take you to the city in the Terai Region. After landing at Nepalgunj, drive to Bardia National Park (2 / 3 hours) by private transport. Upon arrival, a welcome drink will be served and a short briefing on the program and our facilities, and rooms will be assigned.
In the evening take a village tour to learn more about the indigenous community's fascinating culture and lifestyles. Rejuvenate yourselves by viewing the sunset over the Karnali River and sipping a beverage of your choice.
Bardia is a National park with a large territory of Royal Bengal Tigers. Tigers move around all over the park and lots of tiger evidence can be tracked. However, staking out some of the locations where tigers are often spotted increases the possibilities.
This day of the journey will be a thrilling experience since you will be walking to three different tiger territories. The places like "Hatti Machan, "Tinkune" and "Kingfisher" can be covered on foot and are famous tiger tracking spots of Bardia National Park.
We will dedicate one more day to tiger tracking. On this day you will be driving on an open-top jeep to another famous tiger tracking site inside the park. You will drive towards "Balcony" from a watchtower at the Balcony you will be able to see out over the grasslands. There are huge possibilities that you might spot a distant herd or a single tiger leaving the long grass for a drink at the river.
Tented Camp, Bagora Phanta, and Lamkauli are also excellent habitats for tigers and other wild animals.
If you become unable to spot tigers on day 3 or day 4, you will repeat the activity on this day. However, if you have successful tracking on previous days, then you can be involved in other activities.
Or, Rafting inside the National Park
A downstream drift in an inflatable raft is a relaxing way to experience the park, as well as giving you a chance at spotting wildlife. A typical drift starts on the Karnali River, just above the Chisapani Bridge, and turns to lift into one of its branches, the Geruwa River, which marks the park’s westernmost boundary. Stopping for lunch, you get to walk around the sandy riverbank where you can observe the heavy traffic of animal footprints, or make deeper forays into the jungle, including tiger hotspots. Crater marks of elephants and rhinos are crisscrossed with perfectly imprinted tiger pugmarks and delicate monkey and deer prints. Even if you don’t spot anything, the journey is so peaceful and picturesque that it is its own reward. This is not white-water rafting, although there are some gentle dips. Given the crocodiles in the river, swimming is not advised, as several locals have unfortunately discovered.
On your last day at Bardia National Park, you will be entertained by the local Tharu Community with Tharu cultural dance at the hotel premises.
Note: If we don’t see any tigers these days then we will move to another tiger territory. Similarly, our days can be increased this way until we finally see a tiger.
After this wonderful trip, you will drive back to Nepalgunj and fly to Kathmandu.
Once you reach Kathmandu we will check you in at a nice and cozy hotel around the Thamel area. Self-exploring the narrow streets of this tourist hub for souvenir shopping and drinks is a good way to spend the rest of your day. Later in the evening, we will take you out for a farewell dinner and listen to your wildlife tour experiences.
We will drop you at the airport according to your flight schedule. Tiger Encounter hopes to take you to another exciting wildlife safari in Nepal soon.
Note: During monsoons (End of June / July to August) Jeep safaris are not conducted by park authorities. Alternate activities are provided during this period.
International and domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary by private vehicle.
Two night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in Hotel Aloft Kathmandu or similar like this
Flight from Kathmandu - Nepaljung - Kathmandu for member & guide
4 night 5 days best accommodation in Bardia National Park
Full board Veg/Non-veg basis accommodation in the entire Bardia jungle safari (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea & Coffee)
Pack Veg/Non-veg lunch during safari
Nepaljung - Bardia National Park - Nepaljung transportation by private vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary
All entrance and National Park fees are included
All activities as mentioned in the itinerary are included
All ground transport inside the National park
Special private rafting inside the National Park
Professional government license holder English-speaking tour guide entire the trip
Necessary assistant guides during the jungle walk, safari & boating
A special tiger tracking guide and his salary
Welcome/ farewell dinner in typical Nepali food and cultural program
Insurance for Nepalese staff. (Guide and driver )
A comprehensive medical kit.
Government Tax and office service charge.
Langur Monkey
One-Horned Rhino
Bardia National Park Entry-Gate
Crocodile at Bardia NP
Inside Bardia National Park
Tiger crossing Karnali River at Bardia
Royal Bengal Tiger at Bardia National Park
Nilgai at Bardia National Park
Bardia National park lies in the southwest part of Nepal. Its 968 sq km of the area makes it the largest national park in the Terai region of Nepal. With the crest of the Siwalik range on the north, Karnali River and its tributaries on the south, forest, cultivated land, less populated villages, and Mahendra highway on its south and east the park provides a large undisturbed area of surroundings for a large number of rare species.
What to Bring:
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 Bardia National Park Safari:
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!
Tipping:
Tipping is not included in the salaries of your guides, driver, or crew, but it is greatly appreciated. In Nepalese culture, tips are accepted and a lovely way of saying thank you (“Dhanyabada”) for good service. Normally the tips are offered at the end of the tour and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the trips on the last day of the tour.
Safety Precautions:
Stop Population:
This is a pre-booking form for the lead traveler. We would send you the actual booking form after the confirmation
Thank you Tiger Encounter team for another great experience in beautiful Nepal. We had amazing memories in Mt. Everest & Chitwan! We did wildlife safari, jeep safari, bird watching, village tour & cultural program. You are super professional, knowledgeable. Strongly recommend.
We went on a wildlife safari tour operated by Tiger Encounter last May 2019. It was a great experience for the whole family our kids were very excited to see animals out in the wild.
Walking along with the wild that shelters varieties of birds and animals felt amazing. Very organized and fun wildlife tour.
Tiger Encounter made our tiger encounter possible. On tiger tracking day two we saw the beautiful beast come out to drink it has an incredible experience. Waiting for almost two days on the blazing heat of May was really worth it!!
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