Chitwan Photography Tour in 6 Days: What You Shoot and What It Costs (2027)

Shreejan
Updated on 16 October 2026Third-generation Himalayan guide · CEO, The Everest Holiday · TAAN Member #1586
Six days for wildlife photography in Chitwan: what you shoot, how the days run, the gear to bring, what each tier includes, park fees, best months and the cost.

Last updated 16 October 2026.

Short answer: Our Chitwan Photography Tour, 6 days gives you three nights at Chitwan National Park with a naturalist who knows where to wait for light and animals, a river safari, a guided jungle walk and a jeep safari deep into the park. It costs USD 780 per person on Budget, USD 999 on Standard and USD 1,999 on Luxury for two to four people. It suits photographers, birders and anyone who wants slower time in the jungle rather than a quick visit.

I am Shreejan. Most people see Chitwan in two days. Photographers need longer, because the best frames come from waiting at the right place in early light. This trip is built for that.

How do the six days run?

DayPlan
1Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your guide
2Drive to Chitwan, about 5 to 6 hours, afternoon by the river
3A full day of bird and wildlife photography from a dugout canoe and on a guided jungle walk
4A jeep safari deep into the park, and the crocodile breeding centre
5Drive back to Kathmandu
6Transfer to the airport

The one-horned rhino is the animal most people photograph. Deer, wild boar, mugger crocodiles, the gharial and hundreds of bird species are common. Tigers and leopards live here too, but they are rarely seen, and nobody can promise a sighting.

What does it cost?

Group sizeBudgetStandardLuxury
1 personUSD 1,115USD 1,299USD 2,599
2 to 4 peopleUSD 780USD 999USD 1,999
5 to 8 peopleUSD 665USD 949USD 1,799

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 tourist-class lodge in Chitwan with breakfast, a local vehicle to Chitwan and back, and the activities; lunch, dinner and drinks are your own. Standard gives you private rooms, all meals with non-alcoholic drinks, and transport inside the park. Luxury adds deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms and fruit and nuts with your meals.

Included on every tier: airport pick-up and drop-off, transport to Chitwan and back, a naturalist and photography guide throughout, the activities in the itinerary, and all park and entrance fees. Not included: Kathmandu hotel nights, international flights, visa, 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 fees for your park days are in the price.

When is the best time for photography?

MonthsWhat to expect
October and NovemberFresh green after the monsoon, clean air, tall grass
December to FebruaryMisty mornings that make soft, moody light; cool and quiet
March to MayThe grass is cut back, so animals are easier to find; strong, hot light
June to SeptemberHot, wet and humid; some areas flood

What camera gear should you bring?

A telephoto lens of 300 mm or longer for animals and birds, a wider lens for the river and the Tharu villages, spare batteries, plenty of cards, a rain cover and a soft bag that keeps dust out on the jeep. Wear greens and browns, not bright colours. More tips are in our wildlife photography guide.

Is it safe?

Yes, when you follow the naturalist. On the jungle walk you stay together and quiet and do exactly what the guide says. Use insect repellent in the evenings.

What insurance do you need?

There is no altitude on this trip, so a normal travel policy with medical treatment and evacuation is enough. Check that it covers your camera gear too. Buy it at home before you travel. We do not recommend insurance bought in Nepal.

Questions people ask

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

Is it good for beginners with a camera? Yes. Your guide helps with where to stand and when to shoot, whatever your level.

Can I add Bardiya? Yes. Our Bardiya, Lumbini and Chitwan photography tour does that over 12 days.

Can I go on to Pokhara afterwards? Yes, tell us when you book and we change the last drive.

How does it compare with a normal safari? See our 4-day Chitwan safari and the best time to visit Chitwan.

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 and what you most want to photograph. 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.

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