Should I take the bus or fly to Bardia?
The bus is much cheaper but long. Expect 12 to 16 hours each way, overnight, on a road that is bumpy in places. The flight takes about an hour to Nepalgunj and costs more. If you have the time and the budget is tight, take the bus. If you have less time or do not like long road journeys, take our
flight tour.
How long is the bus from Kathmandu to Bardia?
About 12 to 16 hours to Ambassa, depending on traffic, road work and the weather. Buses leave Gongabu bus park between 1 and 4 pm, so you arrive early the next morning. The lodge picks you up at Ambassa.
Will we see a tiger?
Maybe, but probably not. Bardia has tigers and one-horned rhinos and it is one of the better places in Nepal to look, but they are shy and the park is large. Deer, monkeys, crocodiles and many birds are far more likely. No guide can promise a sighting, and the price does not depend on one.
What is included in the price?
Three nights at a jungle lodge in a private cottage with attached bathroom, all meals at the lodge, the park fees, naturalist guide fees, the jeep safari, jungle walk, birdwatching and Tharu village visit, the Kathmandu hotel to bus park transfers, the night bus from Kathmandu, the night bus back, and the lodge pick-up and drop at Ambassa. Meals are included on all three tiers.
What is not included?
The river boat trip, drinks and bottled water, laundry, snacks on the bus, Kathmandu hotel nights, travel insurance, tips and personal expenses.
How much is the river boat trip?
It is an extra, about USD 130 to 155 per boat, and the price depends on the water level. It is per boat, so it costs less per person when you share it. Tell us if you want it and we will book it.
How much does the Bardia tour by bus cost?
For 2 to 4 people it is USD 440 per person on Budget, USD 500 on Standard and USD 995 on Luxury. On your own it is USD 615, USD 700 or USD 1,355. Larger groups pay less per person, and every price is on this page.
What is the difference between Budget, Standard and Luxury?
The programme and the lodge package are the same. Budget gives you a fan-cooled cottage and the tourist night bus. Standard gives you an air-conditioned cottage. Luxury gives you an air-conditioned cottage and a private luxury vehicle with a driver both ways instead of the bus. All meals, park fees and the naturalist guide are included on all three.
Is the night bus safe?
Tourist and sofa buses on this route run every day and are the normal way for Nepali families to travel. Roads are narrow and winding in places. We book a reputable tourist bus, you travel in daylight to the bus park, and your lodge meets you at Ambassa. If the road worries you, the flight tour or the Luxury private vehicle is the alternative.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers pay a higher price because the cottage is normally shared between two people, so you pay for the second bed..
What is the best time to visit Bardia?
October to March is cooler. April and May are hot, and animals gather near water, which makes sightings a little easier. The monsoon, June to September, is wet and some tracks close. Tigers and rhinos are rarely seen in any month.
Is a jungle walk in Bardia safe?
We walk a marked trail with a naturalist, who briefs you on the rules for staying safe near wildlife before we start. You must follow the guide's instructions at all times. No walk in a wild park is without risk, and we cannot promise a sighting or a particular animal.
What should I pack for the bus and the jungle?
For the bus, a neck pillow, a warm layer, water, snacks and a small torch. For the park, neutral clothes in green, brown or grey, a hat, insect repellent, sun cream and binoculars if you have them. Leave your big bag at your Kathmandu hotel if you are coming back to it.
What happens if I need to cancel, or you cannot run the trip?
If we cannot run your trip, we refund what you have paid, less taxes, bank or card charges and any money already spent on your behalf, or move you to another date. If you cancel yourself, the deposit is not refundable, but you can reschedule free to any date within one year with at least 72 hours' notice.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Buy travel insurance at home, before you travel, and check that it covers medical care and the dates of your trip. We do not recommend insurance bought in Nepal.
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