Luxury Bardia Jungle Safari tour

The moment you begin to approach Kathmandu, you will see breathtaking mountains. Land at the Kathmandu Airport and get done with immigration and baggage claim.

Our team will pick you up from the arrival area and transfer you to the hotel in a private car. You will be staying in Thamel, the tourist hub in the city.

Check into your hotel and freshen up. Later, meet us for a quick briefing. After that, spend some time strolling along the narrow lanes of Thamel, where you can explore handicraft shops, pashmina, Thangka painting, antiques, cafes, bakeries, and many other things.

*Exchange your money for NPR at the money exchange centers in Thamel. Alternatively, you can also withdraw money from an ATM using your international card. Carry money to buy little things and snacks while touring.

Today is the first full day of the tour in Kathmandu. One of our friendly tour guides will accompany you. The guide will pick you up from the hotel at the designated time. So, make sure to have breakfast and get ready on time.

You will first drive to Patan Durbar Square, which is located km south of Thamel. It is one of the three durbar squares you will visit in Kathmandu.

From Patan, you will drive to Swayambhunath Temple. Many tourists also know this place by the Monkey Temple name. It is perched on a hilltop.

At last, you will visit Chandragiri. It is a hill station located 9 km west of Kathmandu. To reach the top of the hill, you will take a cable car ride.

After the tour, return to Kathmandu. Evening is free. You can explore around Thamel and have a delicious dinner.

• Patan Durbar Square: Patan (aka Lalitpur) is one of the three ancient royal cities of Kathmandu Valley. The Patan Durbar Square used to be the royal residence of the Malla kingdom in the 16th century. Here, you will meet metal artisans who work with bronze and brass. Explore Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, Char Narayan Temple, and several courtyards.
• Swayambhunath Temple: The Swayambhunath Temple, also known as Monkey Temple, is connected to the formation of Kathmandu Valley. The stupa is believed to have been built in the 5th century CE. The stupa is situated on top of a hill. Travelers have to climb 365 staircases to reach the top of the stupa.
•  Chandragiri: Chandragiri is a hill station southwest of Kathmandu Valley. It rises 2,551 meters above sea level. The hilltop has a luxury resort, a temple, restaurants, and natural trails. You can reach the top of the hill via a cable car ride. On clear days, the top of the hill offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains stretching from west to east.

It is your second day of the guided tour in Kathmandu. Your guide will pick you up early in the morning. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddha Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

These tourist sites will provide a deeper insight into the rich Nepali culture, traditions, and architecture. The evening will be free. You can explore and shop before returning to the hotel.

• Pashupatinath Temple: The Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred Hindu shrine in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a huge temple complex spanning over 245 hectares. The temple sits at the banks of the Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple.
• Bouddha Stupa: Bouddha Stupa is the biggest Tibetan Buddhism center in Nepal. It is also the biggest stupa in the country. As per the historical records, the stupa was constructed around the 5th or 6th century CE. Pilgrims perform kora around the stupa. There are small monasteries and bustling markets around the stupa.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known as Hanuman Dhoka and Basantapur. It used to be the royal residence of the kings of the Kathmandu Kingdom in the 10th century. This is the place from where King Prithvi Narayan Shah began the unification of Nepal campaign in 1768.

You will leave Kathmandu early in the morning. Following the lush hills and rivers, drive to Mugling. From here, continue the ride through Narayanghat and drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, check in at your luxury hotel. Freshen up and rest. Later, visit tourist sites with your guide:

• Maya Devi Temple: The Maya Devi Temple is the exact place where Lord Buddha was born around 563 BCE. It is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists worldwide. Inside the temple, there is a stone that marks the precise birthplace.
• Ashoka Pillar: The Ashoka Pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE. It is one of the oldest archaeological artifacts in Nepal. The inscription confirms Lumbini as the birthplace of Buddha.
• Sacred Garden: The Sacred Garden surrounds the Maya Devi Temple and Ashoka Pillar. It is a tranquil zone filled with prayer flags, trees, and meditation spots.
• Monastic Zone: The monastic zone is the area where countries from around the world have built monasteries reflecting their faith in Buddhism. It is divided into eastern (Theravada) and Western (Mahayana & Vajrayana) monasteries.
• Lumbini Museum: In the Lumbini Museum, you can learn the historical and cultural context of Buddhism. The museum displays ancient artifacts, coins, sculptures, and manuscripts.
• Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilavastu): Tilaurakot is believed to be the ancient capital of Kapilavastu, where Lord Gautam Buddha spent his early life as a prince. You can still see the archaeological remains here, including the palace gates, ruins, and defensive walls.

Today, you will drive to Bardia. Travel west along the Mahendra Highway, enjoying peaceful farming fields and small towns. During the drive, you will have a glimpse of an authentic lifestyle in the plains of Nepal.

Upon reaching Bardia, we will check into one of the finest jungle lodges and get refreshed. Before ending the day, you will visit a Tharu village for a cultural tour.

The Tharus are one of the indigenous groups in Nepal with a very vibrant culture and traditions. You will see their traditional stick dance, traditional dress, and try a few delicacies.

After the tour, return to your hotel to spend the night.

It is your first day of adventure in the Bardia National Park. Start your day early. You will wake up before sunrise and head deep into the national park to experience a thrilling jungle safari.

The Bardia National Park spans 968 sq km. It has dense sal forest, grasslands, and riverine habitat. This national park is famous for Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles, and over 250 bird species.

You will go on a jeep safari through the Babai Valley, following claw marks on trees, pug marks, and grass disturbances to find the Bengal tigers.

In the grass meadows, you can also see deer, lizards, and wild boar. After the jeep safari, you will take a break for breakfast. Rest for a bit. Then walk along the Karnali River bank. It will be a peaceful nature walk.

You will see gharial and mugger crocodiles sunbathing on the sandy banks. Then spend some downtime. Later in the afternoon, you can join a walking safari with one of our armed naturalists into the buffer zone.

Bird watching is another activity you can do with a forest ranger who is an expert in the birds of Bardia National Park. Spend the evening enjoying the sunset at a forest watchtower. Explore local markets and try street food to end the day.

Today is your second day in Bardia National Park. If you missed any activities on day six, you will complete them on this day.

Having two days in Bardia National Park is also ideal for spotting Bengal tigers, in case you couldn't get to see them on the first day of the safari.

Likewise, rafting is also available on the Karnali River if you are interested. It will be around 2-3 hours of adventurous activities.

You will raft through forest fringe, spotting mugger crocodiles on banks, gangetic dolphins mid-river, and elephants drinking water at the edge.

After your adventure in the national park, return to your hotel and rest. Get a spa or massage and have a delicious dinner. Later in the evening, explore the local market and buy souvenirs.

*You have to be patient during the jungle safari.

Leaving Bardia, you will travel following the east-west Highway, then north via Butwal to reach Palpa. Enjoy beautiful views of the vast farming fields of Terai during the ride and pass through lovely towns.

You will stop in Butwal for lunch. From here, drive north following the Siddhartha Highway and ascending along the dramatic hills of Palpa. You will arrive in the main city by mid-afternoon.

Check in at your hotel and freshen up. We then go on a tour of this beautiful medieval hilltop town. In Palpa (Tansen), you will explore:

• The Old Bazaar of Tansen: The old bazaar of Tansen is the main Shitalpati Bazaar. It is a living museum and presents intricate 19th-century architecture. You can browse the traditional Dhaka fabric, which is a hand-woven textile unique to Palpa. Likewise, explore Dhunganekhola water spouts and antique silver jewelry.
• Visit Tansen Durbar (Palpa Palace): It is the old Palpa kingdom royal palace, which now serves as a government office. The architecture is remarkable and worth exploring.
• Sunset from the Srinagar Hill viewpoint: From the Srinagar Hill viewpoint, you can see a breathtaking sunset along with views of Annpaurna and the Dhaulagiri range in the north and the vast plains of Terai to the south.

*Palpa is known for the Ranighat Palace. It is known as the Taj Mahal of Nepal. If time allows, we will take a short detour to this palace.

From Palpa, we will drive to Pokhara. It will be a short, comfortable drive across rolling hills and rivers. The road follows the Siddhartha Highway and goes through ridgelines and descends through gorges.

You will arrive in Pokhara by early afternoon. Check in at a luxury hotel and rest for a bit. Later in the day, you will visit Phewa Lake. It is famous for boating and kayaking.

Enjoy a stunning sunset at Phewa Lake with spectacular views of Mt. Fishtail and the Annapurna Range. Later, explore the bustling streets of Lakeside Market.

There are many pubs, clubs, bars, and live music restaurants where you can spend your evening.

The day begins early. Have breakfast and get ready to travel to Ghandruk. Hiking is also available if you are interested. We will drive to Ghandruk village.

During the drive, you will see beautiful, lush hills, terraces, and snow-capped mountains. You will reach Ghandruk by early afternoon.

Check in at a premium lodge and freshen up. Then explore around the village. Visit the Gurung Museum and explore the stone-paved alleyways.

Ghandruk is a Gurung village. Here, you will learn about the Gurung community tradition, culture, and lifestyle.

The village is surrounded by mountains such as the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, etc. You will see many other mountains from here.

Enjoy a lovely sunset and spend the remaining evening enjoying the peaceful yet happy mountain environment.

After spending a night in the mountains, you will return to the city on this day. Begin your ady early in the morning with a delicious breakfast and serene surroundings.

Then drive back to Pokhara. Check in at your hotel and freshen up. Then get ready to visit tourist sites around Pokhara. You will visit the following places:

*Paragliding and hot air balloon rides are famous among tourists in Pokhara. If you are interested, let us know. We will book it for you.

You will leave Pokhara early in the morning and drive to Nagarkot. Nagakot is a hill station near Kathmandu. From Pokhara, you will drive following the Prithvi Highway east to Kathmandu. Then head north to Nagarkot.

The road follows lush rolling hills and rivers. The ride is scenic. On the way, we can stop at Manakamana Temple. Upon arriving in Nagarkot, we checked into our luxury hotel.

The remaining day is free to relax. If the sky is clear, you can see a mesmerizing view of Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar, Langtang Himal, Rolwaling Himal, etc. On exceptionally clear days, even Mt. Everest is visible to the east.

Start the day with a big breakfast and pack your bags to check out of the hotel. You will travel back to Kathmandu city. On the way, stop at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan Temple.

Return to Kathmandu by mid or late afternoon. Today is your last day in the city. So, after freshening up, go window shopping.

Below, we have shared a little information about Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan Temple:

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square used to be the royal residence of Malla kings between the 12th and 15th centuries. Here, you will discover the finest Newari art, architecture, and religious traditions. The key landmarks are 55-Windo Palace, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Pottery Square, and Taumadhi Tole.
•  Changunarayan Temple: The Changunarayan Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is located on a hilltop and believed to have been built in the 4th century CE during the Licchavi dynasty. Here, you will see Kathmandu's earliest surviving stone inscription (464 CE), erected by King Manadeva.

After one final breakfast, get ready to check out of the hotel. Our team will pick you up from the hotel as per your flight departure time. They will transfer you to the international airport and bid you our best wishes.