Chitwan Jungle Safari in 4 Days from Kathmandu: What You Do and What It Costs (2027)

Last updated 16 October 2026.

Short answer: Our Chitwan Jungle Safari, 4 days is three nights next to Chitwan National Park with two jeep safaris, a dugout canoe on the Rapti river, a guided jungle walk, birdwatching, a Tharu village and the Tharu stick dance, with private transport from your Kathmandu hotel and back. It costs USD 825 per person on Budget, USD 990 on Standard and USD 1,410 on Luxury for two to four people. It suits anyone who wants a proper look at the jungle without rushing, including families and travellers who do not want to trek.

I am Shreejan. The shorter three-day trip gives you one jeep safari. The four-day version gives you a second morning in the park, a second safari and time in a Tharu village, and that extra morning is often when the best sightings happen. Here is how the days run and what each tier includes.

What is Chitwan?

Chitwan National Park is in the lowland south of Nepal, about 190 metres above sea level, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects grassland, riverine forest and sal forest along the Rapti and Narayani rivers. The one-horned rhinoceros is the animal most people see. Deer, wild boar, mugger crocodiles, the gharial and hundreds of bird species live here too, and so do tigers and leopards, though they are rarely seen. The Tharu people have lived in this lowland for centuries, and their villages and dance are part of the visit.

How do the four days run?

A naturalist comes on every activity. The jeep safaris go deep into the park, the canoe floats you quietly past crocodiles and water birds, and the jungle walk is on foot with trained guides who keep the group safe.

What does it cost?

Prices are per person, read from our booking system on 16 October 2026. The full price list for every group size is on the trip page.

Budget gives you three nights in a simple jungle lodge on a twin-share basis with breakfast; lunch, dinner and drinks are extra. Standard gives you a 3-star jungle lodge with a private room and all meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 4. Luxury gives you a deluxe lodge with an ensuite room, all meals with every non-alcoholic drink, and an air-conditioned private vehicle.

Included on every tier: two jeep safaris, the dugout canoe, the jungle walk and birdwatching, the Tharu village walk and the cultural evening, a naturalist on every activity, the Chitwan National Park entry fee for the park days, a licensed English-speaking guide for all four days, private transport from your Kathmandu hotel and back, and taxes. Not included: Kathmandu hotels, international flights, visa, travel insurance, tips and personal spending.

What fees apply?

Chitwan National Park charges foreign visitors NPR 2,000 per entry, and SAARC visitors NPR 1,000. The park fees for your activity days are included in the price, so there is nothing to pay at the gate.

When is the best time?

Sightings are never guaranteed, whatever the month. More ideas are in things to do in Chitwan.

Where do you stay and what do you eat?

You stay in a lodge close to the park entrance, so the activities start a short drive or walk from your room. Lodges serve Nepali, Indian and Western food. If you are vegetarian or have an allergy, tell us when you book.

What should you pack?

Bring light clothes in greens, browns and khaki (bright colours scare animals away), a long-sleeved shirt and trousers for the jungle walk, closed shoes, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars if you have them, and a warm layer for winter mornings.

Is it safe?

Yes, when you follow the naturalist. On the jungle walk you stay together, keep quiet and do exactly what the guides say. Mosquitoes are the most common nuisance, so use repellent in the evenings.

What insurance do you need?

There is no altitude on this trip, so you only need a normal travel policy with medical treatment and evacuation. Buy it at home before you travel.

Questions people ask

Is three days or four days better? Four, if you can. You get a second safari and an unhurried village visit. Read is three days in Chitwan enough for the shorter version, our 3-day safari.

Can children come? Yes. Families love Chitwan. Tell us their ages so the naturalist can plan the walk.

Do you offer elephant rides? No. We do not sell elephant rides or visits to the elephant breeding centre. Our safaris are by jeep, canoe and on foot.

Can I combine Chitwan with a trek? Yes. Our Annapurna Base Camp with Chitwan, 11 days and Poon Hill with Chitwan, 8 days do exactly that.

Can I go on to Pokhara instead of back to Kathmandu? Yes, tell us when you book and we will change the last drive.

Can a solo traveller book it? Yes. The solo price covers your own room, guide and vehicle.

What are the booking terms?

Group size is 1 to 20 and solo travellers are welcome; a solo price covers your own room and your own guide, so it is higher per person. The deposit is 10 per cent. It is non-refundable and there is no refund if you cancel, but you can move your trip free of charge to any date within one year with at least 72 hours notice. The balance is paid when you arrive in Kathmandu, in US dollars or euros, cash or card. Card carries a 3.5 per cent bank charge and cash carries none. We do not take Nepali rupees from foreign guests.

How do you plan this with us?

Message me on WhatsApp on +977 9810351300 with your dates, how many of you there are and where you want to go after Chitwan. I will send you the exact quote.

Written by Shreejan Simkhada, CEO of The Everest Holiday, from a family of three generations of family guides. TAAN Member #1586. WhatsApp +977 9810351300.